Australia-Korea Business Council

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting

We are pleased to announce that Professor Deanna D'Alessandro, Director of the Net Zero Institute at the University of Sydney, will be speaking at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC)-Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

Deanna will participate in the Joint Meeting breakout session on R&D Collaboration and Emerging Opportunities, bringing deep expertise in materials science and zero emissions technologies.

As the Director of the University of Sydney’s Net Zero Institute (NZI), Deanna leads multidisciplinary efforts to accelerate Australia’s transition to low‑ and zero‑emissions technologies. She is also a Professor of Chemistry in the School of Chemical & Bimolecular Engineering. The NZI brings together more than 280 researchers to deliver practical climate solutions in collaboration with industry, government and communities. A chemist by training, Deanna is recognised for her scientific contributions to advanced materials known as Metal‑Organic Frameworks, with applications in direct air capture and next‑generation clean‑energy systems.

We are also pleased to recognise the University of Sydney - Net Zero Institute as a Silver Partner of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting and the host of the Networking Lounge, reflecting their commitment to advancing Australia–Korea cooperation in carbon capture and clean energy transition.

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide, South Australia
🔗 Register now to join Deanna D'Alessandro and other senior leaders shaping the future of the Australia–Korea economic partnership. Complimentary registrations are available for eligible AKBC members, depending on membership tier. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📩 🇦🇺🇰🇷⁠ Not yet a member? Reach out to Hayley, our Head of Memberships via email [email protected] or book a meeting directly with her 👇 ⁠https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/0e638ca494e3417d9584043a1933d32b%40akbc.com.au?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

📣 Final opportunity to register - AKBC Member Benefit📣

With registrations closing soon, do not miss the opportunity to join Korean business and government leaders at the Korea–NSW Business Forum.

This members-only gathering provides a valuable platform to strengthen Australia–Korea business connections, gain practical market insights, and engage in conversations that can lead to meaningful partnerships and commercial outcomes.

The forum comes at a pivotal time for organisations seeking to better understand the opportunities and challenges shaping the Korea–Australia economic relationship. Attendees will hear directly from government and industry leaders on:
🔹 Economic Update – Australia and the world
🔹 NSW Planning and Development Assessment Framework
🔹 Korea's perspective on investment opportunities in Australia
🔹 Practical insights into doing business in Australia
Gain first-hand insights from organisations actively shaping investment, trade and business engagement across the Australia–Korea corridor, helping your organisation stay informed and identify emerging opportunities.

Detailed agenda is also available on the website.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
🕒 Time: 10.00AM – 1.00PM AEST
📍 Location: Strangers' Room, Parliament of New South Wales, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Lunch is included for this event. Check our website for the detailed agenda. Please note this event is invitation-only. Registration is open to invited guests and AKBC members only.
Register now 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/2026-korea-nsw-business-forum-185633/

For those looking to build on the connections and insights gained at the Korea–NSW Business Council event, AKBC's Mastering the Korean Landscape online training on 5 August offers practical guidance on navigating Korean business culture, understanding decision-making processes, and building long-term business relationships with Korean stakeholders.
Register now 👉https://akbc.glueup.com/event/how-to-conduct-effective-meetings-with-korean-stakeholders-175092/ -more

This week, AKBC attended the All Chambers Networking Event at International Chamber House (ICH) in Melbourne, connecting with representatives from across Melbourne’s international chamber network. The event brought together chambers and business leaders to strengthen relationships, exchange insights and explore opportunities for collaboration across the international business community.

As one of the many international chambers based at ICH, AKBC values the opportunity to collaborate with fellow chamber organisations and contribute to a vibrant network that supports globally connected businesses. An initiative of the Victorian Government, ICH provides a unique environment for chambers to connect, exchange ideas, share insights and strengthen international business engagement across Victoria.

A sincere thank you to the FACCI - French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Sofitel Melbourne On Collins for co-hosting the event and creating an excellent platform for meaningful connections and conversation.

Events like these highlight the value of cross-chamber collaboration in supporting stronger international business engagement and helping organisations build trusted networks across markets.

We are proud to work alongside our fellow chambers and partners to strengthen international business connections, foster collaboration and support opportunities across the Australia–Korea corridor and beyond.
🔹Australia China Business Council
🔹Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia - Melbourne Inc.
🔹AmCham Australia
🔹German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
🔹Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry
🔹Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
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📩 Events like this reflect the value of strong business networks and international collaboration. To learn more about AKBC membership and opportunities to engage with the Australia–Korea business community, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.akbc.com.au/become-member.

📢 EVENT 📢

Doing business with Korean organisations requires more than understanding etiquette. The ability to navigate meetings, decision-making processes and relationship-building can have a direct impact on commercial outcomes.

Join AKBC's upgraded Mastering the Korean Landscape training and gain practical insights to help you engage more effectively with Korean stakeholders, build trust and strengthen business relationships.

In 45 minutes, you will gain practical insights into:
✅ Advanced fundamentals of Korean business culture
✅ How to conduct effective meetings with Korean stakeholders
✅ Decision-making processes and hierarchy
✅ Business card etiquette and professional introductions
✅ Communicating confidently in English
✅ The cultural significance of gift-giving
✅ Building long-term trust and relationships

This session will equip you with the tools to navigate cultural nuances and foster successful, respectful business interactions with Korean partners.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
🕒 Time: 1.00PM - 2.00PM AEST
📍 Location: Virtual
💡 Price: FREE for AKBC Members | $45 + GST for non-members
👉 Spots are limited—register now to secure your place: https://akbc.glueup.com/event/how-to-conduct-effective-meetings-with-korean-stakeholders-175092/ -more

For organisations attending the 47th AKBC-KBC Joint Meeting in Adelaide, this training also provides practical guidance to help you maximise the value of your engagements with Korean delegates and stakeholders.

🎟️ Not yet registered for the Joint Meeting? Secure your place at Australia's premier Korea-focused business event and connect with senior leaders from across the Australia–Korea corridor. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

🌟 AKBC welcomes Exant Advisory! 🌟⁠

Exant Advisory is a relationship-focused firm, combining over 40 years’ experience with new thinking to deliver practical, tailored solutions across accounting, audit, business advisory and business consulting, corporate finance, HR & IR consulting, outsourcing, superannuation, tax and wealth management. With 14 partners and more than 160 professionals, Exant Advisory collaborates closely with clients to develop bespoke strategies, drawing on our deep expertise and forward-looking approach.

Exant Advisory prioritises people and relationships, investing in the ongoing success of our clients, our team, and the wider community.

With the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting fast approaching in Adelaide on 1–2 September, Exant Advisory joins the network at an exciting time. The Joint Meeting will bring together senior Australian and Korean business and government leaders, providing valuable opportunities to build connections, explore new opportunities and strengthen engagement across the Australia–Korea corridor.
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Welcome aboard, Exant Advisory! ✨⁠
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🇦🇺🇰🇷⁠ Interested in learning more about the Australia-Korea Business Council and becoming a member? Reach out to Hayley, our Head of Memberships via email [email protected] or book a meeting directly with her 👇
⁠https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/0e638ca494e3417d9584043a1933d32b%40akbc.com.au?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

⏰ Secure early-bird tickets for the 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting before Friday, 31 July 2026. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

🤝 Connect with senior decision-makers from Australia and Korea at the 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting.

Key discussion areas include:
🔹 Future Opportunities in Steel, Battery Materials and Critical Minerals
🔹 Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation and Accelerating AI inthe Australia–Korea Energy Transition
🔹 Defence, Space and Shipbuilding Collaboration
🔹 R&D Collaboration and Emerging Opportunities
🔹 Australia–Korea Partnership – Where to Next?

Under the theme of ‘Trusted Partners in a Changing World’, the Joint Meeting is designed to help participants identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships and get deals done across the Australia–Korea corridor.

Register now and make the most of your attendance by:
🔹Build relationships across a broader range of Australian and Korean stakeholders;
🔹Increase visibility across networking functions and business meetings while attending concurrent breakout sessions;
🔹Access a wider range of insights and market intelligence from across the program;
🔹Extend the value of your organisation's participation through broader stakeholder engagement and follow-up opportunities.

💡 Looking to bring a larger delegation? Become a Joint Meeting Partner to access additional delegate entitlements and elevate your organisation's profile. Existing AKBC members can also unlock additional tickets by upgrading to Gold Membership or above.

Secure additional member tickets at the early-bird rate of $2,000 + GST before Friday, 31 July 2026. From 1 August 2026, the price will increase to $2,500 + GST per ticket 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/tickets-and-pricing.html

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia
🎫 Access to the Joint Meeting is exclusive to AKBC members. Attendance is not open to non-members, with complimentary and additional tickets available to member organisations only.

Not yet an AKBC member? Welcome Dinner tickets are available separately and can be purchased by both AKBC members and non-members. 👉https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-welcome-dinner-185867/

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting

We are pleased to announce that Jane Burton, Project Director of the CarbonNet Project, will be speaking at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC)-Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

Jane will participate in the Joint Meeting breakout session focused on Energy and the Australia-Korea partnership, bringing over 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors, including 14 years in senior executive roles within government.

As Project Director, Jane leads all aspects of the CarbonNet Project. Established in 2009, the project’s objective is to enable large-scale emissions reduction through two permitted world-class geological storage sites in the Gippsland Basin, Pelican and Kookaburra. Together these sites have capacity to store over 350 million tonnes of CO₂. Her career spans industrial chemistry, research and development, regional economic development, and land-use planning.

We are also pleased to recognise the CarbonNet Project as a Silver Partner of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting, reflecting their commitment to advancing Australia–Korea cooperation in carbon capture and clean energy transition.

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide, South Australia
🔗 Register now to join Jane Burton and other senior leaders shaping the future of the Australia–Korea economic partnership. Complimentary registrations are available for AKBC members, depending on membership tier. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📩 Not yet an AKBC member? Contact us at [email protected] to discuss membership options and opportunities to participate in this year's Joint Meeting.

🤝 AKBC in Action 🤝

🌏 Last week, AKBC's Head of Growth, Michael Hasten, represented the Australia–Korea Business Council in Sydney at the Australia–Korea Economic and Business Engagement: A Strategic Workshop on Challenges and Opportunities.

Hosted by the Australia-Korea Foundation and AKBC member the University of Sydney, the workshop brought together leaders from business, government and academia to examine the future of the Australia–Korea relationship and identify opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic engagement.

During the workshop, Michael shared AKBC's perspective on the Australia–Korea relationship and the role of business in supporting deeper bilateral cooperation, investment and commercial partnerships.

He joined a distinguished group of speakers, including Professor Doowon Lee and Associate Professor Jaerim Choi from Yonsei University, Kenneth Hong from H & H Lawyers, and Eugene Cha, Managing Director of CJ Foods Oceania exploring the economic, commercial and strategic dimensions of the bilateral relationship.

Discussions highlighted the importance of trusted networks and practical business engagement as both countries respond to shared priorities, including the energy transition, supply chain resilience, economic transformation and Korea’s soft power and cultural influence.

AKBC is proud to contribute to substantive conversations that help shape the future of the Australia–Korea relationship and create new opportunities for collaboration across industry, government and academia.

Thank you to the Australia-Korea Foundation, the University of Sydney and Professor David Kim for convening the workshop and bringing together a diverse group of contributors committed to advancing Australia–Korea engagement.

📩 Interested in engaging with Australia's leading Australia–Korea business network? Contact [email protected] or visit our website to learn more about AKBC membership opportunities. https://www.akbc.com.au/become-member

🤝 AKBC in Action 🤝

🌏 It’s been a busy period for AKBC, not only across our events, but also through a range of external engagements and international programs. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

Last week, Liz Griffin and Jenny Kang attended the Carbon Capture APAC Summit, where discussions highlighted the growing momentum behind carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) across the Asia-Pacific region. It was encouraging to see AKBC members contributing to the conversation, including Low Emission Technology Australia, Chevron Australia, Woodside Energy and CarbonNet.

A few themes stood out throughout the summit
🔹Building regional CCUS value chains will be critical. Cross-border collaboration between countries such as Australia, Korea, Japan and Singapore will be essential, particularly as many countries have limited domestic CO₂ storage capacity.
🔹Scale matters. As projects move from pilot to commercial deployment, shared infrastructure, regional storage hubs and transport networks will help drive down costs and improve project viability.
🔹Government and industry need to work together. Speakers highlighted the importance of stable policy frameworks, fit-for-purpose regulation and strong public-private partnerships to provide the certainty needed for long-term investment.
🔹Market confidence remains a key challenge. While the technology continues to mature, closing the commercial gap will require continued corporate commitment, investment and international cooperation.

Another interesting discussion explored the growing relationship between AI, data centres and energy demand. The conversation reinforced that the technology such as CCUS will play an important role alongside renewables and other low-emissions energy solutions as industries continue to decarbonise.

As Australia and Korea continue to strengthen cooperation on the energy transition, CCUS presents significant opportunities for bilateral collaboration through investment, innovation and the development of regional carbon management solutions. Energy and CCUS are one of AKBC's priority sectors, and AKBC is strongly advocating to the Federal Government for an Australia–Korea CCS agreement.

📩 Energy is one of AKBC's priority sectors, providing members with access to executive-level discussions, industry networks and opportunities across the Australia–Korea energy corridor. Email [email protected] or visit our website below to start your engagement with our Priority Sector members. https://akbc.com.au/akbc-priority-sectors

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting

We are pleased to announce that Isaac Hinton, Head of Australia at InterContinental Energy, will be speaking at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC)-Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

Isaac will participate in the Joint Meeting breakout session focused on Energy and the Australia-Korea partnership. This follows his participation as a panellist at the 7th Australia–Korea New Energy Forum in Perth earlier this year, reflecting his continued engagement with the Australia–Korea energy dialogue.

As Head of Australia, Isaac oversees InterContinental Energy’s Australian activities and partnerships, including serving as Chair for the consortia developing the Western Green Energy Hub and the Australian Renewable Energy Hub. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the energy and resources industries, including more than 10 years at BHP in various global leadership roles in sales, marketing, procurement, and was Chief of Staff to the President Australia.

We are also pleased to recognise InterContinental Energy as a Gold Partner of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting, reflecting their commitment to advancing Australia–Korea collaboration in renewable energy and the clean energy transition.

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide, South Australia
🔗 Register now to join Isaac Hinton and other senior leaders shaping the future of the Australia–Korea economic partnership. Complimentary registrations are available for eligible AKBC members, depending on membership tier. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📩 Not yet an AKBC member? Contact us at [email protected] to discuss membership options and opportunities to participate in this year's Joint Meeting.