NZ visit a boyhood dream for S.E Asian agribusiness entrepreneur

"Cut out some pictures and describe them in one word."

It was 1997 when my elementary English teacher assigned us to use adjectives. Among my favourites was a picture depicting lush green mountains, tranquil waters, and cows with distinctive black spots.

I chose the word 'picturesque,' dreaming that one day I would visit this place. The country was New Zealand.

Twenty-seven years later, that boyhood dream has become reality!

No longer just a cutout from a magazine, but a vivid memory etched in our hearts forever.

I am Ariestelo Asilo, a visionary dreamer, CEO of Varacco, and Chief Thinnker of Thinnkfarm in the Philippines.

I founded these companies to spread happiness through coffee, empowering farmer-partners in Mindanao, and establishing coffee shops with the motto 'We Make Happy Happen.'

Ariestelo: "Meeting fellow entrepreneurs from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand filled me with joy."

Discovery. Diversity. Collectivity. These are the themes that resonated during my journey with the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative 2024, facilitated by the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Delving into this trip uncovered New Zealand’s notions of innovation, foresight, and mindfulness.

Discovery.

I discovered the profound significance of agriculture in New Zealand’s identity—a lifeforce that sustains its people and economy.

This identity fosters a focused commitment to excellence in global exports such as fruits, technology, milk, and wine, all driven by innovation, which I was fortunate to witness firsthand.

Diversity.

Meeting fellow entrepreneurs from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand filled me with joy.

These young leaders strive not only for profit but also for community and sustainability.

We explored how coffee, like New Zealand's first organic roaster Kōkako, is embedded in daily life.

Managing director of Kōkako Organic Coffee Roasters Mike Murphy speaking to the group about the business

The aroma brought back memories, and my daily dose of Flatwhite from New Zealand’s vibrant coffee community became a cherished ritual during my stay.

Witnessing Zespri’s pioneering research in kiwifruit production and the innovative BlueLab pen was inspiring—a realization of ideas I held dear, now tangible achievements in New Zealand.

I wholeheartedly thank CEO Jono Jones who gifted me with a truncheon pen that we will use for our coffee research.

I am also amazed of the industry-value approach of the plant and food research that puts a premium on how we should consider collaborative diversity to champion new products to the world.

Ariestelo: "Witnessing Zespri’s pioneering research in kiwifruit production and the innovative BlueLab pen was inspiring"

I also liked how walking trails and natural environment combined the multi-marriage of culture, archaeology, and nature.

I had fun experiencing the rolling hills, doing wine tasting at Waiheke, breathing it’s crisp and most of the times gusty breeze of the wind, and yes, the refreshing cold temperature!

Collectivity.

Fieldays was a testament to collective strength—a grand showcase of technology that remains rooted in farming, the cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy.

Meeting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon affirmed the government’s staunch support for agriculture, reflecting a national ethos of collaboration and social equality.

Fieldays was a chance for the group to meet and hear from leaders in New Zealand's agriculture industry

New Zealand’s cohesive approach and collective branding exemplify their commitment to teamwork, resonating with their favourite sports adage, as with the famous Rugby, 'My success is achieved collectively.'

My heart brimmed with happiness, especially at the Asia After Five Event, where I emphasized the importance of collective action.

I remembered sharing my favourite realization that it is the mind that is barren and not the soil, and so we need to work together sustainably.

I forged 50 new LinkedIn connections and engaged with Business Council members, transforming strangers into a 'picturesque' network akin to my childhood dreams of New Zealand.

The entrepreneurs spoke about their businesses and the agriculture industry in their home countries at an Asia After Five event in Auckland

Through newfound friendships with Southeast Asian peers and connections fostered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation and the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, I return home inspired and emboldened.

This is no longer just a boyhood dream; it has evolved into a lifelong pursuit of friendship, partnership, and seizing 'kia ora'—Māori for 'welcome'—opportunities for a stronger, more secure Southeast Asia and New Zealand.

Our entrepreneurship programme supports emerging New Zealand entrepreneurs to build connections and facilitate business relationships in Asia and supports Asian entrepreneurs to build connections in New Zealand.

The ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) is 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. The Foundation manages the YBLI programme on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.