SEA Effect - Southeast Asian Australians connecting and contributing
A diaspora-led platform turning heritage into opportunity and connections into contribution for shared understanding and prosperity between Australia and Southeast Asia.
Join for free. Be part of the growing Southeast Asian heritage community.
Get updates on upcoming meetups, events, diaspora stories, insights, and opportunities to connect.
What we do
Community networking
Building bridges among Southeast Asian Australians through in-person meetups, cultural exchanges, and collaborative spaces with the wider community that foster belonging, connection, and shared purpose.
Impactful stories
Celebrating inspiring stories that showcase how Southeast Asian Australians shape Australia’s culture, business, and ties with the region.
Business connection
Creating pathways for collaboration between Australian and Southeast Asian businesses - leveraging diaspora networks to open doors for trade, innovation, and two-way partnerships that drive mutual prosperity.
Insights and Reports
Gathering and sharing community insights to inform stronger engagement strategies between Australia and Southeast Asia, turning lived experience into knowledge that guides policy, education, and cross-border collaboration.
Culture Connect Day 2026
SEA Effect Live - Brisbane 2026
Sweets & Sips
Many flavours. One community. In harmony.
Experience the stories, sounds and movement of Southeast Asian Australia - captured live in Brisbane.
Watch community voices and artists explore how heritage evolves through food, music, dance and conversation.
OUR VISION
We see a future where
every connection creates
shared prosperity and a sense of joy.
OUR MISSION
To connect people, cultures, and businesses across Australia and Southeast Asia, empowering diaspora community to create impact through collaboration, storytelling, and shared purpose.
Our guiding principles
Diaspora-led
We’re built by and for Southeast Asian Australians, ensuring lived experience leads every decision
Impact-driven
We focus on actions that create real, measurable outcomes for people, communities, and economies.
Bridge-building
Giving back
Inclusive growth
We connect people, cultures, ideas, and opportunities across borders to turn collaboration into action.
We create shared value so that progress benefits everyone in Australia and across Southeast Asia.
We honour our heritage by contributing to stronger communities and shared future.
Highlights
Subscribe to Newsletter
Join our email list to receive first-hand news on upcoming activities, diaspora spotlights, and community initiatives.
Past Events
Read MoreBringing a contemporary experience where Southeast Asian heritage meets today's Australia.
Read MoreJoin the upcoming Southeast Asian Diaspora Meetup - a friendly, casual gathering over coffee.
Read MoreJoin the upcoming Southeast Asian Diaspora Meetup - a friendly, casual gathering over coffee.
Our team
Leadership Team and Advisory Board
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SEA Effect Advisory Board Chair
Colin Power
Professor Colin Power, a renowned education leader, serves as Emeritus Professor at Flinders University and Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland. Formerly UNESCO Deputy-Director-General, he advanced global education and continues to support community empowerment through knowledge.
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SEA Effect Advisory Board Member
Betty Dang
Betty Dang, VP of Australian-Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, is a leading South Australian agribusiness specialist driving exports to Vietnam. She heads Golden BC , founded Aussie Pure and Fresh, and co-founded Betty’s Choice. Bett is dedicated to strengthen trade ties, connecting Australian businesses with regional markets.
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SEA Effect Advisory Board Member
Gemma Truong
Gemma Truong is an experienced creative producer passionate about fostering cultural connection through music, festivals, and community-driven events. She has produced major programs for BrisAsia Festival, and most recently Vivid Sydney, bringing emerging Asian artists to Australian stages.
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SEA Effect Founder and Community Lead
Celine Dang
Celine Dang is an international communications and partnership strategist with extensive experience in cross-border collaboration across Australia and Southeast Asia. A strong believer of community-led impact, she founded SEA Effect to unite Southeast Asian heritage communities and strengthen Australia’s engagement with the region.
Our team is more than just our leadership and advisory board. We’re also fortunate to have the support of our wonderful volunteers, whose contributions play a vital role in driving our community activities.
