New opportunities in Asia as Covid shakes-up key markets
Client-focus, building trust and bold thinking are the keys to success, says new Asialink Business CEO
20 October 2021: Asialink Business is delighted to welcome our new CEO, Leigh Howard, who commenced earlier this month. We speak with Leigh on why it is more important than ever for Australian businesses to step up their engagement with Asia.
Question: Australia is preparing to emerge from lockdown and re-open international borders. Why is it such a dynamic time in Australia's relations with Asia?
With Australia preparing to open its international borders, now is the time for business to start planning to get ‘back to Asia.’ And for those that don’t yet have Asia on the radar, it’s time to begin identifying and analysing the market potential, carefully weighing the challenges, and building the capability needed to succeed in Asian markets.
It’s a critical time in Australia’s trade and investment engagement with Asia.
The Covid pandemic has impacted all countries across Asia but in different ways. Rates of infection, vaccination and economic recovery vary significantly. Markets are emerging at different speeds and with uneven economic growth. At the same time, Australia is coming out of lockdown into a more complex regional landscape and geopolitical environment.
This upheaval presents both risk and opportunity. So, it’s a fascinating time where market positions will be reset for many years to come. Australian businesses can seize on this opening to secure long-term advantages over competitors from other countries. Conversely, failing to act may mean opportunities are lost for the long term.
Navigating complexity can be challenging without good advice and support. Asialink Business can smooth this process by providing access to Asian market and sector specialists, business practitioners, market intelligence professionals, and capability development specialists so that our clients can move forward on opportunities with confidence.
Question: You've been based in Asia for a number of years - what is your view from the ground of some of the key changes that business should consider?
Over the past two decades, I have lived and worked in many countries with large corporates, new start-ups, and in government. In this time, I’ve seen a maturing of Asian markets with an increasing appetite for premium products and services and also greater competition for Australia from other countries outside the Asia-Pacific.
The rate of digital adoption is also phenomenal.
Nations in the region are investing in digital innovation at a rapid pace. This is transforming businesses and enabling them to be more competitive and reach consumers globally. The pandemic has accelerated this uptake, especially in eCommerce, the digital economy, and the automation of supply chains.
It’s becoming clear that businesses that underinvest in technology and innovation will increasingly find it harder to integrate, keep up with change, and be competitive in the region.
Question: What are some of your plans for Asialink Business as the organisation’s new leader?
It’s very important that initially, I invest time in getting to know our organisation, our people, and our clients. Asialink Business is more than expertise about specific markets; it's our ability to engage, connect, and bridge relationships that provide value for many clients.
I can also tell you the fundamental principles I will be applying to our organisation.
First, I am very committed to the principle that we must adopt a client-centric approach to what we do. This means understanding our clients' needs and delivering on these needs as directly and efficiently as possible.
Second, I believe that trust is a precious commodity in doing business, especially in Asia, where the focus is very much on relationships and partnership for the long term. Trust comes from many places – including walking the talk and delivering on promises repeatedly over time. I intend to ensure that’s exactly what we do for our clients and partners.
The third principle that I’m committed to is challenging some of the legacy views of Asian markets that are outdated and hold Australian businesses back from accessing current opportunities. Now is the time to think deliberately and boldly about business engagement with Asia, including what we want to do and where we want to be both now and in the future.
Question: What are you excited about in the coming months?
Given the rate of change and the growing opportunities in our region, the work of Asialink Business is more relevant than ever. I’m looking forward to helping companies navigate opportunities and risks, build connections, and make informed decisions about what will help them succeed in Asia.
We’ve just commenced the selection process for the 2022 participants in Asialink’s flagship Leaders Program. This program is renowned for equipping leaders with the insights, capabilities and connections relevant to our region. So, I’m looking forward to getting to know our current participants and incoming delegates, and meeting more of our very loyal alumni from previous years programs.
I’m also looking forward to getting to know our clients and connecting with new customers to explore how we can assist them in growing their business in Asia during this dynamic time.