Asia Society Australia is delighted to invite you to an exclusive roundtable discussion with Zoë Mander-Jones, CEO, and Michael Collins, Director, of Strategic Development Group, to help shape a new DFAT-funded internship program in Southeast Asia. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Strategic Development Group, is piloting a professional placement program for young professionals between Australia and Southeast Asia.

This exclusive roundtable will provide you with the opportunity to help shape this exciting new program based on recommendations from the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

This roundtable will also seek input from our Gen A network on your interest and experiences of professional work opportunities for early – mid career professionals in Southeast Asia. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be opportunities for networking following the event.

Date: Tuesday, 13 May, 2025

Time: 5:15pm to 6:30pm

Location: Asia Hub - Building 8, Level 2/368/374 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000

This event is in partnership with Strategic Development Group.

About our speakers

Zoë Mander-Jones, CEO, Strategic Development Group

Zoë leads the Strategic Development Group team, bringing to the role her interest in ethical leadership and her passion for social justice.   With over twenty-five years of experience across government, non-government organisations and the private sector, Zoë has expertise in program design and management, international development, strategic planning, policy development and stakeholder engagement. Zoë has held senior executive positions within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). She has a Masters degree in Development Studies, is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow, and a trained partnership broker. Zoë has lived and worked in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Japan and in the Torres Strait (Thursday Island), and her work has taken her across the Pacific, Asia and Africa. 

Michael Collins, Director, Strategic Development Group

Michael is a Director of Strategic Development Group, a professional services firm that designs, delivers and evaluates high impact programs for clients. He is also a non-executive director of Opportunity International, an NGO providing innovative financial solutions to address poverty. Michael’s previous experience within the Australian Government includes analysis, strategy, program management and diplomatic roles at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Office of National Assessments (ONA). Michael speaks Bahasa Indonesia, has lived and worked in Indonesia and Kenya, and worked across Asia, Africa and the Pacific.