Asialink Leaders Program

Asia is the world’s most rapidly evolving region. With fast-growing economies, strategic proximity, and shifting global power dynamics, Australian organisations must be ready to engage and adapt to these transformative changes. 

For more than 30 years, the Asialink Leaders Program has helped cultivate Asia-capable leadership, equipping individuals and organisations with the insights, practical skills, and connections to succeed in Asia’s dynamic future.

Realise your Asia ambitions, unlock your leadership potential and develop the critical Asia capability to navigate complexity, build trust and lead with confidence in the region.

Hear from alumni as they share their experiences and the impact of building Asia capability or contact us for further information about the program.

Through a series of immersions, expert sessions, dialogue and coaching, Leaders have the opportunity to replace uncertainty with confidence, myths with reality, and build a global mindset with Asia at its core.

• Access real-time insights to accelerate your understanding of Asia.
• Engage with and learn from the best and brightest minds on Asia.
• Undertake a practical, guided, Asia-focused workplace project.
• Connect with an influential 1,300+ global alumni network to support your Asia journey.
• Elevate your leadership profile with a verified digital Asia capability credential.
• Expand your Asia-engaged community across geographies and sectors.

Paced for busy senior leaders, delivered across nine months, the program experience includes immersions, expert sessions, dialogue and coaching, through a mix of in-person and virtual modules.

• Three intensive multiday core modules: Explore key themes as a national cohort to navigate the complex and fast-changing Asia region.
• Pod coaching: Shape your Workplace Project together with experts and peers who share your area of focus, including dedicated alumni mentors from the 1,300 strong alumni community.
• Online learning platform: Gain exclusive access to practical resources via an online learning platform.
• Intersessions: Gather in smaller groups to deep dive into Asia capability and expand your local network.
• Workplace project: A practical, Asia-focused project to bring benefits back to your organisation and sector.

Build a deeper, more informed understanding of contemporary Asia and engage with the critical issues shaping Australia’s relationship with the region.

• Why Australia-Asia engagement matters: Understand the context for Australia’s strategic, foreign, economic and trade, industry and innovation agendas.
• Geostrategic shifts: Explore the changing geopolitics and geoeconomics our region and the implications for engagement with Asia.
• Identity, image and influence: Reflect on our collective and individual histories to build sustainable, trusted relationships throughout the region and strengthen our ability to connect, collaborate and influence.
• Sustainable and inclusive growth: Explore the role Australia can play in addressing our most significant global issue, contributing towards the green economy shift and inclusive prosperity in the region.
• Technology, innovation, acceleration: With Asia at the forefront of many of the new technologies that drive growth and enhance daily life, consider how Australia can engage with digital transformation in our region.

Learn alongside a diverse national cohort who are leaders in their fields and represent a variety of organisations, industries and functions.

Positions held by recent participants include:

• Director, Trade and Investment, Business Council of Australia
• Principal for Public Policy and Government Relations, BHP
• Senior Manager, Trade and Investment, Victorian Government
• Head International, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Director, Global Client Solutions, IFM Investors
• Director, Global Engagement, Museums Victoria
• Head of Strategy & Capability, DFAT
• Investment Director, China, Trade and Investment Queensland
• Head of People Operations, Asia and Australia, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
• General Manager, Export, Avocados Australia
• Director of International, Melbourne Dental School 
• Director, Asia Business Group, KPMG 
• Program Director, Diversification, Austrade
• International Relations Manager, Football Federation Australia 
• Founder and Director, Trace Foodsteps and The Gourmet Entertainer 
• Academic and International Pathways Lead, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand  
• Director, Export Finance Australia 
• Offshore & Alliance Partnerships Manager, BUPA 
• Associate Director, Asia Strategy & Impact, RMIT University 
• Head of Business Development, NAB Business, National Australia Bank 
• International Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Save the Children

Learn directly from distinguished leaders and experts who are shaping Australia’s engagement with Asia across business, government, diplomacy, education, arts and culture.

Continue to build your Asia capability, professional profile and connections through the Asialink Leaders alumni community.

On completing the Program, you will join an influential global network of more than 1,300 alumni across Australia, Asia and the world. You will have ongoing opportunities to exchange insights, develop trusted relationships and contribute to the next generation of Asia-capable leaders.

Alumni activities and opportunities include:

• Exclusive events that strengthen connections across the alumni community and broader Asialink network. 
• Opportunities to contribute as an expert speaker, mentor or Pod Coach, raising your profile while supporting future leaders. 
• Invitations to Asialink thought leadership launches, learning programs and professional development opportunities. 
• Opportunities to be profiled through Asialink Business channels and publications.

Meet alumni and explore their impact through 30 Years of Asialink Leaders.

The Asialink Leaders Virtual Hub provides a flexible pathway for leaders based in Asia, regional and rural Australia, and those with access requirements.

Participate in a facilitated live online experience that connects you with peers and experts across the region. The Virtual Hub runs alongside the in-person Program, with opportunities for both cohorts to connect. Participants can also upgrade to attend the Canberra Summit in person and take part in a dedicated in-region event.
 

Full-Program, Hybrid delivery

Special early bird: $12,300 +GST
Early bird: $12,900 +GST
Full pricing: $13,300 +GST

Virtual Hub 
Early bird: $5,000 (+GST in Australia)
Full pricing: $5,200 (+GST in Australia)

Virtual hub participants are welcome to attend the Canberra Summit in-person for an additional fee of $2,900 (+GST in Australia)

Please talk to us about organisation discounts for three or more participants

A limited number of fellowships will be offered for the 2027 Program with the support of our partners. Applications will open in January 2027.
 

The Program is designed for established and emerging leaders across a range of organisations, industries and professional disciplines.

Admission is through a merit-based selection process:

1. Written application: Outline your experience, interest in Asia and ambitions for participating in the Program. 
2. Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to discuss their experience, objectives and suitability for the Program.

Key Dates:

• Special early bird closes: 31 October 2026
• Early bird closes: 18 December 2026
• Applications close: TBC
• Program commences: March, 2027 (Virtual Hub + In-person)

NOTE: If you are being sponsored by your organisation, you will receive a link after submitting your application for your employer to complete an online Letter of Endorsement acknowledging the Program’s time commitment.