NEW YORK — Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Asia Society CEO and President Josette Sheeran today announced a major partnership between the Victorian Government and Asia Society Australia to promote engagement with Asia in the areas of policy, business, education, arts and culture.

During his keynote address on Victoria’s role as Australia’s gateway to Asia at Asia Society’s New York Headquarters, Premier Andrews said the new agreement was a significant step in building the capability of Victorian businesses and communities to better engage with Asia.

Under the partnership, Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the 2017 Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit, part of the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative - a pre-eminent network of the region's most dynamic young leaders.

Asia Society Australia will deliver at least one significant project annually to promote and strengthen links between Victoria and Asia across the fields of arts, business, education and public policy.

The new Asia Society Australia - Victoria Distinguished Fellowship will be established attracting the best and brightest minds to Victoria to develop solutions for growing Australia’s connectivity with Asia.

Asia Society Australia will establish an ongoing presence in Melbourne; facilitate partnerships with the Victorian cultural institutions to bring to Victoria Asia Society's world-class arts and cultural programs; and deliver regular bespoke briefings by prominent thought-leaders.

Premier Daniel Andrews said:

“It is through partnerships such as the one we have established with Asia Society that the Victorian Government is able to build genuine and long term connections that will underpin broader Victoria-Asia relationships into the future”.

Josette Sheeran, President of Asia Society said:

"Asia Society is delighted to establish a partnership with the Victorian Government. Victoria’s vision to be a national centre of excellence for Asia insights and capabilities is aligned with Asia Society’s mission of building global bridges of understanding and engagement with Asia across policy, business, education and culture".

Doug Ferguson, Chairman of Asia Society Australia:

“Asia Society Australia as a national organisation dedicated to Asia is thrilled to grow its presence in Victoria. As we approach our 20th anniversary in Australia, we look forward to working with the Victorian Government and our Victorian members and supporters to build on our track-record of strengthening Australia’s relations with the region. On behalf of the Asia Society Australia Board, I thank the Premier and our Victorian members and partners for their support of Asia Society’s mission".

Philipp Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society Australia:

“Building an Asia-connected Australia is a national project. We are excited to partner with the Victorian Government and community to further develop Asia Society Australia as a national hub of ideas, talent and innovative solutions for Australia-Asia engagement”.