Photo: SBS

Defence Minister, Senator the Hon Minister Payne, said the initiative will bring together emerging defence and security leaders from ASEAN countries and Australia. One representative from each ASEAN member state will be invited to join the program each year and the cohort of successful students will all attend the same course.
 
“Commencing in early 2019, it will foster cooperation and equip ASEAN practitioners further in the field of regional defence engagement through a two-year Master of Strategic Studies postgraduate degree,” Minister Payne said.
 
“Strengthening ASEAN security structures promotes peace and cooperation in our region.”
 
“This program will be the first of its kind for ASEAN defence officials. It will see ASEAN’s and Australia’s best and brightest working together to share their experiences and develop their strategic thinking.”
 
“It will help us build our collective capacity to deliver sophisticated and effective regional defence cooperation in a dynamic regional security environment.”
 
“The scholarship exemplifies the new era in our partnership with ASEAN and strengthens Australia’s substantial and practical contribution to regional security and prosperity.”
 
This initiative builds on Australia’s longstanding, extensive program of bilateral cooperation with ASEAN partners for defence training and education.
 
More details about the program will be announced in coming months.