Special Categories

Asia and Australia

Australian identity been shaped by and impacted by our proximity to the region and by contact with the peoples of Asia. Throughout Australia’s history, people from Asia have arrived on our shores as traders, immigrants and refugees. With them they bring new customs, traditions and beliefs that contribute to Australia’s shifting identity.

Over time, Australians of Asian backgrounds have enriched the fabric of our multi-cultural society and many have been recognised for their outstanding personal achievements.

In turn, many Australian artists, writers, journalists, adventurers and others have been influenced by Asian traditions, art styles, and writings. Many have wrestled with the ways in which the two cultures impact on their identity.

Notions of Australian identity are provoked and challenged through examples of the intersections between cultures, of pivotal encounters and of the experience of cultural hybridity.

Defining moments are often related through personal stories such as stories, biographies, art works and personal achievements.

In this category, students are encouraged to research moments in which Australia and Australians are connected to the Asia region through significant moments in history, personal achievements, artworks, and journeys.

Prizes

The Asia Education Foundation is offering prizes for students whose entries best describe the growing importance of understanding of Asia’s valuable contribution to Australia’s society, identity and future.

Possible approaches:

The following provides an overview of suggested approaches for students and teachers to consider:

Asia-Australia identity and achievements

Students are invited to

  • Investigate the personal achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin in our communities eg: Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian, Cambodian, Philippines, Korean, Thai, Burmese, Malaysian;
    • Examine Australia’s changing rich cultural heritage and identity through notable Australians’ experiences of Asian cultures;
    • Explore the influences and lasting impact of significant belief systems originating in Asia (eg Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam) and how they are celebrated by many people in Australia; and
  • Create a 2- or 3-dimensional representation of a defining moment or event that depicts the intersection between Asian and Australian identity;

Prominent Asian-Australians

Many Australians from an Asian background have achieved success and excellence in their chosen pursuits. Many Australians have experienced Asia through journeys and contact with Asian peoples. Develop a case study of an Asian-Australian or an Australian who has made a significant contribution to Australian society or whose development and achievements have been influenced by contact with Asian cultures. Here are some possibilities:

  • Politics/public life (Kirsty Sword, Khoa Do John So, Jason Yat Sen Li, Allan Wu, Thao Nguyen, Jimmy Pham, Mayor Harry Chan)
  • Economy/business (Bing Lee)
  • Social and community work (Khoa Do, Alice Pung, Tan Le, Thich Phuoc Tan)
  • Environment, science, technology, development (Victor Chang, Dorjee Sun)
  • Arts and cultural life (Simon Barker, Brett Lee, Janet De Neefe Ah Xian, Mari Hirata, Li Cunxin, Jessica Mauboy)
  • Writers (Sally Rippin, Nam Le, Shaun Tan, Alice Pung, Tom Cho, Dewi Anggraeni)
  • Media and entertainment (Lawrence Leung, Omar Musa, Annette Shun Wah, Indira Naidoo, Georgina Naidu)

Critical events in Australian History

Develop case studies of individuals or groups focused on:

  • Chinese during goldrushes, establishment of China towns in various cities
  • Afghan communities in Australia in the 19th century
  • Refugees/communities (Vietnam, Cambodian, Laotian, Korean, Burmese, Indonesians, Mhong)
  • Australian circus arts using Chinese acts and techniques
  • Broome pearl industry
  • Sikh communities
  • Korean communities

Resources

Asia Education Foundation website: www.asiaeducation.edu.au

Australia: Intersections of Identity: http://identities.asiaeducation.edu.au/default.asp

Asia Scope and Sequence for Studies of Society and Environment http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/for_teachers/curriculum_resources/history_cr/asiascopeseqhistorycr/scopesequence_sose_landing_page.html

Asia NZ online www.asianz.org.nz