Asia literacy on Aussie agenda

Enhancing Asia literacy is thus a challenging task, evident beyond the two days. Frustration tested patience: haven't we heard this all before, this need to study Asia?

Let's get on with it … the refrain was palpable among not a few presenters and delegates, in language unapologetically colourful in the Australian vernacular.

From academic Professor Tim Lindsey to corporate consultant Tamerlaine Beasley, the imperative articulated by Rudd - that he "wants Australia to become the most Asia-literate country in the Western world" - is redundant.

The question is how best to get going on this. And why the study of Asia is raised solely from the perspective of Australia.

Overlooked - or crowded out by the scheduling - is Rudd's answer to the "why" question: how Australia best prepares itself for the Asian Century - to maximise the opportunities, minimise the threats "and make our own active contribution to making the Asian Century peaceful, prosperous and sustainable for us all".

Business is single-minded on the answer.

An Asia Literacy Business Alliance was launched in conjunction with the summit. Business organisations and companies representing some 400,000 businesses signed up to the alliance.

"Asia is becoming more important to the global economy," the alliance says in a statement. "Within 10 years, the region will have three of the four largest economies of the world.

"Increasingly, Australian business leaders see Asia as a growth engine. Many companies are consequently investing in ensuring their talent base is Asia literate, able to leverage opportunities and minimise risk in this new economy.

"Yet, Australia's education statistics do not reflect the growing importance of Asia for Australia."

Educators agree on the "crisis" statistics, with the alliance pledging preparedness to work with education to do something about them.

Alliance representative Heather Ridout, chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, joined delegates for lunch to press home the alliance message.