Leaders on Asia

Since 1997 Asia Society Australia has hosted 19 heads of state from Asia and Australia. Our Leaders on Asia program presents high-profile events with visiting heads of state, ministers, senior officials, dignitaries and leading thinkers from the Indo-Pacific region and Australia. It provides members with a unique direct access to leaders who shape the present and future of our region.

Past Events

Special Event

Leaders on Asia | Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham (Sydney)

Wednesday 6 Mar 2019
11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham will address the need for Australia to confront populism and embrace free trade and productive foreign direct investment.
Conference

Asia Briefing LIVE 2018

Thursday 1 Nov 2018
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

A new signature event by Asia Society Australia - an annual executive forum taking the pulse of the major developments in Asia and the state of Australia’s engagement with the region
Special Event

Leaders on Asia | Indonesia Australia Business Summit Dinner (Melbourne)

Wednesday 26 Sep 2018
6 - 8 p.m.

Celebrating the conclusion of IACEPA negotiations and a farewell to our Fellow
Briefing

Leaders on Asia Address | The Hon Kevin Rudd (Sydney)

Wednesday 18 Jul 2018
12 - 2 p.m.

Asia Society Policy Institute President and Former Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd, will join us in Sydney for this special event.
Special Event

Leaders on Asia Address| H.E. Suresh Prabhu, India

Tuesday 26 Jun 2018
2 - 4 p.m.

Join Asia Society and UNSW at the historic Mint in Sydney for this major public address by H.E. Suresh Prabhu, India's Minister for Commerce and Industry.
Special Event

Leaders on Asia | Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Singapore (Sydney)

Thursday 15 Mar 2018
6 - 9 p.m.

Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to address Asia Society Australia
Special Event

Leaders on Asia | Ambassador Chan Heng Chee

Tuesday 13 Mar 2018
7:45 - 9:30 a.m.

A by-invitation breakfast with Asia Society Global Co-chair and Singapore's Ambassador-at-large.
Discussion

Leaders on Asia | The Hon. Kevin Rudd

Monday 23 Oct 2017
7:45 - 9:15 a.m.

Join us at Herbert Smith Freehill for a breakfast update with Asia Society Policy Institute President and former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, in conversation with Peter Hartcher
Briefing

Leaders on Asia | The Hon Chris Bowen MP

Friday 29 Sep 2017
12 - 2 p.m.

Join us at Bloomberg Australia for a special event with the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Shadow Treasurer of Australia
Discussion

Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop

Saturday 23 Sep 2017
6 - 7:15 a.m.

Sep. 22: Asia Society Policy Institute hosts a moderated discussion with Julie Bishop.
Special Event

Celebrating 20 Gala Dinner - SOLD OUT

Wednesday 30 Aug 2017
6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Join us in celebrating two decades of Asia Society in Australia. Tickets now on sale.
Briefing

Leaders on Asia | A view from the region

Tuesday 29 Aug 2017
12 - 2 p.m.

Asia Society Global Co-Chair, Ronnie Chan shares his insights on Asia’s business and geo-economic landscape and Asia Society’s global agenda.

Upcoming Events

Briefing

Leaders on Asia Address | The Hon Kevin Rudd (Melbourne)

01 Aug 2019
8 - 10 a.m.

As the Chinese economy slows and trade tensions persist what are the implications for Australia?

Conference

Asia Briefing LIVE 2019 (Sydney)

08 Aug 2019
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Following on from the success of the inaugural Asia Briefing LIVE in 2018, our annual executive forum is back.

Special Event

Hawker Ball

03 Oct 2019
7 - 11 p.m.

TICKETS ON SALE | Join Asia Society Australia at our 2019 Gala Dinner to mark the Grand Opening of the Asia Society Australia Centre in Melbourne.

Buy Tickets

what was said

report

Event Recap | Leaders on Asia with The Hon Kevin Rudd

Mr Rudd stresses the importance for Australia to get its relationship with China right, engineering a path to engagement that involves neither “conflict nor Kow Tow"
report

Event Recap | Leaders on Asia with H.E. Suresh Prabhu

An afternoon with India's Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation
report

Event Recap | Leaders on Asia with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

A private dinner with Singapore's Foreign Minister
Event Recap | Leaders on Asia with Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen

Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen announces Future Asia policy at a major Asia Society Australia address
The Hon Chris Bowen MP Address

Read what the Shadow Treasurer had to say at our Leaders on Asia event
report

Event Recap | Leaders on Asia with Thomas Lembong

Indonesian Trade Minister Engar, BKPM Chairman and Indonesia Ambassador visit Asia Society Australia. The future looks bright for bilateral relationship