Media release from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Studies in China will receive a significant boost courtesy of the newly established Foundation for Australian Studies in China (FASIC).
The Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation established to support Australian Studies Centres located in leading universities across China and to provide funding and other assistance to the BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University in Beijing.
The BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Studies was formally announced by Prime Minister Gillard on 27 April 2011 in Beijing.
The Foundation will play a significant role in the promotion of Australian Studies in China and will further grow and strengthen research and teaching alliances and exchanges between Australian and Chinese universities.
The Australia-China Council is a key partner and supporter of the newly established Foundation.
The Chair of the Australia-China Council, the Hon Warwick Smith AM said the Australia-China Council is proud to lead the creation of the Foundation and the BHP Billiton Chair.
"We are pleased to launch these initiatives in 2012 – the year when Australia and China celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"The Foundation will add an important new dimension to already robust Australia-China bilateral engagement in education, science, society and culture."
The Foundation is an example of a successful multifaceted partnership between the government, private sector and universities.
Its founding partners are: BHP Billiton, Universities Australia, Australia-China Council, Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Allens Linklaters and Riverstone Advisory.
The Foundation is now seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified applicants for the BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University.
Visit the Foundation website for further information: www.fasic.org.au