Curtin University’s expertise in the field of Chinese media has been boosted with the appointment of Professor Michael Keane.
Professor Keane has been appointed as Professor of Chinese Media and Cultural Studies at Curtin’s School of Media, Culture & Creative Arts and will lead research on the transformative role of digital media in everyday life in China.
Previously a Fellow at the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation at Queensland University of Technology, Professor Keane said his research focus at Curtin will be the Digital China project.
“The Digital China project concerns the importance of digital technologies as both China and Australia look to secure new sustainable economic models and to break away from reliance on manufacturing and extractive industries respectively,” Professor Keane said.
Head of School, Associate Professor Steve Mickler said Professor Keane’s appointment was an important addition to Curtin given his successful involvement with prominent Chinese research centres and global industry connections.
“Professor Keane is a leader in Chinese cultural and media policy and creative industries. His expertise is welcomed at Curtin as we look to further developing our collaborative research in Chinese media,” Professor Mickler said.
Fluent in Chinese, Professor Keane spends two months a year in China. In his new role at Curtin his aim is to build capacity in digital media research in China with a focus on how Australian arts, media and design businesses might find new opportunities.
“I am excited to be working in an environment with a forward thinking engagement with Asia,” Professor Keane said.
A prolific author, Professor Keane has written/edited 15 books on China’s media. He also publishes the bi-monthly research newsletter, the Asia-Pacific Creative Landing Pad Inflight Magazine, a compendium of critical insights on developments in and across Asia.
