Leigh Howard, CEO - Asialink Business
Leigh Howard has over two decades of experience representing Australian businesses in Asia, across corporate, government, start-up, and for-purpose sectors. As the CEO of Asialink Business, Leigh is focused on delivering services that empower Australian organisations and their people to seize the opportunities available in Asian markets.
Leigh was previously Deputy Commissioner to Southeast Asia for the State Government of Victoria, where he led a network of Trade & Investment offices assisting exporters and investors to access opportunities across the region. Leigh was a board member and Executive Director for TradingPost.com.au, one of Australia’s biggest online classified portals, as well as the Director, South Asia for Talent2 International Ltd, one of Australia’s largest staffing companies.
Leigh is a Foundation Board Director of AustCham ASEAN, the peak body for all officially registered Australian chambers and business councils in Southeast Asia. He is also a long-standing board member and former Chairperson of the Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC).
Alumni speakers
Anthony Matis, General Manager, Strategic Engagement and Development - CA ANZ (2020 Leader)
Anthony is the General Manager, Strategic Engagement and Development for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. His diverse experience includes roles in corporate service and audit, plus senior finance positions in industries such as fashion, health, public relations and advertising as well as holding several board positions.
Anthony served on the Federal Government’s Small Business Advisory Committee and Better Regulation Working Group and is a former member of Southern Cross University’s Council and Audit Committee; and served as an Adjunct Associate Professor for The Notre Dame University Business School and is a regular lecturer at many universities too. He is currently serving on the NSW Advisory board of the Jodi Lee Foundation and is also a Pro Bono Advisor to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards Program.
Anthony is passionate about career development and leadership, and this is demonstrated through his ongoing commitment through his time spent mentoring and coaching.
Harpreet Gill, Global Education Manager, Tasmanian Government - Department of State Growth (2022 Leader)
Harpreet Gill is the Global Education Manager at the Tasmanian Government’s Department of State Growth. She has been with the Government for over 4 years, previously working in Migration Tasmania.
Prior to joining the government, Harpreet worked in commercial and property law in the private sector. She was also a former international student and alumni of the University of Tasmania having completed an Arts/Law degree and a Business Administration degree.
In 2018, Harpreet was selected as a delegate at the Young Diplomats Forum held in Malaysia and in 2019, Harpreet was awarded the IPAA Public Sector Young Professional of the Year award. More recently, Harpreet graduated from the Tasmanian Leaders Program, a prestigious leadership program focussed on leadership and community development. Harpreet has a keen interest in international relations and community development. In her free time, Harpreet loves travelling, going for walks, and socialising with her friends and family.