Japan and Korea Market Update 2024

Dane joined Austrade from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. He worked in the Tourism Division of Austrade prior to taking a posting in Shanghai where he served as Trade and Investment Commissioner from 2017-2022. Previously he worked for the Department of Finance and Deregulation and prior to that he worked for Australian water tech start up in Shanghai. He holds a bachelors in Asian Studies from the Australian National University (ANU) and a master’s degree in strategic and Defence Studies from the ANU. He has undertaken further studies in technology leadership at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is a 2023 Asialink Leader. He speaks Mandarin and Korean. Dane leads the Resources, Energy, Critical Minerals, Food, Beverage and Agribusiness teams at Austrade Seoul.

Murray was appointed Trade Commissioner & Counsellor (Commercial) - Austrade Tokyo in April 2021. In this role he is responsible for leading Agribusiness & Food strategies in Japan.

Murray joined Austrade in 2017 where he worked as a Senior Advisor in the Trade & Investment division, promoting Australian mining and METS capabilities across the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, and opportunities for foreign direct investment into Australian resource projects. As a Global Engagement Manager, he delivered bespoke services to Australian companies in the METS, Agribusiness & Food, and Consumer sectors to assist with market diversification and expansion of international trade activity.

In his 30+ year career Murray has held a range of C-suite international business development roles for large multinational corporations across a diverse range of industries, including consumer electronics, security solutions, cross-border consulting, and luxury goods. Before returning to Melbourne in 2016, Murray was based in Tokyo where he was General Manager of Cross of Japan from 2013-2015, a Senior Cross-cultural & Strategic Business Consultant with CyberMarkets.com from 2011-2012, and in the period 2007-2011 served as General Manager & Representative Director for ASSA ABLOY Japan.

Murray has a comprehensive understanding of business relationships in the Asian context, having lived and worked in North East and South East Asia for over 25 years. He also speaks Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. With a Master of Arts – Hons (International Politics) and Masters of Business Administration (International Business, Marketing), in 2019 Murray was recipient of the Austrade Asialink Business Leader Scholarship.

Rosemary MacDonald was appointed Japan Country Manager – Wine Australia in October 2022. In her role she is responsible for leading strategy to grow demand and premium for Australian wine in Japan.

Rosemary has built her marketing career in Japan over the past seven years. After graduating with a double degree in Japanese and International Business from the University of Wollongong and gaining work experience in Japan’s hospitality and tourism sector, she became a Wine Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Winemakers in Tokyo. She then moved to Pernod Ricard Japan, where she held a variety of Brand Manager positions for spirits including Jameson Irish Whiskey and KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin. She holds WSET level three. 

Suzie Chung is a distinguished wine journalist, educator, judge, influencer, and author. She has been a journalist at Wine 21 Media since 2011, serving as their International Media Cooperation Manager. Ms. Chung also maintains a wine blog and is a co-author of the book <Wine is>. Additionally, she is a WSET Program wine educator and serves as the technical editor of the WSET textbook. Furthermore, she is one of the contributors to the book entitled <The Oxford Companion to Wine> 5th Edition. Ms. Chung holds WSET level 3 certification and was awarded the title of Dame Chevalier de l'Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in 2017. Notably, Ms. Chung has successfully promoted New Zealand, Washington State, and Oregon wines to Korean consumers in 2021 and 2022.