Celia Karl’s Post

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Masters student with an interest in the Māori economy and Māori firm characteristics.

I’ve spent the last four days in Johor Bahru Malaysia meeting with officials and business leaders as part of a delegation led by Southeast Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence. Aotearoa New Zealand’s engagement with ASEAN has been subject to much recent attention following Prime Minister Luxon’s recent visit to South East Asia, so it’s been timely to experience this first hand. Johor Bahru and Singapore have recently signed a MOU to develop a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an agreement modelled on the Hong Kong- Shenzhen SEZ. The SEZ will present opportunities and challenges for the local economy and communities, we’ve heard perspectives from both the public and private sectors on how to best capitalise and mitigate these. There are already significant opportunities for New Zealand firms in ASEAN, and the SEZ will open up more opportunities here in Malaysia. Some initial reflections: 💻Malaysia and Aotearoa have some common economic challenges, namely retention of highly skilled local talent and commanding a premium in the market for goods and services with ESG credentials. There’s scope for increased collaboration in this space. ✨There’s a strong presence of Australian and UK firms and education institutions here in JB, however the NZ presence is noticeably weaker. There are abundant opportunities, but repeated engagement and intentional relationship building is required to capitalise on these. Whakawhānaungatanga is a pou of the Māori economy, Māori firms are particularly well placed to do business here. 🌳Sustainability and ESG are front of mind in both the private and public sectors, with 2030 fast approaching, meeting the SDGs will require converting intention into real action. Achieving this whilst remaining competitive in the global market will not be easy, a challenge we also experience in Aotearoa. Grateful to Professor Siah Hwee Ang for the invitation to participate and appreciative of the mahi from Marfiya Tatlik, Chunxiao Lu, Rachel Kingi and Mihirangi Wickliffe to make this trip happen. Next stop, Singapore 📍

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Celia! I'm so proud of you and happy you've found your calling and passion. Well done :)

Fuad A.H

Client Management l Project Delivery

6mo

Enjoy the foods in JB and Singapore!

Mihirangi Wickliffe

Wāhine Māori | Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tukorehe

6mo

Some awesome reflections e hoa! Looking forward to a jam packed next few days 🙌🏻

Jaimie Monk, PhD

Research economist focused on poverty and family wellbeing

6mo

Let's catch up when you're back, I'd love to hear all about your trip!

Siah Hwee Ang

Strengthening capabilities and building capacity to engage in international business engagement

6mo

Thanks, Celia Karl for your insights on potential collaboration between New Zealand and Malaysia around sustainability and the ESG spaces.

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