Australia’s security, prosperity and economic future is linked to Southeast Asia. The Mekong subregion (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar) matters to Australia and we are working in partnership to tackle shared development and transboundary challenges to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

The $232 million first phase of the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) was launched in March 2020. Australia committed an additional $222.5 million to MAP at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024, through to 2029.

Australia is investing in the emerging leaders in the Mekong subregion by building human capacity through scholarships and masterclasses. We prioritise opportunities for women, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups to support more inclusive and diverse leadership.

MAP masterclasses are targeted short courses designed to deliver intensive training for pre-selected groups from Mekong countries. Leveraging Australian expertise in education and training, these programs are highly adaptable to meet the specific needs of diverse participant groups. The masterclasses aim to increase knowledge, foster people-to-people connections, and strengthen professional and institutional networks across the Mekong subregion.