Asia Society is pleased to invite you to a new event in our Executive Briefing series. The Bigger Picture brings together senior government and business leaders in a small closed-door forum to discuss the key issues shaping Australia’s prosperity and security in Asia.

Joining us for this inaugural forum is the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM. The forum will discuss what Australia needs to do to advance its prosperity in Asia. It will explore, among other issues, the future of our economic ties with China, the impact of geopolitics on global trade and investment, and the Australian Government's efforts to diversify Australia’s trade in the region.

Following introductory remarks by the Secretary participants will be invited to share their own insights and perspectives. The forum will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

Jan Adams is one of Australia’s most experienced diplomats. She has served as the Australian Ambassador to Japan, and before that Ambassador to China. She oversaw the negotiations for some of Australia’s most important economic agreements in Asia, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and free trade agreements with China, Korea, and Japan.

Date: 2 May 2024

Time: 6:00 pm arrival for drinks and networking. The exhibition tour will start at 6:30 pm followed by a sit-down private dinner and briefing at 7.15 pm.

Location: Sydney

This event is strictly invitation-only and this invitation is non-transferrable. Registration is essential as tickets are limited. For any enquiries, please contact [email protected]

This Executive Briefing The Bigger Picture is hosted by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 

About our Speaker

Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Jan Adams AO PSM was appointed Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 July 2022. Prior to this, Ms Adams was Australia's Ambassador to Japan from November 2020 to June 2022 and before that Australia's Ambassador to China from 2016 to 2019.

From April 2013 to 2016, Ms Adams was Deputy Secretary with responsibility for trade and economic issues. In this role she oversaw Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations and the conclusion of free trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan. She previously led the department's Free Trade Agreement Division.

Ms Adams served as Ambassador for the Environment and Ambassador for Climate Change between 2005 and 2008 and as Minister Counsellor (Trade) in Washington from 2000 to 2004.

Ms Adams joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1999 as Assistant Secretary, APEC Branch.

From 1993 to 1996, Ms Adams was an Adviser to the Minister for Trade and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. She also previously worked in the OECD secretariat in Paris (Trade and Environment Directorates) and at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In 2016, Ms Adams was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to international relations through the advancement of Australia's diplomatic and free trade relationships, particularly with the United States of America, South Korea, Japan and China. In 2007, she was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in pursuing Australia's international objectives on trade and the environment.

Ms Adams holds Honours degrees in Economics and Law from Monash University and is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. She grew up in Wodonga, Victoria and is married with one adult son.