ASEAN Ltd is a benevolent institution dedicated to promoting advocacy accessibility for CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse), First Nations, youth, and senior communities. Functioning as an umbrella advocacy platform, the Network has been officially registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) since September 2025.
The Network is authorised to conduct charitable activities across all Australian states and territories. Founded in 2021 and launched in 2022, the organization reached a significant milestone in 2025, receiving formal recognition through motions passed in the New South Wales Legislative Council.
Introduction
Our Mission and Values
ASEAN Ltd was officially launched at Parliament House in November 2022, hosted by Dr. Andrew Charlton MP and the Hon. Chris Bowen MP. The inaugural event featured a keynote by former Foreign Minister Hon. Gareth Evans AC, honoring the legacy of the Friends of Cambodia. Since then, we have grounded our advocacy mission in a cohesive approach centered on:
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Cultivating Compassion: We translate the legacy of Australia’s international peace missions into local action, providing a platform where vulnerable communities and young people lead advocacy efforts and shape a future defined by social inclusion and collaboration.
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Bridging Cultural Diversity: We honour our members' rich heritage and cultivate respect, trust and amplify cultural identity through a unified platform, such as cultural art performance.
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Advocacy Platforms: We bridge the gap between local communities and government creating sustainable pathways for representation at the national and state levels.
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Institutional Access: We facilitate access to Australia’s democratic institutions, empowering meaningful community activism and informed civic engagement.
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Recognition and Empowering Leadership: We celebrate the vital contributions of grassroots advocates of CALD, First Nations members, newly emerged young leaders through formal honors and awards.
Join our network
Our Constitution recognises individuals as Ambassadors and organisations as Community Representatives, each dedicated to fostering social cohesion. Choose the membership level that best aligns with your goals to enhance your skills, expand your network, and contribute to the broader community benefit.
Statements of Recognition
"I write to congratulate you on a very successful function at the Parliament House on 14 October 2025. So many VIPs, members of parliament, and my close friends like Philip Ruddock, Michael Kirby, and others attended. I acknowledge the hard work and innovation of you and the ASEAN members in achieving this success. It was a pleasure to be a part of it, and thank you for arranging a letter from Justice Edelman honouring me as the recipient of MKA and AFM.
Well done, Sawathey and the team!"
Dr Sev Ozdowski AM FRSN
Recent Highlights
ASEAN Ltd 3rd Community Leaders Summit and
2nd GAAT - Gathering of ASEAN Ambassador Teams
Launch of Michael Kirby Award
Launched on 15 October 2025, the Michael Kirby ASEAN Award is a prestigious, constitutionally enshrined accolade for advocates of ASEAN Ltd, eminent leaders, and tertiary students. By recognizing leadership that reflects our core values, we celebrate those whose actions strengthen social cohesion within our diverse cross-cultural and intercultural networks. The MKA was subsequently recognised in a motion moved by the Hon. Anthony D'Adam MLC and passed in the New South Wales Legislative Council on 12 November 2025.
Under the Constitution, award recipients are officially entitled to use the post-nominal MKA.
This award bears the name of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, honoring the former High Court Justice and renowned international human rights icon for his lifelong commitment to justice.
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Achievements in Numbers
19
Community Advocacy Platforms
20
Parliamentary recognitions
30
Years of Founders service to community
Events Calendar
Community Alliances
Burmese Community Development Collaboration Ltd
METTA Community Care Sydney (MCCS)
Lao Community Advancement NSW Co-op Ltd
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