Australia-Korea Business Council

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting

We are pleased to announce that Jane Burton, Project Director of the CarbonNet Project, will be speaking at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC)-Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

Jane will participate in the Joint Meeting breakout session focused on Energy and the Australia-Korea partnership, bringing over 30 years of experience across the public and private sectors, including 14 years in senior executive roles within government.

As Project Director, Jane leads all aspects of the CarbonNet Project. Established in 2009, the project’s objective is to enable large-scale emissions reduction through two permitted world-class geological storage sites in the Gippsland Basin, Pelican and Kookaburra. Together these sites have capacity to store over 350 million tonnes of CO₂. Her career spans industrial chemistry, research and development, regional economic development, and land-use planning.

We are also pleased to recognise the CarbonNet Project as a Silver Partner of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting, reflecting their commitment to advancing Australia–Korea cooperation in carbon capture and clean energy transition.

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide, South Australia
🔗 Register now to join Jane Burton and other senior leaders shaping the future of the Australia–Korea economic partnership. Complimentary registrations are available for AKBC members, depending on membership tier. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📩 Not yet an AKBC member? Contact us at [email protected] to discuss membership options and opportunities to participate in this year's Joint Meeting.

🤝 AKBC in Action 🤝

🌏 Last week, AKBC's Head of Growth, Michael Hasten, represented the Australia–Korea Business Council in Sydney at the Australia–Korea Economic and Business Engagement: A Strategic Workshop on Challenges and Opportunities.

Hosted by the Australia-Korea Foundation and AKBC member the University of Sydney, the workshop brought together leaders from business, government and academia to examine the future of the Australia–Korea relationship and identify opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic engagement.

During the workshop, Michael shared AKBC's perspective on the Australia–Korea relationship and the role of business in supporting deeper bilateral cooperation, investment and commercial partnerships.

He joined a distinguished group of speakers, including Professor Doowon Lee and Associate Professor Jaerim Choi from Yonsei University, Kenneth Hong from H & H Lawyers, and Eugene Cha, Managing Director of CJ Foods Oceania exploring the economic, commercial and strategic dimensions of the bilateral relationship.

Discussions highlighted the importance of trusted networks and practical business engagement as both countries respond to shared priorities, including the energy transition, supply chain resilience, economic transformation and Korea’s soft power and cultural influence.

AKBC is proud to contribute to substantive conversations that help shape the future of the Australia–Korea relationship and create new opportunities for collaboration across industry, government and academia.

Thank you to the Australia-Korea Foundation, the University of Sydney and Professor David Kim for convening the workshop and bringing together a diverse group of contributors committed to advancing Australia–Korea engagement.

📩 Interested in engaging with Australia's leading Australia–Korea business network? Contact [email protected] or visit our website to learn more about AKBC membership opportunities. https://www.akbc.com.au/become-member

🤝 AKBC in Action 🤝

🌏 It’s been a busy period for AKBC, not only across our events, but also through a range of external engagements and international programs. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

Last week, Liz Griffin and Jenny Kang attended the Carbon Capture APAC Summit, where discussions highlighted the growing momentum behind carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) across the Asia-Pacific region. It was encouraging to see AKBC members contributing to the conversation, including Low Emission Technology Australia, Chevron Australia, Woodside Energy and CarbonNet.

A few themes stood out throughout the summit
🔹Building regional CCUS value chains will be critical. Cross-border collaboration between countries such as Australia, Korea, Japan and Singapore will be essential, particularly as many countries have limited domestic CO₂ storage capacity.
🔹Scale matters. As projects move from pilot to commercial deployment, shared infrastructure, regional storage hubs and transport networks will help drive down costs and improve project viability.
🔹Government and industry need to work together. Speakers highlighted the importance of stable policy frameworks, fit-for-purpose regulation and strong public-private partnerships to provide the certainty needed for long-term investment.
🔹Market confidence remains a key challenge. While the technology continues to mature, closing the commercial gap will require continued corporate commitment, investment and international cooperation.

Another interesting discussion explored the growing relationship between AI, data centres and energy demand. The conversation reinforced that the technology such as CCUS will play an important role alongside renewables and other low-emissions energy solutions as industries continue to decarbonise.

As Australia and Korea continue to strengthen cooperation on the energy transition, CCUS presents significant opportunities for bilateral collaboration through investment, innovation and the development of regional carbon management solutions. Energy and CCUS are one of AKBC's priority sectors, and AKBC is strongly advocating to the Federal Government for an Australia–Korea CCS agreement.

📩 Energy is one of AKBC's priority sectors, providing members with access to executive-level discussions, industry networks and opportunities across the Australia–Korea energy corridor. Email [email protected] or visit our website below to start your engagement with our Priority Sector members. https://akbc.com.au/akbc-priority-sectors

🎤 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT | 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting

We are pleased to announce that Isaac Hinton, Head of Australia at InterContinental Energy, will be speaking at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council (AKBC)-Korea–Australia Business Council (KABC) Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

Isaac will participate in the Joint Meeting breakout session focused on Energy and the Australia-Korea partnership. This follows his participation as a panellist at the 7th Australia–Korea New Energy Forum in Perth earlier this year, reflecting his continued engagement with the Australia–Korea energy dialogue.

As Head of Australia, Isaac oversees InterContinental Energy’s Australian activities and partnerships, including serving as Chair for the consortia developing the Western Green Energy Hub and the Australian Renewable Energy Hub. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the energy and resources industries, including more than 10 years at BHP in various global leadership roles in sales, marketing, procurement, and was Chief of Staff to the President Australia.

We are also pleased to recognise InterContinental Energy as a Gold Partner of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting, reflecting their commitment to advancing Australia–Korea collaboration in renewable energy and the clean energy transition.

📅 1–2 September 2026
📍 Adelaide, South Australia
🔗 Register now to join Isaac Hinton and other senior leaders shaping the future of the Australia–Korea economic partnership. Complimentary registrations are available for eligible AKBC members, depending on membership tier. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📩 Not yet an AKBC member? Contact us at [email protected] to discuss membership options and opportunities to participate in this year's Joint Meeting.

✨ OUR PARTNERS ✨ ⁠
⁠
The 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting would not be possible without the commitment of our valued partners.⁠
⁠
We are proud to recognise the first organisations supporting this year's event, whose investment demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening the Australia-Korea business relationship. We sincerely thank each of our partners for their leadership and support.⁠
⁠
🔹 [Platinum Partners] • Santos | GLNG⁠
🔹 [Gold Partners] • M Resources • InterContinental Energy⁠
🔹 [Silver Partners] • CarbonNet Project⁠
🔹 [Welcome Dinner Partner] • M Resources⁠
🔹 [Welcome Dinner Australian Beef Showcase] • Australian Beef Showcase⁠
🔹 [Coffee Cart Partner] • Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA)⁠
⁠
The Joint Meeting will bring together senior leaders from business and government to examine the evolving Australia-Korea economic partnership and the opportunities shaping the future of bilateral engagement.⁠
⁠
Not yet registered? AKBC members receive complimentary Joint Meeting registrations based on their membership tier. Secure your place and be part of one of the leading Australia-Korea business events of the year. 👇
https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/home.html
⁠

📢 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📢

Australia's growing AI infrastructure boom is creating new opportunities for Korean technology companies.

South Korean company Taihan Cable & Solution has secured a contract with Transgrid to deliver high-voltage cable infrastructure supporting a new Australian AI data centre.

The project will deliver a high-voltage cable system capable of reliably supplying large-scale electricity around the clock, a critical requirement for AI data centre operations. Taihan was selected after competing against leading global corporations, on the strength of its extra-high-voltage cable expertise and proven track record in Australia.

The announcement comes as South Korea ramps up investment in AI infrastructure. Last month, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced an industrial investment strategy valued at approximately A$800 billion to accelerate Korea's AI, semiconductor and data centre ambitions. As Korea expands its AI ecosystem, Australian projects and partnerships are creating new opportunities for Korean companies across infrastructure, technology and energy.

💡 Why this matters:
🔹 Korean technology is playing a growing role in Australia’s critical infrastructure
🔹 The AI data centre sector represents a significant emerging opportunity in the Australia–Korea economic corridor
🔹 Taihan’s success reinforces Korea’s capabilities in high-value-added power infrastructure markets globally.

🗨️ Will AI be the next major growth area in the Australia–Korea economic relationship?

Read more below 👇
https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2026/07/08/KS7ZUQRY2JGKBEMOB25OVFDQSI/

📩 Follow us, or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter to stay up-to-date on news in the Australia-Korea corridor 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

The Australia–Korea relationship is entering a new era. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

Last month, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced an industrial investment program valued at approximately A$800 billion to accelerate the nation's AI, semiconductor and data centre ambitions. It is just one example of the opportunities reshaping the Australia–Korea economic partnership.

These are exactly the types conversations that will be taking place at the 47th Australia–Korea Business Council – Korea-Australia Business Council Joint Meeting, to be held in Adelaide on 1–2 September 2026.

As the premier annual forum for senior-level Australia–Korea business dialogue, the Joint Meeting brings together leaders from industry and government to strengthen connections, identify opportunities and help shape the future of the bilateral relationship.

This year's program will feature discussions across:
🔹 Energy security and energy interdependence
🔹 Steel, battery materials and critical minerals
🔹 Defence, space and shipbuilding
🔹 Renewable energy and decarbonisation
🔹 R&D collaboration and emerging opportunities such as soft power and sports diplomacy

Past attendees have included senior representatives from organisations such as ANZ, Canva, Hanwha Defence Australia, Hyundai, Korea Zinc, LG Energy Solution, POSCO Holdings, Samsung C&T, Santos and Woodside Energy.

This is not a general industry conference. It is a closed, high-calibre environment designed for meaningful conversations, commercial outcomes and long-term partnerships.

👉 Register now and join Australia's most significant Australia–Korea business forum. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/

📅 Date: 1–2 September 2026
📍 Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia
💡 Registration: Complimentary tickets available for AKBC members based on membership tier.
⏰ Additional member tickets available from $2,000 + GST (early-bird). Early-bird registrations close: Friday, 31 July 2026
Not yet a member? You can still purchase tickets to our Welcome Dinner https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-welcome-dinner-185867/

🔋 Joint Meeting delegates also receive access to an exclusive discounted rate for the Asia Pacific Hydrogen Summit (3–4 September), providing an opportunity to extend their engagement with senior leaders across the energy transition sector. https://akbc.glueup.com/event/47th-akbc-kabc-joint-meeting-164501/while-you-are-in-adelaide.html

🎤 AKBC Speaks 🎤

We are proud to share that Michael Hasten, our Head of Growth, will speak at the Australia–Korea Economic and Business Engagement: A Strategic Workshop on Challenges and Opportunities, hosted by the University of Sydney and supported by the Australia-Korea Foundation 호한재단.

The workshop brings together leading academics and senior business leaders to explore current issues and emerging opportunities in Australia–Korea economic relations and bilateral engagement.

Michael will join a distinguished line-up of speakers, including Professor Doowon Lee and A/Prof. Jaerim Choi from Yonsei University, as well as Eugene Cha-Navarro, Executive Advisor to CJ Group.

We encourage all those interested in the Australia–Korea economic relationship to register and attend.

📅 Date: Friday, 10 July 2026
🕛 Time: 8:50 AM – 12:40 PM
📍 Location: RD Watt Room 203, Science Road, University of Sydney
🔗 Register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=fuOzgnGBXUixCzja5-0UqIffPgWJW8ZLu4xa6Dm5CrNUN0IwNzhMMDRBTkQyVzlMQUdZMzBOMkQzNy4u

📩 Follow us, or sign up for our monthly eNewsletter 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/org/akbc/subscriptions/

📢 EVENT 📢

The Australia–Korea Business Council, together with the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney and the NSW Government, is proud to co-host the 2026 Korea–NSW Business Forum.

Under the theme Building resilience together: Korea–NSW business ties in an age of uncertainty, this year’s forum will explore how Korea and NSW can deepen business cooperation, strengthen energy security and respond to shared economic challenges.

Why attend?
✅ Gain insights into the current economic outlook and NSW Government policy
✅ Explore investment opportunities across NSW and Australia
✅ Hear from leaders across government, business and academia
✅ Connect with Korean and NSW business representatives during a working-style lunch

We are pleased to share that the forum will be MC’d by Brianna Wilson, Consular Adviser at the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney.

We are also pleased to share our confirmed speaker lineup 👇
🎤 Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, Chair, Australia–Korea Business Council
🎤 Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade
🎤 Yong Jun Choi, Consul-General, Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney
🎤 Liz Griffin, CEO, Australia–Korea Business Council
🎤 Professor Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist, UTS
🎤 Dr Sung Young Kim, Associate Professor, Macquarie University
🎤 Chang (Jerry) H. Lee, Chief Representative / General Manager, Korea Development Bank
🎤 Isami Morris, Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, Korea Development Bank
🎤 Douglas Walther, Executive Director, Infrastructure Assessments, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
🕒 Time: 10.00AM – 1.00PM AEST
📍 Location: Strangers' Room, Parliament of New South Wales, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000

Please note this event is invitation-only. Registration is open to invited guests and AKBC members only.

Register now 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/2026-korea-nsw-business-forum-185633/

Interested in learning more about the Australia-Korea Business Council and becoming a member? Reach out to us via email [email protected] or visit our website www.akbc.com.au 🇦🇺🇰🇷⁠

Last week, the Australia–Korea Business Council convened senior leaders in Perth for the AKBC Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Roundtable, bringing together industry, government, and investment stakeholders for a focused discussion on cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths.

Held at PLS and chaired by Hon. Martin Ferguson AM, the roundtable brought together our members with engaging with Nicole Roocke, CEO of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia, alongside contributions from Australian and Korean industry leaders spanning mining, processing, finance, and downstream applications, for a closed-door platform to examine how Australia and Korea can strengthen collaboration across emerging supply chains for lithium, rare earths, and battery materials.

We were pleased to welcome keynote addresses highlighted by contributions from AKBC members and industry leaders across energy, investment, and infrastructure.

Discussions focused on the next phase of the bilateral partnership, with a clear emphasis on:
🔹Moving beyond resource extraction toward value-added processing
🔹Technology collaboration and integrated supply chains
🔹Strategic alignment between Australia's resource base and Korea's industrial and manufacturing capabilities
🔹Long-term partnerships and investment certainty
🔹 Policy coordination to support resilient and diversified supply chains

Thank you to PLS for hosting, and to all participants for contributing candid insights and forward-looking perspectives. AKBC roundtables are designed to facilitate trusted, small-group discussions where members can engage directly with decision-makers and shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation.

We look forward to continuing these conversations with members in the months ahead.

📩 AKBC has multiple Priority Sectors for our Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. Join our Priority membership and gain access to Priority Sector meetings. 👉 https://www.akbc.com.au/akbc-priority-sectors