Asvin Phorugngam, Multicultural Engagement Coordinator from the Victorian Electoral Commission, will make a presentation on the VEC's perspective.

Asvin Phorugngam is a 2023 recipient of the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, recognised for meaningful contributions to multiculturalism in Victoria by promoting community safety, social connection, inclusion, cultural richness, and the economic benefits diversity brings to the state.

With 20 years’ experience in community and government organisations working in social inclusion and civic participation across electoral education, project management (use of collaboratively co-design partnership community engagement tools and design thinking in developing projects), social marketing (development of communication plans to include culturally-accessible communication tools, such as digital, campaigns, printed media and/or radio, collateral and translation to intended audiences), community development and education in HIV/AIDS (use of peer and adult-based principles), and health promotion (use of health literacy, health belief systems, cultural competence frameworks) to develop and deliver training and education to a broad range of audiences including general public as well as to specific community groups such as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and LGBTIQ+ communities.