PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 June 2025, Canberra - Ambassador Antonio A. Morales, together with fellow Heads of ASEAN Missions, called on the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr on 16 June 2025 at the ACT Government Office to deepen relations between ASEAN Member States and the ACT.

The discussions highlighted opportunities to enhance the ACT’s competitive strengths, particularly in education, health services, tourism, science and research, and the green economy in collaboration with ASEAN countries. Both the ACC and the ACT Government reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts that promote multiculturalism and strengthen connections with Southeast Asian diaspora communities in the Canberra region such as through the ACT’s annual National Multicultural Festival.

Ambassador Morales emphasized the Philippines’ strong interest in deepening collaboration in sectors aligned with Philippine development priorities. The Ambassador also highlighted the contributions of the Filipino diaspora in the healthcare sector of the ACT and suggested exploring collaborations in telemedicine and aged care training.

Ambassador Morales acknowledged the ongoing academic collaboration between ACT-based and Philippine universities, expressing hope that these partnerships would expand to include more scholarships and faculty exchange programs, and translate into increased post-study employment opportunities for Filipino international students. He also suggested joint promotional campaigns to attract two-way tourism flows from ACT to the Southeast Asian region. - END