PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

23 April 2026, MELBOURNE - Ambassador Antonio Morales, together with Consul General Gary Domingo, met Asialink CEO Rachel Thompson, Director for Strategic Growth Claire Stephens, and Program Lead for Arts Sabrina Alday to discuss the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship priorities and explore avenues for deeper cooperation in education, business, and the arts.

Ambassador Morales emphasized the long-standing partnership between the Philippine Embassy and Asialink in advancing ASEAN-Australia engagement, including through the Asialink Leaders Summit, the Emerging Leaders Program on foreign policy and security leadership, and the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Program, which strengthens connections among youth leaders, businesses, as well as educators and students across the region. He noted that these initiatives align closely with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship priorities in 2026 and further reinforce the Philippines-Australia Strategic Partnership.

Consul General Domingo discussed the strategic importance of ASEAN students in Australia as a bridge for regional cooperation and how student mobility and alumni networks contribute to long-term linkages between the Philippines, ASEAN, and Australia.

Discussions also covered cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on strengthening training pathways and leveraging diaspora expertise to improve healthcare outcomes. Ms. Thompson highlighted the importance of a whole-of-ecosystem approach and expressed openness to partnering on forums involving Filipino health professionals in both Australia and the Philippines.

In the creative sector, Asialink outlined initiatives linking Filipino-Australian artists with regional Australia and Asia through exchanges and residencies to foster cultural collaboration and innovation. Ms. Stephens also discussed Asialink’s programs supporting Australian business engagement with Southeast Asia, and efforts to enhance market familiarity and navigate regulatory environments.

Established in 1990 as a joint initiative of the Australian Government, the University of Melbourne, and the Myer Foundation, Asialink serves as Australia’s national centre for engagement with Asia, with programs spanning arts and culture, business, education, and diplomacy. - END

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