Celebrating the Success of the Business Forum & Exhibition: Innovating for a Sustainable Future
The WACCC hosted the Business Forum & Exhibition: Innovating for a Sustainable Future on Friday 6 December as part of the Chung Wah Cultural Festival. Attendees gained valuable insights into Western Australia’s economic, environmental, and cultural opportunities, driven by thought-provoking discussions from distinguished speakers and engaging exhibitions showcasing innovation and sustainability.
Notable Highlights from the Sessions
Christine Xu shared how Chinese social media platforms like TikTok offer unparalleled promotional power for WA businesses. She emphasised the growing appeal of Perth, Rottnest Island, Mandurah, and other iconic WA locations for premium, long-haul Chinese travellers. Christine also spotlighted WA’s unique tourism identity, rooted in road trips, barefoot luxury, and Aboriginal experiences.
Kym Francesconi focused on sustainable tourism in Northern WA, advocating for “leave no trace” policies and cultural preservation. She highlighted tourism’s role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering Indigenous youth, alongside driving community-centered tourism initiatives.
Prof. Parwinder Kaur provided insights into WA’s biodiversity and the potential of its energy transition to boost research, development, and job creation. She also celebrated WA’s 10-year science and technology plan as a roadmap for growth.
Rustico Dulguime and Derryn Belford underlined the vital role of international students in WA’s economy. Perth is increasingly sought-after by Chinese students, with programs like StudyPerth helping students thrive academically and professionally.
Raj Surrendean discussed the WA Government’s support for local jobs in the lithium industry, noting efforts toward sustainability, including reducing emissions by 30% by 2030.
Lewis Yong Feng Lu and Jop Van Hattum highlighted the urgent need for renewable energy and WA’s untapped potential in green energy production. Their messages underscored the importance of government pledges and strategic development to combat rising carbon emissions.
Speeches and Presentations
Minister Buti’s Speech – Chung Wah Cultural Festival Business Forum
Session 1 – Food and Agribusiness: Opportunities and Challenges in the sector
Session 2 –Tourism opportunities in WA and the Region
Session 3 – International Education: The Role of International Education in Fueling WA’s Energy Transition
Session 4 – Mining and Energy Transition
A Special Thanks to Our Exhibitors
The WACCC would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our exhibitors for their invaluable support.
Capturing the Day
To relive the highlights from the day, you can view the photo gallery here: 2024 Business Forum & Exhibition: Innovating for A Sustainable Future
We extend our gratitude to the incredible speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees who contributed to the forum’s success. The event demonstrated the strength of collaboration in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Western Australia.