Suzannah Jessep's May 2026 Update
May has been one of those months where everything seems to land at once - but in a good way! Last week we hosted our Asia Symposium, bringing together leading experts from across New Zealand and Asia to discuss the future of supply chains, technology and jobs, energy security, maritime security, and the geopolitics of aid. More than 160 guests joined us from across New Zealand’s Asia ecosystem, spanning business, government, academia, and civil society.
We were privileged to hear keynote addresses from Professor Cheng-Chwee Kuik, Ms Akiko Fukushima, and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. A consistent theme throughout the day was that for countries like New Zealand, which rely on trusted relationships, open connections, and stable rules, disengagement is not really an option. We have to keep showing up internationally: building relationships, strengthening networks, and creating opportunities.
The Symposium capped off an exceptionally busy period for the Foundation. Alongside the event, we hosted a delegation of Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs in New Zealand, supported one of our Philippines entrepreneurs to keynote the Food & Fibre Conference in Christchurch, and sent Leadership Network delegations to the Philippines and Korea. To read more about these great engagements, see below!
This week I am in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, accompanied by the Foundation’s Asia Media Centre Manager, Graeme Acton, who will be covering the Dialogue for the Media Centre. Keep an eye out for his reporting and analysis over the coming days. The Foundation is also supporting journalists Anna Fifield and Anneke Smith to cover the event and other reporting from Singapore, helping to bring New Zealand audiences deeper insight into the key strategic and security conversations shaping the Asia-Pacific region.
Southeast Asian entrepreneurs in New Zealand
Jason Wang, partner at Auckland-based venture capital firm Icehouse Ventures, shared an overview of companies the firm has worked with with the visiting tech entrepreneurs
As noted above, last week we had the pleasure of hosting nine impressive Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs in New Zealand as part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative, a programme delivered by the Foundation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The group brought incredible skills and experiences spanning AI, robotics, digital education, and other emerging sectors. While here, they visited local tech companies and immersed themselves in New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, with the programme wrapping up at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards in Auckland. Some of you may also have heard members of the group speak at an Asia After Five event in Auckland, where they shared insights into their businesses and the trends shaping tech innovation in their home countries.
Southeast Asia is a major hotspot for innovation and bringing New Zealand’s tech sector into contact with entrepreneurs of this calibre is a valuable way to spark ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
E-Tipu Food & Fibre Conference
Cherrie Atilano being interviewed by media at E-Tipu Food & Fibre Conference
Also in New Zealand last week was ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative alumna Cherrie Atilano. Cherrie is the founder and chair of AGREA and the AGREA Foundation in the Philippines, organisations that work alongside farmers to build more sustainable food systems.
We invited Cherrie to New Zealand to deliver the keynote address at the E-Tipu Food & Fibre Conference in Christchurch, where she spoke about the future of farming and the importance of sustainability and resilience in the sector.
Cherrie’s connection with the Foundation dates back to 2015, when she visited New Zealand as part of an ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative agribusiness delegation. Since then, she has remained closely connected to the Foundation, participating in activities across both New Zealand and Southeast Asia, including meeting with a Leadership Network delegation who were in the Philippines this month.
She is a strong example of how relationships fostered through our programmes can grow into enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Leadership Network explores the Philippines and Korea
Leadership Network members visiting volunteer organisation the Ayala Foundation in Manila
To mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and the Philippines, the Leadership Network took 14 members to Manila this month to deepen their understanding of the Southeast Asian nation, its culture and history, and to build new connections.
The programme included visits to social enterprises, media organisations and the New Zealand Embassy, as well as two organisations led by alumni of the Foundation’s ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative — MAD Travel and AGREA. As mentioned earlier in this update, we brought AGREA’s founder and CEO, Cherrie Atilano, to New Zealand this month to deliver a keynote address at the E Tipu Food & Fibre Conference in Christchurch.
Keep an eye out on the Foundation's media channels for an article about the visit.
Leadership Network members (left to right) Ezekiel Raui, Kate Falloon, Jason Tran at the Asian Leadership Conference
This week, seven Leadership Network members returned from South Korea, where they connected with leaders from around the world at the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul. Hosted by the Centre for Asian Leadership and leading Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo, the network members got to hear from some of the most influential voices on Asia and global affairs.
Over the five days they were in the country, the group also made it to the DMZ and spent time getting out and about to experience South Korean culture firsthand.
A big thanks to our Honorary Adviser Jo Min and Ambassador Dawn Bennett for hosting them during the visit.
Delegations strengthening New Zealand ties with India
Last weekend, a delegation of New Zealand CEOs and sports leaders departed for Mumbai and Ahmedabad, where they will engage with local sports industry representatives to better understand how sport is delivered in India and to strengthen sporting ties. This year marks 100 years of sporting connections between New Zealand and India, and sport remains one of the enduring pillars of the wider relationship.
Staying with India, next week we will welcome a delegation of impressive young agribusiness entrepreneurs and business leaders to New Zealand as part of our New Zealand India Entrepreneurship Initiative (NZIEI). The NZIEI connects high-potential entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from New Zealand and India to build commercial partnerships, grow networks, and unlock new opportunities across both markets. The programme helps emerging business leaders deepen their understanding of India’s rapidly evolving economy, but just as importantly, it helps build a cohort of influential next-generation leaders in India who understand New Zealand and can advocate for our partnership.
We will publish articles on these events over the coming weeks.
Finally, I’d like to note that on June 10 we will launch this year’s Perceptions of Asia research at an event at Victoria University of Wellington. The report launch will feature a panel discussion on the key findings with Paul Spoonley, Toby Manhire from The Spinoff, Professor of International Relations David Capie, and the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s director of research, Julia Macdonald. You can find more details and register for the event here. It would be great to see you there!
Until next month - stay warm, stay well.
Nga mihi nui,
Suz Jessep
