Indigenous business sector poised to export to Asian markets Sharna Petherick Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network
“Life-changing” New Colombo Plan scholarship in Singapore launches global business career
Brisbane-born Dana Carmichael says her New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship has been “life changing” and was a launchpad to her international business career with PepsiCo. In 2017, Dana was one of the youngest recipients of the New Colombo Plan Scholarship, an opportunity to learn, study and work in Singapore, and an opportunity she believes is still powering her career success. In Singapore she completed an internship, as well as a two-week intensive Chinese language course and two semesters of elective study at Nanyang Technological University in areas such as strategic management and market behaviour. “It was a life-changing experience for me, and it continues to fuel my enthusiasm in my work and for exploration in everything I do. “Singapore is like a melting pot of Asian cultures – Chinese, Malay, Indian, along with a global expat community - all co-existing. It makes it an incredibly rich, vibrant community. “It feels like you are standing on the borders of many different countries and taking it all in. Sometimes that was challenging, but it was in that space that your learning accelerated.” With a Bachelor of Business – International with Economics major from the Queensland University of Technology, Dana developed a keen interest in strategic management and leadership in business and
The Northern Territory is close to rapidly growing Asian economies and holds tremendous potential for the Indigenous business sector. By 2026, an estimated 73,000 Indigenous Australians will reach working age and around 2,000 people are expected to start their own businesses (based on current self-employment rates). The Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) is at the forefront of supporting and empowering Indigenous businesses in the region. As the premier certifying authority and peak body, NTIBN has proactively developed and implemented the NT Aboriginal Export Strategy 2022-2025, which aims to assist and facilitate NT Indigenous businesses in capitalising on international trade opportunities. The growth in Asian economies north of the Territory is expected to generate a strong demand for products that our region can competitively produce. The insights, perspectives, and land ownership of Aboriginal
The Northern Territory has a thriving and expanding community of Indigenous businesses actively involved in international export and trade. Aboriginal people have been actively engaged in international trade and commerce for thousands of years. In today’s world, there is a growing demand for experiences that are not only authentic but also credited, respectful, and cemented in the true essence of Indigenous cultures. Jerome Cubillo, NTIBN CEO
in the significance of cultural intelligence in business success. “Singapore has a very serious learning culture, so all of my study was undertaken with other students who were engaged and enthusiastic learners and despite some differences in learning style, the quality of what we were taught
“That deep, intense, professional immersion in another country tests your mettle in so many ways that you emerge more confident, more resilient, and adaptable and more willing to embrace uncertainty, knowing you can and will thrive.” At just 26 years old, she has recently been appointed PepsiCo Head of Strategy for Australia and New Zealand, a role she believes gives her opportunities to influence decisions that benefit the business and the consumer. “The job is enjoyable because the environment encourages learning and development and rewards high performance.” With a successful New Colombo Plan scholarship and language training that gave her essential job-ready skills, she said: “in an increasingly globalised business world, having that capacity is invaluable.” For more information on New Colombo Plan opportunities, see: dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/new- colombo-plan Above: New Colombo Plan Scholar (2017) and PepsiCo Head of Strategy for Australia and New Zealand Dana Carmichael
was fantastic,” Dana says. “We had a Harvard business
Territorians play a pivotal role in establishing essential partnerships that will be vital to securing the Territory’s economic future. NTIBN emphasises building and nurturing strong relationships with its neighbouring nations. In October 2024, NTIBN is poised to embark on a US trade delegation in collaboration with the Native American Business Association. This endeavour aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration by connecting NT Indigenous businesses with their American counterparts, thereby paving the way for lucrative business opportunities. The work of NTIBN is further bolstered by their successful bid to host the World Indigenous Business Forum in 2025, which will take place on Larrakia Country
in Darwin. It is set to attract over 1,000 delegates from more than 20 countries. Invitations to other prominent events, such as the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, offer Indigenous businesses, industries, and governments the opportunity to network, collaborate, and expand their interests and connections in one of Asia’s most influential business hubs. For further information, visit the NTIBN website at ntibn.com.au
case trained professor delivering world class insights into strategic management which really opened my eyes to the power of strategy in business.” While the NCP has a clear mandate to offer transformational experiences for its scholars, Dana says the transformation is not limited to increasing young Australians’ knowledge of the Indo- Pacific region. “You have your eyes opened to new cultures and new ideas about almost everything, you make valuable connections and friendships, you get to see what is different and what is the same across the region, and you start to understand some of its complexity,” she says. “But the transformation is broader than that.”
Above: Promoting the work of the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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