Australia faces a challenging strategic environment, with its security and prosperity intertwined with the region. This report argues that to succeed in this new world, Australia’s leaders and institutions need a deeper understanding of our region's languages, cultures, histories, societies and economies. Asia capability is now a vital sovereign capability but this is not evident from what is taught in schools and universities. 

This report notes that while Australian statecraft in Asia has never been more active than it is today, the pipeline building the capability that enables it is weak. Australia's Asia capability has not been a whole of government priority for more than a decade. The Commonwealth currently sets no objectives, collects little data and does not seek to coordinate efforts across the Australian education system to build Australia's Asia capability. 

The report makes 34 recommendations for addressing this situation and strengthening Australia's Asia capability through the education system.