Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria

The AIIA VIC recently celebrated the International Affairs Micro-Badge (IAMB) participants' graduation ceremony!

Over the last few months - the IAMB Program delivered three workshops, covering; 'Clear. Calm. Confident Communication' with Carol Fox, 'Effective Speechwriting and Presentation for Future Global Leaders' with Richard Iron and 'Negotiation Skills and Multicultural Diplomacy' with John Richardson.

Congratulations to the six participants for their engagement and participation!

A big well done to Young Professionals Interns, Sana Raja and Syelzom Tobgay, for your dedication and work on this pilot program.

We thank our generous benefactors the Sir Wilfred and C.H. (Roger) Brookes Charitable Foundation for subsidising and supporting this program.

Event Reminder!

Next week, AIIA Victoria invites members and guests to an expert panel discussion on international engagement with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Featuring Masoom Stanekzai, Prof. Jacqui True FASSA FAIIA, Dr. Farkhondeh Akbari, and Sami Omari, the panel will examine the policy tensions between diplomatic engagement and isolation, with attention to the implications for regional stability, counterterrorism, and humanitarian access.

📅 Tuesday, June 23
⏰ 5.30pm for 6-7pm (AEST)
📍 Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
💻Hybrid, Zoom
🎫 Register via link in our bio

Event reminder:

Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly shaped by competition over digital infrastructure, critical technologies, and the supply chains that underpin modern economies.

AIIA Victoria invites you to our next Corporate Engagement event, a part of our Technology series - 'Australia’s Digital Power in the Indo-Pacific'. This discussion will feature Ray Ming-Tse Lu (Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Melbourne) and Dr. Bruce Tonkin (CEO, auDA), moderated by Will Irving (Council Member of the AIIA Victoria).

The event will be under the Chatham House Rule.

📅 Wednesday, 24 June 2026
🕕 5.30pm for 6:00–7.00pm
📍 Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne
Format: In-person Only
🔗 Register via link in bio

AIIA Victoria would like to thank our departing Digital Media Intern: Felix Clerk, Ellie Nguyen, Savitree Soontornvivat (Nami), and Olivia Qian, for their incredible contributions over the course of their internships.

We wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing what they achieve next!

Visit the "Opportunities" page on our website to learn more about our internship programs.

What's on at AIIA Victoria in June?

🌐"Engagement or Isolation? Rethinking Policy toward Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan" with Masoom Stanekzai, H.E. Mr Wahidullah Waissi, Prof. Jacqui True FASSA FAIIA, Dr. Farkhondeh Akbari, and Sami Omari.

🌐"Australia’s Digital Power in the Indo-Pacific" with Ray Ming-Tse Lu (Director-General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Melbourne) and Dr. Bruce Tonkin (CEO, auDA), Moderated by AIIA VIC Council Member Will Irving.

🌐"Life As a Foreign Correspondent" with Mike Amor (Channel 7) and Dr. Lucy Smy (University of Melbourne).

Register in the link in our bio.

AIIA Victoria - Young Professionals announces our upcoming event “Life as a Foreign Correspondent”. This panel discussion will feature Mike Amor and Dr. Lucy Smy.

Drawing on their careers across print, broadcast, and academia, our panellists will explore what it takes to succeed in international journalism, how the industry is changing, and what that means for young Australians considering a career in the field.

Date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Time: 5:30 pm arrival for 6:00pmu – 7:00 pm
Location: Level 13, 356 Collins St, Melbourne
Format: In-person Only
Register: https://aiiavic.glueup.com/event/life-as-a-foreign-correspondent-183062/

AIIA Victoria - Young Professionals announces our upcoming event "Life as a Foreign Correspondent". This panel discussion will feature Mike Amor and Dr. Lucy Smy.

Drawing on their careers across print, broadcast, and academia, our panellists will explore what it takes to succeed in international journalism, how the industry is changing, and what that means for young Australians considering a career in the field.

Date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Time: 5:30 pm arrival for 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Level 13, 356 Collins St, Melbourne
Format: In-person Only
Register: https://aiiavic.glueup.com/event/life-as-a-foreign-correspondent-183062/

AIIA Victoria, in partnership with the Melbourne Press Club, is pleased to announce our upcoming event, "Corruption, Accountability and the Role of the Media in the Asia-Pacific"

With corruption continuing to challenge governance, accountability, and regional stability across the Asia-Pacific, this event will explore the vital role of the media, civil society, and the private sector in exposing corruption and pursuing justice.

This event will held under the Chatham House Rule.

Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 5:30pm for 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne
Format: In-person only

Register via the link in bio.