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ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n knowledge of Asia in jeopardy: new report

Monday, 9 September 2002

At a time when ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is doing more business than ever with Asia, and at a time when the need for security is at its greatest, our nation is in danger from a lack of "Asia knowledge", according to a new national report.

The report, called Maximising ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Asia Knowledge, is being launched in South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ today (Monday, September 9) at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide.

Among those attending the launch is ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Mr Alexander Downer. The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s Chancellor, Mr Robert Champion de Crespigny, will officially launch the report.

Compiled by the Asian Studies Association of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (ASAA), the report cautions that ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s capacity to engage with Asia is diminishing, not growing.

It says ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s "Asia knowledge base" is in jeopardy at a time when economic globalisation and security concerns make it more vital than ever for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns to know their neighbours.

"Our capacity to do original research and produce new knowledge about Asia is declining," says Professor Purnendra Jain, Professor of Japanese Studies at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide and a member of the Executive Committee of the ASAA.

"ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s trade with economically recessed Japan has risen more than 40% in the last five years and we maintain a huge trade surplus with Japan. We also have vested interests in forming, nurturing and strengthening political and even defence ties with Japan. Yet there is only a couple of academics in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ who know the language, can do original research and build knowledge of Japan on issues pertaining to its politics, foreign policy and defence/security orientation.

"The report gives several similar examples of specific countries, countries that are not just increasingly powerful nations like China, but some that will have considerable impact on ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n policy by virtue of their geographic proximity. The Indonesian example comes first to mind here.

"The report takes a proactive stance in proposing a series of concrete recommendations and makes a particularly strong case for why this field of study is important to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥."

Where: Mitchell Building, foyer
ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus
When: 6pm Monday, September 9

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