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 which strives to empower delegates in their personal, academic and career journeys, and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and empathy to be young leaders.

When is it? How can I access it?

The Asia Pacific Week conference has concluded for 2022, after being delivered in a hybrid format. We welcome applications from delegates anywhere in the world! Please stay tuned to our social media and website for more news, plans and heartfelt articles.

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 community globally. 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 and Bob Hawke, Australian foreign ministers, ANU Chancellor Gareth Evans, renowned ANU academics, and diplomats from around the world.

Highlights of the 2021 APW Conference

Pacific Dance Workshop: Hosted by Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke and J’son Paulo, the Pacific Dance workshop showcased traditional dance styles from Samoa and Hawai’i, teaching the delegates how to cultivate an appreciation for the art form and develop their practical dance skills wearing traditional lava lavas.

Language Taster Session: This year, we were able to offer Hindi, Burmese and Indonesian which were taught by our talented linguist academics from the ANU College of Asia Pacific. Dr Subhan Zein, Dr Yuri Takahashi and Dr Christopher Diamond guided separate classes to learn the basics of these diverse languages.

Studio Ghibli, Disney and Beyond – Cultural Globalisation Panel: This panel was highly popular with last year’s delegates! Featuring contributions from Katerina Teaiwa, Dr Shameem Black, Professor Carol Hayes and moderated by Dr Ross Tapsell, this panel discussed the nature of globalisation within the context of cultural media manifestations that we all know and love.

Rebuilding a Region – Economic Recovery During Covid Panel: Moderated by Emeritus Professor Peter Drysdale and discussed by Dr Henry Ivarture, Dr Adam Triggs and Dr Yixiao Zhou we connected with the diverse and complex issues arising from the Covid-19 crisis from a variety of perspectives.