UNSW will play a key role in a new National Centre for Asia Capability, which will help skill Australia for the Asian Century and address a critical need identified by the corporate sector.

Federal Trade Minister Richard Marles has announced $36 million in funding over 10 years for the $60 million centre, which will be administered by the Australian School of Business (ASB) at UNSW, and by the University of Melbourne, in a collaboration between business, government, philanthropy and the tertiary sector.

Additional funding will come from the corporate and philanthropic communities, including $1 million already pledged by The Myer Foundation, as well as income from services delivered.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor Fred Hilmer said: “We are delighted to be involved in this historic collaboration that will allow us to bring together Asia expertise from universities in Australia, Asia and beyond, and to leverage deep Asia experience within the private sector.”

In a world first, the Centre will combine the expertise of government, business and universities to build an Asia capable workforce through training programs, research and the development of regional networks.

Asialink, which has been working for more than 20 years to build Asia capability, set up the taskforce that recommended the National Centre for Asia Capability, and will oversee the establishment of the Centre.

Asialink Chairman Sid Myer, said: “The importance of this landmark initiative can’t be underestimated. The National Centre will address a critical need identified by corporate Australia and will help skill Australia for the Asian Century.”

The Centre was a key recommendation of the Asialink Taskforce for an Asia Capable Workforce, chaired by ANZ Chief Executive Mike Smith, in its report Developing an Asia Capable Workforce that was launched in September 2012.

The Taskforce brought together top business leaders with a vision of a more “Asia-capable” Australia, including representatives of the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group.

ASB Dean Professor Geoffrey Garrett said the funding for the centre confirmed the strength of the school.

“The Australian School of Business is a world leader when it comes to giving Asian students a first class education in western business and economics. This new Centre will be an integral part of our push to be equally good in educating Australia about the incredible business opportunities of the Asian century. This will position the Australian School of Business as a world leader and a gateway between emerging Asia and the developed world.”

Media contact: Julian Lorkin, ASB Media, 02 9385 1574 | 0405 805 365 | j.lorkin@unsw.edu.au

Peter Kerr, Asialink Communications Director | 0413 785 140 | p.kerr@asialink.edu.au