Virtual Hub: A purpose-built path for leaders in Asia and around Australia
COVID has been a catalyst for change, and with change comes opportunity. In 2020, as borders closed and social distancing demanded that businesses meet in virtual spaces, we were forced to re-think how we do what we do.
For the Asialink Leaders Program, this included creating a virtual learning journey that allowed emerging and established leaders to continue their Leaders journey, through live-streamed sessions, zoom meetings and local in-city gatherings.
While COVID was the initial reason for changes to program delivery, the benefits that this delivery mode provided quickly became apparent. The opportunity for leaders, based in regional and rural Australia and those based in-country in Asia, to join the program more easily resulted in scaling up our ability to help create a more Asia-capable Australia.
Recognising that an on-line delivery solution was a preferred pathway for some leaders, rather than a backup option, we further developed our virtual offering to ensure a purpose-built alternate pathway for Leaders based in Asia or in regional and rural Australia.
Reflecting on the key learnings from our earlier virtual experiences, it was key that the Virtual Hub do three things:
· Provide seamless and simple access to the program
· Deliver purpose-built events and content relevant to the unique needs of a virtual cohort
· Give Leaders a voice and build connections across the physical as well as virtual cohort
Seamless and simple
We have experimented with a variety of technology platforms and collaboration tools over the last two years. Our livestream platform gives a simple path to access the program and its resources. We work on commonly used video conferencing (zoom) and everyday tools for interactive sessions and informal communication and information sharing (WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups). To accommodate participants from different time zones, we set a ‘later than usual’ enabling added accessibility.
Purpose built
The Virtual Hub has a dedicated facilitation and support team to maximise interaction, engagement, and connection within the Hub.
“The Virtual Hub has created a space that allows leaders who are in the region or even in regional Australia to gain access to a program that would normally be unavailable for them.” Shiraz Engineer, Associate Director, Strategy and Capability, Asialink Business & Virtual Hub Facilitator
Elements of the in-person program have been re-imagined ensuring a meaningful experience for virtual participants. This included an exclusive welcome lunch and opportunity to meet the Asialink executive and the core program facilitation team. Purpose-built networking sessions are also included. Foundation Week gave our Virtual Hub participants the opportunity to connect with Ms Penny Burtt, former Group CEO of Asialink and now Head (SVP) of Public Policy and Government Relations APAC, Stripe to explore the challenges of building global networks remotely.
Build connections across the Virtual and Physical Hubs
A key intention of the Leaders program is to develop connections that help participants advance their Asia agenda. Building opportunities for leaders in the virtual and physical space to connect has been key. Our technology platform allows Virtual Hub participants to ask questions and share reflections in the room. Additionally, the seven-month program journey includes targeted capability building sessions and group coaching sessions that are for all program participants. These sessions allow the Virtual Hub and physical participants to make connections and extend their networks.
The Virtual Hub has created access to the Leaders Program for an entirely new group of Leaders.
“Based in Tasmania, physical participation of the whole program would not have been possible for me. The Asialink Virtual Hub has enabled me to participate in this prestigious program and meet some amazing leaders and mentors. There are also specific activities that are targeted to build rapport and engagement within the Virtual Hub community.” Harpreet Gill, Manager, Global Education, Business Tasmania, Department of State Growth (Tas)
We are thrilled that Leaders 2022 includes an incredible Virtual Hub with outstanding participants joining us from Japan, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, and across regional Australia. We look forward to extending and expanding on this. Our goal for 2023 is that there will be as many leaders join us from locations around Asia and regional Australia as we have the program in-person.
"Being based in South-East Asia, when I saw the Asialink Leaders programme offered a Virtual Hub this year, I jumped on the opportunity to be able to participate. Connecting virtually overcomes the need to be flying back to Australia every month to take part in the programme. Providing access to Asia-minded peers, no matter where you are in Australia or the region, is a game changer. The richness of thought that comes from my Virtual Hub peers, who are in regional Australia and overseas, is second only to the insightful sharing from the curated selection of experts that we were able to listen to. It has been a thought-provoking experience to date, and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to take part in it." Chris Williams, Consultant, Straits Interactive.
Recognising the advantages for many businesses of being able to access our programs virtually, Asialink Business now offers a suite of purpose-built virtual programs, including our Export Series, eCommerce Series and Cultural Intelligence Series.
To find out more contact Catherine Mudford, Director, Capability Development, Asialink Business