While education plays an increasingly important role in Australia’s relationship with Asia, there does not seem to be a clear consensus among policymakers as to what just what part it plays. On one hand there is a call for a complex and nuanced relationship that requires multi-disciplinary and multi-sectorial education. Here education includes the training of Australians, and others, at Australian universities to best understand that increasingly complex relationship with its neighbours. On the other hand, education is seen mainly as an export commodity that serves primarily to promote the transactional relationship. This relationship is simplistic: Australia has commodities to sell to Asia and education is one of the foremost commodities identified by historical sales. The paper delves into the intricate relationship between education and Australia's engagement with Asia, highlighting the dichotomy within this interaction. Through this examination, it aims to unravel the persistent conflict and its implications for the decline of Asian Studies within tertiary institutions. Despite the growing demand for enhanced expertise, collaboration, and involvement, the diminishing emphasis on Asian Studies risks fostering a shallow comprehension of the Australia-Asia dynamic. Thus, the call for a whole-of-nation plan to strengthen Asia literacy, must extend beyond surface recommendations and include a more inclusive role for Australian universities in shaping a future where Australia's engagement with Asia is not only economically advantageous but culturally informed and sustainable. The trade winds beckon, and Australia's response will shape its future standing in the dynamic and flourishing economic environment of Asia.

Authors:
Dennis McCornac, Georgetown University Qatar, Qatar
Anne Cullen, Griffith University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Dennis C. McCornac is currently an Associate Teaching Professor Georgetown University Qatar.

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