Australia-Korea Business Council

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Australia-Korea Business Council The Australia-Korea Business Council exists on behalf of its members and seeks to develop business re

📢 EVENT 📢Did you know that Hangul, the Korean alphabet, has just 24 letters and was created in the 15th century by King ...
23/10/2026

📢 EVENT 📢

Did you know that Hangul, the Korean alphabet, has just 24 letters and was created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great? Today, Korean is spoken by around 81.7 million people, making it the 23rd most spoken language in the world 🇰🇷

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nicola Fraschini, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Melbourne, will facilitate our final cultural training session of the year, Korean Communication Essentials for Business.

Nicola brings more than a decade of experience teaching Korean language and culture in both Korea and Australia. He holds an MA and PhD in Korean as a Foreign Language and Culture Education from Korea University, and has taught at Sogang University in Seoul and the University of Western Australia. In 2024, he received the Prime Minister’s Citation from the Republic of Korea for his contributions to promoting the Korean language.

In this 45-minute session, Nicola will introduce essential Korean phrases for business, the history of Hangul, and the etiquette around greetings and job titles that underpins respectful communication with Korean partners.

💬 Can you read this? 감사합니다!
Comment your answer below 👇

📅 Wednesday, 2 December 2026
🕐 1.00 PM – 2.00 PM AEDT
📍 Online (Microsoft Teams)
💰 Free for AKBC Members │ $45 + GST for non-members
👉 Register now https://akbc.glueup.com/event/korean-communications-essentials-for-business-189946/

📢 NEWS 📢Korean engineering and construction company GS E&C has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AusNet to explo...
22/10/2026

📢 NEWS 📢

Korean engineering and construction company GS E&C has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AusNet to explore opportunities across Australia’s energy infrastructure sector. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

Signed in Melbourne on 21 October, the agreement broadens collaboration across transmission networks, renewable energy and battery energy storage systems. The companies are already jointly participating in the tender for the New England Renewable Energy Zone project.

⚡ Building on GS E&C’s involvement in Victoria’s North East Link and Suburban Rail Loop East projects, the partnership will explore major transmission opportunities in New South Wales and Queensland, alongside transmission upgrades and offshore wind grid connections in Victoria.

The agreement highlights the growing scope for Australia–Korea collaboration in delivering the infrastructure needed for Australia’s energy transition.

GS E&C Australia is a Silver Member of the AKBC.

Read more below 👇
https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-realestate/2026/10/22/UOAZLBE4FVD63HVJQVJ4MH4BCA/

📩 Interested in growing your Australia–Korea business connections? Contact Hayley Edwards, our Head of Memberships, at [email protected] to explore how AKBC membership can support your organisation, or book a meeting directly 👇
https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/0e638ca494e3417d9584043a1933d32b%40akbc.com.au?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

📢 EVENT 📢Melbourne, we would love to see you at our next AKBC Member Meet-Up. 🙌Join us for an evening of networking and ...
21/10/2026

📢 EVENT 📢

Melbourne, we would love to see you at our next AKBC Member Meet-Up. 🙌

Join us for an evening of networking and conversation with AKBC members and stakeholders of the Australia–Korea business community. This relaxed after-work event is designed to bring together professionals connected to the Australia–Korea corridor. It is a valuable opportunity to reconnect with existing contacts, meet new industry peers and strengthen relationships across sectors.

If you work within a Korean company in Australia, are engaged in the Australia–Korea business relationship, or collaborate regularly with Korean partners or stakeholders, this event provides a relevant and accessible forum to expand your network and exchange insights.

This event is supported by Gilbert + Tobin, an AKBC Silver Member.

Event details
📅 Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026, 5.00 PM – 7.00 PM AEDT
📍 Location: Gilbert + Tobin, Level 25, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne
💡 Price: FREE for AKBC Members | $30 + GST for non-members

Secure your spot now 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-member-meet-up-in-melbourne-198423/

On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, we hosted our final AKBC Member Quarterly Update of the year, bringing together members a...
21/10/2026

On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, we hosted our final AKBC Member Quarterly Update of the year, bringing together members and the broader Australia–Korea business community for timely insights and an informed discussion.

Building on the momentum of the 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting in September, the session explored the policy, market and business developments shaping the Australia–Korea corridor heading into 2027.

This timely update provided participants:
✅ An update on AKBC’s advocacy priorities and recent developments in the Australia–Korea relationship
✅ Analysis of key developments in Korea’s political and policy landscape
✅ An Australian Government update on the trade and investment relationship and the work of the Australia–Korea Foundation
✅ Insights into Korea’s three AI mega-projects, including Physical AI and AI data centres, and the opportunities these present for foreign investors
✅ Member presentations from AKBC Members The University of Queensland and DryFlow Magnetics on their approaches to engaging with Korea
…and more.

Participants were able to engage directly with speakers via a live Q&A throughout the briefing resulting in a highly interactive discussion.

Thank you to our speakers, Brett Boynton, Lisa Drew, Professor Gordon Flake, Belinda Altadonna, Chris Halford and Sejin Kim, for generously sharing their perspectives and expertise.

📩 Looking to continue building your Korea capability? Register for our final cultural training session of the year, Korean Communication Essentials for Business, on Wednesday, 2 December 2026 👉 https://akbc.glueup.com/event/korean-communications-essentials-for-business-189946/

🇦🇺🇰🇷

🧬 Strengthening Korea–Victoria biotech connections 🤝AKBC's Head of Industry Groups, Jenny Jisun Kang, attended the Korea...
21/10/2026

🧬 Strengthening Korea–Victoria biotech connections 🤝

AKBC's Head of Industry Groups, Jenny Jisun Kang, attended the Korea–Victoria BioConnect 2026 in Melbourne on Monday, 19 October, joining representatives from across the biotech and life sciences sector to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Hosted by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne, Monash University and K-BioLabHub, the event welcomed a Korean delegation of 31 participants from 18 companies and organisations ahead of their visit to the Gold Coast for AusBiotech 2026.

The program includes the Korea–Victoria Bio-Innovation Seminar, bringing together the Korean delegation and representatives from Australian companies, universities and government, and the Monash-Korea Bio-Research Collaboration Seminar and Tour at Monash University’s Clayton campus. Together, these events provide opportunities to connect industry expertise with research capabilities.

Building on growing cooperation over the past two years, BioConnect aims to establish lasting connections between Korean and Victorian biotech organisations.

AKBC looks forward to supporting further engagement in this sector and connecting members with opportunities across Australia and Korea.

👉 Interested in the Korea–Australia biotech and life sciences space? AKBC's Industry Groups bring members together to share insights, build networks and unlock sector opportunities. For more information, please contact Jenny Kang at [email protected].

📢 NEWS 📢 Australia-Korea cooperation in energy infrastructure continues to strengthen, with Korea's Hyundai Engineering ...
20/10/2026

📢 NEWS 📢

Australia-Korea cooperation in energy infrastructure continues to strengthen, with Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction announcing new partnerships to expand its presence in Australia's renewable energy and electricity network sectors. 🇦🇺🇰🇷

Hyundai E&C has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Australian energy network operator AusNet, expanding their existing cooperation beyond electricity transmission and substations to include battery energy storage systems (BESS), data centres and grid connection infrastructure.

The agreement will also strengthen technical cooperation across engineering, procurement, construction and operations.

Hyundai E&C has separately signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to explore renewable energy and infrastructure opportunities across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

The agreements highlight growing opportunities for Korean engineering expertise and Australian energy infrastructure capabilities to work together in supporting Australia's energy transition and strengthening bilateral commercial partnerships.

Read more below 👇
https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/10/19/hyundai-ec-signs-deals-with-ausnet-cip-to-expand-in

📩 Did you know Energy is one of AKBC’s Priority Sectors? Email [email protected] or visit our website to learn more about how you can participate in AKBC Priority Sector activities. https://akbc.com.au/akbc-priority-sectors

🎤 AKBC Speaks 🎤We are delighted to share that Liz Griffin, our CEO, will speak at “The Republic of Korea: from manufactu...
15/10/2026

🎤 AKBC Speaks 🎤

We are delighted to share that Liz Griffin, our CEO, will speak at “The Republic of Korea: from manufacturing powerhouse to tech innovator” on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

Hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria, this hybrid event will explore Korea’s technological transformation, what Australia can learn and where greater bilateral collaboration could create opportunities.

The discussion will explore:
💡 Korea’s transition from manufacturing powerhouse to tech innovator
🤖 The role of digital tools, AI and research and development
🤝 Opportunities for Australia–Korea collaboration
🌏 Technology’s impact on economic competitiveness and global partnerships

Liz will join a panel discussion alongside:
🔹 Kate Kim, Head of Political and Economic Affairs, Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea
🔹 Dr Scott Watkins, Chief Sustainability Officer, Kyung-In Synthetic Corporation (KISCO)

The discussion will be moderated by Jacob Caine, Executive Director of AIIA Victoria.

Through its work advancing bilateral trade and investment, AKBC connects Australian and Korean businesses with opportunities across industries. This discussion offers a chance to consider how Korea’s innovation journey can inform Australia’s approach and strengthen collaboration between our two countries.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
🕕 Time: 5:30 pm arrival for 6:00–7:00 pm AEDT
📍 Location: Level 13, 356 Collins Street, Melbourne, with an online option available
🔗 Register: https://aiiavic.glueup.com

🎟️ AKBC partners and networks can access a $15 discount on the $35 non-member ticket, bringing the price to $20. Enter TMR3SR9B when booking.

📢 MEMBER NEWS 📢 Congratulations to Arafura Rare Earths, a Gold Member of the Australia–Korea Business Council, on the gr...
09/10/2026

📢 MEMBER NEWS 📢

Congratulations to Arafura Rare Earths, a Gold Member of the Australia–Korea Business Council, on the groundbreaking of its Nolans Project! 🎉

Located approximately 135 kilometres north of Alice Springs, the project marks a significant milestone for Australia’s rare earths sector, with the mine and processing plant expected to be built over the next three years.

On Thursday, 8 October, Liz Griffin and Jenny Kang attended the ceremony on behalf of the AKBC to celebrate this milestone.

Nolans will produce neodymium and praseodymium, rare earths used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence technologies. Arafura’s supply agreements with Hyundai and Kia highlight the contribution of Australia–Korea partnerships to diversified critical minerals supply chains and the global energy transition.

The project has also received support from Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), reflecting the strong strategic interest in securing critical minerals supply chains between Australia and Korea.

We congratulate the Arafura team and its partners on this next chapter.

Read more 👇
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-08/arafura-nolans-rare-earths-mine-alice-springs-nt-ground-broken/107240942

📢 SPEAKER LINE-UP 📢What does Korea's political landscape mean for your business? Where is the country's AI ambition head...
08/10/2026

📢 SPEAKER LINE-UP 📢
What does Korea's political landscape mean for your business? Where is the country's AI ambition heading? And how can AKBC help you navigate the Australia–Korea relationship?

With one week to go, we are pleased to share the speakers for the final AKBC Member Quarterly Update of 2026, taking place online on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

Building on the momentum of the 47th AKBC-KABC Joint Meeting in September, this update continues the conversation on the Australia–Korea relationship and the policy, market and business developments creating opportunities across the corridor.

Hear from our speakers 👇
🎤 Lisa Drew, Manager, Global Strategy and Partnerships (East Asia), The University of Queensland – UQ's Korea strategy⁠
🎤 Professor Gordon Flake, Chief Executive Officer, Perth USAsia Centre – Korea's political and policy landscape⁠
🎤 Liz Griffin, CEO, AKBC – AKBC update, advocacy and Australia–Korea developments⁠
🎤 Chris Halford, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – Federal government update⁠
🎤 Sejin Kim, Senior Foreign Attorney, Shin & Kim – Korea’s AI Strategy and Megaproject

Join AKBC members and the broader Australia–Korea community for timely insights to support strategic decision-making and business planning.
📅 Wednesday, 14 October 2026
🕐 1PM - 2.30PM AEDT (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra) | 12PM - 1.30PM AEST (Brisbane) | 10AM - 11.30AM AWST (Perth)
📍 Online
👉 Register now https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-member-quarterly-update-3-178507/

🌟 AKBC welcomes DCI Data Centers! 🌟⁠DCI Data Centers is a fast-growing and trusted data centre developer, owner and oper...
08/10/2026

🌟 AKBC welcomes DCI Data Centers! 🌟⁠

DCI Data Centers is a fast-growing and trusted data centre developer, owner and operator across the Asia Pacific region. With sites in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea, DCI provides hyperscale, hyperscale++ and enterprise customers with fully serviced colocation, wholesale white space, connectivity and business continuity solutions.
⁠
Welcome aboard, DCI Data Centers! ✨⁠
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📩 🇦🇺🇰🇷 Join the AKBC network and get access to senior business and government leaders. Contact Hayley, our Head of Memberships, at [email protected] or book a meeting directly to enquire 👇
https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/0e638ca494e3417d9584043a1933d32b%40akbc.com.au?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled
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