Renowned global business leader and diplomat Michaela Browning receives honorary doctorate

RMIT University has awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business honoris causa to Michaela Browning, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to her profession and community. 

Browning was presented with the honour at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) RMIT graduation ceremony in Singapore yesterday, where 1500 students also celebrated their graduation in ceremonies throughout the week.   

With a distinguished career spanning both the private and public sectors, Browning's leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to fostering international relations align with RMIT's vision of being a leading University of impact in the Asia Pacific. Her career has profoundly impacted her field, distinguished by her extensive networks and political influence across the region.  

Browning is currently Partner and CEO for Asia Pacific at Brunswick Group. Her previous roles include Vice-President and Regional Head of Government and Public Policy for Asia Pacific at Google, and Consul General for Hong Kong and Macau. She has also held senior diplomatic and trade positions in the Australian government. She is currently a Prime-Minister appointed Australian representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council and holds various non-executive director roles. 

Browning’s leadership and commitment to fostering dialogue and regional relationships is reflected in the many board and advisory roles she has held across Asia-facing business, technology and development organisations. This includes work to establish and support humanitarian crisis and disaster response organisations, promoting digital transformation and infrastructure development financing, advocating for women in leadership, supporting veterans as first responders and enhancing access to high-quality education for Indigenous Australians and Australians living in regional and rural areas. 

Layton Pike, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement at RMIT, said Browning’s contributions had not only advanced her profession but enriched the communities she has served across the Asia Pacific region and Australia.  

"Michaela's career is a testament to her unwavering dedication and influence in advancing international relations and global business. Her leadership and vision continue to deliver real impact in communities across the region," he said. 

Browning expressed gratitude for the honour, reflecting on her professional journey that began in Singapore during the Asian Financial Crisis and highlighted the transformative partnership between RMIT and SIM, and the unique advantage of being in Asia. 

"RMIT’s partnership with SIM is inspired - future-focused, dynamic, and deeply attuned to the wave of industrial and technological change we're all riding. This region is not just a market, it's a mosaic of cultures, histories, and aspirations," she said. 

Browning also shared her career reflections with the graduates and emphasised the importance of continuous learning. 

"Embrace new opportunities and be prepared to change tack. Careers rarely unfold in a straight line. The most meaningful careers aren’t just about what you achieve, they’re about how you learn, how you serve, how you grow and who you meet along the way."

-ENDS-