Message from the CEO
18 December 2023: As 2023 draws to a close, it’s timely to reflect on what a significant year this has been for Australia’s engagement with Asia. It’s also been a milestone year for Asialink Business as we enter a new era as Australia’s National Centre for Asia Capability with renewed commitment from the Commonwealth Government.
The launch of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 in September represents an important step in Australia-Asia relations. It highlights the potential for elevating Australia’s active participation in and contribution to Southeast Asia’s evolving economic and geopolitical landscape. I was pleased to join the Australian delegation, attending the official launch of the strategy by Prime Minister Albanese, coinciding with the ASEAN Summits in Jakarta. I was struck by Australia’s significant presence at these forums which signalled our commitment to the region.
In the lead-up to the launch of the strategy, we were delighted to host an important Breakfast Briefing with Nicholas Moore AO, Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, which attracted interest from the business community in Sydney and unpacked the key themes and critical sectors for Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia. One such area is the region’s clean energy transition. This year we made notable inroads into this sector with the launch of major initiatives such as the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our partners, Climateworks Centre. The program underlines our mission to provide a platform that informs and equips businesses with the capabilities to engage meaningfully with the opportunities in Vietnam’s emerging green economy.
We have also delivered prominent projects to boost Australia’s engagement with Indonesia, and I am proud of our active participation in transformative initiatives like Katalis and the Australian Public Service Indo-Pacific Executive Development Program. These engagements help foster our ties with Indonesia but also amplify the impact of the IA-CEPA, ushering in an era where businesses can thrive in mutually beneficial partnerships. It was an honour to meet with Indonesian President Jokowi as part of a CEO roundtable visit during his visit to Sydney this year.
With the world’s attention on India during its G20 Presidency and with reciprocal Prime Ministerial visits, the Australia-India relationship was elevated to new heights, putting India on the radar for many Australian businesses. This has created a window of opportunity that requires action for Australian businesses to capitalise on the significant potential with India. We have rolled out a series of Doing Business in India Programs to build the skills and capabilities of Australian organisations to maximise commercial outcomes in and with India. These programs are part of the Asialink Business Academy, a suite of 38 learning programs launched earlier in the year. In my capacity as a member of the B20 Taskforce on Digital Transformation, I’ve also been able to represent the Australian perspective on digital technologies as key enablers of sustainable economic growth.
Also notable this year was Australia’s evolving relationship with China, which continues to shape regional dynamics. The Prime Minister’s visit to China, the first by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016, coincided with a large delegation of Australian businesses participating in the China International Import Expo (CIIE). In the lead-up to CIIE, we were pleased to deliver another round of our highly successful China Digital Economy Academy Program, now in its 4th round, which has become the leading program for Australian SMEs and brands to build an in-depth understanding of China’s dynamic eCommerce market.
Importantly, this year has been one for the history books of Asialink Business as we celebrated a decade of helping Australia realise its economic potential with Asia. We hosted events to mark this milestone with key stakeholders and supporters. The first event in Canberra at Parliament House included a keynote from Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and attendance by a range of VIPs including Ed Husic, Minister for Industry & Science. In Melbourne, we partnered with Global Victoria to celebrate our 10-year anniversary with support from Treasurer and Trade Minister, Tim Pallas.
In the May Federal Budget, $14.9 million in funding from the Federal Government was committed over the next four years to continue Asialink Business as the National Centre for Asia Capability. This funding recognises the unique contribution we play in strengthening Australia’s economic and security interests in our region. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the University of Melbourne, and the Asialink group, for their vision and continued investment in Asialink Business.
As we enter a new era for our organisation, I am optimistic about the enduring role of Asialink Business in equipping Australian businesses with the essential skills and capabilities to do business in and with Asia. These skills and capabilities are vital to further boosting and diversifying trade ties for Australia’s future prosperity. We look forward to partnering with each of you, as we innovate, scale, and achieve even greater impact through our programs to build widespread Asia capabilities in the years ahead.
On behalf of Asialink Business, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our extensive network of clients and partners.
I wish you a joyous festive season and look forward to a new year brimming with opportunity.
Leigh Howard
CEO
Asialink Business