Suzannah Jessep's May 2025 CE Update
Sport has a remarkable power to transcend borders, connecting people across cultures and continents no matter what the sporting code, whether it’s cricket or badminton, football or rugby. The teams who represent us are more than just sporting icons—they are cultural ambassadors, shaping perceptions of New Zealand throughout the Asia region.
The Singapore and Malaysia Sports Delegation visiting the Institut Sukan Negara in Malaysia
While these connections may appear surface-level, our research shows that they serve as a powerful entry point for deeper cross-cultural understanding and engagement, and in turn, new opportunities to connect through business, education, and other areas.
Earlier this month, the Foundation led a New Zealand sports delegation to Singapore and Malaysia. Included in our delegation were decision-makers and industry leaders who were keen to better understand the innovations and developments taking place across Southeast Asia, including in some of the lesser-known sports and at a more grassroots level.
The purpose of the Singapore and Malaysia visit was to give participants a deeper understanding of how sports organisations in Asia operate, including the strategies they use to boost participation. It also served as a valuable opportunity to network and explore potential collaborations from the community level through to major sporting events. We’ll be publishing an article about the visit on the Foundation’s website in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for it!
India New Zealand Business Council summit
At the INZBC summit, Suzannah spoke about the need for closer ties to India, regardless of whether an FTA is achieved
On 9 May I had the pleasure of delivering the closing remarks at the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) Boardroom to Boarder summit in Auckland, attended by about 350 delegates as well as the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and a number of MPs.
I spoke about the significant demographic changes we’re seeing across Asia and the need for New Zealand to deepen its partnership with countries such as India for our own prosperity and security.
Off stage, it was a good chance to speak to key figures in New Zealand’s Indian business community about Foundation initiatives such as the business and media internships we offer in India and the various delegations we’ve led over the past few months. If there’s one thing I consistently hear from these conversations, it’s that we’ve got to keep investing in building the relationship – whether we’ve got an FTA or not.
Southeast Asia tech entrepreneurs visit New Zealand
This week it’s wonderful to welcome a group of ten Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs to New Zealand. They’re here to meet leading figures in NZ’s tech industry and will participate in the NZ Hi-Tech Awards gala dinner—one of the country’s premier events celebrating innovation and technological excellence. It’s an impressive delegation. Included are CEOs and founders of cutting-edge companies working in the likes of AI health technology, ecommerce, and tech solutions for public transport. You can find out more about the delegates and their companies here.
The tech delegation meeting with transport technology company HMI Technologies in Auckland
Much like the recent Indian agribusiness visit, this initiative is all about bringing together people working in similar spaces to share ideas, build relationships, and spark new partnerships. It’s always great to see this next generation of talented, fast-moving can-do entrepreneurs coming together like this.
Looking ahead
At the end of this month, I’ll be heading off to Singapore to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue—Asia’s premiere security summit. This is an opportunity to hear from thought leaders about the key security issues facing Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. I’ll report back on the summit in next month’s CE Update.
Also next month, we’ll be publishing this year's Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples research report—now in its 28th year! In this edition, we’ve added lots of longitudinal data—highlighting trends and changes over time in how New Zealanders are seeing Asia. The report will be launched at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs annual conference, taking place in Wellington on 17 June. Come along, if you’re interested!
Finally, a heads-up that we’ll soon be promoting the latest intake for the Foundation’s Leadership Network. For those unfamiliar, this is a professional network designed to support the next generation of New Zealanders who will be leading and shaping our future Asia relations.
The network now includes over 500 super-impressive members, some of whom have gone on to become cabinet ministers, company CEOs, business and community leaders, and policy makers. They are all united by a shared commitment to engaging with Asia in their personal and professional lives and helping position New Zealand for success.
If you know someone who might be a great fit for our Leadership Network, keep an eye on our website and social media channels—we’ll be sharing details on how to apply at the end of this month.
That’s it for now!
As always – thanks for taking the time to read this update. Your involvement and support are hugely appreciated.
Nga mihi nui / warm thanks,
Suz
