Griffith in Asia

In consultations across the nation, Australians spoke of the need to have deeper engagement with the region. Authors, Professors Caitlin Byrne and Andrew O'Neil (Griffith University) explain those findings before discussing with Dr Tess Newton-Cain (Project Lead for the Pacific Hub at the Griffith Asia Institute) what this might actually look like. Dr Scott Blakemore moderates this discussion as an extension to the findings of the report where we seek to understand the challenges and complexities that confront Australia if they choose to work more closely with the region. Access the full report here > https://www.ussc.edu.au/analysis/an-incomplete-project-australians-views-of-the-us-alliance

Shallow Transformation in Justice, Reparation and Development | Kirsten Ainley 6th October 2022

Disability in North Korea: responses from human rights and humanitarian aid | Danielle Chubb 29th August 2022

Strategic responses to Covid-19: An investigation of Australian firms. | Lili Mi 18 August 2022

Dr Parmendra Sharma, Pacific Island Centre for Development Policy and Research (PICDPR) in conversation with Dr Peter Dirou, Pacific Expert and Adjunct Research Fellow, Griffith Asia Institute (Former ADB Consultant) on 25 August 2022, Brisbane.

Dr Parmendra Sharma, Pacific Island Centre for Development Policy and Research ( PICDPR ) in conversation with Mr Esala Mastiabua, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) on 28 July 2022, Suva. Mr Esala Masitabua was appointed Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji on 1 January 2018. Mr Masitabua is a career central banker who joined the Reserve Bank of Fiji in 1997. In 2005, he was appointed to his first executive role as head of Currency operations and Bank's Corporate Services. Later in 2010, he headed Prudential Supervision and Financial Stability as Chief Manager Financial Institutions. Prior to being appointed Deputy Governor, he was head of foreign reserves management and monetary policy implementation.

From agriculture to art, tourism to textiles, the Pacific Islands export sector has a rich history and exciting future. Drawing on new data from the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia's 2022 Pacific Islands Export Survey, our panel of experts discuss the nuances of taking Pacific products and services global, and the huge impacts strong trade relationships can make. Speakers include: Caleb Jarvis, Allison Haworth West, Phoebe (Fipe) Preuss, Zane Yoshida and Tess Newton Cain (Moderator)

The return of the Marcoses: What's ahead for the Philippines? | Paul Hutchcroft 9 June 2022

Nuclear Weapons and US Alliances Under the Biden Administration: Beyond the 2022 NPR Presented by Stephan Frühling (ANU) and Andrew O'Neil (Griffith University) Thursday 2 June 2022

Infrastructure and the international order: Do roads carry rules? | Emma Palmer 26 May 2022

How Australia goes to space: the myths and rationales of spaceflight | Tristan Moss 12 May 2022

The emergence of orphanage trafficking | Kathryn E. van Doore 28 April 2022

Between rights and rightfulness: Regulating gender and violence in the Pacific islands | Nicole George 7 April 2022

Black or fifty shades of grey? The power and limits of the social credit blacklist system in China | Alex Trauth-Goik 31 May 2022

Fractured China: How State Transformation is Shaping China's Rise

Tess Newton Cain talks with presenter Glen Bartholomew on ABC News Radio about a proposed security agreement between Solomon Islands and China

To what extent do national laws apply beyond borders? Case studies from East Asia

Reforming labour regulations from the perspective of Indonesia's Omnibus Law on Job Creation: Promises and pitfalls

Professor Ian Hall talks on "The Hindu Nationalist Theory of International Politics"

Despite Conflict, COVID and Coups: Youth leadership and inclusive peace

Ecological Security: Climate Change and the Construction of Security

Mobilizing for Elections: Patronage and Political Networks in Southeast Asia

Understanding Sorcery Accusation Related Violence in Papua New Guinea

The Philippines' Long Journey to Democratic Ambivalence

A History of Manners and Civility in Thailand: The Civilizing Process in a Southeast Asian Society

Syria Betrayed: War, Atrocities and the Failure of International Diplomacy

Welfare to work: Journeys of 50 years and over women on welfare

Labour and Politics in Indonesia

Re-democratising Nepal: Transitional Justice and the Erosion of Judicial Independence

Social Enterprise and Regional Citizenship in ASEAN

Music by: Kaumaakonga Album: Taoba Song: Tonga Paupau Listen to more tracks >> http://www.kaumaakonga.com/ Dr. Tess Newton Cain, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute and project lead of the Pacific Hub, chats with Ms Ruha Fifita from Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art about how artistic and cultural expression is an integral part of Pacific being and thinking. Visit the Pacific Hub> https://www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/partnerships-collaborations/pacific-hub

Dr. Tess Newton Cain chats with Stefan Armbruster.

Music by: Kaumaakonga Album: Taoba Song: Tonga Paupau Listen to more tracks >> http://www.kaumaakonga.com/ Dr. Tess Newton Cain, Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute and project lead of the Pacific Hub, chats with Dr. Parmendra Sharma about the South Pacific Centre for Central Banking and the upcoming virtual Governors Forum. Visit the Pacific Hub> https://www.griffith.edu.au/asia-institute/partnerships-collaborations/pacific-hub

Three quarters of a century have passed since the end of the most catastrophic military conflagration in human history: World War II. Paradoxically, however, the more that time passes the more we seem to remember it, in official and popular culture: commemorations, memorials, movies and books, above all in Post-Soviet Russia. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, commemorations of the 75th anniversaries of the German and Japanese surrenders in May and August 1945 respectively by the victorious former Western Allies were subdued affairs. In Washington, President Trump laid a wreath; in Paris, President Macron spoke in front of a near-deserted Arch de Triumphe; in locked-down London, Queen Elizabeth gave a televised address. In Moscow and Minsk, nevertheless, Presidents Putin and Lukashenko oversaw massive military parades celebrating victory in the “Great Patriotic War”. Such official commemorations usually celebrate the virtues of nation, state and people that seemingly made victory possible. But commemoration is one thing, historical understanding is another. This raises many questions, among them: Why is it being commemorated? What was really at stake in this titanic conflict? What were its consequences? And even, did the war actually end? This webinar, hosted by The Australasian Association for Communist and Post-Communist Studies (AACaPS), brings together four experts in the field to start a conversation about these issues: Professor Mark Edele (Melbourne University), Professor Roger Markwick (Newcastle University), Associate Professor Alexey Muraviev (Curtin University) and Dr Leonid Petrov (ANU). Professor Roger Markwick, Conjoint Professor of Modern European History, University of Newcastle Topic: World War II: Objectives and aftermaths Professor Mark Edele, Hansen Chair in History, Deputy Head of School, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies (SHAPS), University of Melbourne. Topic: The Soviet Union’s Second World Wars: History and memory Associate Professor Alexey Muraviev, National Security and Strategic Studies, Curtin University Topic: The Red Machine in Action: Soviet Military Power and the Allied Victory in World War Two Adjunct Associate Professor Slobodanka Millicent Vladiv-Glover, School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics, Monash University Topic: Narratives of the Victors and the Losers about WWII in the Balkans (Former Yugoslavia) Dr Leonid Petrov, Senior Lecturer, International College of Management in Sydney (ICMS) and Visiting Fellow, Australian National University Topic: WWII in North-east Asia: Has it really ended?

On 4 October, New Caledonians will vote in a referendum on their political future. Long term residents of the French Pacific dependency – one of Australia’s closest neighbours – will vote yes or no on independence from France. Most indigenous Kanak support the call for independence and sovereignty, but must gain support from non-Kanak communities who want to retain ties to the French Republic. A previous referendum in 2018 saw 43 per cent support for independence, and since then, debate has polarised over New Caledonia’s future political status. But the 2020 referendum comes at a time of significant economic and social challenge, during the global pandemic. New Caledonia faces changing demand for nickel exports, the loss of international tourism and a rising cost of living for the vulnerable. Hear from leading political and community leaders, to discuss the referendum and future prospects for this Pacific nation. Facilitated by journalist Nic Maclellan, the discussion will be broadcast in English, providing first-hand perspectives on current developments that are largely missing from regional media. Confirmed speakers include: Patricia Goa is an elected member of New Caledonia’s Congress, representing the pro-independence Union Nationale Pour l'Indépendance (UNI). She lives in Baco tribe in New Caledonia’s Northern Province and works as an adviser to provincial president Paul Neaoutyine. Charles Wea was born in Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands. He completed university degrees in Samoa and Australia, and has served as the FLNKS representative to Australia and at meetings of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Magalie Tingal is a former journalist and serves in the New Caledonia’s Northern Provincial Assembly. As a member of the Union Calédonienne party, she is a co-ordinator of the Yes campaign for the independence movement Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS). Facilitator: Nic Maclellan is a correspondent for Islands Business magazine and other Pacific media. A regular visitor to New Caledonia, he reports regularly on France and the Pacific islands and is co-author of La France dans le Pacifique – de Bougainville à Moruroa (Editions La Découverte) and After Moruroa – France in the South Pacific (Ocean Press). He was recently awarded the 2020 Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism by the Walkley Foundation.

Honouring the words of the late Dr Teresia Teaiwa it is important ‘to remind people of the complexity (of the Pacific) and not let them try to paint us with a single brush stroke'. Spread over a third of the earth’s surface, the Pacific ocean is home to the peoples of 20,000 different islands and atolls with over 1,200 recorded indigenous languages. As they navigate their way within a globalised economy, the resurgence of militarism and a warming planet, the nations of this region face ever more pressing and urgent issues. Most notably, the youth voice represents a valuable resource for the future. An in-conversation, chaired by Andrew Fa’avale from MANA Pasifika as our engaged panel of Pasifika youth share their perspectives and experiences, the contributions they make to their communities while sharing the challenges they face, be it independence, remittances, climate change, retaining culture, employment amongst others. Iree Chow in her role as the President of the Pasifika Women's Alliance is able to be a voice on women's issues, challenges and strengths to local, state and federal governments and to support women to be better leaders in the wider community. Timothy Harm is a creative producer for Conscious Mic - a collective of Pasifika, First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse artists and creatives. He is also member of the Pacific Climate Warriors Brisbane Organising Team. He continues to find innovative ways to question and reinvent creative practices whilst creating, holding and sharing space for and with people in his community. Augusta Lokea is Vice President of the Brisbane Bougainville Community and is an active member of both the Papua New Guinean Community and the Brisbane Bougainville Community. She is also a cultural Ambassador, small business owner & a student. Megan Sainian Talvat volunteers for youth programs, is a small business owner, church intern and Youth Alive Band member. She is passionate about importance of knowing and speaking tokples (local language) as well and understanding laws, rules and traditions. She is an early childhood educator and university student. Andrew Fa’avale is the chair of MANA Pasifika and has published research in the fields of education, criminology and health. His research interests are motivated by fostering Pasifika success in the various domains in which he is involved. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a legal practitioner by the Supreme Court of Queensland.

For many students and graduates, starting a career in the Asia Pacific can feel like a mammoth task – a goal only achievable after many years working in Australia. About this series Griffith University students and alumni provide useful information on how to gain an Asia-Pacific experience while studying! Engaging with the Asia-Pacific is key to unlocking cross-cultural understanding, employability and widening your global experience. Hosted by Griffith New Colombo Plan Scholars, this series will cover scholarship and grant opportunities, in country experiences, volunteering and career opportunities in the Asia- Pacific. About this session In our last webinar of EXPLORING ASIA, New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholars Odin Lowsley and James Fairley speak with inspiring leaders in this space — Rob Malicki (the co-architect of the NCP), Elise Giles (Board Director of the Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue) and Brad McConachie (RMIT, Vietnam) — to discuss leapfrogging the pack and ‘Starting your career in the Asia Pacific’. This session is hosted by James Fairley and Odin Lowsely. Speakers: Griffith alumnus Elise Giles is a Capability Development Manager at Asialink Business. She is currently delivering Asialink’s Leaders program and was responsible for project managing the New Colombo Plan Ambassador and Alumni Program, in partnership with DFAT. Elise is also a Director on the Board of the Australia-Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue & Steering Committee Director. She is a former Prime Minister’s Australia-Asia Scholar to Hong Kong. Elise has worked and studied across Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea, and has a wealth of experience engaging with government, private and community sector in these international environments. Rob Malicki is the co-architect of DFAT’s New Colombo Plan, Founder and CEO of AIM Overseas, CEO of The Global Society, Founder of ‘A Life That Travels’. He is passionate about overseas study and the way that it transforms young people. His mission, since his own student exchange in 2000, has been to help more young Australians make the most out of their own overseas study experiences. With over 15 years of experience, he is one of Australia’s leading experts and commentators in the ‘outbound mobility’ of Australian uni students. Griffith alumnus Dr Bradley McConachie started his career in Beijing with the Australia Studies Centre at Peking University and UNESCO in which he managed international development and research projects in China, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and Japan. Following this he worked in Thailand for private companies seeking to develop their rising executive staff to better understand international business culture. Most recently he has taken up a position in Ho Chi Minh City working for RMIT Vietnam managing international research consortiums between Australia, Vietnam and Europe and maintains an Adjunct Fellowship in the Griffith Asia Institute. This year he was recognised by Griffith University for his contribution to public diplomacy research with a Research Excellence Award and receipt of the Chancellor’s medal.

Sociologist John Clammer proposes that it’s through the creative and performing arts that the ‘re-enchantment of the world’ might take place. In Cambodia, the traditional performing arts are ‘re-enchanting’ the country in powerful and sometimes unexpected ways, disrupting old stories and creating new visions of a better Cambodia. Our host, Professor Renee Jeffery speaks with music researcher Dr Catherine Grant, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre about some of the exceptional roles the creative arts are playing in contemporary Cambodia, including redressing past wrongs, upholding democratic principles, advancing peace and justice, and speaking truth to power. Catherine has been conducting collaborative research in Cambodia since 2013 and completed a 6-month Australia Endeavour Fellowship there in 2015; she is currently leading a British Museum-funded project documenting the makers and players of the critically endangered traditional musical instrument Angkuoch.

Many of us seek to make a difference in our world. But how can you? There are many opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region to volunteer and engage in development work. However, practices such as ‘orphanage tourism’ are marketed to mislead willing people to engage in work that is actually harmful to the local community. How do we know where to start, and what advice can we learn from those who have volunteered and worked in the area of development for years? Griffith student Anna Stirling, Ruth Larwill, CEO of Bloom Asia and Monique White share their experience to ensure you get the best out of your volunteering experience while making a difference to the community. This session will is facilitated by Gabi Cooper and Julia Hill. Speakers: Anna Stirling is a New Colombo Plan Scholar for 2020 and studies a Bachelor of Laws/Government and International Relations at Griffith University. She has spent time volunteering in Cambodia, East Asia and the Philippines. When she was 15, she spent time in Cambodia with the NGO Life With Dignity to learn about how to employ sustainable aid practices in running a developmental organisation, and was shocked to hear about the prevalence of orphanage tourism in Asia. She wants to see fellow young people aware of how to have the most positive impact possible whilst being involved with aid/volunteering. Ruth Larwill is the CEO and founder of Bloom Asia and has established three vocational training and employment centres in South East Asia. Bloom Asia is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to restore and empower young women who have experienced significant trauma. Bloom Asia aims to address this through a program of Education, Vocational training (Cake decorating, Barista skills, Hospitality training), Mentoring (ACT therapy) and employment. At Bloom Asia, these young women are restored and equipped with the skills they need to create a better future for themselves and their families. Monique White and her husband Roger have been involved with the NGO Symbiosis International for a combined 23 years. Symbiosis works to transform the lives of South Asia’s poorest people through education, health and economic development. Monique travels to Asia every year taking teams of predominately young people to encourage and monitor the work on the ground in Symbiosis. Watch the webinar>>>https://youtu.be/pwLodTCsQdQ

Professor Caitlin Byrne talks to Griffith Film School's Dr Nico Meissner about creative entrepreneurship in one of the world's most vibrant filmmaking regions. Paths Untold is a creative investigation into how emerging South East Asian filmmakers establish and sustain their careers in today’s digital age. The project includes 27 interviews with independent filmmakers from Camera d’Or winners to first-time short film creators and provides deep insight into the life and work of creative entrepreneurs in the ten South East Asian capital cities. The interviews are presented as micro-documentaries and brought together on the project website (www.southeastasianfilmcareers.com). A monograph is to be published with Routledge in 2021.

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery talks to Professor Dian Tjondronegoro, Deputy Head of Department, Department of Business Strategy and Innovation and Griffith Asia Institute about the Next AI Super Power and why it its important for Australia’s future. Dian’s Griffith Asia Institute Regional Outlook article looks at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key battleground of supremacy between the US and China. Given AI’s capability to rapidly analyse huge amounts of data for gaining insights and knowledge, there is increasing concerns over privacy and security of data collected from the use of technology, namely, smart phones and the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) (aka everything connected). However, there is very little understanding of what could be the long term consequences from the emergence of AI, particularly from the perspective of Australia’s global outlook and regional positioning within Asia Pacific. Anticipating and learning from the latest developments will enable Australians to better prepare for the future, in terms of navigating economic developments, political alliances, and the next business strategy. The current pandemic and crises due to COVID-19 has raised so many questions and uncertainties that perhaps only AI and big data can help our quest to discover the way forward – a safer, more sustainable, and more resilient future. The question is whether the next AI super power will maintain an ethical and responsible use of data?

Interview supplied by ABC Capricornia

Want to experience Asia during your undergraduate degree, but don’t know what to expect? Griffith University students and alumni during a four-part webinar series, share their insights and tips on how to prepare and get the most out of an Asia experience! This in-conversation will take you on a journey down ‘Asia’ memory lane with Millie Vernick, James Fairley and Elise Stephenson; current Griffith students and alumni who have studied, interned and lived in Asia. They share their studying, working and cultural experiences, providing valuable tips, insights and some laughs for students aiming to travel to Asia. About the Speakers: Millie Vernick is a 4th year Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Government and International Relations student who was awarded the 2019 New Colombo Plan Scholarship for Hong Kong. Millie attained an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Shanghai, a semester of political science at The University of Hong Kong, a semester of law at National Taiwan University, and undertook part-time Mandarin language training. Millie also recently travelled to the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok as a delegate to the 2020 Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders. James Fairley is a Griffith graduate of a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Government & International Relations; James has recently commenced a Master of Governance and Public Policy at the University of Queensland. Following exchanges at Sciences Po (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), James recently undertook a New Colombo Plan Scholarship across Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. This culminated in an extended internship at KPMG Vietnam and engagements with the ASEAN Foundation and Mitsubishi Group. Elise Stephenson is recognised as a leading changemaker in Australian international relations by the United Nations Australia Association, Boston Consulting Group, the Foundation for Young Australians, and Young Australians in International Affairs. She is currently a 2020 Women Deliver Scholar, was awarded an inaugural New Colombo Plan Scholarship in 2014, and was awarded the University Medal and Politics, Asian Studies and International Relations Medal. She has undertaken research and study exchanges across the region, including at Zhejiang University in China, the International Islamic University of Malaysia, and the University of Hong Kong, as well as worked across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Singapore and India. Watch the recording> https://youtu.be/aRRqD4XmU4s

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery chats with Professor Sara Davies, Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow, Professor at the Centre for Governance and Public Policy and Griffith Asia Institute about her research journey. Professor Sara Davies has conducted extensive fieldwork in Southeast Asia. Her recent book, Containing Contagion: The Politics of Disease Outbreaks in Southeast Asia (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2019) includes interviews and observation material from her travels within the region. In addition to her research on health diplomacy, Sara has conducted fieldwork in the region on reporting sexual violence in armed conflict situations and women’s inclusion in peace processes. In this discussion with Professor Renee Jeffery, Sara talks about the challenges and delights of fieldwork, and the ethics associated with interviews on sensitive issues.

Want to travel to Asia during your undergraduate degree, but don’t know where to start? Griffith University students and alumni provide useful information on how to gain an Asia - Pacific experience while studying! Engaging with the Asia - Pacific is key to unlocking cross-cultural understanding, employability and widening your global experience. This conversation includes information on how to secure scholarships and grants to study, intern and learn a language in the Asia - Pacific e.g New Colombo Plan Scholarship, New Colombo Plan Mobility Program and Asia Future Fellows.   Zac Look and Grace Manahan share their experiences of working, studying and living in Asia. About the speakers: Zac Look is a 2020 New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassador. He was awarded a New Colombo Plan Scholarship for 2019. He undertook two semesters of exchange study at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, focusing on studies in political science and cultural arts. Additionally, Zac completed an internship in Bangkok with a Thai government agency, and studied Thai language at Chulalongkorn University. At Griffith University, Zac is a fifth-year student of Government and International Relations. He also completed the Griffith Asia Future Fellows program in 2017. Grace Manahan is a fifth year (penultimate) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) /Bachelor of Government and International Relations student. In 2017, Grace participated in the Asia Future Fellows program, and an NCP Mobility Program with INPEX Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, through the 3003GBS Global Mobility Internship program. Grace was awarded an NCP Scholarship in 2018, and completed 18 months of study, internships, mentoring and language training in Singapore. She completed international commercial law and public international law courses at the National University of Singapore and internships with PricewaterhouseCoopers and King & Wood Mallesons. Hosted by Griffith New Colombo Plan Scholars, this series will cover scholarship and grant opportunities, in country experiences, volunteering and career opportunities in the Asia - Pacific.

Global press freedom is at one of its lowest points with restrictions placed on the media on the rise in a number of countries. The recent politically motivated charge and ‘cyber libel’ conviction of Maria Ressa, CEO of Rappler and Reynaldo Santos Jr. former Rappler reporter by a Philippines court is a case in point. Such conditions used to the be the scope of authoritarian regimes, however recent developments show that the practice is spreading to both new and established democracies. These worrying trends need to be taken seriously as threats to media freedom risk undermining not only faith in journalism and the media but also eroding the pillars of democracy and the trust that people place in it. Chaired by Stefan Armbruster, this Perspectives:Asia webinar looks at the changes in press freedoms in our region specifically Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia. Speakers: Marites Danguilan Vitug has been a journalist for more than three decades and is one of the Philippines’ most accomplished journalists. A bestselling author, Marites has written eight books on Philippine current affairs. She is the former editor of Newsbreak, a pioneering political magazine and currently is editor at large of Rappler. Marites is currently fighting two libel suits filed against her by a sitting justice of the Supreme Court of The Philippines. Professor Peter Greste spent 25 years as a foreign correspondent and is a founding member of the advocacy group, the Alliance for Journalists Freedom. He is a regular contributor to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Conversation, and The Guardian. He spent 400 days behind bars under terrorism charges in Egypt and is the winner of many awards including a Peabody Award, Walkley Award, Royal Television Society and Tribeca Disruptive Innovator’s. Scott Waide is the Lae bureau chief of EMTV News and has been a media professional for more than 19 years. He has worked as a producer and researcher for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Port Moresby Bureau. Scott is also a recipient of multiple awards including an Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Prize, Pacific News Association Awards and the Divine World University Media freedom Award. He was suspended after airing a story critical of the PNG government spending in late 2018 and was reinstated by broadcaster EMTV following widespread public backlash. Stefan Armbruster is an award-winning correspondent for SBS World News, covering Queensland and Pacific since 2007, and an Industry Fellow with the Griffith Asia Institute. Starting at Brisbane's public radio 4ZZZ-fm, a ‘journalist attachment’ at the Fiji Broadcasting Commission led to a decade working overseas based in London with Dow Jones, CNBC Europe and the BBC. He is a federal council member of Australia's union for journalists MEAA

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery talks to Dr Dhara Shah, Department of Business Strategy and Innovation and Griffith Asia Institute about her journey to Australia and working as a Cross-Cultural Consultant, her move to academia and research in expatriation, women and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is seen increasingly as a productive, fulfilling alternative to more traditional forms of employment across the globe. Women are increasingly entering the entrepreneurship area, however they are still underrepresented. Dr Shah is working on two externally funded research projects to understand the motivators and challenges women entrepreneurs face in developed and emerging economies. Sisters Support Business Together project is looking at the impact of entrepreneurial learning along with mentoring and support on self-efficacy and overall well-being of disadvantaged and precarious women over 50 years in Australia. Dr Shah’s second project titled, Going Global- Indian women social entrepreneurs focuses on understanding the self-determination, motivations and challenges of Indian women social entrepreneurs and social support systems that help or hinder on their experiences.

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery chats to Elise Stephenson, PhD Candidate, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith Business School about her creative projects and research in the region. Rising global challenges and a changing academic landscape led Elise Stephenson to launch into entrepreneurship the same year she commenced her PhD, in 2017. Whilst running major international events across South East Asia with the Australian Government, Elise has pursued an ambitious research agenda to understand women’s under-representation in international affairs, across spheres of diplomacy, defence and security. This conversation explores Elise’s career, thesis, and work in ASEAN on public diplomacy programs as part of Australia now. The notion of ‘antifragility’ – of thriving from uncertainty – is at the forefront of Elise’s academic approach and is particularly relevant given the ambiguous times ahead, allowing her to combine creative projects with high impact research to make the most of working in the region.

Australia’s population has been characterised by constant change for many decades, yet anxiety over a rising Asia and racism are continued factors. This has been made even more evident recently with the escalation in racial abuse towards Australians of Asian heritage due to COVID-19. Professor David Walker, Deakin University and Professor Jing Han, Western Sydney University look at how our past still fuels anxiety and racism today. Professor David Walker draws on his latest book Stranded Nation: White Australia in an Asian Region which looks at Australia from 1920 – 1970 and addresses how Australia sought to convince both itself and its neighbours that it belonged within the Asian region. While Professor Jing Han shares her thoughts on modern Australia’s anxiety and how her translation work on the unexpected hit ‘If You Are the One’ has led to an unprecedented cultural impact and influence on Australian audiences in understanding the ordinary lives of Chinese people.

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery chats with Adjunct Associate Professor Tess Newton Cain, Griffith Asia Institute about her research, analysis and journey to studying the Pacific. During 2019 Tess led the research team that worked on ‘Pacific perspectives on the world: Listening to Australia’s island neighbours in order to build strong, respectful and sustainable relationships‘ that was published by The Whitlam Institute and Peacifica in February 2020. It draws on a rich set of data collected via focus groups and individual interviews with 150 people in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. More broadly, ‘Pacific Perspectives’ is a descriptor for Tess’s work as a researcher, as an adviser to governments and regional organisations, and as an analyst who contributes to public debates on Pacific policy in Australia and elsewhere.

Host, Professor Renee Jeffery chats with Griffith University's Associate Professor Luis Cabrera about his latest book The humble Cosmopolitan and what led him on the path to studying Asia. The book draws on extensive field research in India to address some longstanding critiques of universal human rights and global or ‘cosmopolitan’ citizenship. Critics of cosmopolitanism often assert that it is arrogant, giving too little attention to local ties and non-universalist moral views. Cabrera argues that an appropriate response involves not a retreat from broader principles but support for regional and global political institutions more clearly oriented to political humility, where individuals could give input and lodge challenges as formal citizen equals. He draws on the work of Indian constitutional architect and social campaigner B.R. Ambedkar, who championed forms of domestic political humility against the segregation and “arrogance” of caste. He also take insights from Dalit (formerly ‘untouchable’) activists pressing for domestic reforms through UN human rights bodies, as well as from their critics in the governing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.