Business and entrepreneurship

A Law and Arts student at University of Canterbury, Amelia has developed a strong connection with China. She received a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia to study at Peking University, followed by a summer course at Fudan University which led to the founding of her start-up, New Zealand & Beyond, which helps small to medium enterprises in New Zealand get into the Chinese market.

Amelia and her business partner recently won the $100,000 Dream Believe Succeed young entrepreneur award. Amelia is currently the Finance and Engagement Officer of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, where her involvement, and engagement with the international community has increased significantly.

Angad is bringing footwear retail into the future. He is the CEO and co-founder of StrutFit, a tech startup that is working closely with the largest footwear retailers in Australasia to use technology to completely transform the customer experience.

Their first product enables consumers to get perfect fitting footwear every time, by scanning their feet with their smartphone in the comfort of their own home.

Ang is an active member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network and engages in network activities to build greater understanding of the business, cultural and social opportunities that Asia provides.

Brad is a senior economist at leading economic consultancy Infometrics. He regularly speaks to media, local government leaders, and business groups about current events and their effect on the economy, with a focus on industry and region-specific economic trends and government fiscal economics.

Brad is also a community leader, being a Justice of the Peace and working with various community organisations, and was a New Zealand Queen’s Young Leader in 2016.

A member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, Brad recently travelled to Chengdu and Xi'an to attend the Opening Doors to the West business forum and continues to highlight economic opportunities for increased Asia–New Zealand cooperation.

Fergus is currently completing his International Business, Marketing and Anthropology degree, before beginning full-time as the executive officer for ExportNZ Wellington later this month.

He has been named on Victoria University of Wellington’s Dean’s List for Academic Excellence and awarded the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia.

He tutors at the Myanmar Ethnic Council’s homework club, has lived and worked in China, and provides market insights for Ngāti Waewae as they explore business opportunities in Asia.

In the coming years, Fergus will continue learning Mandarin, support businesses that are exporting to Asia, and grow his ability to enhance Asia-New Zealand connectivity.

Jacinta is a social entrepreneur and advocate working in Wellington on national-scale projects. She is the co-founder of Dignity which provides buy-one-give-one period products in the workplace and has helped to give more than 22,000 boxes for those in need.

She also leads Positive Periods, a national campaign for free period products for students. Jacinta’s Sri-Lankan-Kiwi background has drawn her to never judge a person and to always act inclusively.

She has been recognised as a finalist in awards such as Young Leader for Women of Influence and MYOB Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Olivia Moore is the CEO and founder of two food-related businesses, which help to strengthen New Zealand-Asia relations through food and nutrition, embracing Asian cuisine and business culture.

Through her business Top That! Meal Toppers, Olivia is in her second year of competing in the Young Enterprise Scheme, in which she was awarded second place nationally last year.

Through the scheme, she was also selected for both an overseas business study tour to Vietnam in April, and another to Thailand this month.

She also continues to engage with, and learn from the Southeast Asia business community through her participation in the Global Kaitiakitanga Project.