The rise of Asia will be a defining feature of the 21st century. Yet the very notion of the ‘Asian Century’ has the potential to unsettle and even transform what we mean by public policy.

Recent discussion about the ‘Asian Century’ has focused largely on the content of future public policy. This is evident in the terms of reference of the federal government’s White Paper on ‘Australia in the Asian Century’, and is also reflected in current academic debate. By contrast relatively little attention is paid to the implications of the ‘Asian Century’ for either the construct of public policy (what we think policy is and what it consists of) or the conduct of public policy (how public policy is made and realised). These concerns are equally important for the construct and conduct of public administration, public management and governance.

The Public Policy in the ‘Asian Century’ conference invites all those working directly or indirectly with public policy to: •explore theoretical and conceptual developments in the field; •consider the practical implications of the ‘Asian Century’ for policy makers and practitioners in different spaces and places •join a group of international scholars, policy makers and practitioners to engage with thought leaders on key issues •generate learning, discussion and debates to shape the future of public policy in the ‘Asian Century’.

Join national and international academics, policy makers, practitioners, students, non-profit and private sector representatives as we discuss and debate the implications of the ‘Asian Century’ for how public policy is made, managed and governed.

For details, visit: http://public-policy.unimelb.edu.au/content/public-policy-%E2%80%98asian-century%E2%80%99-advancing-opportunities-meeting-challenges-preparing-change-0