Message from the CEO
11 May 2023: I am delighted to confirm that this week the Federal Budget committed $14.9 million in funding for Asialink Business as the National Centre for Asia Capability. The Federal Government’s announcement of renewed funding and a refreshed mandate for Asialink Business is a significant milestone in our ten-year history. It endorses Asialink Business as a key pillar of the Asialink Group, a national resource for Australian industry, and the vital role we will continue to play in helping Australia to realise its economic potential with Asia. Our vision is to achieve widespread Asia capabilities in the Australian workforce and equip businesses with the knowledge and skills to be successful. We look forward to expanding the scale and impact of our programs in the years ahead.
On behalf of Asialink Business, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our extensive network of clients, partners, advisory council and team members, past and present and acknowledge the support we receive from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the University of Melbourne for their vision and continued investment in Asialink Business for Australia’s future.
At this critical time for Australia’s business engagement with Asia, my team and I were thrilled to officially launch the Asialink Business Academy last month as part of a high-profile event in Melbourne with senior business, government, and industry leaders and supported by the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP. The Academy offers market-leading expertise in developing Asia capabilities. It builds on Asialink Business’ incredible track record over the last decade in delivering over 800 training programs and upskilling over 24,000 participants, equipping businesses with the skills they need to succeed on the ground. We look forward to working in partnership with businesses, industry bodies and government to build in-depth Asia literacy on the markets and sectors which offer the best opportunities for Australia.
The highly anticipated Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 continues to evolve and build momentum. We remain actively involved in supporting the Australian Government and Special Envoy, Nicholas Moore, through hosting consultations for economic engagement with the region in key and emerging sectors. I recently facilitated a Green Economy roundtable together with Mr Moore, with c-suite representatives from Australian Green Economy players, on the opportunities, risks, and challenges of engaging in Southeast Asian markets and factors that could lead to increased Australian engagement in the region.
In a significant boost for Australia’s relationship with India, the Australian Prime Minister led a high-level delegation of Australia’s top CEOs and university leaders to India, notably the first trip by an Australian Prime Minister to the country in 6 years. Whilst Australia’s trade relationship with India is well established and will grow further under the ambitious IA-ECTA deal, investment is the critical missing piece, with only 0.6% of Australian outbound investment in 2021 going to India.
To truly realise our economic potential with India, Australian businesses must invest in on-the-ground value-adding operations and explore new ways to contribute expertise and partner with local companies for mutual benefit. Boosting Economic Ties – India Australia Investment, an innovative new program by Asialink Business, aims to build awareness of the Indian market, broker connections between Australian investors and Indian counterparts and showcase investment opportunities in target sectors. With the support of foundation partners, the High Commission of India, Australia and the Confederation of Indian Industry, we look forward to engaging with c-suite and senior business leaders and the wider community on key sectoral areas of opportunity for investment.
Over the past few months, we have witnessed a thawing of diplomatic relations with China, our largest trading partner, and with China’s borders reopening, a flurry of delegations led by federal and state leaders, ministers and businesses have visited the market for the first time since the pandemic began. The operating environment for doing business in China has shifted dramatically in recent years. We continue to support businesses to ensure they have the skills to navigate this changed landscape, the rapidly evolving trends and rising competition through programs such as our China Digital Economy Academy Program.
Strengthening Australia’s Asia capabilities is increasingly vital not only to capitalise on the Asia opportunity but to remain competitive in a region attracting more global attention. I was pleased to welcome our newest cohort of Leaders to the 2023 Asialink Leaders Program, with participants joining us from across Australia and spanning nine countries, embarking on a nine-month learning journey to build their skills and capabilities to lead their organisation’s engagement with the region. The Asialink Leaders Program plays a vital role in helping Australia to navigate its place in the region - now and for the future.
As the National Centre for Asia Capability, Asialink Business arms businesses with the insights, practical skills and connections they need to be better informed and prepared to access opportunities across new markets and sectors in the region. At whatever stage of the journey you are at, I encourage you to contact us to find out how we can support your organisation’s growth in Asia.
Leigh Howard
CEO
Asialink Business