A Room Built for Meaningful Conversations
The recent launch of #CapTech2026 Australia, at SIPBN Chairman’s Luncheon in Melbourne brought together members of the SIPBN network for an intimate business discussion chaired by Mr Owen Hegarty OAM, SIPBN Think Tank Member and Executive Chairman of EMR Capital alongside Mr Raman Bhalla, President, SIPBN, and Ms Sarah Morgan, CEO, #CapTech2026.
Rather than a traditional presentation, the luncheon created space for open exchange between leaders across investment, capital, business, finance, government and industry.
The gathering included senior representatives from:
- Mr Owen Hegarty – Executive Chairman, EMR Capital
- Mr Raman Bhalla – President, SIPBN
- Ms Sarah Morgan – CEO, #Captech2026
- Ms Tracey Warren – CEO, F5 Collective
- Jonathan Farrer – Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
- James Louden – CEO, SOS
- David Ellenby – Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
- Marcelo Bastos – Independent chair and non-executive director
- Stanley Roche – Assistant Director, Southeast Asia Investment Deal Team, Austrade
- Fi Slaven – Independent chair and non-executive director
- Amir Lefkovic – Partner, Corporate Finance, RSM Australia
- Dr Mary Wang – Director, RSM Australia
- Jenny Junkeer – CEO, Intent
- Donna McGoldrick – Partner, Intent
- Mr Reno Sio – Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Institutional Real Estate Inc
- Mr Rodney Walt – Divisional Director – Head of EG Private Wealth, EG
- Daniel Proietto – Chief Executive Partner, Lander & Rogers
What Was On The Table?
The focus was firmly on what comes next for Australia – and how stronger connections with Asia can help shape it. The conversation centred on three key themes:
Australia: A Growth Country
The discussion examined Australia’s position as a destination for investment and expansion, with particular attention to the sectors capable of driving the country’s next phase of growth.
From resources and critical minerals to infrastructure, energy, technology, advanced industry, healthcare and emerging sectors, the conversation explored where Australia’s capabilities and Asia’s capital can create mutual opportunity.
#CapTech: Taking the Conversation Across Asia
The luncheon also looked ahead to #CapTech’s expanding plans across Asia and the wider business opportunities emerging from stronger regional connections.
The discussion explored how #CapTech can continue connecting:
- Australian businesses ↔ Asian markets
- Capital ↔ Projects
- Investors ↔ Growth businesses
- Ideas ↔ Commercial opportunities
This reflects SIPBN’s wider vision of building a cross-border platform where relationships can progress towards investment, partnerships, market entry and execution.
Capital & Women Entrepreneurship
A further focus was the relationship between capital, entrepreneurship and women’s participation in the economy.
The conversation considered how better access to capital, stronger networks and innovative financial pathways can help more women build, acquire, scale and invest in businesses. It is a conversation that aligns strongly with the wider #CapTech2026 focuses on capital innovation and new approaches to business growth.
The Bigger Question: Can Australia & Asia Grow Together?
That was the thread connecting the conversations.
- Australia has resources, expertise, technology, infrastructure and globally competitive businesses.
- Asia brings capital, scale, markets and rapidly evolving investment ecosystems.
The opportunity lies in connecting the two more effectively.
And that is precisely where #CapTech2026 is positioned – creating curated environments where business leaders, investors, governments and strategic partners can move beyond introductions and explore meaningful commercial opportunities.
From Luncheon To a Bigger Platform
The conversations around the table are now feeding into the broader #CapTech2026 agenda across Australia and Asia, and what started today will continue across:
Sydney | 24 – 25 September 2026
Thursday, 24 September 2026
- Business & Investor Presentations
- Welcome Drinks at NSW Parliament House, Sydney
Friday, 25 September 2026
- CapTech2026 Summit – Hilton Hotel, George Street, Sydney
- Private & Exclusive Investor Dinner (Invitation Only)
Brisbane | 28 September 2026
- Monday, 28 September 2026
- CapTech2026 Summit – Brisbane
Sight Seeing & Social Activities
- Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Sunday, 27 September 2026
The Most Valuable Opportunities
Often Start Around a Table.
A Conversation | A Connection | A Shared Ambition
info@sipbn.com.au | #CapTech2026 Australia
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