Navigating Political and Regulatory Risk

Join Tony Lombardo, Australia's Business Champion for Malaysia and CEO and Managing Director of Lendlease, for a discussion to equip Australian businesses with the capability to better understand and manage political and regulatory risks in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia offers significant opportunities for informed and well-prepared Australian businesses. Expanding into the region requires navigating a complex geopolitical environment, shifting policy settings, evolving government priorities and diverse regulatory frameworks across markets. With the right insights and strategies, organisations can anticipate change, manage risk and operate with confidence.

This discussion will share practical approaches to operating across Southeast Asia, including risk identification, stakeholder engagement, local partnerships, compliance practices and how businesses can leverage Australian Government support to strengthen their market entry and risk management.

Tony Lombardo, Australia’s Business Champion for Malaysia and CEO and Managing Director, Lendlease

Tony Lombardo has more than 28 years' experience working across real estate development, investment management, finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategy in Australia and internationally.

Tony joined Lendlease in 2007 as Group Head of Strategy and M&A where he led  number of initiatives including refocusing the Group's overall business strategy. In 2011, he was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer and played a key role in enhancing the flexibility of the Group's capital structure via a stapled structure as well as significantly broadening 

Mark Middleton, Group CEO, Icon Group

A radiation therapist by training and an experienced healthcare executive with a strong track record in navigating complex political and regulatory environments. Mark has led Icon’s expansion across Australia and internationally, including significant growth in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, the UK and China, working closely with governments, regulators and healthcare partners. Mark brings practical insights into managing regulatory risk, market entry and partnerships in highly regulated sectors, informed by his experience operating across diverse health systems.

Catherine Mudford, Acting CEO, Asialink Business

Catherine is a senior business leader with 20+ years of experience in international business, gained across developed and emerging markets. She has lived in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore and worked extensively across the Asia region from these bases. Her career to date has included roles on the client side and in consultancy, in the private sector, government and in the education sector. She joined Asialink Business in 2021 leading the development of a series of initiatives to equip Australian businesses with the skills to succeed in fast-changing Asia. This included launching the Asialink Business Academy in 2023 and the publication this year of “Asialink Leaders: 30 Years of Asia success” showcasing stories of business success in Asia and the capabilities that enable that.

Catherine is passionate about helping leaders and organisations build the awareness and insight to help them be successful as they work across borders.

Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026

Time: Arrival and afternoon tea from 2.00pm – 2.30pm. Event at 2.30pm – 4.00pm.

Location: Brisbane TBC

Submit your expression of interest if you wish to attend. 

As this is an invitation-only event, we will review submissions and contact eligible organisations with further details. Places are limited and we are prioritising submissions from Australian businesses with an interest in Southeast Asia. Expression of interest does not guarantee attendance.

We look forward to the opportunity to connect with you.

For any queries, please contact asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au