South and Southeast Asia (SSG)

There is a major opportunity to grow two-way tourism between Australia and Southeast Asia. Geographical proximity, people-to-people links, education, and unique cultural and natural environment offerings all reinforce the attractions of two-way travel.

Australia's education sector is a national asset in our engagement with Southeast Asia. It has been integral to building enduring relationships and economic prosperity with the region. Over the past 20 years, over half a million Southeast Asian students have studied in Australia.

By 2040, Southeast Asia will need US$3 trillion in infrastructure investment to keep pace with economic and demographic changes and to close infrastructure gaps.

Australia is invested, engaged and committed to Southeast Asia. The Australian Government has made deepening our engagement with the region a priority.

Australia sees ASEAN at the centre of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, where sovereignty is respected, and all countries benefit from strategic balance. 

Ponlok Chomnes is an AUD 5.8 million four-year program (March 2019 - June 2023) that aims to strengthen the capacity of knowledge sector institutions to undertake quality research that informs public policy analysis and dialogue

The Australia-Indonesia Institute 2021-22 grants round supports 13 recipients to build on the Australian Government’s commitment to partnering and engaging with Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia and the countries of the Mekong subregion share a vision for an open, inclusive, secure and prosperous region. We are longstanding and committed neighbours and partners, with a robust economic relationship and deep government and people connections.

DFAT is committed to upholding ASEAN centrality, including through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, supporting the Mekong subregion and over $500 million in new ODA and non-ODA initiatives announced at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand and Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia agree to elevate the existing bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.