Literacy and capability

Victorians come from more than 200 countries and speak over 260 languages. At the last Census, one in every 15 Victorians claimed Chinese ancestry. As China continues to be one of Victoria’s major international partners, advancing modern understandings of China will support Victorians to effectively engage in business activity domestically and internationally, while also enriching engagement with our local communities.

Effective engagement with China depends on high levels of cultural literacy and a mutual understanding of history and languages. Victoria promotes China expertise through education, professional development, and cultural events. Across Victorian Government schools, Chinese remains the most-studied language, contributing almost 20 per cent of total language enrolments. Victorian school students engage with their Chinese peers through more than 80 sister school partnerships, and through dedicated programs like the Victorian Young Leaders to China and the Global Design Challenge China.

Victoria’s higher education providers play a crucial role in developing China expertise. China Studies is offered at many of Victoria’s leading universities, giving our students the opportunity to learn Chinese language and develop cultural knowledge. At the same time, Chinese international students remain an integral part of Victoria’s student population. Personal connections developed on campuses between local students and their Chinese peers present valuable opportunities for cultural exchange. Institutions such as the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies also facilitate China-related research, teaching, and engagement and help position Victoria as a hub for China-related expertise.

For Victorian businesses, China capabilities are key to capturing commercial opportunities. China’s business sector is large, unique, and diverse, and expanding a business into China can be daunting. Victoria is home to several civil society organisations that upskill professionals across various sectors including Asia Society Australia, Asialink, and the Australia China Business Council. Programs such as the Asia Society’s Executive Briefing series and China Primer program connect industry with influential leaders to provide updates on the Chinese market, and support professionals with practical knowledge on how to work with China across key sectors. Similarly, the Australia China Business Council’s China Capability Program provides Victorian industry bodies with necessary knowledge and insights to navigate the Chinese landscape through mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. Programs like these are also supported by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments to expand their scope and reach, including through the National Foundation for Australia China Relations, who seek to improve China capabilities through competitive grants programs and targeted training and capability initiatives.

New technologies present opportunities for Victorians to develop a deeper understanding of China. While the value of face-to-face communication is undeniable, new technologies mean engagement with Chinese counterparts to promote cross-cultural literacy can occur more regularly, embedded into the everyday life of Victorians. Victorian companies such as Meg Languages are delivering innovative models of cultural exchange, including cultural education programs that virtually connect Victorian and Chinese school students.

In an ever-changing geopolitical environment, the value of China-specific expertise is higher than ever. Through this Strategy, the Victorian Government will support continued investment in China capabilities to open new commercial and cultural opportunities for years to come, ensuring that Victoria remains the preferred engagement partner for Chinese industry and government.

Case studies

Goals and actions