 2014 was a big year at the ANU College of Asia in the Pacific. Here are a few of the highlights. January, the Strategic and Defence Study Centre is named best university-based think tank in Australia. February, Dr John Blacksland puts his new Aussie flag design to the test with an online poll. Here in Australia, we need to choose between a new design or being stuck with a faintly embarrassing anachronism. Also in February, staff move into the new Australian centre on China in the world building. We wanted a building that was reflected the requirements of research institution but also a place that was aesthetically significant, that had modern Chinese elements in it, but also reflected the ANU's position in Canberra, the light of Canberra, the beauty of this university campus. March, Robert Krebs' book Wild Man from Borneo is published. The book looks at similarities between people and orangutans. On almost all the tests of humankind, orangutans are there. They're not as clever as humans, but they do a lot of things that humans can do. April, Reese Crawley promotes his new book, Climax at Gallipoli. It focuses on some heavy myths that have evolved over the past hundred years and one of those is that Gallipoli was the main thing happening in 1915. Now that's not the case, it was really a small part of a much broader picture. May, Korean calligraphy master Kim Jong-yong comes to the ANU College of Asia in the Pacific. June, Desbole and Hugh White win their orders of Australia for contribution to the nation in defence and intelligence. July, we host a VIP from Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited the Australian National University as part of his historic visit to Australia. The visit recognises the university's long-standing and growing links with Japan. Also in July, just over 200 students from the ANU College of Asia in the Pacific attend a conferring of awards ceremony. When you've done your bachelor's degree at the best university for Asian studies, you've got to come back for your PhD. August, we speak to hundreds of visitors on campus at ANU Open Day. September, Susan Harris-Rimmer leads gender equality meeting at ANU ahead of the 2014 G20 summit in Brisbane. This is one of the first times ever in the world that we've had this type of discussion about investing in gender equality. Also in September, Joan Beaumont wins the 2014 NSW Premier's Australian History Prize for her study of the First World War. She later went on to also win the Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History. October, David Horner's book The Spy Catches is launched. The first official look at ASIO's secret files. In the same month, Crawford Schools' Peter Drysdale wins the Japan Foundation Award for 2014. And there was the ANU Nessia Festival, a showcase of cultural performances, food and real hospitality from the Pacific Islands. November, Bruce Chapman and Nicole Haley win Vice Chancellor's Staff Excellence Awards for their contribution to public policy. December, students visit Hawaii for ANU Pacific Islands Field School. Now that the holidays are over, we can't wait to get stuck into the 2015 academic year.