“The strong line-up of speakers we have today is a testament to the strength of the relationship our two countries have in the tech sector – with capabilities running from in-market development to HR and investment advice,” said Philip Turner, New Zealand Ambassador to Korea. “With the right approach and support of NZTE, the New Zealand Embassy and The Kiwi Chamber, plus the start-up support from organisations on the Korean side, there is no limit to what we and Korea can achieve.”
As part of the Korea TechWeek Series, the Korea Tech Speakers Series One was created to provide New Zealand firms a roadmap for their journey to profitably enter the South Korean market. Speaker Series One featured a range of tech-related individuals who offered insight on the business strategies used to succeed in the South Korean market. They also offered a unique perspective on the business support available in market – which can provide a soft landing for New Zealand organisations in South Korea.
The Speaker Series event began with remarks from Ambassador Turner, who welcomed everyone to the New Zealand TechWeek Series – a special event which aims to profile New Zealand’s innovative and creative sectors and how the two countries can work together. “New Zealand’s tech sector has grown rapidly in recent years and is now an NZ$11 billion industry in New Zealand, with NZ$7.9 billion in export revenue,” stated Ambassador Turner. “NZTech has over 29,000 tech company members in New Zealand, which is an astounding number for a country the size of New Zealand.”
The Korea Tech Speaker Series One included top speakers from different organisations who focused on Korea’s business support networks and investment support advice available to interested Kiwi firms. Speakers included YS Kim, Managing Director, Freestyle Technology and NZTE Beachhead Advisor; Hyekyung (Nicole) Kim, Team Manager, Invest Seoul Center & Seoul Metropolitan Government – Foreign Investment Marketing; Lukas Beech, DHR International, Seoul Office, Board Advisor, The Kiwi Chamber, and Investor, Mission Heroes; Harry Song, Managing Director, Daesang Holdings; Ethan Kim, Senior Manager, Mirae Asset Capital; and Hansol Cha, Business Development Manager, UniServices.
One important point brought up by the speakers was how South Korea’s highly skilled tech labour market can assist New Zealand tech firms doing business here.
“The Korean tech scene is full of talented, skilled technical professionals that can support New Zealand companies in both markets to fill their labour gaps and foster and accelerate business growth,” said Lukas Beech. “This is an opportunity for Kiwi firms to leverage and is based on a strong Korea-New Zealand FTA which also supports visas and other technical relationships to support business.”
To round out the session, other speakers discussed the support networks and investment advice available to New Zealand firms in market, along with case studies of assistance to Kiwi businesses in launching their products in Korea. Ethan Kim from Mirae Asset, one of Korea’s largest asset management firms, advised that Kiwi companies showcase new game-changing technology approaches — which is what Korean investors are looking for.
“The aim of our Korea Tech Speaker Series was to demonstrate that Korea boasts strong business support networks for Kiwi organisations who want to expand their business into Korea,” said Anna Song, Project Manager, NZ-Korea TechWeek Series and NZ Tech Roadshow Korea. “There is plenty of opportunity here and we encourage New Zealand businesses to take part in our 2020 New Zealand Tech Roadshow which is being planned for October.”
The Kiwi Chamber hosted a highly successful New Zealand Tech Roadshow in June 2019 under its theme ‘Inspire with Innovation,’ and is looking to continue the momentum by encouraging even more Kiwi companies to explore opportunities in Korea. “The support infrastructure exists, and we are here to help,” said Ms. Song. “Keep an eye out for more information and please feel free to contact chamber@kiwichamber.com if there are any questions about our next tech roadshow.” Please see link below of testimonial from last year’s tech roadshow.
The Korea TechWeek Series is a collaboration between The Kiwi Chamber and the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul with support from key organisations such as North Asia Cape, NZTE and NZTech.
Watch the testimonial: Hamish Day, CEO, Code Avengers
