More than 300 speakers and participants from a diverse range of backgrounds came together for our inaugural Ethnic Xchange symposium. The event, held at the Cordis hotel in Auckland on 11 October, was pivotal to helping advance conversations about how to unlock the potential of ethnic businesses for the benefit of New Zealand. There was positive energy radiating throughout the day, with people sharing ideas and insights, making new connections and planning future collaborations.
Ethnic Xchange was a unique event, bringing Government Ministers, public officials, high commissioners, business experts, entrepreneurs and leaders together in one room. Facilitated panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on how to boost New Zealand’s economy through innovation, trade and investment. Business leaders, educators and researchers joined the sold-out one-day event. With dedicated times for networking, participants mingled with speakers, formed new relationships and established exciting opportunities.
“Ethnic Xchange was the start of something truly special. The energy was absolutely buzzing, and it’s clear there is a lot of optimism about New Zealand’s future. It was evident people want to contribute more and play a larger role in shaping and supporting our economy. By discussing some of the shared challenges they’ve experienced as ethnic business owners and entrepreneurs, we’re able to help one another navigate the system and break down barriers,” says Mervin Singham, the Ministry’s Chief Executive.
“There is a real appetite to continue this dialogue. We must work in partnership across public and private sectors to look at ways to collaborate further to advance these discussions. I have already heard from numerous speakers and participants about positive outcomes which came from the event, including new connections. It is our sincere hope that these flourish and that new ideas, initiatives and partnerships form because of Ethnic Xchange. I am delighted to confirm this was just the first event of its kind – we will be hosting Ethnic Xchange again next year.”
Read RNZ’s story on Ethnic Xchange: Inaugural summit harnesses ethnic business potential.
View the photos from Ethnic Xchange in our Facebook album.
Speakers included Hon Melissa Lee, Minister for Ethnic Communities and Economic Development, Hon David Seymour, Minister for Regulation, Hon Nicola Willis, Minister of Finance, Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Mervin Singham, Chief Executive, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, and Carolyn Tremain and Peter Chrisp, the chief executives of Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. The high commissioners of Malaysia and Singapore and the Charge d'Affaires a.i., High Commission of India spoke in the panel session ‘Trade Winds’. Ethnic business leaders and entrepreneurs included Danushka Abeysuriya, Founder and CTO of RUSH, Priti Ambani, Country Head – New Zealand, Tata Consultancy Services and David Wang, General Partner and co-founder of Migrant Investor & Entrepreneur Association (MIEA). Many speakers shared their own inspiring stories and offered tips and advice to participants.
For the full line up of speakers, visit www.ethnicxchange.org.nz or view the programme: Ethnic Xchange programme
Ethnic Xchange continues the Ministry’s work in economic development. When the Ministry was first launched, we held a series of engagements with Ethnic Communities. They told us they wanted to contribute more to the economy and be seen to contribute. We have hosted several engagements since, to better understand their concerns and challenges. These included several business roundtables and our EthnicBiz Forum in 2023. More business roundtables with Minister Lee are planned for the near future, and we will also be producing a report about Ethnic Xchange. We are committed to continue driving conversations about how ethnic businesses and communities can contribute more fully to New Zealand’s economy. We look forward to continuing our work in this space and to Ethnic Xchange 2025.
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Many thanks to our valued sponsors and partners for supporting Ethnic Xchange. Our sponsors included Bank of New Zealand, KPMG New Zealand, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry for Women and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. Our partners included New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Auckland Business Chamber, ASEAN New Zealand Business Council, The ICE Base, BusinessNZ, and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.
