New BHP Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University

Iwelcome the appointment of Professor Pookong Kee as the next BHP Chair ofAustralian Studies at Peking University. Today, the Foundation for AustralianStudies in China (FASIC) announced Professor Kee's appointment, which willcommence in Beijing in early 2019.

TheBHP Chair initiative, now in its sixth year, has raised the profile ofAustralian studies within Chinese academic circles. Through its activities, theBHP Chair has given more Chinese university students the opportunity to learnabout Australia.

TheAustralia-China Council, led by the Hon Warwick Smith AM, was instrumental increating the BHP Chair initiative, which is an example of Australian privatesector contribution to our relationship with China. The Australia-China Counciland FASIC work together to enhance and broaden the study of Australia in China.

ProfessorKee is a recognised expert on multicultural Australia and is well-known in theAustralian and Chinese university communities. Professor Kee will be based atthe School of International Studies at Peking University. He will provideleadership and academic support to more than 39 Australian Studies Centres atuniversities and institutes across China.

ProfessorKee is currently the Director of the Asia Institute of The University ofMelbourne. Earlier in his career, he held academic roles in Singapore andJapan.

Ithank the current BHP Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University,Professor Gregory McCarthy, for his contributions during his three-year tenure.