The University of Western Australia has launched a new initiative to deepen Western Australia's social, cultural and business connections with Asia and its diaspora communities who call Western Australia home.

The Asia Centre at UWA will become a vibrant hub on campus to exchange ideas, share stories and form meaningful partnerships.

Image: (L-R) UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma, Aunty Sandra Harben, UWA Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander AO, Dominic Barton BBM

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said WA’s future was increasingly connected to the region and the Asia Centre aimed to advance those connections beyond traditional trade and economic relations.

“The centre is about people, relationships and fostering a shared sense of belonging and I’m delighted that Western Australia’s Asian diaspora communities and our Asia-based UWA graduate community will play an integral role in the Asia Centre at UWA,” he said.

“We would like it to be a place where students, alumni, and visitors with ties to Asia will feel welcomed and valued.”

Planned programs and events over the next two years include:

• Visiting fellowship program – welcoming thought leaders from across Asia to share insights and engage with WA’s political, business, and community leaders, as well as students.

• Executive business dialogue forum – creating opportunities for WA’s executive leaders to engage with experienced professionals from across Asia.

• Community events and gatherings – showcasing the richness of Asia-connected communities through cultural celebrations, academic panels and business networking.

• Seminars and short courses – offering dynamic learning opportunities focused on the Asia-Pacific's most pressing issues and emerging trends.

• High-level forums – hosting senior government and industry leaders to build relationships and advance regional collaboration.

“As a leading research university in Australia’s Indian Ocean capital of Perth, UWA is in a unique position to lead these conversations and forge stronger ties with our neighbours across Asia,” Professor Chakma said.

“The Asia Centre at UWA is set to become a familiar and welcoming part of the UWA campus, known for bringing people together and championing the deep and diverse connections that make WA such a special place.”

The Asia Centre at UWA will work closely with and complement the work of the Perth USAsia Centre, a foreign policy think tank focused on strengthening relationships between Australia, the Indo-Pacific and the United States.