Roundtable Discussion
with Melanie Brock AM, one of Australia’s leading Japan specialists
Date: Wednesday, 29 April, 2026
Event summary
On 29 April 2026, the Perth USAsia Centre in partnership with the Women in Defence Association hosted Melanie Brock AM for a roundtable discussion in Perth.
The discussion explored the evolving relationship between Australia and Japan, highlighting the role of both nations as key middle powers shaping regional stability, economic resilience and sovereign capability in the Indo-Pacific.
Drawing on her extensive experience across government, industry, and international engagement, including senior roles with major Japanese corporations such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Melanie Brock AM provided unique insights into the cultural, economic and strategic foundations bolstering the bilateral relationship.
As Australia and Japan continue to deepen cooperation across defence, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing, initiatives such as the Mogami Class Frigate program present significant opportunities for industrial collaboration, capability uplift and shared innovation.
Japan’s established approach to industrial coordination and delivery, particularly its disciplined, sequential shipbuilding delivery model, offers valuable lessons for Australia as it scales its own defence industrial base under AUKUS and broader national security priorities.
The conversation also examined the importance of cultural intelligence in international partnerships. Japanese business and governance frameworks, grounded in humility, community values and long-term relationship building, contrast with more direct Australian approaches, highlighting the need for nuanced engagement to unlock enduring strategic outcomes.
Participants reflected on Japan’s ongoing structural shifts, including increasing gender diversity in leadership and evolving policies to support workforce participation, which are enhancing its global investment attractiveness and opening new pathways for collaboration.
The roundtable strengthens Western Australia’s critical role in this partnership, particularly as a hub for defence industry growth, critical minerals supply and strategic engagement across the Indo-Pacific.
Guest speaker
Melanie Brock AM
One of Australia’s leading Japan specialists
Melanie is widely regarded as one of Australia’s pre-eminent Japan experts, with a distinguished career spanning executive leadership and strategic advisory roles across business, government and media. She combines deep language capability with extensive political, commercial and diplomatic networks, underpinned by practical board-level experience.
In recognition of her significant contribution to advancing Australia–Japan relations, Melanie was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 and received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2020. She currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of major Japanese corporations, including Asahi Group Holdings, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Estate, and Sega Sammy Holdings.
A longstanding advocate for gender equality in Japan, she also founded the not-for-profit organisation Celebrating Women in Japan.
Venue
Winthrop Hall
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley WA 6009
Roundtables with the Centre
Let us know if you would like to be considered for Perth USAsia Centre’s business events and networking opportunities.
We’ll ensure you stay up to date with the latest news and updates on the Indo-Pacific region.