MELBOURNE 2025 | JAPAN-AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP: A RENEWED AGENDA FOR CHANGING TIMES

NIKKEI FORUM MELBOURNE 2025

KEY THEME & DISCUSSIONS

JAPAN-AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP:
A RENEWED AGENDA FOR CHANGING TIMES

GLOBAL ECONOMY & GEOPOLITICS

Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific: Japan-Australia Responses to Global Economic Challenges.

INNOVATION & START-UP

Technology and Finance as Social Catalysts:
Innovative Solutions for Shared Challenges.

SPACE, DEFENCE & AI

Japan-Australia Cooperation at the Cutting Edge:
Advances in Space, Defence and AI technologies.

ENERGY TRANSITION

Australia's Energy Opportunity:
Creating an Investment Pathway for Japanese
and International Partners.

LIVING CHALLENGES

Expanding Japan-Australia Business Horizons:
Innovations in Housing and Healthcare.

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

Cultural Diplomacy: Accelerating People-to-People Connections Between Japan and Australia

The NIKKEI FORUM AUSTRALIA 2025 will be held in Melbourne, a major hub for Japanese companies operating in Australia and the centre of the Japan-Australia Business Alliance, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Led by journalists from Nikkei and Nikkei Asia, the day-long forum will bring together senior business leaders, policymakers, and government officials to share insights, explore strategies, and discuss the future of Japan-Australia business and its pressing agenda. Exclusive CEO interviews, interactive panel discussions, and networking will provide a practical pathway to a competitive and sustainable alliance, where Japan and Australia should lead the way in a world of increasing uncertainty and geopolitical risk.

We will provide a perfect opportunity for lively discussion and networking as a prelude to the JABCC-AJBCC Joint Conference in Perth in October. It is also expected to contribute to exploring a new era of friendship and cooperation ahead of 2026, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia.

OUTLINE

Date & Time
Monday, August 18th, 2025

• In-person:8:55AM - 6:00PM (AEST)

- Doors Open: 8:00AM (AEST)

• Online:8:55AM - 6:00PM (AEST / GTM+10) / 7:55AM - 5:00PM (JST)

Event Format
In-Person & Online
Venue
Melbourne CBD
Fee

Complimentary

  • • In-person:Invite-only
  • • Online:Pre-registration required
Organizer
Nikkei Inc.

*Highlights from last year's event, Nikkei Forum Sydney 2024

AGENDA

8:55AM|OPENING REMARKS

9:15AM|FIRESIDE CHAT

9:30AM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Living Challenges - Housing Opportunities

Innovative Approach to Living Challenges: Expanding Japan-Australia Business Horizons

10:00AM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Emerging Leaders

CORPORATE JAPAN IN A GLOBAL SETTING: WOMEN'S ROLE IN TRANSFORMATION

10:45AM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Global Economy & Geopolitics

HOW CAN JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA NAVIGATE GEOPOLITICAL FRAGMENTATION AND UNCERTAINTY?

11:40AM|MORNING SESSION SUMMARY

Lunch & Networking

1:00PM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Energy transition

Leading the Energy Transition: Japan and Australia's Role in Balancing Security of Supply and Decarbonisation

1:45PM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Innovation & Start-up


Promoting Australia-Japan collaboration in the area of start-up innovation

Coffee Break

3:20PM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Cultural Diplomacy


Connecting People, Creating Value: Shaping the Future at the Crossroads

4:05PM|PANEL DISCUSSION: Space, Defence, and AI

JOINT RESPONSIBILITIES: STRATEGIC PATHWAYS FOR JAPAN-AUSTRALIA COOPERATION

4:55PM|Panel Discussion: Editors' Insights

No archive available! Off-the-record insights from Nikkei News Editor
Japan's Political Landscape: Post-Ishiba Administration and Asia-Pacific Diplomacy

5:40PM|CLOSING REMARKS


*sensors This icon indicates that the speaker will participate online.
* Session details are subject to change without prior notice.

Lead Sponsor
Sponsors
DAIWA
SUMITOMO
Ashurst
INVEST VICTORIA
Supporters
AJBCC
JABCC
Official Media
NIKKEI Asia
Organizer
NIKKEI

ONLINE PASS REGISTRATION

Registration Closed

CONTACT

SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES

Kaori Takahashi
kaori.takahashi@nex.nikkei.com

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Yuriko Watanabe
yuriko.watanabe@nex.nikkei.com

OTHER INQUARIES

Nikkei Forum Melbourne Secretariat
nikkei-melb25@thedoq.com