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This exciting initiative evolved from the participation of graduates of the Victorian Alpine School in the Johore International Student Leaders conference held in Johore in March this year. Following this conference, the Alpine School was identified as a potential venue for future youth leadership programs by the Johore Education Department. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) recognised this program as an important opportunity to engage with countries in the Asia Pacific region and together with the Australia Malaysia Institute provided funding and logistical support for the program. The Program catered for 15 students from different schools in Johore and 15 Victorian students from 5 schools that have sister school relationships in Malaysia.
 * Australian Malaysian Alpine Youth Leadership Program - March 2011 **

** Johore Student Leaders Conference - February 2011 ** In February 2011 an invitation was extended by the Johore Education Department, Ministry of Education, Malaysia to the Department for a delegation of students and teachers to represent Australia at the Johore International Student Leaders Conference on 22 -25 March. The topic of the conference **Student Leaders in the face of Global Diversity** focused on youth leadership in an increasingly globalised world. Eight students and Two teachers from schools participating in the Malaysia Victoria Sister School program were selected to participate in this Conference. Maffra Secondary College, Lalor Secondary, Wallan Secondary College, Fountain Gate Secondary College, Rosebud Secondary College and Minaret College, Springvale were represented. Students from Maffra College, Lalor College and Wallan Secondary College presented at the Conference. The conference was attended by 350 young people from 10 countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Oman, Australia, South Africa and Korea Further information on the Conference can be found on: web.me.com/jslc/Johore_International_Student_Leaders_Conference_2011/Johore_ International_Student_Leaders_Conference_2011, Johore Bahru, Malaysia.html

** Talkback Classroom- 2010/2011 ** The above program developed from the participation in 2010 two Victorian students in the Talkback Classroom project. This project provides a forum for senior secondary school students to record interviews for broadcast with key decision makers and opinion shapers. The students travelled to Malaysia to work with Malaysian secondary school students to undertake an investigation into the theme of **Education in the 21st Century**. One of the students Emily Deague Hall was from **Eltham High School**. The students met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Malaysia. A reciprocal visit by two Malaysian students occurred in March 2011. The students met with the Hon Martin Dixon, Minister for Education and discussed **Asian Literacy**. Past forums can be accessed on: [|www.nma.gov.au/education/talkback_classroom/forums/index.html] and students blogs for last year’s project on [|www.talkbackclassroom.com.au]