ASEAN Growth: ASEAN Market Update for Northern Rivers Businesses - 29 July

Asialink is Australia’s leading centre for creative engagement with Asia. We develop insights, capabilities and connections through our programs in the Arts, Business, Diplomacy and Education.Uniquely Australian, Asialink works with diverse communities in Australia and Asia to build a strong, shared future for all.Established in 1990 as a joint initiative of the Australian Government's Commission for the Future and the Myer Foundation, Asialink is hosted by the University of Melbourne.

Asialink

Featuring an address by the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade

Husk Farm Distillery

On behalf of Asialink Business and Investment NSW, you are invited to join the event ‘ASEAN Growth: ASEAN Market Update for<a href="" title="" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> </a>Northern Rivers Businesses’, featuring an address by the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade.The ASEAN region is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and digital adoption. This event will highlight the significant growth opportunities for Northern Rivers businesses in Southeast Asia. With a focus on the food, beverage and medical sectors, this event will offer valuable insights on how NSW businesses can capitalise on these dynamic markets to expand and diversify their exports.The event is part of the ‘ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses’ series, providing businesses with key market trends, sector-specific opportunities, and expert insights on the practicalities of doing business in the region. Participants will hear firsthand from businesses who have successfully expanded into the ASEAN region.Moderated by Asialink Business.<h3>Event Details​​​​​​​</h3>Date: Tuesday 29 July 2025Time: Arrival tea and coffee at 2.00pm – 2.30pm, Event at 2.30pm – 4.00pm. Networking drinks and canapes at 4.00pm – 5.00pmVenue: Husk Farm Distillery, 1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum NSW 2490Places are limited, register to confirm your attendance by Thursday 24 July 2025.If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Asialink Business team at <a href="mailto:asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au" title="mailto:asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">asialinkbusiness-events@unimelb.edu.au</a>.PLEASE NOTE: For any registrations received after Tuesday 22 July 2025 at 10am, we cannot guarantee your dietary requirements.

<h3>Singapore In-Bound Buyer Mission: Expression of Interest for 1:1 Buyer Appointment</h3>As part of the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet with Little Farms, a leading Singaporean whole food retailer facilitated by Export Connect on 29 or 30 July. <a href="https://forms.gle/wgbLHvq2CDu22p3g8" title="https://forms.gle/wgbLHvq2CDu22p3g8" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to submit your Expression of Interest.Little Farms is one of Singapore’s premier whole food outlets, specialising in high-quality, fresh, natural, artisanal and organic products. They sell a curated range of fresh produce, all-natural grocery and dairy products, meat and plant-based options sourced from markets including Australia, New Zealand, Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and the UK) and North America. They have a large customer base of over 90,000 registered customers.Little Farms opened their first store in 2016 at Valley Point Shopping Centre, and now have 6 retail stores, 5 restaurants and a bakery in operation. They have also recently opened a smaller-concept store at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station Exit for grab-and-go products.This is a unique opportunity to connect directly with a buyer actively sourcing premium NSW products for the growing Southeast Asian Market.

<h3>Meet our featured speakers</h3> <h3>The Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, Minister for Corrections</h3>After moving to Australia from Laos with his parents and brothers when he was just six, Anoulack attended Robert Townson Primary and Robert Townson High School in Raby.Before entering Parliament, Anoulack worked as an economist for 13 years and served as a councillor and later as mayor on Campbelltown City Council.After his election as Member for Macquarie Fields in 2015, he served as Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for Industry and Trade between 2021 and 2022.Following the election of the Minns Labor Government in March 2023, Anoulack was appointed Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections.<h3>Paul Messenger, Founder &amp; CEO, Husk Farm Distillery</h3>Paul Messenger founded Australia's first and only Agricole rum distillery after a family holiday to the French Caribbean sparked his passion for the spirit. What began in a small farm shed on his family property has grown into a full-scale plantation distillery in the Northern NSW region.Working alongside his wife Mandy and their three daughters, Paul has pioneered farm-to-bottle agricole rum production in Australia, developing innovative methods for small-scale cultivation, harvesting, and crushing. While waiting for their first rum harvest to mature, the family created Ink Gin, which quickly gained popularity for its unique color-changing properties and Australian flavor profile.Despite facing a devastating flood in 2017 that submerged their farm and delayed construction, Paul successfully completed their new distillery in 2019, featuring a cellar door, café, and barrel house. He continues to oversee every aspect of the distilling process, creating experimental blends and innovative craft spirits with a distinct regional character.<h3>Seana Brees, International Seed Trading and Molasses, Williams Group International pty Ltd</h3>Seana Brees has over 12 years of experience in exporting seed and forage products. Seana has been instrumental in facilitating the global distribution of Williams Seed's high-quality agricultural products originating from Australia and various other countries.Throughout her extensive career, Seana has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of international trade dynamics, market trends, and regulatory requirements. Her profound expertise in navigating the complexities of exporting ensures seamless transactions and optimal outcomes for our clients worldwide.Her current role encompasses all aspects of exporting goods, from sourcing the seed, making the sale, ensuring all export compliance is met and arranging shipment of the seed.<h3>Paul O'Brien, CEO, AirPhysio</h3>Paul O’Brien is the CEO/Co-Founder/Managing Director of the AirPhysio and Better Breathing Devices brands, an Australian and multinational entity. He has served his country in the Royal Australian Navy for over 10 years and served in numerous active and war like conditions and has a passion to help others.He has been interviewed on Australian, US and International TV news for his international award-winning product and business which is designed to help people and communities both nationally and globally. The products which they manufacture in Australia is exported to over 100 countries globally and has helped over ½ million people to improve their quality of life, breathing and improve their health, wellbeing and sporting performance and fitness through improved lung hygiene and oxygen delivery to body.Through his service in the Royal Australian Navy, he has learnt many important skills and lessons in life to help him both personally and in his business, but also helped to pass on these skills to others within his business to help move the company through very rapid growth and expansion.<h3>Robert Law, General Manager NSW, and Director Advisory &amp; Insights, Asialink Business</h3>Robert is passionate about helping businesses unlock Asia growth opportunities and has extensive experience leading development of market entry strategies for key markets such as India, Japan and Indonesia. He has advised businesses in a range sectors, including consumer products, food and beverage, agribusiness, technology and education.His most recent experience prior to Asialink Business was as a strategy consultant at Monitor Deloitte where he led large project teams across a range of industries, with a focus on Go To Market strategy.He built his experience at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). He spent four years living and working in Jakarta with DFAT, helping Australian companies navigate the Indonesian market. He held several roles at ONI, including reporting to the Director-General on sensitive and complex projects to promote Australia’s interests overseas. Later, he managed multiple teams of analysts focused on Asia.<h3>Tom Gray, Commercial Director, Little Farms Singapore</h3>Tom Gray brings over 20 years of expertise in premium international food retail, spanning buying, logistics, and business development. As Commercial Director at Little Farms Singapore, he oversees product sourcing, procurement, and logistics for the group. He has previous experience at Marks &amp; Spencer in London in merchandising and supply chain management. He then moved to a regional position with Marks &amp; Spencer in Hong Kong, managing franchise relationships across Asia. Following this, Tom led the buying team at Marks &amp; Spencer Singapore.<h3>Najib Lawand, Founding Director, Export Connect</h3>Najib Lawand founded Export Connect in June 2017 in order to use the skills, connections, and expertise he acquired over 25 years in the industry to help food &amp; agribusinesses prepare for the right markets, connect with the right buyers, and grow.Najib is highly experienced in export market development, having spent a quarter of a century leading Australian food-export businesses and agri-food industry development teams. In addition to successfully marketing a born-global health food bar, Najib has exported and/or supported export market development for over 300 Australian food and agribusiness brands spanning across ambient, fresh, and frozen categories to markets including Southeast Asia, North Asia and the Middle East.<h3> </h3>

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