The ASEAN-Australia Centre was announced by Southeast Asian leaders and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024, and has been operational since 1 July 2024.

The Centre was officially launched by Australia's Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and ASEAN Secretary-General, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn at Parliament House Canberra on 27 November 2024.

Based in Canberra, the Centre builds on the Australian Government's commitment to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. The Centre supports the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and implements recommendations from Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. It delivers programs and initiatives across its four strategic pillars - Southeast Asia literacy, economic linkages, education and cultural connections - including:

• the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnership Program, connecting teachers and students in Australia, Southeast Asia and Timor-Leste to provide structured learning opportunities and promote cross-cultural understanding
• the ASEAN-Australia Emerging Leaders Program and short courses, supporting early-to-mid career professionals to expand their skills and build connections with their peers
• a Young Women Entrepreneurs Exchange Program, providing mentoring and training to participants from Australia and Southeast Asia to scale-up their businesses and create connections between business communities.

In partnership with the National Museum of Australia, the Centre is developing and delivering a First Nations digital art exhibition, showcasing the art and culture of the Northern Territory's Maningrida community. The exhibition will tour across Southeast Asia from late 2025.

The Centre's first Grants Program is underway. This annual program funds Australian businesses, creative industry, community, education and cultural organisations to deliver projects, programs and research with Southeast Asian partners.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, announced the appointment of the Centre's Advisory Board in November 2024 and Chair of the Advisory Board, Professor Mimi Tang, in February 2025. The Advisory Board represents business, higher education, youth, creative industries and First Nations.

For more information about the Centre, please contact aseanaustraliacentre@dfat.gov.au.