School students studying Asian languages discuss why more young people aren't interested in learning about Asia and ways to rectify this. However, Asia New Zealand Foundation research – Losing Momentum – School Leavers’ Asia Engagement – shows more than half of New Zealand students do not see a link between Asia’s importance to New Zealand and their careers.
Fewer than one in 10 fit the definition of being “Asia-ready” – which includes factors like understanding of cultural perspectives and the ability to communicate beyond a superficial level in an Asian language.
More than half of school leavers feel they are not prepared to engage with the peoples and cultures of Asia here in New Zealand.
The Foundation has launched our Think Asia project in response to these research findings. Think Asia is how the Asia New Zealand Foundation is framing our various pathways for young New Zealanders to equip themselves to thrive in Asia. This work extends across all programmes in our organisation.
We have a lot of exciting “Think Asia” opportunities, including:
- For schools and educators
- Study grants to Japan for secondary and tertiary students
- Business internships for tertiary students and new graduates
- Postgraduate research grants
- School sports funding
- Our Leadership Network
#ThinkAsia is also a call to action to young New Zealanders that the Foundation promotes through its social media, newsletters, events and activities.