Current research projects
The Asia Institute is distinguished by its active research profile. Faculty and graduate research projects involve not only aspects of our four target areas (Arabic and Islamic Studies, China, Indonesia, Japan) but also, and very importantly, Australia’s relationship to Asia.
A number of projects probe Asia-Australian relations as well as the lives and cultures of Asian migrants to Australia. Other areas of research include computer aided language learning (CALL), endangered languages, dialectology, modern history and various forms of Asian popular culture.
A selected listing of current research projects being undertaken at the Asia Institute is below.
| Name | Project title | Funding agency | Period | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A/Prof Sarah Rogers, Dr Trissia Wijaya | Strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG Standards and Practices for a Just Transition) | DFAT KONEKSI (Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia) | 2026-2027 | Monash University (Dr Xiao Han), La Trobe University (A/Prof. Brooke Wilmsen), and Indonesian partners (Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Andalas, PIKUL, and Unversitas Tadulako - led by Dr Ardhitya Eduard Yeremia). |
| Professor Andrew Rosser (AI), Dr Ken Setiawan (AI), A/Professor Kate Macdonald (SSPS) | Domestic States, Politics, and the Guiding Principles: Insights from Indonesia | Australian Research Council | 2023-2026 | Tom Chodor (Monash), Randy Nandyatama (Gadjah Mada University), Hasrul Hanif (Gadjah Mada University), Indah Surya Wardhani (Gadjah Mada University), Roichatul Aswidah (ELSAM), Indri Saptaningrum (ELSAM) |
| Dr Alexander Mitchell Hynd | Green Energy Statecraft Project | 2024-26 | UNSW, University of Melbourne (AI/SSPS), University of Sydney | |
| Dr Jihye Kim | Immigrant Entrepreneurship, Hallyu, and Cultural Diversity: The Korean Restaurant Business in Australia | Academy of Korean Studies | 2025-2026 | |
| Professor Mark Wang | Create networks to empower the Global South's global governance capacity and make China’s international development cooperation more accountable | Ford Foundation | 2024–2026 |
Strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG Standards and Practices for a Just Transition)
Project Summary
This seeding project seeks to establish a sustained and equitable research partnership between Universitas Indonesia and the University of Melbourne that is GEDSI-oriented and enriches public discussion and awareness of justice issues in Indonesia’s green transition. Our multi-disciplinary team will examine current Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and practices in three case studies – Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Project, Poso Hydropower Complex, and West Nusa Tenggara’s 100% Renewable Energy Roadmap. Through extensive data collection and analysis, we will deepen engagement with key stakeholders and work with communities, ensuring they are better placed to make interventions for more just outcomes.
Domestic States, Politics, and the Guiding Principles: Insights from Indonesia
Project Summary
Principles, and enhanced understanding of solutions to global governance gaps.
Green Energy Statecraft Project
Project Summary
Green Energy Statecraft is a new governance framework designed to guide and accelerate the transition to green energy and enhance national security in an era of polycrisis. The project investigates how Green Energy Statecraft can deliver economic, energy, environmental, socio-political, and military security benefits through a strategic and holistic approach to energy transition governance.
Immigrant Entrepreneurship, Hallyu, and Cultural Diversity: The Korean Restaurant Business in Australia
Project Summary
Employing theoretical frameworks of immigrant entrepreneurship, this study aims to investigate why and how Korean immigrants in Australia have become heavily involved in the Korean restaurant business over the past decade. Based on ethnographic research to be conducted in several major Australian cities between February and December 2025, this study will explore the various situational factors across socio-structural layers that have critically influenced the decision-making and management of Korean restaurant businesses in Australia. By examining these factors, the research will provide insight into how, and to what extent, Korean immigrants are integrating into Australian society. This is particularly significant as, in the past decade, many Korean immigrants have begun opening restaurants beyond Sydney and Melbourne, where most were previously concentrated. These cities now include Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, as well as smaller cities across Australia.
Create networks to empower the Global South's global governance capacity and make China’s international development cooperation more accountable
Project Summary
This project examines China’s growing role in international development cooperation, especially in the Asia-Pacific, analysing its impact on global governance, accountability, and power dynamics, and exploring how to strengthen the Global South’s capacity to manage China’s development finance responsibly.