A year of hope and promise, crisis and commitment

Dear members, supporters and friends,

2022 has been a year of hope and promise as the world eagerly re-opened after two pandemic years. It has also been a year of fresh starts – in diplomacy, business, politics and society. But the catastrophic war in Ukraine, energy crisis and global economic headwinds overshadowed the early optimism we had for what felt like the first “post-pandemic” year.

Australians elected a new government which came to office with an active and forward-looking global agenda focused on our shared region – the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Asia – despite the global attention on Ukraine – has again showed its importance as both a global economic engine and the centre stage of the greatest geopolitical rivalry of our times – between the United States and China.

It has been an incredibly busy, and at times testing, but rewarding and impactful year at Asia Society Australia, as we responded to an incredibly fast-paced global environment, celebrated our 25th anniversary and executed the first year of our ambitious strategy to become Australia’s leading business and policy think tank on Asia.

We delivered over 71 programs and welcomed more than 250 leaders, analysts and practitioners onto our stage, including the Prime Minster of Singapore and the President of Vietnam National Assembly . We opened two new homes for Asia Society - in the Asia Trade and Innovation Hub on Swanston Street, in Melbourne’s academic precinct in alliance with RMIT University and the Victorian Government, and at the heart of Sydney’s financial district in Martin Place, with Macquarie University .

Our policy impact has grown with over 35 publications and op-eds and more than 100 media engagements. Thematically, we focused on issues and countries that shape Australia’s prosperity and security: geopolitical competition , trade and supply chains , women and girls , youth engagement , Australian foreign policy , Southeast Asia, China, and the United States.

Our success would not have been possible without our partners and members. Our foundation partners – the Victorian Government , RMIT and Macquarie universities have continued and expanded their support of our work, for which we are grateful. This year we welcomed 6 new corporate members: ANU College of Asia & the Pacific and TMX Global (Corporate Partners) and Arkblu Capital , Queensland University of Technology , University of Adelaide and University of Newcastle (Corporate Supporters).

We acknowledge the significant support by longstanding members and industry leaders - King & Wood Mallesons and Norton Rose Fulbright, who this year upgraded their membership to a new premium tier of Corporate Leader.

We thank our many loyal members and supporters for continuing to back us. With your support, we produce world-class analysis and programs that help Australia navigate and contribute to our shared region. We can do more, and we would highly value your contributions – as a member, donor or supporter?- to keeping Australia safe and prosperous in the region we call home.?

Finally, my personal thanks to the great team of which I have been privileged to be a part of for the last eight years – thank you, you are the best!

?From all of us at Asia Society Australia, we wish you a safe and happy festive season.

?See you in 2023!

?Sincerely,

Philipp Ivanov

CEO, Asia Society Australia