Today I announce the appointment of Dr Scott Watkins as Chair of the Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF), as well as new board members to support the Foundation's work.
The AKF works to strengthen economic, strategic and personal links between Australia and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Dr Watkins has been a Board Member since 2022 and is active in forging networks between Australian and South Korean youth. He is the Chief Sustainability Officer at KISCO, a South Korean chemicals and inks manufacturer, and previously worked for CSIRO.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members who each bring extensive experience to support the objectives of the AKF:
- Professor Gordon Flake, founding CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre
- Ms Julianne Lee, Vice President of Voice of Korean Australian Businesses and Director a Rosecello Pty Ltd
- Mr Sung Ho Lee, Partner at Johnson Partners.
I have reappointed Ms Robyn Bryant, from Bryant Family Grazing in Southern Queensland, for a second three-year term from March 2025.
I greatly appreciate the efforts of outgoing Chair Peter Coleman and Board Member Ms Karen Halbert for their substantial contribution the Australia-ROK relationship and thank them for their work supporting the AKF.
Today I am also delighted to announce that grants have been awarded to 22 recipients in the 2024-25 AKF Grant Round. These are listed on the AKF website and include:
- The Australia-Korea Academic Maritime Security Dialogue in South Korea, convened by La Trobe University and the University of Western Australia, to promote discussions on maritime-related issues in our region.
- An Australia-Korea Business Council initiative to connect female leaders in Australia and South Korea through networking and panel discussions, to promote leadership skills, cross-cultural exchanges and mentorships.
- Supporting 10 Australian scientists to attend the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists' Young Scientist Program in South Korea, to enhance bilateral scientific ties.
