Australia-Korea Business Council

🎤 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 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 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 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! ✨⁠
⁠
📩 🇦🇺🇰🇷 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
⁠

📣 FROM OUR NETWORK 📣
The Australia–Korea Business Council is pleased to partner with IMARC 2026, bringing our network exclusive offers for Australia’s largest mining event.

Join the International Mining and Resources Conference to connect with the mining and resources community and explore opportunities across the sector.

Heading to IMARC? Our Head of Industry Groups, Jenny, and Head of Growth, Michael, will be there too. Comment below if you are attending, as we would love to connect with you while you are there.

🎟️ Use code AKBC15 for discounted delegate passes!

Secure your place: https://hubs.ly/Q04z5Z-C0

📩 Did you know Critical Minerals 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 welcomes Arthur D. Little! 🌟⁠

Arthur D. Little is a global management consulting firm specializing in strategy, innovation, transformation, technology, and operations. Arthur D. Little helps organisations across industries address complex challenges, drive sustainable growth, and create lasting impact by combining deep industry expertise with innovative thinking and global capabilities.

With a presence in both Australia and Korea, Arthur D. Little is well placed to support businesses working across the two markets.
⁠
Welcome aboard, Arthur D. Little! ✨⁠
⁠
📩 🇦🇺🇰🇷 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
⁠

📰 Welcome to the AKBC Business Connect – August & September edition, where we share the latest developments and updates on the Australia–Korea bilateral relationship.

From upcoming events to the latest news across the corridor, here's what's inside:

📅 Upcoming Events
AKBC Member Quarterly Update #3 – Wednesday, 14 October 2026 👇
https://akbc.glueup.com/event/akbc-member-quarterly-update-3-178507/
Korean Communications Essentials for Business – Thursday, 3 December 2026 👇
https://akbc.glueup.com/event/korean-communications-essentials-for-business-189946/

🤝 AKBC in Action
- 2026 Korea–NSW Business Forum
- How to Conduct Effective Meetings with Korean Stakeholders
- Space Economy Seminar
- Our submission to the Safeguard Mechanism Review

🌏 From our Network
- KBEE Melbourne 2026, 5–7 November 2026 👇
https://kbee2026.netlify.app/
Event Flyer: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/akbc_korea-brand-entertainment-expo-activity-7511203446906159106-MLF3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAB75u8QBfj7WFOViGNKiMX9eC8b_J7_HWUw

🗞️ What's been happening?
- PM Albanese and President Lee met at the UN General Assembly, agreeing to deepen cooperation on energy supply chains, critical minerals and clean energy
- Korean Air returns to Melbourne after 13 years, with direct flights to Seoul from 18 December
- Mr. Park Il appointed as Korea's new Ambassador to Australia
- Australian beef exports to Korea reach the 2026 safeguard quota
- A Korean consortium signs on for a 260-apartment build-to-rent tower in Sydney
- POSCO expands its critical minerals research presence in WA, partnering with Curtin University

📰 Read the full edition here: https://akbc.glueup.com/view-in-browser/5704:544057:4579aae8-b483-4be5-816a-db87d1b8e218

📩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/

🤝AKBC in Action🤝
On 29 September 2026, AKBC's CEO, Liz Griffin, and Head of Growth, Michael Hasten, attended the Korean National Day reception celebrating the National Day of the Republic of Korea in Sydney, hosted by Consul-General Mr Yong Jun Choi and Mrs Eun Young Jo.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government, business and the Korean-Australian community to celebrate Korea's National Foundation Day and the close and enduring partnership between our two countries.

Korea's National Day, known as Gaecheonjeol or National Foundation Day, is celebrated on 3 October each year. It commemorates the founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, by the legendary figure Dangun in 2333 BCE. The name Gaecheonjeol means "the day the heavens opened."

We were delighted to join in the celebrations and to reconnect with valued partners and friends of the Australia–Korea relationship. Following the successful 47th AKBC–KABC Joint Meeting in Adelaide earlier this month, the event was a timely opportunity to reflect on the momentum in bilateral business engagement and the opportunities ahead.

AKBC extends its warm congratulations to Consul-General Choi, Mrs Jo and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Sydney for hosting such a memorable evening.

🇦🇺🇰🇷 AKBC has deep connections with government stakeholders across Australia and Korea. Join AKBC as a member to connect with key decision-makers and be part of the conversations shaping the bilateral relationship.
👉 Book a meeting with our Head of Membership to discuss how we can help your organisation: https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/0e638ca494e3417d9584043a1933d32b%40akbc.com.au?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

📢 FROM OUR NETWORK 📢

KBEE Melbourne 2026: Meet 120 Korean Suppliers

Discover the latest in K-Beauty, K-Food and consumer goods at the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo, hosted by KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), 5–7 November at Melbourne Showgrounds. Australian buyers can attend free of charge, with 1:1 meetings arranged to match your business needs.

Do not miss this opportunity to connect directly with Korean suppliers, discover new products and explore potential partnerships!

✈️ Travelling from interstate? Airfare and hotel support details are available on the photo!

Explore the suppliers and register your interest now! 👇
https://lnkd.in/gBvVzxKq

📅 Plan ahead for October: Korean public holiday 📅

🔹3 October: National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol, 개천절) - as 3 October sits on a weekend, alternative public holiday has been decided for the Monday, 5 October.
🔹9 October: Hangeul Day (한글날)

Gaecheonjeol means “The day the heavens opened” and commemorates the legendary founding of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, by Dangun in 2333 BC. The date has traditionally been regarded as the founding of the Korean nation.

Hangeul Day commemorates the proclamation of Korea’s writing system by King Sejong in 1446. Originally known as Hun-min-jeong-eum (훈민정음), the alphabet was created to make reading and writing more accessible to ordinary Koreans, at a time when Classical Chinese was used primarily by the educated elite. Hangeul Day has been a national holiday in Korea since 1970.

On these days, government offices, banks and many businesses may be closed, and corporate activity and response times may slow around the holiday. Australian organisations working with Korean stakeholders should factor this date into meeting schedules, project timelines, approvals and deliveries.

Fun Fact: Gaecheonjeol is also recognised in North Korea, although it is not a public holiday there, there is an annual ceremony for the day.

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