Suzannah Jessep's April 2025 CE Update
When I last wrote, I was preparing to join the Prime Minister’s delegation to India. That visit now feels like a distant memory, with the past month marked by a steady stream of meetings, travel, and timely conversations with visiting experts from Asia.
Earlier this month, I led a Track II delegation to Singapore accompanied by top academics from the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury, the head of tech/AI thinktank, Brainbox, and the Foundation’s newly appointed senior fellow, Raf Manji. (Just a quick note to encourage you to join us at one of our Asia After Five events in Christchurch or Wellington, where Raf will unpack the major trends shaping Asia—and explore what they could mean for New Zealand and the wider region.)
We were in Singapore to meet with leading thinkers to understand how the region is responding to the significant global shifts we have seen over recent months – driven, in large part, by President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement.
Suzannah speaking at a Track II dialogue with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore
The response from Singapore was clear: concern and dismay at the apparent unravelling of long-standing trade rules and frameworks. Yet, I was struck by the resilience and clarity with which Singapore is confronting this disruption.
Small, trade-reliant nations like Singapore and New Zealand have a shared interest in maintaining open, rules-based trade — and our efforts to rally like-minded partners and 'speak truth to power’ has been well received across the region.
Before Singapore, I travelled to India as part of the Prime Minister’s delegation, which also included Foundation Honorary Advisers Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand and Sameer Handa, and Trustee Hone McGregor.
For me, returning to Delhi — where I once served as Deputy High Commissioner — was both personal and purposeful.
Suzannah moderating a panel discussion on India–New Zealand relations during the Prime Minister’s visit
The visit underscored a mutual desire from both New Zealand and India to deepen the relationship and get past old irritants that have served as somewhat of a handbrake on relations.
Prime Minister Luxon’s familiarity with India was evident (having visited over 40 times during his previous career), which helped to give the visit a level of ease and practical experience that is much needed if we are to grow connections across the public and private sectors.
Further reflections on the visit can be found in my recent Newsroom article.
A Foundation delegation of academics, media, and emerging leaders visited Delhi and Chennai in April
In parallel to the Prime Minister's visit, the Foundation led an academic, media, and emerging leaders’ delegation to New Delhi and Chennai. They attended the Raisina Dialogue — India’s premier international affairs conference — and met with key thinkers, including Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan.
In mid-April, we turned our focus to Japan. A Foundation-led trade delegation explored the rapidly expanding pet sector — a NZ$20 billion industry. Delegates met potential partners and attended Interpets, Japan’s biggest trade fair for pet products. More on this initiative will be shared soon.
In Tokyo, the Japan pet sector delegation couldn’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the iconic Hachikō statue
Looking ahead, the coming weeks remain busy:
This week, we have a cohort of New Zealand sports sector leaders in Singapore, exploring developments across traditional codes through to e-sports and looking at changes in sports viewership and participation.
Next month, two sports interns will begin three-month placements with Sports Singapore – a new initiative that the Foundation is really pleased to have set up.
We’ll welcome several senior Asian leaders to New Zealand, including ASEAN Secretary-General and newly appointed PM’s Fellow, Samir Saran. Additional speakers from China and elsewhere are also planned.
Eight young Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs will visit New Zealand, engage with local peers, and attend the NZ High-Tech Awards.
Amid ongoing global uncertainty, our work fostering strong NZ–Asia ties has never been more important. It’s a privilege to help build these connections — and we look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Nga mihi,
Suzannah Jessep
