The Asia New Zealand Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade offers six-to-eight young Southeast Asian technology entrepreneurs and business leaders the chance to visit New Zealand.The week-long programme will give participants an understanding of New Zealand’s tech sector and allow participants to attend Techweek 19 (https://techweek.co.nz/) in Auckland.

I/ About the Young Business Leader’s Initiative

- This opportunity is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), a key part of the New Zealand government’s ASEAN strategy. The initiative was established to facilitate trade and build networks and connections between entrepreneurs and business leaders in Southeast Asia and in New Zealand.

- As of December 2018, 95 business leaders from across all ten ASEAN member countries representing a range of industries have visited New Zealand. In addition, 41 entrepreneurs from New Zealand have travelled to Southeast Asia.

II/ About the Trip

- Trip Dates: 19 – 25 May 2019

- Successful applicants will meet New Zealand technology entrepreneurs and business leaders, develop a greater knowledge of the tech sector within New Zealand, and explore ways to collaborate with entrepreneurs from New Zealand.

- Applicants will attend New Zealand’s leading tech event, Techweek 19, as well as connecting with past Kiwi YBLI’s and members of the Foundation’s Leadership Network.

- During the trip you will:

• learn about the New Zealand business environment, specifically with regards to tech

• meet and network with entrepreneurs and business leaders in Auckland and possibly one other location

• meet with government officials from New Zealand and ASEAN

• connect with the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Leadership Network, a network of New Zealand’s top young leaders https://www.asianz.org.nz/leadership/about-the-leadership-network/

• take time to understand the culture of New Zealand

• attend Techweek 19

- The Foundation will work with the New Zealand diplomatic posts in ASEAN to deliver the programme.

III/ Who can apply?

- Applicants must be:

• aged under 40

• able to demonstrate leadership in their field and a working level of English language ability

• an entrepreneur or business leader at CEO or senior management level involved in tech from one of the ten ASEAN nations

- Outstanding start-up entrepreneurs or emerging entrepreneurs will also be considered. No knowledge or experience of New Zealand is required. 

- Applicants must:

• be based in and have citizenship of one of the ten ASEAN member countries

• be interested in connecting with equivalents from other countries and exploring international business opportunities

• be confident public speakers willing to engage in dialogue with entrepreneurs from other countries

• be willing to contribute to the relationship between New Zealand and ASEAN.

IV/ Costs and Selection process

- Cost: The Asia New Zealand Foundation will fund the costs of successful applicants, including a return economy airfare, domestic transport, accommodation and insurance, as well as most meals and miscellaneous expenses.
Participants will need to cover their own spending money.

- Selection process: Applications will be assessed by the relevant New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed either in person or via Skype. In New Zealand a panel made up of Asia New Zealand Foundation and relevant experts will consult with overseas posts to make a final decision.

V/ How to apply

- Applicants will need to submit:

• The application form: ASIANZ YBLI Application Form and ASIANZ YBLI Applications Form. pdf

Please send you application to aallen@asianz.org.nz
- Questions

If you would like further information about the programme or about applying please email Alexis Allen: aallen@asianz.org.nz