Asialink Leaders' Program - Briefing
Margaret Byrne will be speaking at a briefing event
for the Asialink Leaders' Program.
MELBOURNE
15th October, 2008 (6pm-8pm)
PwC, Southbank
SYDNEY
21st October, 2008 (6pm-8pm)
PwC, Sussex Street
Engaging with Asia and weathering the storm: a new agenda for 'cultural intelligence'
There is little doubt that the current volatility in financial markets around the globe is underscoring the importance of Australia’s connection to its immediate geography. The most recent IMF Report (published on 9 October) emphasizes that China in particular will be critical to Australia’s future, as we seek to minimize the impact of what appears to be a forthcoming global Recession (or even, for some countries, a Depression). China and indeed India are also positioned as central to Australia’s fortunes in a world where the economic balance of power is set to shift towards the Asia-Pacific region.
For a country like Australia, with a relatively small population and a treasure of resources, the imperatives to connect with Asia are obvious to all. Several months ago, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced in speeches in various Asian cities that he would like his government to leave a specific legacy: that Australia becomes the most ‘Asia-literate’ country in the Western world. Today, in the face of economic woes in N America and Europe, he spoke about the urgent need for Australia to work out how to engage more deeply and broadly with the Chinese economy.
In addition, the impetus for the private and not-for-profit sectors to engage more deeply with our region is no less significant. As well as deriving vital income streams from Asia (for example through the sale of education services), public and not-for-profit organisations are also conducting vital, long-term relationship development, through what used to be termed ‘second line diplomacy’. For example, it is now hard to find a Commonwealth Government agency that does NOT have teams operating in our region in ‘nation building’ activities. Many of our closest neighbours are what the UN calls ‘fragile states’, so that our support for them in a myriad of ways now blends self-interest and our security agenda with ‘development assistance’. Australia has a dynamic interest in having strong, viable economies over the back fence. In this arena, not-for-profits also have an energetic presence and a critical role to play.
But none of this is easy for us as a nation and sometimes we stumble, with negative consequences for Australia and its interests. Each one unique but all profoundly different from Australia, the countries of Asia demand particular skills from us, if we are to succeed in strengthening our connections with them. What does it mean to be ‘Asia-literate’? Exactly what is ‘cultural intelligence’? And, even more important, how might skills in this area benefit the strategic agenda of your organisation? This presentation will explore these pressing issues and give those attending a small taste of what is in a program focused on ‘cultural intelligence for Australians engaging with Asia’. As well as learning about the Program’s structure and content, you will also get to try your hand at a real-life challenge. You’ll be able to judge for yourself your current level of ‘cultural intelligence’.
Networking with others from a broad range of organizations will provide rich conversations about the challenges ahead for Australia and how you can equip your organization to succeed. We hope you can join us for what we know will be a thought-provoking evening.
To register for this event: call Shannan Knight, Asialink,
University of Melbourne, on 03 8344 4800. Limited places available.