Premier’s Department
Trade and Investment Commissioner, Southeast Asia
You. At the centre of big ideas.
Investment NSW seeks to appoint a commercial, people-oriented leader as NSW Trade & Investment Commissioner, Southeast Asia.
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Based in Singapore, leading NSW’s engagement across Southeast Asia.
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Champion NSW’s interests across the region.
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3-year term, Senior Executive Band 1 equivalent role.
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Broad sector focus: Net zero (green tech, clean energy), housing (construction tech, construction and built environment), agrifood, life sciences and health, METs, digital tech, clean energy, and international education.
About the Role
As NSW Trade and Investment Commissioner, Southeast Asia, you will drive economic growth and prosperity for NSW by building strategic partnerships and facilitating trade and investment opportunities across the region.
Southeast Asia is experiencing immense growth and transformation, and the opportunities for NSW businesses are substantial. NSW’s engagement with Southeast Asia focuses on areas where the state’s strengths complement regional needs, including agribusiness, food and beverage, technology, health sciences, sustainability and the green energy transition, tertiary education, skills development and research collaboration.
Amidst the bright prospects for mutual prosperity, Investment NSW seeks to appoint a commercial, people-oriented leader to become its Trade and Investment Commissioner, Southeast Asia. The Commissioner will build on the existing partnerships across the region and develop new partnerships to further enhance trade and investment, benefiting both NSW and Southeast Asia.
The Commissioner reports to Investment NSW's Executive Director, Trade & Investment (who is based in Sydney) and will oversee a footprint spanning Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Commissioner will lead a highly engaged team to facilitate and grow economic and cultural opportunities between Southeast Asian countries and NSW. Providing strategic insight to internal and external stakeholders on matters related to trade, investment and economic development with the region is central to this role.
The ideal candidate for this locally engaged position will be a commercially astute leader who has senior level experience gained within the public sector coupled with deep familiarity with one or more Southeast Asia countries as well as Australia. Recognised as being a credible and trusted advisor with a track record of building collaborative relationships and delivering results, the appointee will be known for excellent stakeholder engagement and for building high performing teams. You will enjoy being hands-on while steering the team to deliver excellent outcomes for NSW.
To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.
We're Looking For
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Strategic Leadership: Senior experience representing government interests internationally.
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Market Expertise: Deep understanding of Southeast Asian markets and NSW’s priorities.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build networks with C-suite, business, and government.
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Team Leadership: Aptitude to lead geographically diverse, high-performing teams.
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Communication: Outstanding skills in profiling NSW’s economic and business credentials.
We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us?
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Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
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Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
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Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program and wellbeing initiatives
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Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network
How to Apply
Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:
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A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
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A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)
Closing Date: Monday, 31 August 2026 (9:59 AM AEST)
External Recruitment Agency: Please send your CV and covering letter to David Baber, Future Leadership:
[email protected]
Internal Hiring Manager: Edan Corkill, A/Executive Director, Trade and International,
[email protected]
About the Premier's Department
Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government
The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department.
Our Commitment
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.
The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.
Additional Information
Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at
[email protected], or reaching out to the hiring manager.
Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.
