Nobel Peace Prize laureate and internationally acclaimed journalist Maria Ressa delivered the 2025 Southeast Asia Oration at the University of Melbourne last night.
The Oration welcomed a diverse audience of policymakers, academics, journalists and civil society leaders. Ms Ressa's keynote address focused on the urgent need to protect press freedom and democratic institutions in Southeast Asia, highlighting the role of independent journalism in countering disinformation and authoritarianism.
"Without facts, you can't have truth. Without truth, you can't have trust. And without these three, we lose our shared reality," Ms Ressa said.
"This is a battle for the soul of our societies. One that demands courage, clarity, and sacrifice. What are you willing to give up for the truth? Because the future of democracy depends on our ability to resist impunity, embrace our fear, and build communities of action. Journalism is not just a profession, it's an antidote to tyranny."
Following Ms Ressa's Oration, a panel of experts explored the intersection of media, democracy and regional diplomacy. The discussion, moderated by Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, featured Laura Tingle, the ABC's Global Affairs Editor; Nicholas Coppel, author of Myanmar's Digital Coup and President of the Australia Myanmar Institute; and Dr Ken Setiawan, Senior Lecturer in Indonesian Studies at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
The panel addressed the implications of digital authoritarianism, the role of civil society and Australia's engagement with democratic movements in Southeast Asia.
Professor Wesley emphasised the importance of convening such conversations, "Maria Ressa's address powerfully illuminates the deep connections between freedom of expression, regional stability and the future of democracy in Southeast Asia. At the University of Melbourne, we support these important conversations by encouraging academic freedom, facilitating open dialogue, and working with our regional partners to better understand and address the challenges facing our societies."
Martine Letts, Group CEO of Asialink, reflected on the significance of the event, "The Southeast Asia Oration deepens understanding and engagement with the complex realities facing Southeast Asia today. Asialink is proud to amplify voices like Maria Ressa's that challenge us to think critically and act collaboratively to build more resilient, open and inclusive societies."
The Southeast Asia Oration is a collaborative initiative presented by Asialink and the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne, with support from the ASEAN Australia Centre. Through this annual event, regional leaders and experts come together to share insights and foster meaningful dialogue, deepening understanding of critical political, social, and cultural issues, and strengthening networks for positive change throughout the region.
