Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Entrepreneurs, Innovation and Investment Roundtable

Mr Vikram Nair, Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Rob Borbidge AO, former Premier of Queensland and Chair, Study Gold Coast; His Worship the Mayor, City of Gold Coast, Councillor Tom Tate; Ms Tan See Leng, President, Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Entrepreneurs; ladies and gentlemen.

As the Governor of the Australian State of Queensland, I am very pleased to welcome you to today’s discussions around Queensland and the opportunities which exist as part of our Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games trade and investment program.

I firstly thank the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Entrepreneurs for their collaboration with the Queensland Government to enable today’s roundtable to occur.

Now I am sure you are all familiar with the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches, brilliant weather and desirable surf culture.

But what I hope you will leave with today, is an understanding of the Gold Coast’s growing reputation for innovation, and its burgeoning segment of entrepreneurs and high-growth, knowledge-based SMEs. 

There is considerable momentum and energy being focussed at making our State a place where entrepreneurs, industry, universities and government collaborate to turn great ideas into commercial products and businesses which create jobs.

The Queensland Government is committed to exploring opportunities within the ASEAN region, evidenced by the establishment of a local Trade and Investment Queensland office in Singapore late last year.

Singapore is a natural partner for Queensland and the Gold Coast – a global centre of finance, a major source market for investment, and hub for technology-related companies. Queensland is also very proud that so many Singaporeans choose to attend our universities. 

I’m delighted the Commonwealth Alliance has already indicated its intention to bring a delegation to Gold Coast for the Games. You will be most welcome visitors to our State. I hope you consider returning to Queensland for our signature innovation and technology-themed Myriad Festival, held in May in our capital, Brisbane. 

Today’s program is geared towards learning more about your investment priorities to help shape an exciting and innovative program of business events and activities at Games time.

We’re honoured that an entrepreneur of the calibre of David Hulston is joining us to facilitate discussions. David’s presence here today, as well as the decision to base himself part-time in Queensland, is testament to the investment potential to be found in our State.

And please accept, Mr Nair, my gratitude for the very warm welcome I have received during my time in Singapore. I am greatly honoured to be here, to render what is already an excellent relationship between Queensland and Singapore, even more enduring and mutually beneficial.