On Friday 20 October, Migration Queensland hosted a Welcome Reception for business migrants from Southeast Asia at our Brisbane headquarters. The purpose of this event was to thank these businesspeople for choosing Queensland as a destination for their investment, expertise and families. 

The afternoon brought together 150 businesspeople from Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia who represent a diverse range of businesses and industries: food and agricultural, biomedical technology, property development and construction, retail, export businesses and many more.  

TIQ representatives opened the session with attendees hearing from Global Investment Commissioner Ross Buchanan on the increasing importance of this region to Australia’s economic and trade growth. Director of TIQ’s Regional Network Reg Roberts spoke about TIQ’s regional representation and the diverse opportunities outside Brisbane. Lastly, recently appointed Senior Trade Commissioner for ASEAN Mr Shannon Leahy introduced himself and the services that he and his team in Ho Chi Minh City can provide. Shannon delighted everyone with a short speech in Vietnamese too!

We had two special guest speakers address the audience, talking about their business and migration journey to Queensland. Mr Cao Tien Dung is Chairman and co-founder of Phacogen Biomedic, a leading enterprise in the field of biotechnology that specialises in genetic testing, DNA testing, and molecular biology in diagnosis. 

We also heard from Mrs Trung Thi Nguyen, General Manager and co-investor of SSS Strawberries, located in Bundaberg. Mrs Nguyen spoke of the benefits of choosing to invest in an agricultural company in Bundaberg region, noting favourable water planning, climate and soil conditions for large scale agricultural development. 

Mr Cao and Mrs Nguyen each spoke about the positives and the challenges of their business and investment ventures. Their speeches were enjoyed by all and paid testament to their tenacity, acumen and persistence. We are fortunate to have these creative and successful entrepreneurs in Queensland. 

The event provided a fantastic opportunity for connection, with ten exhibitors from professional service businesses displaying and promoting their services to attendees. TIQ representative from a range of sector teams were also mingling with guests, advising them how TIQ can assist with growing their businesses.

Thanks to Vietjet Air, one lucky guest won the door prize of a couple of return flights from Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City! Vietjet recently launched its first flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, making it the first ever carrier to fly directly between Vietnam and Brisbane.

The feedback so far on this event is excellent with attendees appreciating the opportunity to connect with TIQ, and with people who have made a similar migration journey. 

Thank you to all those who attended and made this event a success. 

The Migration Queensland team