Asialink

Thailand's richest 1% holds around one-third of national wealth. The bottom half? Just 3.5%. This isn't just inequality, it's what happens when market power becomes wealth power. Read more from Dr. Itsakul Unahakate on why stronger competition rules alone won't fix Thailand's wealth gap and what the harder task really is: https://lnkd.in/gi4UaPkk This article is part of a special series on ‘Governing for Growth: Democracy and Development in Southeast Asia’ - a joint initiative of Asialink Insights and Melbourne Asia Review.

Meet the panellists joining us for the 2026 Southeast Asia Update, a free, full-day event exploring the topics shaping Southeast Asia today. Four concurrent panels covering security and stability, democracy and human rights, economic development, and social inclusion, plus a roundtable on industry perspectives across clean energy, digital economy, health and agriculture. 🗓️ Wednesday 11 August 2026 📍 In-person, Woodward Conference Centre Register now: https://lnkd.in/gxzidJEc The 2026 Southeast Asia Update is delivered by Asialink and the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne through the support of the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

The Asian Australian Leadership Awards spotlight the excellence and leadership of people like 2025 Overall Winner Dr Sonu Bhaskar, neurologist and medical entrepreneur. The judges were inspired by Dr Bhaskar’s contributions to the field of stroke and cerebrovascular disorders, and the global impact of his research and efforts to discover the causes of stroke. Nominations for the 2026 Asian-Australian Leadership Awards are open. Nominate yourself or someone who inspires you in your community, workplace or industry. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/fdTVXqD Rachel Thompson | Jason Johnson | Sung Ho Lee | Melanie Seale | Kerrie Daly | Kristy Jones

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 Southeast Asia Oration will be delivered by Professor Sri Mulyani Indrawati, one of Indonesia's longest-serving Finance Ministers and former Managing Director and COO of the World Bank. Professor Indrawati will explore democracy and development in Southeast Asia, and how nations across the region are balancing economic growth with democratic governance. 📅 Wednesday 12 August 2026 🕔 5:00pm 📍 In-person, Science Gallery Melbourne, 114 Grattan St, Parkville Places are limited, register now to secure your place: https://lnkd.in/g-uk_buN The 2026 Southeast Asia Oration is delivered by Asialink and the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne through the support of the ASEAN-Australia Centre.

Coming out of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, a reminder that Australia's India strategy is really an Asia capability question: not what can we sell to India, but the capability we need to build to engage. Vikas Kumar makes the case. Read more on Asialink Insights: https://lnkd.in/gHyRXfiZ

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation and community. Asialink and Johnson Partners invite alumni of the Asialink Leaders Program, Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, and Chinese-Australian Community Leaders Summit, along with our broader network of collaborators and partners to an intimate alumni evening in Melbourne. Reconnect with peers, build new relationships, and hear from Vandita Pant, CFO of BHP, in a fireside conversation. Places are limited, secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gR474nYc

This morning CEO Rachel Thompson, Claire Stephens and Aaron Soans joined the Economic Roadmap Business Reception, hosted by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR), with Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne. Leaders across government, business, education, sport and the diaspora filled the room in celebration of the relationship. While the discussion focused on trade and economic opportunity, the Prime Minister closed by reminding us what the relationship is built on: people. Building trust and connections underpins Australia's growing trade and economic ties with India. Minister Tim Ayres acknowledged Asialink's work in his speech, naming the Australia-India Tech Connections program and its contribution to advancing agtech and cleantech cooperation, among the Maitri Grants recipients helping shape the relationship. Wonderful to have the opportunity to chat all things critical minerals with the Hon Madeleine King MP. Thanks and congratulations to CEO Ryan Neelam and the CAIR team.

Asialink CEO Rachel Thompson speaking to Nick Bryant on ABC’s Saturday Extra: “Government, business, defence forces, diplomats, all rely on deep, deep country expertise of which an understanding of or a high level of proficiency of local language is an incredibly important part.” Listen: https://lnkd.in/gMsJGZd5 Read the report, 'Security and Prosperity in Asia: Building Australia’s Asia Capability’ at chooseasia.net

Only 6 days to go before applications close for the 16th Australia-China Youth Dialogue. Running 23–26 October 2026, ACYD brings together 30 delegates from Australia and Greater China to engage on the issues shaping the Aus-China relationship, from political and economic policy to regional and cultural engagement. Emerging leaders aged 25–40, from any industry, are encouraged to apply at https://lnkd.in/gaEqBcua

Great to join Nick Bryant this morning to discuss the landmark report ‘Security and Prosperity in Asia: Building Australia’s Asia Capability’ released this week. Asialink | Tim Watts | Dean Smith