Now in its fifteenth year, the Australian National University’s Asia Pacific Week is an interdisciplinary conference, which brings together high-calibre students and young professionals from around the world. Through a week of thought-provoking panels, debates, and cultural workshops, as well as a vibrant social schedule, we aim to bring together young individuals from all across the world and equip them with the knowledge, skills and empathy to become compassionate leaders of change in dynamic Asia and Pacific regions.
About
As a delegate, you will have the opportunity to not only hear from acclaimed experts but to engage in thought-provoking panels, debates, simulations, and workshops. Every year, the next generation of Asia Pacific Week delegates will leave with more than just new ideas and insights. They will leave with a network of friends and contacts from around the world. Asia Pacific Week is an opportunity that strives to empower delegates in their personal, academic and career journeys, and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and empathy to be young leaders.
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Degree of study and year of study:
5th year; Bachelor of International Security Studies (Year in Asia) & Bachelor of Languages (Advanced French, Advanced Korean, Vietnamese).
Where in the Asia-Pacific region would you ideally travel to?
Indonesia and Vietnam are next on my list, because I want to test my meagre bahasa Indonesia & tiêng Việt with locals! Also the food!!
What about APW2025 are you most excited for?
Meeting delegates from all over the world and watching the APW Conference come to life!
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of Economics/ Bachelor of Finance
Favourite dish/cuisine from Asia/ the Pacific?
After living in Singapore for five years, Laksa is easily my favorite food. Nothing else seems to come close.
Where in the Asia-Pacific region would you ideally travel to?
I have a keen interest in exploring Indonesia’s stunning islands, particularly the Banda region. I am currently planning a sailing journey to Ambon, from where I look forward to exploring several nearby islands and experiencing their unique beauty and culture.
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Degree of study and year of study:
Asia-Pacific Studies, Honours
Favourite Asia/Pacific snack?
hotteok (호떡, sweet stuffed pancakes) from Korea
What about APW2025 are you most excited for?
I'm excited for the cocktail event on the last night of APW (which I am in charge of planning) - I'm looking forward to seeing everyone get dressed and have fun together at the end of the week.
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Degree of study and year of study:
2nd year, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Asian Studies
What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?
I am currently in the middle of my Korean and Chinese language majors.
What about APW2025 are you most excited for?
I look forward to the continuous and exciting opportunity for delegates around the world to integrate their unique insights into meaningful and productive dialogue at this conference!
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of Asian Studies (Majors: Indonesian Language, Indonesian Studies, Asia Pacific Media, Culture, and Gender) / 3rd year
Favourite dish/cuisine from Asia/ the Pacific?
Gado-gado - it's an Indonesian salad with all different veggies, boiled eggs, potato, lontong, tofu and tempeh with a peanut sauce dressing.
Where in the Asia-Pacific region would you ideally travel to?
Everywhere! If I had to choose just one place that I haven't been though, probably Vietnam.
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Humanities & Social Sciences
What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?
I studied Mandarin a while ago and I would love to build up my language skills again. I hope to study abroad in China during a diploma or postgraduate degree so that I can really immerse myself in the language.
Where in the Asia-Pacific region would you ideally travel to?
I hope to travel to Japan for the first time next year. I would also like to visit several different places in Southeast Asia, as I have had the chance to study this region at university and would love to learn more. I would also love to travel to Polynesia!
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of Political Science, 3rd year
Favourite dish/cuisine from Asia/ the Pacific?
I've always been a huge fan of Japanese cuisine, and I particularly love Japanese ramen. When I first moved overseas to study in Brisbane, I discovered several spectacular ramen shops. Since then, ramen has become my comfort food, providing consolation and emotional healing no matter what life throws at me.
What is an issue in Asia/the Pacific that you are passionate about?
I'm passionate about democratic governance and consolidation in Asia and the Pacific. With many countries in the region being young democracies or hybrid regimes, the question of democratic quality is especially pressing. Geopolitical influences, socioeconomic instability and fragile democratic foundations all contribute to the growing concerns about potential democratic erosion in the region. Understanding these trends is essential in fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic region in an era marked by convulsion and disruption globally.
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in International Relations) / Second year
Favourite dish/cuisine from Asia/ the Pacific?
Rajma Chawal —— Indian-style kidney beans in a spicy tomato gravy with rice; objectively the greatest comfort meal of all time!
What about APW2025 are you most excited for?
I'm really excited to meet all the amazing people attending this year’s conference, have meaningful conversations, and build lasting connections. And of course, can't wait to see all the events we've been planning come to life!
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Degree of study and year of study:
4th year (and final sem!) Bachelor of Arts. Majoring in Development Studies and Gender, Sexuality, and Identity
Where in the Asia-Pacific region would you ideally travel to?
I would love to travel to the South Pacific - Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and/or Papua New Guinea. Through my studies I have developed a deep interest in the Pacific region with a significant focus on the South Pacific through case studies and assignments. I would therefore love to travel the region, engage with local customs, and learn from their knowledge and experience.
What about APW2025 are you most excited for?
As a delegate of APW2024 and a member of this year's committee, I am most excited to welcome the delegates of 2025. After spending time preparing and organizing the conference, I look forward to engaging with attendees and helping create a unique and enriching conference for the diverse range of students and young professionals attending this year!
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Degree of study and year of study:
3rd Year Bachelor of Economics and International Relations
Favourite Asian or Pacific author/piece of literature?
The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?
Tigrinya, would also love to learn Chinese and Arabic!
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Degree of study and year of study:
Bachelor of International Security Studies and Bachelor of Criminology/2nd Year
Favourite dish/cuisine from Asia/ the Pacific?
My favourite dish is Malabar Parotta and Chicken Curry
What about your portfolio had interested you the most?
I love this opportunity to curate and showcase the diverse backgrounds, achievements, and aspirations of the Asia Pacific Week delegates. Putting together these profiles is such a great way to highlight the unique perspectives everyone brings to the conference—it really helps spark deeper conversations and connections. I find it particularly rewarding to present their stories in a way that reflects the rich cultural and academic diversity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Our History
A long-established tradition at The Australian National University, Asia Pacific Week was revitalised in 2011 when it transitioned into a student-run event. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary program, the conference has grown tremendously since its inception. It is a highly anticipated event not only in the university’s calendar but also within the Asian and Pacific academic communities. As countries pivot their focus to Asia and the Pacific regions, Asia Pacific Week has received increased attention from academic and political circles. The many speakers who have contributed to Asia Pacific week in the past include former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd, Australian foreign ministers, ANU Chancellor Gareth Evans, renowned ANU academics, and diplomats from around the world.
Highlights of the 2024 APW Conference
Multicultural Fair: Our vibrant Multicultural Fair kicked off on the first day of APW2024. The festivities include a Gamelan performance at the Hedley Bull foyer, courtesy of AIYA ACT and ANUISA. The excitement continued with an interactive PNG (Papua New Guinea) Workshop, where Deveni and Mahealani showcased weaving and string figures, and a Henna Workshop led by Natasha from Henna Fusion. This special project provides our delegates with engaging activities, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for cultures of Asia and the Pacific!
Language Taster Session: In 2024 we offered our delegates one-hour language class sessions, exploring Mongolian, Indonesian, Hindi, and Tok Pisin. Thanks to the language lecturers from the School of Culture, History & Language at ANU, participants were introduced to new languages and cultures, enriching their understanding and appreciation of our diverse world.
Women in Diplomacy Careers Chat: On the occasion of International Day of Women in Diplomacy, Asia Pacific Week 2024 threw back on the Women in Diplomacy Careers Chat. This is a special project led by our wider committee where we invited four amazing female diplomats from the Estonian, American, British Embassies/High Commissions, and the United Nations to share their insights and experiences working in diplomacy.
“Deepening Engagement: 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit” Panel: Joined by Professor Paul Hutchcroft, Dr Rahman Yaacob, Aristyo Rizka Darmawan, Teck Chi Wong and Elena Williams, this panel reviewed the 2024 ASEANAustralia Special Summit in March 2024. It covers into security relations, challenges and opportunities in ASEAN-Australia cooperation, offering unique insights into Australia’s Southeast Asia strategy.
What is the theme of APW 2025?
Through this year’s theme “Convulsion and Disruption: Changing Regional Centres of Gravity” we seek to explore how major geopolitical events and instabilities shift security, social and cultural engagement within the Asia-Pacific region.
When is the conference and how can I access it?
This year's conference will run from the 16th to the 19th of June, hosted in person at the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia.
Who can apply to be a delegate?
We accept applications from anyone who is currently a university student or young professional from all academic disciplines who are interested in Asia and the Pacific. Young professionals refer to anyone not studying full-time and is working. Delegate applications for Asia Pacific Week 2025 are now open: https://forms.gle/eopdkauEMRNPsQYTA. The application will close at 11:59 PM (AEDT, GMT+11), 4 April 2025.
What should I expect?
Engaging panels, practical classes in arts and cultural forms, Q&A sessions with academic professionals and chances to meet other delegates over snacks and coffee. Accommodation for five nights during the conference is provided by APW for all interstate and international delegates. APW provides all meals throughout the duration of the conference for all delegates.
Testimonials
Dantzel Tiakia
'Privileged to have spent the past week in Canberra at Asia Pacific Week 2024, hosted by the Australia National University. It's been a week full of learning, sharing, and connecting with some amazing individuals. I've left feeling enlightened, inspired, and empowered.
Kenzo Navarro
“ANU's 14th Asia Pacific Week was hands down, one of the best international conferences out there. It truly exceeded my expectations, and everything was just perfect. I'm very honored to be one of 60 delegates worldwide who were given the golden opportunity to be here. All sessions were very interdisciplinary in nature as it they touched on almost all of the current issues that the world is facing today.
From climate change to diplomacy and everything in between, it gave us such fresh and equal perspectives on what we can do as global ambassadors who can create a spark to challenge the status quo. I will definitely miss my friends and the new connections that I made at the ANU. We'll all meet soon on different occasions for sure! Thank you so much APW Committee for this life changing experience.”
Desmond Narain Doulatram
ANU’s Asia Pacific Week 2022 was a wonderful interdisciplinary event rich in academic discussions where learners, observers, lecturers, and culture practitioners weaved together the existing reality of the Asia Pacific region through the art of story-telling. As a lecturer at the College of the Marshall Islands teaching Pacific Studies and Micronesian Studies and as a PhD Candidate in Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific, I felt that this Conference was a nice opportunity to build my own understanding of the dynamics of the Asia Pacific region while opening up to new stances of interpreting the need for historical justice by practising greater cross-cultural empathy. I had the opportunity to observe this first-hand through Asia Pacific Week where I got to see this in action with young delegates, young professionals, and young academics displaying greater cross-cultural empathy making me more optimistic about our collective future.
Brianna Ruth Audrey
When I first saw ANU Asia Pacific Week 2020’s (ANU APW 2020) ad on YouthOp, I knew I had to sign up. My seniors once told me about their extraordinary week in Canberra, learning about Asia and Pacific regions more than they ever did during our daily classes. As I also have taken interest in the region, it became my dream to experience this event firsthand. If it weren’t for YouthOp, I would never know that ANU APW was still conducted, even amid the pandemic.
I was very happy throughout the event. I was constantly motivated to find out more about the topics discussed by the panel and delegates. I don’t think that I have ever attended a conference this lively and substantive. The committee was very wonderful, and the other delegates were very insightful and friendly.
It is safe to say that ANU APW 2020 were one of my 2020 highlights. I made new friends and gained new insight. I was also able to experience things that I could probably never have gone through if the pandemic didn’t happen.
Contact Us
For general enquiries please contact asiapacificweek@anu.edu.au
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