What we offer

Find out about the Foundation's various programmes and the opportunities they provide

News & Events

New and events

Read our latest news stories and find out about Asia-related events in your area

Resources

Find our education resources, research reports, quiz and Asia Media Centre

About us

Find out about the Foundation: who we are, what we do and who makes it happen

All opportunities

Discover the many ways we can help you experience Asia, from travel grants, residencies and internships, to Asia-focussed events here in New Zealand

Arts

Our arts programme helps New Zealand artists to experience Asia and brings Asian art to New Zealanders

Business  Opportunities

Find out about the Foundation's business programme and the opportunities we provide

Education

Discover the professional development opportunities we offer educators, our library of classroom resources and lesson plans, and funding support for Asia-focussed school events

Entrepreneurship

Our entrepreneurship programme supports emerging entrepreneurs in New Zealand to build connections and facilitate business relationships in Asia

Leadership Network

Find out about New Zealand’s largest group of young professionals with an interest in Asia, and the opportunities members have to experience Asia up close and personal

Media

We support New Zealand media wanting to pursue stories on the ground in Asia through a contestable grants programme. We also offer internships at selected media organisations across Asia

Research

Our research programme commissions studies that support informed public conversations about New Zealand’s relationship with Asia.

Track II diplomacy

We lead dialogues on strategic, regional and security issues with think tanks, universities and other partners throughout Asia

Sports

Our sports programme funds cultural experiences for sports people and groups travelling to Japan

News

Find out about the activities we've supported and hear from the people involved

Education resources

We provide a wide range of classroom resources so educators can equip students to thrive in their future with Asia

Research reports

Discover our library of research reports that look at the New Zealand-Asia relationship

Quiz

Test your Asia knowledge with this month's quiz

Asia Media Centre

The Asia Media Centre is our resource hub enabling New Zealand journalists to access expertise on Asia

Who we are

Find out about the Foundation and what we do

Governance

Find out about our governance structure and governance documents

Supporting us

Find out how you can contribute and support the Foundation's work

Our people

See our board of trustees, honorary advisers, staff and Leadership Network advisory board

Home Yasir Demirbas

Leadership Network members

Yasir Demirbas

Yasir is a Turkish-New Zealander, identifies as a Muslim, and calls Tāmaki Makaurau home. He is currently a senior advisor at the Ministry of Social Development following a successful spell at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

Yasir was awarded the Runner Up Young Muslim New Zealander of the Year in 2019 for initiatives furthering interfaith relations. In 2021, Yasir completed a Masters (Honours) in Community Psychology, exploring the barriers and facilitators associated with enacting our values.

Yasir is a qualified Turkish interpreter, plays football, and loves exploring Aotearoa’s astonishing backyard. He is passionate about serving communities, strengthening social cohesion, and championing ethnic diversity in leadership.