The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards initiative showcases under-recognised and inspirational individuals who are making a positive contribution to Australia’s relationship with Asia, particularly from Australia's Asian communities.

The initiative brings greater acknowledgement to the unsung heroes who are driving the momentum of Australia-Asia relations and positively impacting the community through their innovative and dynamic leadership. Nominations for the Melbourne Asia Game Changers are drawn from the Asia Society Australia network and beyond, embarking process of feedback and voting that results in the final awardees.

A special Icon Award is presented to a notable Asian-Australian personality who their actions or example highlights Australia's contemporary identity and is regarded as an inspirational leader in their field.

The program draws on the highly successful Asia Game Changer Awards by Asia Society New York. The Asia Game Changer Awards, launched in 2014, are designed to fill a vital gap, identifying, and honouring true leaders who are making a positive contribution to the future of Asia-Australia relations.

The program is run annually, with a nominations campaign in the first half of the year, and culminating in an end-of-year awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise the winners, as well as Melbourne and Australia's continuing relationships with Asia. 

Arts and Culture: The Arts and Culture category honours individuals who have made a significant impact in Australia-Asia relations in creative arts, design, music, dance, literature, food or cultural heritage, or other creative pursuits through promoting cultural connection, diversity, and people to people links in the region.

Business: The Business category honours leaders in business engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship who created a positive impact in trade and investment relations between Australia and Asia.

Research and Education: The research and education category honours individuals for their outstanding contributions in groundbreaking research, advancing  knowledge, and fostering learning excellence.

Gen A Emerging Leader: The Gen A Leader category draws upon Asia Society Australia’s strategic pillar, Generation Asia, for empowering the next generation of Asia-engaged leaders. This category honours emerging leaders between the ages of 18-35 who have made significant contributions in the sphere of Australia-Asia affairs.

What are the assessment criteria for nominees?

• Outstanding individuals who are making a positive difference in Australia’s relationship with Asia and/or the Asian-Australian community and demonstrate a strong track record in the fields of arts, culture, business, education, research, and youth leadership (refer to category specific descriptions).
• Individuals who have significantly contributed to prioritising Australia-Asia relations through their work, or directly impacting the region. Recognised by peers and public alike as an expert in their field.
• Individuals who represent Asia Society Australia values of excellence, diversity and inclusion, respect, and integrity.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for an award, nominees must:

• Be individuals. Organisations cannot be nominated.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or reside in Australia. Australian citizens/permanent residents based overseas are encouraged to apply.
• Be available to attend the gala dinner in Melbourne at the end of the year. 
• Adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the awarding organisation (Asia Society Australia).
• Have a proven track record or demonstrate exceptional skills, talent, or achievements in the relevant field.
• Nominations are open to all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, and cultural background.
• Nominees in the Gen A Emerging Leader category must meet the age criteria of 18-35 years as defined by Generation Asia.

Does the nominee need to be based in Melbourne?

No. The nomination campaign is open across Australia and the region. However, should the nominee be shortlisted, they should be available to attend the awards night in Melbourne in November.

The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards are based in Melbourne and supported by the Victorian government, but seek to honour Game Changers across Australia.

What is the selection process?

Asia Society Australia will form an independent selection committee who will evaluate each candidate in selecting the 2024 Game Changers for each category.

The committee will showcase diversity and comprise of leaders, dignitaries, and subject-matter experts for the nomination category fields.

When will I know if I have been successful?

Finalists will be contacted around October via email.

• Award: Honoured as Melbourne Asia Game Changer recipient.
• Membership: One-year complimentary individual membership with Asia Society Australia valued at $800 excl. GST.
• Profile: Opportunity to profile your work, projects or vision to a receptive and motivated public audience, government and business community.
• Engagement: Potential opportunities as a speaker or participant in future programs with Asia Society Australia.
• Opportunities: Pathway to getting nominated for prominent initiatives including Asia 21 Next Generation Fellowship.
• Recognition:  Acknowledged as part of an impressive pool of previous global Asia Game Changer Awardees.