The new leaders shaping Aotearoa’s connection with Asia

Eight alumni of the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) are among the newest members of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono’s Leadership Network, announced this October.

The prestigious network supports emerging leaders from across Aotearoa to build their understanding of Asia and strengthen relationships in the region. With more than 500 members and hundreds of applications each year, it brings together a diverse and high-performing cohort of young New Zealanders committed to global impact through diplomacy.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is dedicated to building New Zealanders’ knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with Asia. It does this through a wide range of cultural programmes, professional development initiatives and partnerships with influential individuals and organisations both in New Zealand and across Asia. Its work recognises the deep and growing economic, cultural and social ties between New Zealand and Asia, and the importance of preparing future leaders to navigate them.

The Foundation’s Leadership Network, established in 2006, offers graduate and early-to-mid-career professionals opportunities to develop their leadership capabilities, expand their regional knowledge and form lasting connections with peers and mentors. Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep says the high volume of applications reflects the growing interest among young New Zealanders in learning about and connecting to Asia.

“The calibre of this year’s intake reflects the diversity, talent and drive we need to grow and deepen New Zealand’s connections with the fast-growing Asia region.”

“As well as professional development, the network helps to grow a community of leaders who understand Asia’s significance to us as a country and to their field of work.”

Among the new members is Jason Tran, a CIE alumnus whose journey reflects the cross-cultural perspectives the network celebrates.

Jason was born in Aotearoa New Zealand and traces his whakapapa to China, Cambodia and Vietnam. His parents survived the Khmer Rouge, and he speaks openly about his desire to reconnect with his family’s history and reclaim pride in his identity and culture.

While studying at the University of Auckland, he completed a conjoint Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce, and served as CEO of Velocity, the University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme. His Honours research explored how natural language processing could support Parininihi ki Waitōtara in reconnecting with missing shareholder descendants.

Now working at SAP as a Solution Engineer, Jason has also held the role of APAC Regional GTM Lead, where he helped organisations across Asia apply AI to real-world business challenges. He is a Data Fellow with the Good Data Institute, contributing pro bono expertise to not-for-profits.

Reflecting on his selection to the Leadership Network, Jason says he’s looking forward to connecting with a community that shares both curiosity and commitment.

“This is such a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of Asia and collaborate with others who are equally passionate about bridging cultures. I’m especially excited to learn from people with different worldviews, and to explore how we can shape a more inclusive, interconnected future for Aotearoa.”