Australia Awards Mekong-Australia Partnership

Australia Awards Mekong-Australia Partnership

MAP Alumni Professional Groups

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Alumni Professional Groups (APGs) connect MAP alumni across the Mekong to share expertise, build partnerships and collaborate on solutions to shared challenges. Bringing professionals from diverse backgrounds and sectors together, APGs create opportunities for peer learning, mentoring and alumni-led action. 

By strengthening regional networks and supporting collaboration across borders, APGs help alumni turn their knowledge, skills and experience into meaningful change for their organisations, communities, and countries. 

The APGs focus on MAP thematic priorities to improve water security and climate change resilience; prevent and counter transnational crime; enhance economic resilience and subregional integration; and support inclusive development for a more equitable future.

  • Climate Resilience APG

MAP alumni from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar have formed a group to promote climate resilience across the Mekong. Launched in Luang Prabang, Laos, on 30 June 2026, the MAP APG for Climate Resilience brings together 25 alumni from government, academia, civil society and the private sector interested in climate change and resilience.

The APG provides a space for MAP alumni to connect, share ideas and learn from one another while working on common climate-related issues in the Mekong subregion. Guided by a Leadership Group representing all five Mekong countries, members will work together to develop practical solutions and support climate resilience across the Mekong.

By building partnerships across borders and sectors, APG members are turning knowledge into action for a more resilient and sustainable future. The group has identified community forestry, climate-smart agriculture and climate policy as priority topics for the APG over the next two years.

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  • Meet the Climate Resilience APG Leadership Group

Fresh from the launch of the APG, the Leadership Group members share their reflections on the group. From key lessons and new connections to their vision for the future, they discuss what inspires them most about building a stronger, more climate-resilient Mekong subregion together.

Here’s what they had to say:

Ms Somountha Mith, Ministry of Rural Development, Cambodia
"I am excited about the APG’s capacity to bring new knowledge, facilitate the sharing of experiences among the Mekong countries, and provide enjoyable networking opportunities”
Dr Khem Sarak, Office of Deputy Secretary General of Senate, Cambodia
"What excites me the most about the work of the APG is that we aren’t just an assembly of professionals tackling the daunting realities of climate resilience; we are a regional community bound by the profound power of friendship. When we collaborate, we do so with the deep trust and mutual support that only true camaraderie can foster”
Ms Khonemany Innoukham, Swiss NGO Fastenaktion, Laos
"APG turns individual expertise into shared regional action on climate resilience and water security by helping translate research and training into real policy influence, cross-country collaboration, and locally-led solutions”
Ms Siriluck Thammanu, Royal Forest Department, Thailand
"As a forestry researcher, I believe that climate resilience depends on healthy forests, biodiversity, sustainable water management, and strong community participation. Through regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and nature-based solutions, the APG can help strengthen resilience and support sustainable development across the Mekong subregion”
Dr Boonwara Sumano Chenphuengpawn, Thailand Development Research Institute, Thailand
“What excites me most about the APG is the opportunity to learn from and work alongside a diverse group of committed professionals who share a common interest in advancing climate resilience in the region. I am particularly enthusiastic about the potential for cross-country collaboration and translating ideas into practical impact”
Dr Chau Thi Anh Thy, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Vietnam
"I look forward to contributing my experience in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation while learning from the ideas and practices of colleagues in other countries. I am also interested in developing collaborative activities that connect research with farming communities. I appreciate that the APG encourages practical action, includes different ideas, and builds long-term partnerships. This can make a positive impact across the Mekong region”
Dr Le Van Chuong, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam
"The Mekong subregion is closely linked in terms of natural conditions, ecosystems, and Mekong water resources. To address issues of water security, food security, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, adaptation to climate change, and development promotion, experts need to cooperate and act together”
Ms Htoi Pan, Shan State Kachin Baptist Union, Church-Based Education, Myanmar
"Because we are leaders now and willing to develop our region, we can make changes together. The APG’s networking and sharing as a continued learning platform excites me the most”
Mr Khin Zaw Tun, Myanmar
"I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to build lasting partnerships, exchange innovative ideas, and contribute to more resilient and sustainable communities in the region”
Dr Kaung Myat, Department of Administration, Myanmar
"APG converts a trusted, cross-border network into a powerful engine for localized, multi-sectoral climate action. Bridging the gap between high-level policy and on-the-ground practice, the APG unites diverse experts across climate resilience disciplines in the region"
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