The University of Melbourne has appointed Bruce Gosper AM as the new chair of the Advisory Council for Asialink, Australia’s national centre for engagement with Asia.
Based at the University of Melbourne, Asialink works with governments, businesses, universities, schools and communities to strengthen Australia’s relationships across Asia and translate regional insight into action through learning programs, Track II diplomacy, business engagement and applied research.
Mr Gosper replaces Peter Varghese AO, former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and outgoing Chancellor of the University of Queensland, who held the position from 2021.
Mr Gosper most recently served as Vice-President for Administration and Corporate Management at the Asian Development Bank. He was also Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore and CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
The new council appointments, which bring a diverse range of expertise to Asialink, are:
- David Olsson AM, International Director, Mallesons
- Andrew Parker, Non-Executive Director, Singtel Optus
- Susan Gin, Founder and Chair, EWC Australia Community Engagement
- Penny Williams PSM, former Australian Ambassador to Indonesia
- Peter McMullin AM, President, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry
- Dr Meena Thuraisingham, Founder and Principal, BoardQ
- Sanjeev Gandhi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Orica Limited
They join Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne; Asialink CEO Rachel Thompson; Edgar Myer, Chair, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Investment Director, Yulgilbar Group of Companies and Corrina Bertram, Partner, KPMG Australia.
“Asialink plays an integral role in strengthening Australia’s engagement with Asia through building capability, cultural diplomacy, education partnerships and public dialogue,” said University of Melbourne Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis AC.
“With a growing national focus on Asia’s capability across business and government, the renewed Advisory Council has a vital role to play.
“I would like to thank Peter Varghese for his stewardship and the outgoing members of the Council for their service.”
Mr Gosper said he was honoured to take on the role.
“The region is changing quickly,” Mr Gosper said.
“Australia’s prosperity, security and identity are bound up with how well we read those changes and how seriously we invest in our own capability. I look forward to working with Rachel, the Advisory Council and the wider Asialink community to support that work.”
Ms Thompson said Mr Gosper’s appointment reflected Asialink’s ambition for the next phase of its work.
“Bruce has spent his career at the centre of Australia’s economic and diplomatic engagement with Asia,” Ms Thompson said.
“His judgement, networks and deep understanding of the region will be a tremendous asset as Asialink responds to the conversation about Australia’s place in Asia.”
