Griffith Asia Institute

Missed our latest Perspectives lecture with Professor Nicholas Farrelly?

The recording is now available to watch online. In this timely discussion, Professor Farrelly explored Australia’s evolving relationships with Southeast Asia and what strategic adjustments may be needed for the decades ahead. From diplomacy and trade to education and regional engagement, the lecture examined the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific.

Watch the recording here: https://ow.ly/uOqm50Z23ag

Presented by Griffith Asia Institute and QAGOMA.

🔎How should we rethink China—through capability, or intent?
🔎What does Myanmar’s leadership reshuffle signal for regional stability?
🔎And what can Papua New Guinea’s tech trajectory tell us about development pathways?

Big questions. Fresh perspectives. Regional insight that matters.

The April edition of Griffith Asia-Pacific Insights is here—exploring how we understand China, shifting power dynamics in Myanmar, and what Papua New Guinea’s tech ambitions reveal about development in the Pacific.

Plus: expert commentary on defence strategy, global politics, and emerging security challenges, alongside upcoming events and the latest research from our network.

🔗 https://ow.ly/3vRY50YQT3I

Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy: what comes next?

Australia’s relationships across Southeast Asia are deep, diverse and active — but what kind of strategy will be needed for the decades ahead?

Join us for an evening public lecture with Professor Nicholas Farrelly, Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Arts and Society) at the University of Tasmania, as he explores how Australia can respond to Southeast Asia’s fast‑changing and increasingly competitive environment, and what this means for future policy, partnerships and regional engagement.

📅 Thursday 14 May 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
📍 Cinema B, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Brisbane (in-person only)

🎟️ Free event - Register now: https://events.griffith.edu.au/XYRKXe

This event is part of the Perspectives: Asia series, presented by the Griffith Asia Institute, with Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art

🎓 G*I Seminar: Australia–China Relations

The Griffith Asia Institute recently hosted a highly engaging seminar by Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras, Australia–China Relations: An Update.

Drawing on decades of expertise, Professor Mackerras examined the evolving relationship through the lens of geopolitics, domestic politics, and the growing focus on security, including the impact of AUKUS. The discussion highlighted a relationship that remains broadly stable, but uneven and challenging to rebuild in key areas.

Read the article here: https://blogs.griffith.edu.au/asiainsights/emeritus-professor-colin-mackerras-delivers-highly-successful-seminar-on-australia-china-relations/

What happens when big tech ambition meets real-world constraints?

In Papua New Guinea, the push for AI and digital transformation is raising important questions. In this new blog, Sean Jacobs compares today’s tech aspirations to the “cargo cults” of the past—highlighting the risks of chasing innovation without the basics in place.

From connectivity challenges to the pause on Starlink, the article explores why strong foundations—like infrastructure and governance—matter more than ever.

It’s a fascinating and accessible read on technology, development, and the Pacific.

Read more and share your thoughts. 👉 https://ow.ly/Ct7T50YJ7YX

In a world shaped by climate change, geopolitical uncertainty, and ongoing global challenges, how can governments plan for the long term?
The new book Future generations policy, governance and leadership: Ending ‘policrastination’ introduces the concept of “policrastination”—the tendency to delay decisions that would benefit future generations.
Drawing on global examples like the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the authors outline how Australia can embed intergenerational fairness into policymaking and lead internationally on this critical issue.
With contributions from Griffith Asia Institute members Susan Harris Rimmer and Elise Stephenson, this is a timely and thought-provoking read.
Discover why ending “policrastination” is essential for a more resilient future. 🔗https://ow.ly/cxlY50Yyqvy

Be part of the One Health International Symposium 2026, hosted at Griffith University in Brisbane.
This hybrid event (28 June–1 July) brings together international experts to address emerging health challenges across the Indo-Pacific, including zoonotic diseases, climate change, and environmental change.
Through policy dialogue, technical exchange and collaborative workshops, participants will help shape real-world solutions and strengthen regional partnerships for future health security.
📍 Griffith University, South Bank
📅 28 June – 1 July 2026
🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/wOhB50YypCY
More information: https://ow.ly/9GYk50YypCX

The March edition of Griffith Asia-Pacific Insights is out now! This edition includes:

✔ A strong start for the APEC Study Centre, exploring Australia’s economic future
✔ Griffith alumnus Dr Bikram Timilsina’s election to Nepal’s Parliament
✔ New research on what protects women from violence during crises
✔ Why global internships are fast becoming a career essential
✔ A deep dive into Burma’s unofficial economy under military socialism

Catch up on research, commentary and media highlights from across the Asia-Pacific.

🔗 https://ow.ly/ClhT50YxSWq

We’re delighted to celebrate Griffith University alumnus Dr Bikram Timilsina, who has been elected to Nepal’s House of Representatives.

After completing his PhD with the Griffith Asia Institute, Bikram has built a career spanning research and policy. His election marks an exciting new chapter, bringing academic insight into national leadership.

We’re proud to see our alumni making a difference on the global stage.

Congratulations, Bikram!

🔗 https://news.griffith.edu.au/2026/03/18/from-research-to-representation-griffith-alumnus-elected-to-nepals-parliament/

The Griffith University APEC Study Centre has launched with a strong start, hosting its inaugural seminar on Australia’s economic future.

Held on 5 March 2026, the event featured Alex Robson, Deputy Chair of the Productivity Commission, who presented on building a more dynamic and resilient economy. His talk explored key structural challenges including slowing productivity, declining business dynamism and stalled investment.

The seminar also highlighted the Commission’s proposed reforms, including changes to corporate taxation and efforts to reduce regulatory costs, aimed at encouraging innovation, investment and long-term economic growth.

Co-led by Parvinder Kler and Shyama Ratnasiri, Griffith University’s APEC Study Centre brings together researchers, students and policy stakeholders to engage on critical economic issues shaping the region.

The session concluded with insightful discussion from attendees, including Martin Berka and Alberto Posso, marking a strong beginning for this new seminar series.

🔗

Strong start for APEC Study Centre with inaugural seminar on Australia’s economic future | Griffith Asia Insights On 5 March 2026, the Griffith University APEC Study Centre, co-led by Associate Professors Parvinder Kler and Shyama Ratnasiri, hosted its inaugural Griffith’s APEC Study Hub launches with a seminar on Australia’s economic future, featuring insights from the Productivity Commission on reform, gr...