Industry engagement
Industry events
We collaborate with our partners to deliver a diverse range of seminars, forums and other tailored events that tackle complex social, technical and business challenges of global relevance. We highlight the benefits of research translation into practical applications for industry and the community. These events enable our partners to expand their business networks, consolidate client relationships, display thought leadership and increase their influence in policy making.
2019 industry events
Sydney China Business Forums (2011- 2018)
The Sydney China Business Forum concept was established in 2011 with support from the City of Sydney to give the City a firm place in Australia- China business relations by harnessing Sydney’s geographical and cultural role as a gateway to New South Wales and Australia and its role as a global financial centre.
The Forums focused on urbanisation, free trade, investment and regulatory changes, health, and China's digital revolution.
2018
At the 8th Sydney China Business Forum, organised by the China Studies Centre in collaboration with the University’s Business School and Charles Perkins Centre, thought-leaders and innovative entrepreneurs addressed business delegates, government representatives and academics on the opportunities and challenges presented by China’s urbanisation.
The Forum explored topics including the impact of urbanisation on China’s capacity to feed its citizens, the environmental challenges faced by rapidly growing cities and the healthcare needs of growing and ageing populations. Speakers included representatives from Chinese ride-sharing company Didi Chuxing, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, international pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the world’s largest wind turbine producer Goldwind, Sydney-based blockchain specialist UDT, leading Chinese law firm Deheng and the Beijing-based environmental solutions company OriginWater.
Other speakers contributed from the City of Sydney, the University of Sydney, Qingdao University and the Australian Water Association. The 2018 forum was supported by the City of Sydney, China Construction Bank and Reginsun Group.
2017
The 2017 forum provided valuable insights into China’s digital transformation, the impact of the Internet on its productivity and economic growth, as well as China’s digital future. It also updated the attendees on the development of Smart Cities, how robotics is impacting on the ‘Made in China 2025’ program and the possibilities and risks of doing business with China in the area of AI.
The forum also gave participants a unique opportunity to meet representatives from major Chinese companies, including UBTech, China’s largest consumer humanoid robotics company; ZTE Corporation, the leading smart city brand in China; X Aircraft, one of the world’s largest drone companies; and InnoQuantum Capital Management, a leading fintech company. Other speakers included City of Sydney Councillor Robert Kok, NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, the Hon. Victor Dominello, and experts from the University of Sydney.
The 2017 Forum was supported by the City of Sydney, China Construction Bank, PwC, Reginsun Group and the University of Sydney’s Confucius Institute.
2016
The 2016 forum brought together more than 300 high-profile entrepreneurs, academics and government representatives from China and Australia. The forum, networking drinks and gala dinner provided a great opportunity for the participants to discuss issues at the heart of China’s transforming economy, as well as opportunities presented to Australian companies by innovation and business disruptors in China.
2015
The 2015 forum focused on issues that are crucial to the development of cooperation between Australia and China in the healthcare sector, such as current trends in China’s health industry, recent and expected regulatory reform; demand for hospital/medical central information systems and opportunities for Australian business; and the significance of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
2014
On 17 November 2014, the same day Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the framework for the historic free trade agreement in Canberra, more than 200 government and business leaders gathered in Sydney to strengthen partnerships in the financial services sector between the two countries.
The event focused on issues crucial to the development of the financial services sector for Australia and China, and exploring opportunities for Chinese investment in Sydney.
2013
The theme of the forum had a particular focus on sustainability in energy, water, transport and agribusiness and business opportunities in these areas for Australia and China. These are critically important issues for China, which is now the world’s largest producer of carbon emissions.
The forum explored key questions that would shape the future of Australia and China:
- How can Chinese and Australian business leaders work together to maximise expertise and opportunities in both countries on sustainability issues?
- Does the Chinese water market present an opportunity for investment?
- Given the changes in China’s transport industry, what are the implications for government and business?
- What investment opportunities does Australia present after the ‘mining boom’?
- Can Australia play a role in the area of food security?
2012
The forum took place in Parliament House, Sydney, as guest of the Premier of New South Wales. The theme of the forum was chosen to align with the Energy White Paper that was to be launched by the Australian Federal Government in November 2012. This forum explored the opportunities that Chinese investment in Australian infrastructure presents:
- What are the challenges?
- Do we fully understand the commercial and regulatory implications?
- Given the international competition for funds, how can we collaborate?
- How can we better leverage Chinese technical expertise?
- Can we secure Chinese investment in other Australian industries?