RMIT and Asia Society Australia have entered into a strategic partnership to advance Australia’s economic, education and people-to-people engagement with Asia and strengthen Victoria’s position as a centre of Asia insights and capabilities.

The partnership will co-locate Asia Society Australia at RMIT, bringing together its global think-tank and convening capabilities with the University’s world-class research, teaching and infrastructure.

Central to the agreement will be the creation of a new Asia Trade and Innovation Hub at RMIT’s CBD campus on Swanston Street in the heart of Melbourne’s academic and innovation precinct.

RMIT interim Vice-Chancellor Dionne Higgins said the new Asia Trade and Innovation Hub would foster greater connectivity with Asia, providing a physical and digital ‘front door’ for Victorians to engage in the region when it opens next year.

“The Asia Trade and Innovation Hub will leverage both partners’ expertise and networks to create new opportunities for Victorian economic and social engagement in Asia.”

RMIT and Asia Society Australia will work collaboratively to build the Hub that has been funded by the Victorian Government through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).

The Hub will offer a central space for virtual, face to face and hybrid events, policy discussions and debate, applied research, social and traditional media engagement, and online and blended learning opportunities.

Asia Society Australia CEO Philipp Ivanov said the new partnership was a powerful alliance that would create an ongoing platform for new research, innovation and regional connectivity.

“RMIT’s footprint in Asia, industry-focused research capabilities and world-class facilities in Melbourne complement Asia Society’s global network, policy impact and mission to prepare Australians for engagement with a more complex Asia,” Ivanov said.

As part of its ongoing activities, the Asia Trade and Innovation Hub will produce a series of applied research roadmaps, designed to help Victorian businesses succeed in priority markets and sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia Hub will officially open in the first half of 2022.