Victoria University’s (VU) , and recently held the first event for the ‘Australia-ASEAN: New Normal for the Visitor Economy Supply Chain’ project and webinar series, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade .
The webinar posed the question, ‘How has the visitor economy supply chain been impacted by COVID-19?’ and was attended by over 420 guests across industry, academia, government, community leaders, students and stakeholders from Australia, ASEAN countries and around the globe.
Introduced by VU’s , Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Vocational Education, the discussion included speakers:
- Carla Giuca, Head of the Visitor Economy Capability and Workforce Branch at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
- Professor Diena Mutiara Lemy, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at Pelita Harapan University and Secretary General of the Association of the Indonesian Tourism Tertiary Education Institutions
- Suan See Tan, Founder and Director Eagle Horizon Sdn Bhd
- Dr Pairach Piboonrungroj, Associate Dean of Faculty of Economics and Founding Director of the Supply Chain Economics Research Centre at Chiang Mai University
- Michel Koopman, Chief Operating Officer at Nova Hospitality.
In total, 25 speakers, including industry and government leaders and academic experts, shared insights on the impacts of COVID-19 and recovery strategies to support visitor economy supply chain resilience.
The webinar concluded with a networking session where participants were able to connect and discuss potential collaborative opportunities, with over 250 participants from across ASEAN countries. Closing remarks were presented by , Victoria University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact.
Networking groups on and have been established to sustain connections, develop future communications and enhance collaborations. A report compiling the findings and recommendations from the project will be released in 2023.
The project is being led by and from VU, together with Prof Terry De Lacy, and Dr Madelene Blaer. In partnership with collaborators from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. The team includes:
- Assistant Professor Dr Wanamina Bostan Ali from Prince of Songkla University
- Maheswary Subramani from Victoria University Sunway Malaysia
- Dr Le Minh Thanh from Van Lang University
- Belinda Rimbo from Study Melbourne, Victorian Government.
The project received support and engagement by industry partners, including:
- the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA)
- Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC)
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
- Executive Wealth Circle
- Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Australia
- Australia Food Export Company Pty Ltd
- Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau
- Songkhla Convention and Exhibition Bureau
- Malaysia Sunway Education Group
- Wisdom Woods Training Centre
- Association of Tourism Attractions Penang
- AME Training Academy
- Indonesia Association of the Indonesian Tourism Tertiary Education Institutions
- Vietnam Southern Airport Services Company.
Future webinars
The project will deliver another two webinars, focusing on how stronger leadership and digital transformation can support supply chain resilience. Webinar details will be circulated soon and participation from across related disciplines is welcomed.
To join the Australia-ASEAN Visitor Economy Supply Chain Network, please go to:
- LinkedIn Group:
- Facebook Group: .
