Our Initiatives at a Glance
Initiatives
Asia Society Policy Institute in Australia
Headquartered in New York and led by former Australian Prime Minister the Hon. Kevin Rudd AC, the Asia Society Policy Institute is a think- and do-tank designed to bring forth policy ideas that incorporate the best thinking from leading analysts across the United States and Asia, and to work with policymakers to integrate these ideas and, where possible, give them effect. The Institute’s Australian presence is working to contribute to an informed public discussion on Australia’s place in Asia and illuminate policy options for decision-makers through policy dialogue, engagement with Australian federal and state governments, published analysis, media, and events.
Southeast Asia and COVID-19
Launched in 2020, this joint Asia Society Policy Institute–Asia Society Australia project presents a series of reflections on Southeast Asia and the COVID-19 pandemic through essays and video commentaries from experts, situated on its own microsite at southeastasiacovid.asiasociety.org. It examines the pandemic’s effect on Southeast Asia’s politics and society, its economy, regional cohesion and external relations and suggests some ways in which Southeast Asia’s partners can respond to developments and best support Southeast Asia’s economic recovery, long-term resilience and sovereignty.
Asia Taskforce
In 2019, the Business Council of Australia and Asia Society Australia, together with Knowledge Partners PwC Australia and the University of Sydney Business School, formed the Asia Taskforce where senior leaders from the business, education and government sectors examine how Australian companies and organisations can increase their presence and position in Asia to ensure our continued prosperity and deliver progress for future generations.
China Executive Briefing
Launched in 2021, China Executive Briefing is an initiative of Asia Society Australia and China Policy to provide up-to-date, impartial and accessible analysis of China’s economic policies and trends and their implications for Australia. It presents quarterly analysis of China’s economic policies and trends in the areas most pertinent to Australia, and executive briefings with leading experts from Australia, China and around the world.
'A Path to Viet Nam'' report
Asia Society Australia and The Australian APEC Study Centre at RMIT University, supported by the Victorian Government, developed the ‘A Path to Viet Nam' report to raise awareness of business opportunities and show pathways for Australian companies to succeed in Viet Nam. The report provides Australian business with market insights on the products, services and sectors that offer the most viable opportunities in Viet Nam and provides recommendations for entry strategies, practical advice and case studies of successful Australian ventures.
Asia Society Australia Culture Club
The Asia Society Australia Culture Club is your dose of distraction. Bringing you the best recommendations of new and classic literature, films, television, podcasts and more, from and on Asia. Drawing from a different country each time, the club is an opportunity to step outside your usual newsfeed and discover new and classic stories from across the region. Each edition features a guest programmer, selected from our network of members, experts, staff and stakeholders.
Appointments
Asia Society-Victoria Distinguished Fellowship
The Asia Society Australia-Victoria Distinguished Fellowship is a partnership between Asia Society Australia and the Victorian Government to bring the best minds and ideas from Asia and Australia to Victoria. It aims to generate new ideas and promote greater economic, strategic and cultural connectivity between Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The Fellowship showcases the state of Victoria as Australia's centre of excellence for Asia insights and capabilities.
Asia Society Australia Scholar-In-Residence
The Scholar-in-Residence program engages a leading thinker from Australia to contribute significant research and original analysis in areas of critical importance to the current state of affairs in the Australia-Asia relationship. It seeks to deepen Australia’s understanding of Asia and our role in the region through research, analysis and policy recommendations, and inform Australian businesses, government and education organisations of major existing and emerging trends that is impacting their future engagement in Asia.
Publications
Briefing MONTHLY
Briefing MONTHLY is a public update with news and original analysis on Asia and Australia-Asia relations. Focused on business, geopolitics, education and culture, Briefing MONTHLY is distinctly Australian and internationalist, highlighting trends, deals, visits, stories and events in our region that matter. Briefing MONTHLY also comes to life with our annual executive forum Asia Briefing LIVE.
Disruptive Asia
Disruptive Asia is a thought-leadership project by Asia Society Australia launched in 2017. It presents – through long-form essays – new perspectives and policy recommendations on how Asia’s rise is impacting Australia’s foreign policy, economy and society and how Australia should respond. Disruptive Asia deliberately looks at both external aspects of Australia’s relationship with Asia (foreign policy, business connectivity, international education) and their domestic implications and manifestations (community relations, leadership diversity, education settings and capabilities). It is hosted on its own website, featuring all the long-form essays and expert webcast panels discussing the issues, at disruptiveasia.asiasociety.org.