Empowering Future Leaders: Mekong-Australia Partnership
launches ‘Mekong Leaders Network’ For Scholars
6 November 2025
The Mekong-Australia Partnership launched the new ‘Mekong Leaders Network’ for Australia Awards Mekong-Australia Partnership (AA-MAP) scholars from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar.
The Mekong Leaders Network is a series of interconnected activities aimed at fostering connections among the AA-MAP scholars while providing ongoing professional development and networking opportunities throughout their studies in Australia.
The network provides a platform for the scholars to share professional learning, build relationships and networking opportunities. Scholars will be engaged in activities including the regional Leadership Foundations Workshop, Inclusive Leadership Forum and Leading for Regional Impact Workshop over the 18-month duration of their studies.
Upon the completion of their studies and returning to their home countries, the scholars will be part of an Australian alumni network. The alumni network provides opportunities to stay connected, access small grants, and collaborate on regional initiatives that put their learning into practice.
The 2026 AA-MAP Scholars are meeting for the first time this week in Luang Prabang, Laos, marking a new chapter in regional leadership collaboration.
John Francis, Regional Development Counsellor at the Australian Embassy Thailand said, “This network brings together some of the most promising minds in our region. By connecting scholars across borders, we are creating a platform that will strengthen leadership capacity and also support the generation of shared solutions that benefit all Mekong countries and Australia.”
He added, “Our support reflects a commitment to inclusive and diverse leadership. Equipping these scholars with practical skills and networks enables them to tackle challenges like transnational crime, climate change, water security and social inclusion.”
The Mekong-Australia Partnership reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to building human capacity, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting inclusive development across the Mekong subregion through scholarships, skills training and leadership development.
For more information, visit the Australia Awards Mekong-Australia Partnership page on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
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