Asialink celebrates 30 years of building Australia's Asia capability
Australia’s premier program for developing and cultivating Asia-capable leadership has celebrated its 30-year anniversary.
The flagship Asialink Leaders Program is part of Asialink at the University of Melbourne.
Asialink has been a powerful force in building Asia capability and supporting engagement between Australia and Asia, with programs that engage Australians at all levels, from the classroom to the boardroom.
"Australia's success in the 21st century is inextricably linked to our ability to forge meaningful, long-lasting relationships across Asia," said Asialink CEO Martine Letts.
"In a global environment of shifting power structures and economic realignments, Australia’s Asia capability is an issue of strategic importance to our resilience and prosperity.”
The 30th anniversary event, in Canberra, event drew key figures from government, business and industry who are dedicated to advancing Australia’s relationship with Asia.
Senator Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science described the Asialink Leaders Program as a “cornerstone” of how Australia engages in the region in which we live.
“Three decades on from its inception, the Asialink Leaders Program is now a cornerstone of how Australia engages in the region in which we live. That role is captured superbly in 30 Years of Asia Success.”
“Asia is home to the world’s most dynamic economies, the largest, fastest-growing middle classes and some of the key players in the technologies and industries of the future.”
“Developing national capability – and the capabilities of Australians themselves – to engage with our Asian regional counterparts confidently and regularly is still an urgent national imperative.”
A book marking the 30 years of the program - Asialink Leaders: 30 years of Asia Success – was launched at the anniversary event.
It showcases the real impacts of building Asia capability, through inspiring stories from leaders across various sectors including politics, agriculture, finance, art, technology, sport, education and Indigenous enterprise.
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the enduring relevance of Asialink and the Leaders Program.
“At the University of Melbourne, we know Australia’s future is closely tied to strong relationships with our Asian neighbours. The Asialink Leaders Program reflects our commitment to preparing graduates and professionals who are globally aware and equipped to work confidently in the region.”
“The stories in 'Asialink Leaders: 30 Years of Asia Success' show that building Asia capability not only creates new opportunities for individuals, but also strengthens Australia’s ability to form enduring and meaningful partnerships throughout our region.”
University of Melbourne alumni and staff featured in the book include:
- Jason Chai, Director of Market Access and Government Affairs for Cochlear Asia-Pacific
- Melita Grant, Director of Research at the Institute for Sustainable Futures
- Dr Imran Lum, the Head of Islamic Finance at National Australia Bank
- William Taing, Director of Beanstalk Agtech startup
- Professor Natalie King, curator ofMaria Madeira: Kiss and Don’t Tell, the inaugural Timor-Leste Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale
Asialink Leaders: 30 years of Asia successcan be accessed here.