Launch of Australia-Malaysia Institute

I am delighted to formally launch the Australia-Malaysia Institute which will help support and build on the strong and vibrant links between our two nations.

Australia and Malaysia already have extensive links across a wide range of areas, notably in the fields of commerce, education and defence cooperation. It is my hope that the Australia-Malaysia Institute will reinforce and expand our mutual understanding and cooperation in these and other areas.

The Institute's programs include exchanges of young leaders, academics and media representatives, as well as cultural exchanges which are intended to enhance Australia's people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia.

The Australia-Malaysia Institute, together with the Australia-Indonesia Institute, has already provided support for the Crescent Moon exhibition which is now on display at the National Gallery of Australia. This exhibition offers the Australian public a wonderful and rare opportunity to appreciate the beauty and sophistication of the Islamic Art of our region. It is a timely and important contribution to the dialogue of cultures and civilizations that the Australia-Malaysia Institute endeavours to foster.

The Institute's Executive Committee is chaired by Mr Michael Abbott QC who has a lifelong interest in Malaysia, particularly in its cultural traditions.

Other Committee members, drawn from business, academia and the media, are: Mr Paul McClintock, Director, McClintock Associates; Professor Anthony Milner, Basham Professor of Asian History, Faculty of Asian Studies, Australian National University; Mr Bob Cotton, former Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia; Dr Wendy Smith, Director, Centre for Malaysian Studies, Monash University; Mr Greg Sheridan, Foreign Editor, The Australian; Professor Hock Lim Tan, Professor of Paediatric Surgery, University of Adelaide; and Ms Kerry Adby, Managing Director, Copernican Securities Pty Ltd.

I first announced the establishment of the Insitute last April during the visit to Australia by Malaysian Prime Minister the Honourable Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555