New Zealand invites up and coming North Asian tech entrepreneurs and business leaders to visit the country

Korean startup founders and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to explore the business trends in New Zealand and indulge in networking by attending the Techweek 2020 in Auckland and Christchurch. The Asia New Zealand Foundation and the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade are offering six to eight young North Asian tech entrepreneurs and business leaders the chance to visit New Zealand in May 2020 for a week-long program. 

Selected candidates will get a chance to meet New Zealand technology entrepreneurs and business leaders, develop a greater knowledge of the tech sector, and explore ways to collaborate with entrepreneurs from New Zealand.

This will be the second visit from North Asia organized by The Foundation. To date, 112 entrepreneurs and business leaders from Southeast Asia have visited New Zealand since 2012, and 51 entrepreneurs from New Zealand have traveled to Asia.

We are offering 6-8 young North Asian tech entrepreneurs and business leaders the chance to visit NZ and attend @TechweekNZ
in May. Applications close February 24 – check it out now: https://t.co/oixf4G5o1p #ThinkAsia #Techweek2020 #NorthAsia #YBLI @MFATgovtNZ pic.twitter.com/HgyqJc0036

— Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono (@asianewzealand) January 28, 2020

Multiple avenues to explore

Candidates will also attend New Zealand’s leading tech event, Techweek 2020, as well as connect with past Kiwi YBLI’s and members of the Foundation’s Leadership Network. They will get to learn about the New Zealand business environment, especially the tech sector, meet and network with entrepreneurs and business leaders in Auckland and Christchurch, as well as government officials from New Zealand and North Asia. 

Promising entrepreneurs can also connect with the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Leadership Network, a network of New Zealand’s top young leaders. The Foundation will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NZ, to deliver the program.

The trip will also be a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of New Zealand culture and enjoy the pristine beauty of the country. 

Eligibility criteria

Interested applicants must be an entrepreneur/business leader at CEO or senior-management level from North Asia (South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, or Taiwan). They should also be based in and have citizenship in one of the following locations: South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. The applicant must be aged under 40 and be able to demonstrate leadership in their field. Working-Level knowledge of the English language is a plus point. 

A confident public speaker willing to engage in dialogue with entrepreneurs from other countries is an added qualification for the applicant. They should be willing to contribute to the relationship between New Zealand and Asia.

A panel consisting of Asia New Zealand Foundation staff and industry experts will consult with overseas posts to make a final decision on the applications received.

Outstanding startup entrepreneurs or emerging entrepreneurs will be considered for the program.

The program fees will consist of a return economy airfare, domestic transport, accommodation, insurance, most meals, and miscellaneous expenses. However, participants will need to cover their own spending money.

To apply, an application form linked must be filled and submitted. Applications close on 24th February 2020. For further information, check the website www.asianz.org.nz .