ASEAN-Australia Centre Short Courses build technical capacity and expertise among young professionals from Southeast Asia and Australia, in the STEM and resource sectors. This supports implementation of Recommendation 35 of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
The goal is to build a network of future ASEAN leaders with strong connections to Australia who will drive positive change in our region.
Applications for our 2027 Short Courses are now open.
We’re offering two courses aimed for early-to-mid-career professionals: AI and digital transformation (women applicants only) and Food Security and Climate Change in ASEAN and Australia
The short courses will be delivered by the University of Queensland over a period of up to 12 weeks.
Participants will then travel to Australia for a week-long immersion program.
Food Security and Climate Change in ASEAN
The Food Security and Climate Change in ASEAN and Australia Short Course will strengthen the capacity of 25 emerging and mid-career leaders from ASEAN Member States and Australia to design, implement and promote climate-smart, technologically enabled agricultural systems.
Apply via SmartyGrants.
AI and Digital Transformation
The AI and Digital Transformation Short Course will strengthen the capacity of 25 emerging and mid-career women leaders from ASEAN member states and Australia to navigate the opportunities and risks of digital transformation, with a focus on AI, Big Tech influence and youth well-being.
Apply via SmartyGrants.
Applications close: 4 October 2026 (11:59 pm AEST). Please note that applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Read our Short Course FAQs to find out more.
2026 Short Courses
In 2026, we welcomed 24 participants for the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security in ASEAN and Australia Short Course.
Over 7 weeks of virtual learning, participants heard from diverse industry experts, and travelled to Australia for a week-long immersion program in Queensland.
Participants saw bean and corn farming in action, and took part in hands‑on learning on climate‑smart livestock systems at the Queensland Animal Science Precinct. They explored technology for crop monitoring at UQ Gatton with the Australian Plant Phenomics Network.
We also welcomed 24 women leaders for the ASEAN’s Digital Transformation: Balancing Innovation, Integrity and Inclusion Short Course.
Over 12 weeks of virtual learning, participants unpacked topics including AI regulation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and youth wellbeing.
They then travelled to Brisbane for a one-week immersion, engaging with digital transformation experts and visiting Queensland’s innovation hub, The Precinct.
2025 Short Courses
In February 2025, we welcomed 22 participants for the Centre’s first Short Course on energy transition.
Participants had a week of online learning, before traveling to Australia. They met and learnt from industry experts at Wildfire Energy and Enduna Hydrogen in Brisbane, and SolarShare in Canberra.
In April 2025, 20 young professionals participated in our Women in STEM Short Course to build their technical and leadership skills.
The program provided hands on experience and promoted diverse perspectives to the STEM sector. Their time in Australia included visits to Questacon in Canberra and the Biorheology Research Laboratory and the Sea World Foundation in Queensland.
