Message from the CEO
Jobs and Skills Summit
27 September 2022: The Jobs and Skills Summit was a timely platform to progress Australia’s focus on Asia’s growth and its importance for Australia’s economic future. The Summit and the development of an Employment Whitepaper are signature economic initiatives for the Albanese Government.
A series of roundtables were convened by government ministers to provide input to discussions at the Summit. I was pleased to be invited to the Asia Literacy and Skills Roundtable organised by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts to share Asialink Business’s perspective on this topic.
At the roundtable, I called out rising competition as a priority issue for elevating Australia’s prospects in the region. Many countries have worked hard on their Asia-engagement strategies and invested the time and energy to put themselves at the forefront of opportunities. In addition, Asian intra-regional trade now accounts for 60 per cent of the region’s total trade.
This presents a new set of challenges for Australian organisations seeking to expand into Asia as Australian employers must be able to draw on a talent pool with even deeper skills relevant to doing business with Asia. It requires an Asia-capable workforce - skilled in the business, cultural, and regulatory environments specific to each market.
Increasing the level of Asia capability in the workforce will enable Australian organisations to pursue opportunities more effectively in the region. The government and private sector must continue to invest in developing Asia skills and knowledge if Australia is to remain competitive in a region that will deliver two-thirds of the world’s growth to 2030.
Asialink Leaders Program
Delivering the 2022 Asialink Leaders Program Summit in Canberra last month provided a thought-provoking opportunity for our participants to connect with key experts and distinguished speakers. The program brings together outstanding leaders across diverse sectors and rapidly develops participant’s Asia capabilities. The program provides valuable insights, and access to expertise and training into how to operate effectively in a dynamic, complex region.
The calibre of guest speakers epitomises the program’s strong reputation. Leaders and officials from across international governments including Japan, India and the US, prominent print and broadcast journalists and Australian politicians and senior departmental officials engaged the cohort at the Summit. Access to such a diverse and influential group ensured a vibrant discussion with students and provided them with unique insights and perspectives on advancing Australia’s role in Asia. Applications are now open for the 2023 Asialink Leaders program.
Australia-India Leadership Dialogue
Earlier this month I attended the Australia-India Leadership Dialogue (AILD) in New Delhi. As a forum for informal diplomacy, the AILD is a cross-sectoral roundtable involving 50 delegates including business leaders, cabinet ministers and government officials, joined by thought leaders in academia, media, and civil society to address shared challenges in the Australia-India relationship and to explore areas for cooperation.
The dialogue underpins the Australia-India partnership and reinforces the high level of interest in the bilateral relationship. It was a valuable opportunity for me to engage with many government, industry and private sectors leaders and to share my thoughts on the growing necessity of Australia’s Asia capabilities as well as to hear what was on their mind. My key reflections include:
The opportunities for Australian business arising from a stronger relationship with India are not far off - the benefits can be realised sooner rather than later. Ongoing work will continue to develop the relationship such as building on the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. With India assuming the G20 presidency next year there will be even more short-term focus on strengthening Australia’s relationship with and understanding of India.
All of this reinforces the value of business preparedness to capitalise on the opportunities in India and why our success in building and connecting individuals and networks can help Australian organisations succeed in this market.
Executive Briefings on Indonesia
Asialink Business recently commenced a series of seven roundtables, forming part of a national series of Executive Briefings on Indonesia. These sessions bring together C-suite executives from ASX-listed and large private companies across states and key sectors. They build upon Prime Minister Albanese’s recent visit to Indonesia and the government’s Blueprint for Trade and Investment with Indonesia.
Each briefing delivered by Asialink Business provides practical and strategic guidance for large Australian businesses considering market opportunities in Indonesia for the first time. It is a privilege to be working with DFAT and our delivery partner KPMG in helping businesses understand the business, political, and regulatory environment in Indonesia.
To find out more about the opportunities for doing business across the region, I welcome you to contact us directly.
Leigh Howard
CEO
Asialink Business