It was a privilege to invite members of our Emerging Leaders Network to attend the Nikkei Forum. We’re especially pleased to share reflections from emerging leader Fatima Merchant, who offers her perspective on the discussions and insights from the event.

On 28 April 2026, the Nikkei Asia Forum Perth convened business leaders, policymakers, academics and journalists from Australia and Japan to explore the theme ‘Navigating Unprecedented Challenges: Japan-Australia Partnership for Economic Security & Strategic Investment’. 

Held in support of the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, the forum reflected on the achievements of the partnership and fostered momentum and direction for future cooperation. 

Keynote remarks from the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, Hiroyuki Akita, Foreign & Security Affairs Commentator Nikkei Inc., Amanda Lacaze, CEO & Managing Director Lynas Rare Earths, and Michelle Simmons AC, Founder & CEO Silicon Quantum Computing, emphasised the importance of the Japan-Australia partnership in a contested and unpredictable strategic landscape. Speakers highlighted recent milestones in the bilateral relationship including the ‘Mogami Memorandum’ and urged more deliberate efforts to deepen ties, including industry-to-industry collaboration and reliable policy settings. 

Professor Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre, detailed the significance of the trusted partnerships among likeminded nations in protecting shared interests and advancing regional prosperity amidst shifting global dynamics. He also outlined the breadth of the Japan-Australia partnership across areas including energy security and transition, security, defence, and advanced technologies.

This was explored further through panel discussions covering industrial policy, supply chain resilience, strategic minerals, quantum computing, defence, and opportunities for First Nations businesses. A common message emerged – greater intentionality and ambition will be required to realise shared strategic projects and advance the Japan-Australia partnership. 

Ultimately, across diverse strategic areas, the Nikkei Asia Forum Perth underscored that the Japan-Australia partnership must not be merely inherited, but actively nurtured. A timely reminder as both nations look to the Joint Business Conference of the Japan–Australia Business Co-operation Committee (JABCC) and the Australia–Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC), scheduled to take place in Chiba in October.