Baidam Solutions: training future First Nations cyber leaders
China International Import Expo signals new era of optimism for Australia-China trade relations
Baidam Solutions Pty Ltd has taken the Australian cyber security industry by storm since it was established in 2018. The Brisbane- based, Indigenous owned ICT security consultancy provides expertise spanning hardware installations, software licensing and security services. Baidam has just been recognised as one of Australia’s 50 fastest growing technology companies, listed in Deloitte’s Tech Fast 50 list for 2023. Since start-up, Baidam has expanded its workforce and nationwide reach into New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. It now services federal and state governments, and private enterprises including Qantas, ANZ Bank, Origin Energy, NRMA, AGL, Rio Tinto, BHP, Flight Centre and Wesfarmers. This year, the multi-award-winning company opened a new First Nations Security Operations Centre (SOC) in Brisbane, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. The SOC provides a space for First Nations people to lead and solve Australia’s cyber security issues, while training and providing pathways for Australia’s future First Nations cyber leaders. It’s called the ‘Gundan’ meaning ‘shield’, a term gifted by the Traditional Custodians of Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera Peoples.
Trade between Australia and China has delivered significant benefits for both countries. China is Australia’s largest trading partner, with two-way goods and services trade at $299 billion in 2022 and accounting for approximately 25 per cent of Australia’s total goods and services exports to the world. Sustained bilateral engagement has gradually stabilised our trade relationship and has led to several positive trade developments this year. With the relationship on a more positive trajectory, we have seen renewed optimism for Australian exporters, as evidenced by record attendance at this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from 5-10 November.
Those on the ground described a new era of optimism for Australian exporters looking to re-enter the market, or explore opportunities in China for the first time. Australia has established an outstanding reputation for its high-quality agricultural produce including meat, seafood, dairy, and a growing range of premium packaged foods and beverages to meet the needs of sophisticated Chinese consumers. A record 244 Australian companies exhibited at CIIE this year. The event was live-streamed to half a million Chinese consumers, with business outcomes as a direct result of the Expo likely to contribute to further growth in trade over the coming year.
CIIE provided a perfect opportunity to strengthen the Australia-China trading relationship, cemented by the first visit of an Australian Prime Minister to China in seven years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was joined by Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, with the visit receiving widespread positive media coverage both in China and in Australia. China and Australia have highly complementary economies, that benefit from strong trade and investment ties. During the visit, Prime Minister Albanese and his counterpart President Xi Jinping welcomed the continuing stabilisation of our bilateral relationship. The China International Import Expo is one of the world’s largest trade shows, and one of the most important platforms for Australian businesses to showcase their goods and services.
Baidam is now looking to expand operations internationally and has started exploring offshore markets, with early opportunities for engagement emerging in the Pacific. This has seen Baidam participating in international forums such as the Indigenous Business Sector Group at the Australia- New Zealand Leadership Forum in Wellington, New Zealand in July, and at the World Indigenous Business Forum in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in October.
The company has established pathways for accreditation and employment opportunities within its usual business activities, as well as providing funding support and scholarships for First Nations students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). There is a shortfall of cyber skills in Australia, and Baidam’s work seeks to address this while simultaneously supporting opportunities for First Nations employment. It’s a win-win model. For further information on Baidam Solutions and the services provided see baidam.com.au.
Baidam is also establishing business partnerships with
organisations such as Purple Team Australia, to support the workforce growth that will be needed for expansion. The Baidam Initiative Baidam provides a strong social return on investment through the Baidam Initiative. Under the initiative, the consultancy dedicates 52 per cent of profits back to First Nations community outcomes, with a focus on building pathways to high-value IT jobs for First Nations People.
Opening the Gundan, the First Nations Security Operations Centre, with Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security the Hon Clare O’Neil MP (centre) and Baidam Solutions co-founders, Jack Reis (left) and Pip Jenkinson (right).
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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