Japan Symposium 2023

On Tuesday 28 March 2023, the Perth USAsia Centre convened the sixth annual Japan Symposium in partnership with the Japanese Consulate in Perth. Entitled Australia and Japan: Technology partnerships towards a more secure future, this year’s Symposium focused on Australia and Japan’s technological capabilities and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation.
 
This event featured remarks from Japanese Ambassador to Australia Yamagami Shingo and Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst, and a panel discussion with Richard Court, Former Australian Ambassador to Japan; Michael Green, CEO of the United States Studies Centre; Lynn Kuok, Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies; Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, and Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre.
 
Technology cooperation touches on many of the highest priorities of Australia-Japan relationship: defence science and technology, cyber security, critical minerals and climate change, health and vaccines, and space.
 
However, cooperation does not happen on its own. It requires dedication and focus from both governments, close people-to-people ties between our scientists, engineers, and innovators, and regular engagement between the public and private sectors.

The Japan Symposium 2023 convened an in-person and online audience of over 200 attendees from business, government and academia for expert-led discussion on the future of the Australia-Japan partnership, and to generate policy recommendations to broaden cooperation on a wide range of technologies.