Alfred, a professional engineer, spent many years managing building and infrastructure projects in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in the 1970s and 80s.

In 1992, Alfred was elected Councillor of the Adelaide City Council, and became the Deputy Lord Mayor three years later.  He was elected the first Chinese born Lord Mayor of an Australian Capital City in May 2000. In his role as the Lord Mayor, Alfred frequently travelled to cities in the Asia Pacific Region to promote Adelaide as an ideal destination for business, investment and study. He also worked closely with  SA universities to market education to potential international students.

Alfred was named by the Australian Government a recipient of an AM award for his contribution to the community and education in 2003. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of South Australia and was appointed Adjunct Professor by the Graduate School of Business.

In 2009, he was appointed the Special Envoy to China by the Premier of South Australia to advise and assist the State Government to develop business relationship with China and to attract investment to South Australia. He was regularly invited to give lectures and presentations to both SA and Chinese government officials and business executives about trade and business opportunities.

In recent years, he worked as a business consultant and held the position of China Business and Culture Adviser to the SA State Government. Alfred also developed and managed professional training programs for Chinese local government officials and senior public servants of SA government.