The Year of the Fire Horse symbolises speed, strength and independence, qualities essential to organisations facing intensifying rivalry, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.
Asialink is building the capability of Australian organisations to engage regionally, while the 31st Asialink Leaders Program continues to uplift the capability of individuals.
The Leaders Program already boasts a talent rich alumni of more than 1,200 global professionals.
So, this most recent 2026 launch, and Foundation week, increases the network with the cohort embark on the nine-month professional development experience.
The programs depth of regional exploration is only possible through an exceptional cohort mix, alumni and speakers, melting pot of expertise, intellectual depth, lived experience, and genuine commitment to regional engagement. Not to mention the outstanding Asialink team and the learnings bought forward across 30 previous program iterations.
With international education a key pillar of Australia’s presence in and capability to cultivate deep relationships across Asia, this is a professional development experience and room of influence that beckons the sector to engage.
Addressing the launch, Asialink CEO Rachel Thompson affirmed that “influence in Asia and Australia will be won by those who engage with curiosity and empathy. And, that’s exactly what the Leaders Program is all about.”
Something happens when leaders genuinely curious about Asia come together.
Why Asialink?
Asialink is Australia’s leading national centre for creative engagement with Asia, developing insights, capabilities and connections across the Arts, Business, Diplomacy and Education spheres.
A joint initiative of the Australian Government’s Commission for the Future and the Myer Foundation, Asialink is hosted by the University of Melbourne and collaborates with communities to build a strong, shared future for Australia centred around Asia capability.
This is a professional development experience like no other, building practical skills, strategic thinking, and cultural competence. All are critical elements of effective leadership in an Asian context. Each is fundamental to the educational relationships that underpin regional development.
Ms Thompson went on to recognise “Australia’s future with Asia is shaped by these leaders, and those who have come before them. They bring curiosity into the room, and I look forward to what this cohort will achieve.”
Impact and legacy
Australia’s future with Asia requires leaders with practical experience and deep regional engagement. So, the programs Asia-capable alumni are featured in Asialink Leaders: 30 Years of Asia Success. Celebrating the journey of those who have already impacted the region, the publication illustrates how and why Asia capability is essential infrastructure for Australia’s future.
Download the publication here.
Hear alumni leaders reflect on engagement with Asia here.
Now this 2026 cohort, a new generation of Australian leaders, will demonstrate engagement with our region that needs to be enduring, reciprocal, and transformative. Their future relationships are the conduit for constructive Australia-Asia connectivity.
The leaders come together from professional services, arts, education, government, tech and a range of other sectors. Through reflections, practical steps and knowledge generation the shared program experience will give rise to transformative and impactful stories. These leaders will expand their knowledge and skillsets, build lasting relationships, and make significant contributions to their field.
Snapshot of Foundation week
Across the launch and foundation week, the start of a nine-month journey, a strategically curated kaleidoscope of activity saw:
- The Year of the Fire Horse brought to life by program alumni Aaron Soans, see the Asialink report here.
- Amit Dasgupta AM, former Indian diplomat and retired Ambassador to the Philippines, Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands share views on India’s ambition in critical minerals and renewable energy.
- Eric Gao and Dr Dirk van der Kley unpack technology transformation and the intersection of innovation, policy and geopolitics.
- Charlotta Oberg, Program Director and Professor Michael Wesley
explore shifting attitudes to Asia and the wax and wane of Australia’s engagement. - First Nations continuous and long-standing engagement with Asia acknowledged by Professor Lynette Russell AM and Abi Nurabdiansyah Ramli.
- Richard McGregor, David Olsson AM and Helen Zhi Dent shine light on China’s domestic context and global role, and implications for navigating risk and opportunity.
- Dr Pradeep Taneja celebrate his 20th anniversary as a Leaders faculty member, sharing thought leadership on China and India.
- Professor Shiro Armstrong and Damien Roberts uncover insights on Japan’s economic landscape, business environment and Australia–Japan ties.
- Daniel Kim lead discussions on the trajectory of Korea’s dynamic growth and development and opportunities for engagement, with Heejung Cecilia Lim delivering insights on Korean society.
- Chair of the Advisory Board of the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute, Dr Huong Le Thu, and RMIT’s Susannah Patton deep dive into Vietnam, highlighted the country’s transformation and the policy discipline, pragmatism, and long‑term orientation driving this.
- Catherine Mudford, Acting CEO, Asialink Business, highlight Southeast Asia’s growing importance to Australia, with Southeast Asia’s economic and geopolitical trajectory defined by Susannah Patton.
- Claire Stephens unpack initiatives bringing the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, to life.
- Country spotlights from Dr Huong Le Thu and Layton Pike covering Vietnam’s rapid transformation, policy environment and expanding opportunities across education, innovation and trade; and Professor Tim Lindsey AO and Kate Ben-Tovin similarly on Indonesia’s economic and political landscape and the role of cultural diplomacy in building meaningful partnerships.
- The Business Engagement World Café connect the cohort with practitioners in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Virtual Hub sessions from Penny Burtt for insights on building an impactful global career and Dane Richmond for on-the-ground perspectives on the economic and business landscape in Korea.
That’s simply a tasting plate, and only one week in…
Education and Asia?
No matter the lens, Australia is entwined with Asia. It’s not a simple navigation and requires more than knowledge. Education is front and centre of our foreign policy architecture. So progressing education with the region requires vulnerability and openness. The willingness to engage, question, and learn from each other represent the standout characteristics of the diverse 2026 cohort from government, business, education and community.
I can’t help but refer back to Minister Clare’s 2024 AIEC keynote … “it’s not just about students coming here. It’s also about us going to them”. The going to them requires acknowledgment, time, investment and a genuine desire to understand. And let’s remember education is not only about students, the ecosystem is rich and complex, with industry and government partners.
We know building Asia capability doesn’t happen by accident, goodwill or through theoretical exploration. It is organically derived from conversations and deep personal engagement and shared experience. These are the opportunities the Asialink Leaders Program cultivates and delivers return on in spades.
How to engage?
If you’re ready to extend your leadership capability, the Leaders Program provides the personal and organisational uplift to deepen educational ties within Asia.
Not surprisingly interest is high. It’s the room you need to be in.
Learn more about the 2027 Leaders Program here.
Register your interest here.
