Rudd reveals vision for Asian Australia

Singapore, Aug.12 : Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has unveiled his vision for Australia to become the most "Asia-literate country" in the West.

In a speech in Singapore today, the Prime Minister pledged to boost the investment in the study of Asian languages and culture in schools and universities, The Australian reported.

"Australia's future will also depend on our ability to engage constructively and effectively with the countries of the Asia Pacific," he said.

"That is why I am committed to making Australia the most Asia-literate country in the collective West.

"By investing in Asian languages and cultural education in Australia's schools, my vision is for the next generation of Australians - businessmen and women, economists, accountants, lawyers, architects, artists, film-makers and performers - to develop language skills which open their region to them."

ANI