Asia Society Australia in 2020

Dear members, supporters and friends,

 What a year.  In 2020 we saw the world paralysed by a global pandemic. Nations responded swiftly, slowly, or some it seems barely at all. We witnessed almost a visible shift in a balance of global power and as visible was the fragility of political systems, societies and economies. We saw countries collaborate, compete and close off. The year began with an unknown virus spreading across the world and is ending with nations already deploying a vaccine developed with historic speed. It provided enormous challenges – personal and professional – for all of us.

 But 2020 also delivered profound opportunity for global collaboration – to fight inequality, to develop new technologies and policies, to refocus on a sustainable future. 

 Asia Society Australia also took opportunity where we found it. We would like to thank the tens of thousands of members and friends who joined us in 2020, by dropping into our online programming from their kitchens and living rooms, reading, watching, listening and contributing to our conversations and publications about the future of our region and the world with some of the leading thinkers. It was heartening to see record audiences joining our 80+ programs, over 160,000 visits to our website, and over 1.15 million impressions on social media.

 We’re proud to share some of our achievements for the year. We would not have done it without you – our members, subscribers, listeners and friends. We look forward to continuing to support you and your organisations.

 As we move towards a hopefully brighter 2021, we continue to urge you all to stay safe and stay connected. Happy holidays.

 Philipp Ivanov 

CEO, Asia Society Australia

2020 at a glance

Public Programs Online: In March, Asia Society Australia pivoted to digital programming, delivering member and public programs online. The website now offers videos of public programs on politics, business, sustainability, equality, education, culture, art, current affairs, and more. Watch now >>

Asia Society Policy Institute in Australia: In February, Richard Maude become the first Asia Society Policy Institute Senior Fellow based outside the United States, and joined Asia Society Australia as Executive Director, Policy. Learn more >>

Asia Briefing LIVE 2020: In October, our annual executive forum taking the pulse of Asia and Australia's engagement with the region went digital for the first time ever. Revisit the public panels: 'China, the US and us', 'The Global Economy', 'Middle Power Pivot', 'Supply Lines', and Asia Australia 360'. Watch now >>

Disruptive Asia : In November, we launched the fourth volume of Disruptive Asia - Sustainability of the Asian Century with a special event featuring the Right Hon. Helen Clark, and a dedicated website featuring all four years of Disruptive Asia essays and the webinars from 2020. Visit the website >>

Asia Taskforce: Throughout 2020, the Asia Taskforce, led by Asia Society Australia and the Business Council of Australia with knowledge partners PwC and the University of Sydney Business School, released its Interim Report and Discussion Papers on business engagement, higher education, healthcare and more. Read now >>

Southeast Asia and COVID-19 Project: In October, Asia Society Australia and Asia Society Policy Institute launched the Southeast Asia and COVID-19 project. Led by Senior Fellow Richard Maude, it examines how the region is responding to the pandemic through essays and interviews with experts. Visit the website >>

'A Path to Viet Nam' Report: In December, Asia Society Australia in partnership with The APEC Studies Centre at RMIT University, released the 'A Path to Viet Nam' report, outlining how Australian business can engage with Viet Nam. Read now >>

Generation Asia Youth Forum: In August, Asia Society Australia celebrated UN International Youth Day by hosting a forum featuring the Hon. Kevin Rudd, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, and emerging leaders from some of Australia’s prominent Asia-focused youth dialogues. Watch now >>

Asia Society-Victoria Distinguished Fellow: In May, we announced the appointment of Manoj Kohli, Country Head of SoftBank India, SoftBank Group International, as the second Asia Society-Victoria Distinguished Fellow. Learn more >>

Scholar-In-Residence: In October, Asia Society Australia and Macquarie University announced the appointment of Dr Bates Gill, political analyst, scholar of China, and Professor of Asia-Pacific Security Studies at Macquarie University as the inaugural Scholar-In-Residence. Learn more >>

Looking Ahead: In May, Asia Society Australia launched the Looking Ahead series of essays, where experts imagine what a post-pandemic future will look like for Australia and Asia. Essay topics include the China-Australia relationship, digital partnerships, manufacturing, smart cities, international education, business recovery, sustainable development, trade, value chains and more. Read now >>

Briefing MONTHLY: Every month in 2020, Briefing MONTHLY editor Greg Earl delivered exclusive news and original analysis on business, geopolitics, education and culture in Asia and Australia, with animated illustrations by Rocco Fazzari. Read now >>