Congratulations to our Asialink Leaders
16 March 2022: Congratulations to the 2021 Asialink Leaders Program participants. Our talented Asialink Leaders graduated this month and now join our growing global alumni community of over 1000 Leaders.
Our 2021 Asialink Leaders cohort followed an intensive journey to build Asia capabilities to enhance their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of Asia’s economic, political and social landscapes, to support future engagement with Asia.
The program culminated with all leaders coming together from across the nation to convene in Canberra to explore Australia’s Asia engagement – where are we, and where we need to be, and the relationship to the Indo-Pacific region through the federal lens.
Leaders heard from diplomats, politicians and department heads, arts and community leaders, captains of industry and thought leaders from international development, think tanks, and the media, across the following themes:
- The Seat of Power: The Government, Politics and Foreign Policy – Understanding of Parliament and how Canberra works, how decisions are made and the actors and forces that influence Australia’s Asia engagement.
- Engagement and Influence – Introducing multiple visible and invisible actors that influence policy and more broadly our engagement with Asia.
- Identity, Image and Agency – Enhanced understanding of the “Canberra eco-system”, delving into burning issues in Australia’s engagement with the region.
The graduation ceremony was held at the National Portrait Gallery where leaders were formally inducted into our growing global Leaders alumni.
As Australia’s premier program for the Asia-capable leaders of today and tomorrow, we were able to acknowledge and recognise for the first time, the Asia-capability of our Asialink Leaders Program graduates through the Asialink Leaders Program Badge - a verified Credly digital credential that showcases their Asia-capability.
.png)
Images L-R: (Row 1) Asialink Leaders gather at Parliament House, The Hon Senator Zed Seselja, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, addresses the cohort, Asialink Leaders in conversation with ASEAN diplomats, HE Dr. Siswo Pramono, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia, HE Mr. Kwok Fook Seng, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Australia, HE Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand’s Ambassador to Australia
(Row 2) HE Ambassador Yamagami Shingo, Japanese Ambassador to Australia, generously hosted the Asialink Leaders for an evening at his residence, Ms. Bridi Rice, Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue, and Ms. Jody Broun, CEO, National Indigenous Australians Agency, on cross-cultural engagement and development, and Asialink Leaders class of 2021, graduated after a day at the National Portrait Gallery to explore image, identity and powers of attraction in our engagement with Asia.
Asialink Leaders Program
The Asialink Leaders Program helps emerging and established leaders to equip themselves with critical insights, capabilities and connections for success with Asia.
Leaders take an immersive 10-day journey over seven months to accelerate their understanding of Asia, expand their network of leaders and experts and apply their skills on the job.
Having access to first-hand insights from senior Australian politicians, foreign diplomats, leaders across business, media, industry, and arts, our Leaders engage with outstanding Asia specialists in a series of interactive webinars and practical workshops.
In an exciting new development, in 2022 participants also have an opportunity to access the program virtually. The Virtual Hub, is a purpose-built alternate pathway for leaders based in Asia or in regional and rural Australia.
The 2022 Asialink Leaders Program commences on 3 May. To find out more about the Asialink Leaders Program visit here.