Events
A team of industry experts guiding SIPBN’s strategic vision and global business growth.
SIPBN's – Economic Update: The Opportunities Ahead
Date: Friday, 27th June 2025
Venue: The Royal Exchange of Sydney, 1 Gresham Street
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Event Information
Join us for SIPBN’s Economic Update 2025, a powerful evening of expert perspectives, global insights, and strategic connections. In a rapidly evolving landscape, this gathering equips you with the clarity and network to move forward confidently.
We’ll share insights from SIPBN’s recent Trade & Investment Mission to India, highlighting sectors and opportunities for Australia–India collaboration.
Why Attend?
- Gain economic and investment insights from industry leaders
- Meet global business leaders and active investors
- Discover companies with high-growth potential
- Explore new bilateral business opportunities
- Preview #CapTech2025, SIPBN’s innovation summit
- Network with professionals, business leaders, and innovators
Speakers

Roderick H. McGeoch AO, LLB
Rod McGeoch has had and continues to enjoy a remarkable career at the forefront of business, sports administration and the legal profession.
He unites exemplary senior level management experience with an unparalleled commitment to achievement. Perhaps best known as the leader of Sydney’s successful Olympics 2000 bid, he is Chairman or Director of a wide range of major corporations and past Chairman of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, one of Australia’s largest law firms.
He was described in an ABN AMRO report as one of Australasia’s most influential Directors. His appointments include Chairman of Chubb Insurance Australia Limited, and Vantage Private Equity Growth Limited. He is a Consultant of the Group Board of Corporation America and a Director of Corporacion America International S.a.r.l, and Corporacion America Airports S.A. He is Chairman of Australasian Media Co, a member of the Board of Destination NSW. He Chairman of SureVision and APP Corporation Pty Ltd.
He completed lengthy terms as a Director of Ramsay Health Care Limited, Chairman of Skycity Entertainment Group Ltd and Mediaworks Ltd two major New Zealand companies and continues that connection as Honorary Chairman of the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and immediate Past Chairman of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum. He is a Trustee and Deputy Chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground & Sports Ground Trust.
He is a past President of the Law Society of NSW and a Member of the Order of Australia, awarded in recognition of his invaluable services to the legal profession. On 26 January 2013 Mr McGeoch became an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his “distinguished service to the community through contributions to a range of organisations and to sport.”
In 2014 Mr McGeoch was appointed Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Australia. He completed his term of office in April 2021.

Stephen Bali MP
Stephen Bali MP’s professional career prior to parliament included accounting, business consulting, accounting academic, and union official. Stephen has represented the seat of Blacktown in the NSW Parliament since 2017. In 2023, Stephen was elevated to the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces as part of the Minns’ Labor Government. Prior to his election to Parliament, Stephen has always strived to put his community first – serving as a Blacktown City Councillor between 2004 to 2019; including as Deputy Mayor 2009-10 and Mayor from 2014-19.
Stephen’s diverse career has enabled him to help businesses start-up and get established - through to supporting workers and industries in safety innovation and policy development. Stephen has taught accounting and finance at TAFE and universities. Stephen Bali MP’s life experiences have allowed him to become a strong advocate for Blacktown City. He is fighting for western Sydney to deliver improvements in health, education, and infrastructure to match the massive population growth.
Stephen is involved in many charities including the Blacktown City Lions Club and the establishment of The Better Foundation (Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals). Stephen Bali has been responsible for driving the modern transformational change across Blacktown City including the health and performance centre (BISP); Blacktown CBD redevelopment; Animal Rehoming Centre; and various other projects which led to his recognition of being identified on various lists as amongst the most influential people in Western Sydney.
Stephen strives to advocate for quality services and infrastructure to provide the best opportunities in life for local residents.

Stephen Walters
Stephen Walters is Chief Economist for the Business Council of Australia (BCA), based in Sydney. He previously was Chief Economist for NSW, based in NSW Treasury.
Before joining Treasury, Stephen was Chief Economist with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and, for 14 years, was Chief Economist for investment bank J.P. Morgan.
Stephen previously was Senior Economist with Access Economics in Melbourne and International Economist with Norwich Union and Alliance Capital in the United Kingdom. He also spent seven years as an Economist with the Treasury in Perth.
Stephen holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Western Australia and a Master’s degree in applied finance from the University of Melbourne.
He also has qualifications in journalism and graduated from the AICD’s Company Directors Course in 2017. Stephen has published three books, with a fourth to be published soon. Stephen is a former chair of the Executive Committee of the Australian Business Economists (ABE) and is a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC).

Dr Sidharath S. Sharma
Professionally accredited by IIM Kozhikode, I bring over 24 years of experience in leading high-impact initiatives across both private and government sectors. My expertise lies in employment generation, revenue enhancement, and operational efficiency, helping organizations drive sustainable growth and create meaningful impact.
Honored with a PhD degree by Kennedy University, Paris, France, for my contributions to the cooperative sector, I have been instrumental in designing and executing innovative strategies that strengthen businesses, empower startups, and foster economic development.
As an advisor and business strategist, I actively support startups and enterprises, guiding them toward scalable growth. I am also an active member of “Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan” and “The Bharat Global Industries Forum”, both of which are dedicated to fostering a self-reliant, robust industrial ecosystem in India.

Dr S Janakiraman

Nicole Gibson
Nicole Gibson is the CEO of San Francisco based in TruthTechnologies, and a globally recognised leader in health innovation. Pioneering the world’s first technology capable of tracking emotions through wearable devices, she is reshaping how individuals and organisations approach emotional intelligence and well-being.
Nicole’s career began as a performer, but she quickly transitioned into social impact entrepreneurship, dedicating her life to solving the issue of emotional incapacity. With over 15 years’ experience in social entrepreneurship, she leads with a passion for revolutionising global systems, integrating advanced biometric tools to empower self-awareness and informed decision-making.
Nicole served as the youngest national mental health commissioner in Australia for three terms, advising a 27B$ budget. Under Nicole’s leadership, in Truth Technologies has become a platform for positive social change, driving innovation in the intersection of technology, empathy, and leadership, inspiring others to challenge conventional narratives and build more compassionate, connected communities. Featured by major media outlets and a trusted voice in thought leadership, Nicole’s mission-driven approach continues to create meaningful impact across industries and borders.

Dr Joseph Rizk AM
Joseph Rizk AM is the CEO & Managing Director of Arab Bank Australia has been Managing Director since 22 December 2010. Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Joseph held the position of Chief Banking Officer for over five years, overseeing the retail, commercial and trade banking operations as well as its branch network, and being responsible for all revenue generating arms of the Bank. Joseph has over 45 years of corporate, commercial and international banking and finance experience along with extensive experience across the banking spectrum with the ability to generate positive results in the face of tough market conditions and in an increasingly competitive business environment.
In January 2016 Joseph became Board member of (AACCI) Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In October 2020 Joseph became Board Director of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy Corporation. In July 2021 Joseph became a member of the Powerhouse Capital Campaign Committee. On Wednesday 26 January 2022 – Australia Day. Member of the Order of Australia Honours, AM announcement. Joseph was recognised for his significant service to the not- for- profit sector, and to banking and commerce.
In October 2022 Joseph became Director of the James Martin Institute (JMI) for Public Policy. On Wednesday 14 December 2022 Joe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Western Sydney University.

Abhi Kaushik
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