Philippines visit for fashion entrepreneurs

Trip dates: 24 November -1 December 2024 

Successful applicants will meet industry leaders, distributors and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, develop a greater knowledge of the Filipino business environment, and explore business opportunities in the wider region. 

During the trip you will: 

• learn about the Filipino fashion industry and wider business environment 
• meet and network with entrepreneurs and industry leaders in Manila   
• connect with government officials from New Zealand and the Philippines 
• develop a deeper understanding of the culture of the region 
• attend Manila’s International Fashion Week (MIFW), one of the Philippines largest fashion shows.

By going on this trip, you will: 

• grow your awareness and knowledge of doing business in the region 
• deepen your connections with key industry leaders and entrepreneurs 
• grow confidence as an entrepreneur and of succeeding in Asia 

The Foundation will work with relevant officials in both New Zealand and the Philippines to deliver the programme. 

Applicants must be: 

• aged under 40 
• have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, but can be based offshore 
• an entrepreneur or business leader at CEO or senior management level in a New Zealand fashion label looking for market expansion opportunities.

Outstanding start-up entrepreneurs or emerging entrepreneurs will also be considered. No knowledge or experience of the Philippines is expected.  

Applicants must: 

• be interested in connecting with equivalents from other countries and exploring international business opportunities 
• be confident public speakers willing to engage in dialogue with entrepreneurs from other countries 
• be willing to contribute to the Foundation’s leadership and entrepreneurship programmes 
• be able to attend a pre-departure meeting approximately one month before the travel date.

To apply, please fill in our online application form. 

Note, you will need to upload: 

• a letter indicating your interest in this opportunity, outlining why you would like to attend and where you see the potential to do business
• a curriculum vitae
• if you are not the CEO or Founder, a letter of support from your leadership team. 

Applications close 19th August 2024 

Applications will be assessed by the Asia New Zealand Foundation staff in consultation with external experts, and relevant offshore posts. 

• 19 August: applications close 5pm (NZT) 

• Mid-September: shortlisted applicants notified 

• Late September: shortlisted applicants accepted 

• Late October: pre-departure briefing  

• 24 November: Delegation begins

The Asia New Zealand Foundation will fund travel expenses, including:

• a return economy airfare
• transport in country
• accommodation
• meals and miscellaneous expenses (including admission to Fashion Week).

Participants will need to cover their own spending money, visas (if applicable) and insurance costs.  

This opportunity is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), a key part of the New Zealand Government’s ASEAN strategy.

The aim of the programme is to facilitate trade and build connections between business leaders and entrepreneurs in New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

This is achieved through short, targeted visits to New Zealand and Southeast Asia.  

As of July 2024, 138 business leaders from across all 10 ASEAN member countries representing a range of industries have visited New Zealand. In addition, 71 entrepreneurs from New Zealand have travelled to Southeast Asia.   

If you have any questions regarding the trip, please reach out to Lingy Au at lau@asianz.org.nz.