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  • Generation Asia Young Leaders Forum 2023

Generation Asia Young Leaders Forum 2023

VIEW EVENT DETAILS  
Man at Shibuya Crossing
Man at Shibuya crossing -Jezael Melgoza - Unsplash

Join Asia Society Australia’s Gen A network on 26 July for the fourth annual Generation Asia Young Leaders Forum in Melbourne. 

This year's forum will shine a spotlight on the Generation Asia Research Reports, released in partnership with the International Education Association of Australia, bringing together emerging Asia-passionate leaders from across Australia for a day of engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and insightful panels focused on exploring the recommendations of the reports. 

Featuring a keynote speech by the Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, and an impressive lineup of experts and panellists to be announced, attendees will gain valuable advice on fostering Asia engagement beyond formal education and future-proofing their careers. 

Recognizing the pivotal role of the next generation in shaping Australia’s success in the region, the forum offers young professionals a platform to contribute their voices to important public, business, and government conversations on Asia while nurturing their own interest in the region. 

To conclude the forum, attendees will be invited to a lively cocktail reception, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Gen A community. 

Date: 26 July 2023 
Time: 10am to 4pm 
Venue: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000 

This event is by invitation only and registration is essential. For any enquiries, please contact programaustralia@asiasociety.org 


Please contact Aster Haile for any program or sponsorship enquiries for the Generation Asia Young Leaders Forum – ahaile@asiasociety.org


About our Sessions

YLF Sessions

About our Speakers

Tim Watts Headshot

The Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs

Tim Watts is the Federal Member for Gellibrand and has served as the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Albanese Government since 2022. Tim was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 and for a decade has served one of the most diverse electorates in Australia. 

Before entering Parliament, Tim worked in the technology sector, as a Senior Manager at Telstra and a Solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons). Tim worked on critical tech issues including the roll out of the National Broadband Network, the auction and distribution of sections of the radio communications spectrum and network pricing regulation. He also worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Minister for Communications and a Senior Adviser to the Victorian Premier. 

Tim is the author of two books, “The Golden Country: Australia's Changing Identity” and “Two Futures: Australia at a Critical Moment” (along with co-author and fellow MP, Clare O'Neil). 

Tim holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Bond University, a Master of Public Policy from Monash University and a Master of Science (Politics and Communications) from the London School of Economics. 

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Fiona Letos Headshot 220x220

Fiona Letos, Interim Executive Director, Trade and Global Engagement, Global Victoria

Fiona Letos has recently commenced as Interim Executive Director, Trade and Global Engagement in Global Victoria, the Victorian Government's trade facilitation and promotion agency. Fiona is responsible for driving global engagement strategy and partnerships, supporting the Victorian Government Trade and Investment international network of 23 offices, and working with industry and clients to grow the state's exports and position Victoria as a globally connected state. 

Fiona most recently served as the Director, Study Melbourne and International Education (2020-23), where she led sector policy and strategy, the Global Education Network in key international markets, student welfare and empowerment programs and the Study Melbourne brand.

In her previous roles in Global Victoria, Fiona managed global operations and delivered international policy, programs, and strategic initiatives to drive Victoria’s global engagement efforts.

Fiona also worked with the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs delivering major international commemorative events and education programs.

Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, and a Graduate Diploma (Media and Communication) from La Trobe University.

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Angelina Inthavong Headshot 220x220

Angelina Inthavong, Youth Activist, Plan International

 Angelina is passionate youth and health equity activist. Her background as a queer woman of colour from a single-income household acted as the catalyst for her activism focused on amplifying lived experience and increasing diversity in decision-making. Through her roles with non-profits, and state, federal and foreign governments, Angelina aims to lead positive systems changes.  

As the 2021 Queensland Youth Health Minister, she led her portfolio to create an innovative Youth Bill to end period poverty. She has pitched a policy to the U.S. Embassy on improving access to sexual and reproductive health services in the Indo-Pacific through USAID. Angelina also advocates for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network and the Department of Health’s COVID-19 Youth Reference Group.  

As a 2023 Youth Activist with Plan International Australia, she helped write ‘A Tough Period’ report which detailed the experiences of young Australians dealing with the cost of living crisis and how it affects their menstruation and sexual/reproductive health. She spoke at the Women Deliver Ocean Pacific Dialogue and is working on a Global Youth Research Project on the gendered impacts of climate change.  

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the Australian National University with an interest in health, policy, and sustainable development. 

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Stuart Fuller

Stuart Fuller, Global Head of Legal Services, KPMG 

Stuart is Global Head of Legal Services for KPMG International and is also its Asia Pacific Regional Leader for Legal Services. In those roles, he leads a team of more than 2,700 legal professionals across 80 jurisdictions in KPMG’s global legal services network. 

Prior to joining KPMG in March 2018, Stuart was the inaugural Global Managing Partner of King & Wood Mallesons, based in Hong Kong, having led the combination of those law firms in 2012. Stuart was a partner at King & Wood Mallesons for 20 years, first practising as a capital markets, securisation and financial markets regulatory expert, and then holding a number of management and leadership roles across the firm and the capital markets industry in Australia. 

Stuart is a member of the UNSW Law Advisory Council. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of laws degree from the University of New South Wales. 

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Bodean Hedwards Headshot 220x220

Dr Bodean Hedwards, Co-Chair Australia India Youth Dialogue, and Director Global Immersion Guarantee, Monash University 

Dr Bodean Hedwards is the Co-Chair of the Australia India Youth Dialogue - the pre-eminent Track II dialogue in the Australia-India bilateral relationship. She is also a senior lecturer and previously the director of the Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) with Monash University’s Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Education.

Joining Monash initially to design and deliver the now multi-award winning GIG program, Bodean has since led the development of several high-impact, solution-focused education initiatives that ensure all students have the skills, knowledge and networks to lead solutions to immediate sustainability challenges globally. A key part of this is leading the development of a network of government and non-government organisations across the Indo-Pacific in particular, that are committed to mobilising young people in collective, sustainable global change.  


With a background as a criminologist, Bodean has specialised in research on human trafficking, slavery and irregular migration, having spent much of the last decade working alongside leading organisations such as the Global Initiative Against Transnational and Organised Crime, the Walk Free Foundation, Monash University's Trafficking and Slavery Research Group, the Rights Lab at Nottingham University and various UN agencies, on how to best respond to these issues.  
 
Bodean holds a PhD from Monash University, during which she was a visiting Study Fellow at Oxford University’s Refugee Studies Centre. She also has a Bachelor of Criminology and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Deakin University. 

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Francisco Widjojo Headshot 220x220

Francisco Widjojo, CEO, Arkblu Capital 

Francisco Widjojo is the CEO of Arkblu Capital, a multi-asset private investment group that invests and manages a global business and investment portfolio. Under Francisco’s leadership, Arkblu Capital has led investments in Southeast Asia’s most prominent technology startups, scaleups and venture capital funds, including Hypefast, Southeast Asia’s largest house of digital native brands.

Splitting his time between the group’s Jakarta and Sydney offices, Francisco dedicates his time to countless international business initiatives bridging Australia and Southeast Asia, including serving as the Indonesian Country Ambassador for the Sydney Landing Pad, being the Resident Investor (Southeast Asia) at Haymarket HQ, and serving on the NSW Committee of the Australia Indonesia Business Council. Francisco is a highly sought-after speaker on Indonesian business and investment affairs, and is regularly invited to panel discussions and roundtables with Australian and Indonesian corporates, DFAT, the Australian Embassy (Jakarta), and Asia Society. 

Francisco is a Business NSW Young Business Leader Finalist, and commenced his career as a corporate lawyer specialising in M&A and equity capital markets. 

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Won-Hae Shim Headshot 220x220

Won-Hae Shim, Project Manager, Dexus
Won-Hae Shim works as a Project Manager at Dexus, delivering capital works projects across her portfolio of assets.

With over eight years of construction and project experience, both locally and abroad, Won-Hae has consistently outperformed in the delivery of construction projects across the Commercial, Retail and Industrial sectors on behalf of asset owners.

Prior to joining Dexus in 2021, Won-Hae helped oversee several iconic developments in Sydney, including the Capella Sydney (luxury hotel) and Brookfield Place in Wynyard with the global contractor, Multiplex. Won-Hae was the Alumni Representative to the New Colombo Plan (NCP) Reference Group in 2019, following her NCP program in Nepal, Philippines and India working for UNOPS and Asian Development Bank, focusing on the application of construction in humanitarian and development sectors.

Won-Hae holds a Bachelor of Construction Project Management with First Class Honours and University Medal from University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).

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Rebecca Supierz Headshot 220x220

Rebecca Supierz, Head of Human Resources Australia & Asia, Vanguard Australia 

Rebecca Supierz is a senior executive with extensive human resources and commercial experience across Telecommunications, Technology/Digital and Financial Services.  She has most recently held the role of GM People and Communications at Latitude Financial Services, joining just after the business listed on the ASX. 

She has led significant transformation and change agendas there, as well as putting in place inclusion initiatives including the inaugural Gender Action Plan which has seen a positive impact in the number of women in senior leadership roles.  Prior to her time at Latitude, she spent  eight years at SEEK leading the People team across their Australian and SE Asian Technology and Product operations.

Advising to SEEK’s executive team over her tenure she and her team were instrumental in leading organisational-wide change, transformation and capability build.  Rebecca has also held various HR and line roles at Telstra, including in the Philippines and is passionate about inclusion, people-centred businesses and delivering outstanding organisational performance through creating accountable and inclusive cultures. 

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Gowri Kangeson Headshot 220x220

Gowri Kangeson, Partner, DLA Piper

Gowri Kangeson is a 'go to' litigator at global law firm DLA Piper.  For over 20 years, she has led teams advising international and Australian clients in difficult and complex cases involving numerous jurisdictions. 

Gowri is a Malaysian, qualified to practice in Malaysia, the UK and Australia. Gowri uses her pragmatism, background and awareness to drive positive international dispute resolution outcomes.

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Layton Pike Headshot 220x220

Layton Pike, Executive Director – International, RMIT University 

Mr Pike has been Chief Global Adviser and Director Global Strategy for RMIT University since February 2019. In this role, he is responsible for advising on global strategy and relationships. RMIT is a global university of technology, design and enterprise. 

During his time at RMIT, Mr Pike has led engagement for RMIT in Vietnam, Australia’s largest offshore University campus and Australia’s biggest investment in Vietnam. In Australia, Mr Pike has led the development of the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute, which is Australia's first policy institute focused on its relationship with Vietnam, acting as a partnered public policy hub centred around engagement, collaboration and impact. 

Mr Pike was previously a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) until March 2021. He was Minister and Deputy Head of Mission for the Australian Embassy Vietnam from 2014 to 2017, where he worked on advancing Australia’s interests in Vietnam and provided leadership across the Embassy. In 2017, Mr Pike was instrumental in elevating the Australia Vietnam relationship to strategic partnership. He also led the Post’s delivery of APEC Leaders Week in 2017 in Da Nang Vietnam, and the lead up program involving Trade and Foreign Ministers meetings. 

Mr Pike was previously posted as Minister-Counsellor, Australian Embassy in the Philippines, where he led Australia's development program from 2013 to 2014, including Australia’s response to Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and a range of economic development programs. 

Before serving in the Philippines, Mr Pike managed branches responsible for providing policy advice on Australia's development cooperation in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam and the Mekong regional program, and policy advice on governance, economic development, trade and law and justice. Mr Pike was Adviser and Chief of Staff to the Attorney-General from 2008 until 2011.

Mr Pike holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Commerce (Management) and is admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory. Mr Pike is currently a member of the Advisory Board for the Masters of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne, and the Deputy Chair of the Australia Vietnam Young Leadership Dialogue. 

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Nina McLean Headshot 220x220

Nina McLean, Policy Analyst, RMIT University 

Nina McLean is an Australian-Vietnamese dual citizen who aims to enhance Australia and Asia’s impacts in the region through policy, strategy, collaboration, and engagement. Nina is a Policy Analyst on the Asia Strategy & Impact team at RMIT University and in this role she works to further the University's strategic impact in the Asia Pacific region.

Nina extends her skills to support key partnered areas including to the Australia Vietnam Policy Institute and the Asia Trade and Innovation Hub. Alongside her work at RMIT, she is also a Policy Manager with the Australia Vietnam Leadership Dialogue, engaging influential young leaders from both countries. 
 
Nina is passionate about sustainable development, gender equality and environmental issues. She has previous leadership experience volunteering with the United Nations Association of Australia Victoria Young Professionals, international experience interning with a local NFP in India courtesy of the New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant and an internship with UNAIDS in Hanoi, Vietnam. 
 
Nina earned an Honours Degree in Politics and Social Sciences from the University of Melbourne. Prior to moving to Melbourne she graduated from the United Nations International School in Hanoi, Vietnam - one of only two United Nations affiliated schools in the world. 

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Jack Buckley Headshot 220x220

Jack Buckley, Senior Manager, PWC 

Jack Buckley is an experienced Senior Manager in the Consulting practice at PwC Australia, where he advises Australian businesses and government clients on strategy and operations. With a diverse portfolio, Jack tackles various client challenges, including the future of work, workforce strategy, national security and law enforcement policy, and submissions to government. 

Before joining PwC Australia, Jack worked at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Public Service Commission. His primary focus revolved around international and strategic policy. Jack's academic background centers on international affairs and the Asia-Pacific, having extensively studied and traveled in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He has previously been a member of the Australia Indonesia Business Council ACT Chapter and a participant in the Australia Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP). 

In September 2023, Jack will participate in the Government of Japan's esteemed Young Leaders Program. This opportunity will allow him to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Hitotsubashi University, generously supported by a prestigious scholarship from MEXT (Monbu-kagaku-shō). 

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Aster Haile headshot

Aster Haile, Gen A Lead & Program and Research Officer, Asia Society Australia 

Aster Haile joined Asia Society Australia in 2022, where she is a Program and Research Officer and leads the Generation Asia initiative. Aster assists with the organisation’s Melbourne based programming, including the activation of the Asia Trade and Innovation Hub. 

Aster graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies). During her studies, she was awarded a New Colombo Plan scholarship by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and undertook 18 months of study in Indonesia focused on regional security in Southeast Asia and international development. Aster is passionate about migration issues, having worked with Migrant CARE in Jakarta and conducted research on the rights of labour migrants in Singapore. 

Prior to working with Asia Society Australia, Aster was a Program and Engagement Manager for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Victoria, expanding the reach of the world’s leading youth development program. She is currently undertaking a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne. 

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Jafrin Kabir headshot

Jafrin Kabir, Program Officer, Asia Society Australia 

Jafrin Kabir joined Asia Society Australia in March 2023. She leads the delivery of programs in Melbourne and is responsible for the management and delivery of Asia Society Australia’s major events and conferences. 

Jafrin has completed a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in International Relations and Politics from ACU Melbourne. She has experience working in various leadership and project management roles including organising the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference 2022 leading a team of 11 as the Co-Secretary General to bring the conference back to in-person since 2018.

Being part of the university Academic Board and other advisory and governance committees, she was nominated by the ACU Vice Chancellor for the National Leadership Forum (organised at National Parliament House and Hyatt Hotel, Canberra), where she participated as a delegate. Jafrin was also selected to undertake a placement at the Embassy of Ireland, Canberra through the Girls Run the World Program 2022. 

Jafrin has pursued her education across three countries and two continents; originally coming from Bangladesh, having lived in Pakistan briefly and finishing her undergraduate in Australia. She speaks fluent Bengali, Hindi and Urdu, and is interested in learning more languages. 

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2022 Highlights Reel


This forum has been made possible through our foundational partnership with the Victorian Government and through the generous donation of our Chairperson, Stuart Fuller, and Asia Society Australia donor and Advisory Council member, Ling Ang, via the Chairperson’s Fund in support of emerging Asia-engaged leaders.

Asia Society Australia acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

Victoria State Government

Event Details

In-person
Wed 26 Jul 2023
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Melbourne Time
Calculate your local time »

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