How to Apply Cultural Insights in Stakeholder Engagement and Organisational Support

OVERVIEW

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This program provides government professionals with a structured coaching process to address the cultural factors that influence engagement with Asian stakeholders.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own work-specific challenges while applying practical frameworks and strategies across functions — from policy and program delivery to HR, finance, communications and other support services.

The program develops the capability to strengthen collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and achieve more effective outcomes in Asia-related work.

OBJECTIVE

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Learn how to apply cultural insights to strengthen stakeholder engagement and organisational support in Asia-related work, by addressing real-world challenges, improving collaboration, and ensuring effective outcomes across government functions.

DURATION

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This group coaching program is delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams in small, mixed cohorts of up to 15 participants, over four weeks, with one session per week.

Each session runs for 90 minutes, allowing time to apply strategies between sessions and return with real-world insights.

See Coaching Dates & Times below for more details

KEY TOPICS

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Understanding cultural drivers in Asian decision-making and relationships

Trust-building and communication strategies across Asia

Aligning organisational support for Asia-related work

Applying insights to real-world stakeholder challenges

See Coaching Program Breakdown below for more details

CHALLENGES ADDRESSED

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I need a clear way to understand how cultural expectations influence decision-making, communication styles, and relationship-building with Asian stakeholders.

I feel uncertain about which cultural nuances are most important to be aware of in my role, whether I engage directly with Asian counterparts or support colleagues who do.

I want to avoid cultural missteps that could undermine trust, slow down collaboration, or damage my organisation’s reputation in Asia-related work.

ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS

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Learn how to quickly recognise the cultural differences that matter most in stakeholder engagement, decision-making and communication, so you can adjust your approach effectively.

Gain deeper awareness of cultural nuances that often lead to misunderstandings, enabling you to anticipate challenges and support your team with confidence.

Equip yourself with practical strategies to reduce the risk of cultural missteps, strengthen collaboration, and enhance your organisation’s reputation in Asia-related engagement.

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR

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Federal, State/Territory and Local Government professionals involved in Asia-related work, either directly or through organisational support.

Policy officers, program managers and economic development professionals shaping or implementing initiatives with Asian stakeholders, including investment attraction, delegations and sister-city programs.

Corporate services staff — including HR, communications, and finance — who enable or support Asia-focused teams.

Regulators, compliance officers, law enforcement, security and border officials engaging with Asian counterparts.

Specialist regulators — including financial, aviation, health, agricultural and scientific agencies — cooperating with Asian institutions.

Senior leaders and managers responsible for guiding teams in Asia-related engagement.

COACHING DATES & TIMES

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Four 90-minute virtual sessions, delivered weekly over four weeks via Microsoft Teams.

Start date:

Cohort Alpha: Tuesday 28 October 2025. Subsequent  dates are Tue 11 Nov 2025, Tue 18 Nov 2025, and Tue 25 Nov 2025.

Cohort Bravo: Wednesday 29 October 2025. Subsequent dates are Wed 5 Nov 2025, Wed 12 Nov 2025, and Wed 19 Nov 2025.

Cohort Charlie: Thursday 30 October 2025. Subsequent dates are Thu 13 Nov 2025, Thu 20 Nov 2025, and Thu 27 Nov 2025.

Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm AEDST (2:00 – 3:30pm AEDT)

All sessions are live, interactive, and delivered virtually.

PRICING & PAYMENT

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Pre-Registration Rate:  AUD 1,050 

Standard Rate*: AUD 1,210

All prices include GST 

Payment is required to confirm your place in the program.

When you pre-register, you’ll tentatively reserve your place at the Pre-Registration Rate. To confirm, simply complete payment online by credit card before the deadline.

Payments are processed securely online, and spots are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. This allows you to secure the discounted rate while your internal approvals are being finalised.

*The Standard Rate applies from 13 October 2025.

REGISTRATION PROCESS

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Pre-register online to tentatively reserve your place at the lower Pre-Registration Rate. You’re not committed to purchase at this stage — this simply locks in the lower rate and reserves your spot (first come, first served until all places are filled; after that you’ll be added to the waitlist). This allows time for you to organise any internal approvals, noting that your reserved rate is locked in only until Wednesday 15 October 2025 (see below).

• The Standard Rate (AUD 1,210) applies from Monday 13 October 2025.

• If you have pre-registered but not yet paid, your Pre-Registration Rate will remain valid until Wednesday 15 October 2025.

• After this date, any unpaid spots will be released to waitlisted participants from Thursday 16 October 2025.

• On Monday 13 October, reminder emails will be sent to those who have pre-registered but not yet paid, with the option to continue at the Standard Rate or release their spot to the waitlist.

All places are confirmed once payment has been received securely online by credit card.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

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You may cancel up to 10 business days before the first session for a full refund (less transaction fees).

Cancellations received fewer than 10 business days before the first session are non-refundable, except in exceptional personal circumstances such as serious illness, injury, or bereavement.

No refunds are available once the program has commenced, regardless of attendance. However,

• Substitutions may be accepted if arranged before the first session.
• Participants who miss sessions will still have access to recordings and resources for one month.

All cancellations or substitution requests must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected] .

Please refer to the Terms page  for full Terms and Policies.

CONFIDENTIALITY

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Your discussions and materials are kept secure and private

Confidentiality and security are top priorities for this program.

• All discussions, examples and recordings are treated as confidential and are accessible only to your cohort.
• Recordings are hosted on a password-protected page for participants only, with access limited to one month after the program concludes.

As this is a small group, mixed-agency format, you may be in a cohort with government professionals from different organisations (federal, state/territory and local). You are expected to uphold the confidentiality of your peers and to follow the security arrangements of your own organisation.

If participating in a mixed-agency cohort is not suitable for your circumstances, you may prefer a private coaching option such as the Understanding the Asian Business Mindset private coaching program.

“Straight away, I saw how small changes could prevent big misunderstandings.”

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In my role, I frequently prepare briefs and reports that end up being read by Asian counterparts. I hadn’t realised how some of my phrasing could be interpreted very differently. Craig Shim showed me how to adapt my language so that it comes across as respectful and clear in cross-cultural contexts.

— Senior Analyst, Federal Agency

“I finally understood why progress with our Asian partners felt slower than expected.”

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For months, I assumed delays were due to bureaucracy. In reality, I was missing cultural cues about relationship-building that mattered far more than I thought. By applying the techniques I learnt here, I now give space for trust to develop — and projects move forward with much less friction.

— Program Manager, State Government

“Such a simple shift made a huge difference.”

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I used to struggle with how to build trust with visiting delegations — my approach often felt too formal and didn’t get the results I wanted. Through the coaching, I learnt how to adapt my style without losing professionalism, and the conversations flowed far more easily.

— Economic Development Officer, Local Government