The Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies at SFU is a partnership with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. The goal of the Centre is to carry out research, outreach and training activities on business issues that are relevant to Canada's interests in the Asia Pacific region. The initial focus of the Centre is on:

• Canada Asia Mutual Investments
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

The Centre was named to recognize Jack Austin's exceptional contribution to Canada-Asia relations. Austin has championed stronger relations between Canada and Asia since 1971, when as deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Resources he was part of the first Canadian trade mission to China. He served as president of the Canada China Business Council for seven years and co-chair of the Canada China Legislative Association for five. He was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada in 1984 and in creating an endowment for the foundation in 2005. Austin was a member of the Senate of Canada for 32 years, representing British Columbia. He retired in March 2007.