Asia Pacific Social Impact Leadership Centre (APSILC)

APSILC was established in 2008 through a partnership between Melbourne Business School and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. In launching APSILC, MBS sought to demonstrate how business schools can serve as positive change agents in their communities. The subsequent growth and success of APSILC has helped to firmly position MBS as an international leader in connecting business education with social outcomes.

APSILC is led by Professor Ian Williamson, an internationally respected academic, business leader and social innovator. Since February 2010, Professor Williamson has held the position of Helen Macpherson Smith Chair of Leadership for Social Impact, the first of its kind at the University of Melbourne and one of a few only in the world.

"Creating a social impact centre in a business school is a novel and some might say odd situation," Prof. Williamson says. 

"However, it is our belief that social problems, whether they stem from poverty, health care, education or discrimination are issues that impact all sectors.  Thus, to have an impact requires two steps. First, we need innovation. We simply cannot solve today's problems with yesterday's ideas. Second, we need sustainable implementation.  Social problems are not like business cycles. You cannot ride them out.  As such, cross-sector collaboration is key."

MBS Dean Professor Zeger Degraeve says that APSILC has exemplified not only educational and research excellence but also community outreach and partnership building across sectors.

"APSILC has spearheaded a range of important initiatives that develop the business capabilities of Indigenous Australians, boost capacity in the not-for-profit sector, and led debate on issues such as sustainable mining and business involvement in development aid," he says.

Frances Awcock AM, trustee of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust agrees. She says, "The nature of Ian Williamson's work and his achievements so far shows he has all the professional and personal characteristics required to break down the barriers between the more rigid elements of academia and the less structured form of philanthropy and the community sector."