A group of leading tech entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia visited New Zealand in May as part of the Young Business Leaders Initiative. (Source: YBLI)

The event is hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Summit brings together YBLI programme alumni and entrepreneurs from a range of industries — including agribusiness, technology, tourism, fashion, health, and food and beverage — to connect, collaborate, and explore new growth opportunities.

Chief Executive at the Asia New Zealand Foundation Suzannah Jessep said: “Through this Summit, we aim to build lasting connections among entrepreneurs from New Zealand and ASEAN. Vietnam is an important partner in the region and strengthening relationships, trade and economic ties here benefits both sides.”

For his part, Director of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Foundation Nick Siu adds: "This is a chance for emerging leaders to learn from each other, find ways to collaborate, and develop new ideas that could lead to partnerships”.

As one of the New Zealand businesses attending the event, Managing Director of Green Meadows Beef Nick Carey expressed his expectations: “YBLI opened doors for my business, helping to secure our first export customer in Singapore. I look forward to strengthening these connections at the upcoming event".

“The Summit is a great opportunity to connect with fellow changemakers and discover ways to advance our sectors together,” says Bicky Nguyen, Co-founder, Cricket One, Vietnam.

Managing Director Making Everything Achievable and Āhau NZ Limited Kaye-Maree Dunn shared: “Since attending the last YBLI event, I’ve grown my consulting firm and am now expanding into Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region”.

The Summit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and both ASEAN and Vietnam, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford emphasized: “New Zealand is proud to be a close friend and partner of ASEAN for more than 50 years. Strengthening these ties goes beyond diplomacy — the Summit empowers young leaders, builds partnerships, and creates mutually beneficial opportunities for both ASEAN and New Zealand".

This is a chance for emerging leaders to learn from each other, find ways to collaborate, and develop new ideas that could lead to partnerships. (Source: YBLI)