Top CEOs from Lendlease and Seek will join trade officials in Melbourne on June 12 to unpack why Malaysia is emerging as a strategic entry point into Southeast Asia.
Melbourne will host a high-level business summit on Thursday, June 12, spotlighting Malaysia as a rising hub for Australian companies eyeing growth in ASEAN markets.
With senior leaders from Lendlease, Seek, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Austrade featured on the program, the event aims to provide Australian businesses with insights into new trade opportunities and the evolving economic landscape of Southeast Asia.
The summit, titled Malaysia Rising – A Dynamic and Trusted Market for Australian Business, will take place at Sofitel Melbourne CBD from 11:45 a.m. for registration and lunch, followed by the main event from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendance is by invitation only, with priority given to Australian businesses interested in expanding into Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region.
Why Malaysia?
Malaysia’s strategic location, combined with a well-educated workforce, competitive operating costs, and mature digital infrastructure, is fast making it a preferred destination for Australian investors and exporters. The Malaysian government has embarked on sweeping economic reforms aimed at enhancing the business environment, focusing on digital innovation, green energy, and expanding manufacturing capabilities.
According to Leigh Howard, CEO of Asialink Business and event host, Malaysia is uniquely positioned as a gateway into Southeast Asia’s growing markets, especially as the country assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. “Malaysian reforms and investments have created a landscape ripe for partnerships and trade that Australian businesses can’t afford to overlook,” Howard said.
Featured speakers
The event features an impressive line-up of speakers, including Tony Lombardo, Australia’s Business Champion for Malaysia and Group CEO of Lendlease, who will share insights from Lendlease’s expansive projects across the region, including the landmark S$3.7 billion Paya Lebar Quarter mixed-use development in Singapore.
Ian Narev, Managing Director and CEO of Seek Limited, will discuss the evolving digital economy in Southeast Asia and the opportunities for Australian tech companies in ASEAN markets.
Other key participants include Danielle Heinecke, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Peter Horn, General Manager of Investment at Austrade, and Leigh Howard of Asialink Business. Together, they will address the economic outlook, investment climate, and strategic advantages Malaysia offers Australian exporters and investors.
The summit will also delve into how global trade disruptions—including US tariffs and shifting supply chains—are accelerating Australia’s pivot towards Asia. Malaysia’s rising role as a stable and dynamic market provides Australian companies a buffer against global uncertainties, facilitating smoother access to a regional market of over 600 million consumers.
While large multinationals often dominate headlines, this event underscores opportunities for SMEs to engage with ASEAN’s rapidly growing economies. The summit aims to equip businesses with practical knowledge and direct connections to government-led initiatives, funding, and partnerships designed to ease market entry.
How to participate
As this is an invitation-only event with limited capacity, interested businesses are encouraged to submit an expression of interest through the Asialink Business website. Media interviews with key speakers will be available ahead of the event.
For Australian businesses looking to diversify, expand, or simply understand the nuances of ASEAN trade, Malaysia Rising offers a timely platform to connect, learn, and plan for growth in one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
Date: Thursday 12 June 2025
Time: Registration and lunch at 11.45am – 12.15pm. Event at 12.15pm – 2.00pm
Location: Melbourne CBD
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