Month: September 2025

The WA-Japan Conversation Series on ‘accelerating WA’s AI ambitions’ with Hon. Stephen Dawson, Minister for Science & Innovation, offered a powerful reminder of the deep, evolving partnership between the two innovation-driven partners.

Minister Dawson explored AI innovation in the context of autonomous technologies, clean technology, science, education and industry collaboration, before segueing to responsible tech adoption and data ethics.

From mining automation to medical diagnostics and space technology, it’s clear that AI is starting to shape our economy. And with 130+ space-related companies and 100+ digital health companies in WA, the momentum behind AI seems unstoppable.

Key takeaways:
🤖 WA’s strength as a global innovation hub and Japan’s ambition to be the world’s most AI-friendly nation makes us a natural fit.
🤖 $30b+ in bilateral trade is set to expand beyond iron ore and LNG, critical minerals and agriculture – into AI, clean energy, digital health and more.
🤖 The education sector is already preparing students and teachers for an AI-powered future.
🤖 Trust, transparency, and collaboration are key to responsible AI adoption.
🤖 Strong bilateral momentum for AI with WA already having a solid AI footprint in Japan and vice versa.

With AI technology taking centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka and deals already being struck including the multi-million-dollar investment by Japan’s SoftBank Robotics Japan in icetana AI, the future is looking bright for WA-Japan’s AI ecosystem.

Thanks to all the minds, policymakers, researchers and businesses helping to drive AI forward. Let’s keep this dialogue going, so we can keep building on the exciting AI developments taking place in Japan and WA.

Thanks to all our speakers – including Minister Dawson, and KPMG’s James Arnott and Nano Axton – and our members, partners, and supporters in WA and abroad driving collaboration in AI.

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting WA Premier the Hon. Roger Cook, Consul-General of Japan in Perth, Mr Atsushi Karimata, and senior executives of Japanese companies, currently or prospectively engaged in WA projects.

Hosted by AJBCWA Chair Richard Sandover and Deputy-Chair Mayumi Laughton-Smith, in the beautiful surroundings of Sandalford Wines, the informal dinner provided a unique opportunity to connect Premier Cook with these key leaders.

Mr Sandover said that based on the constructive, thoughtful and lively discussion, “it was evident that a step had been taken towards advancing AJBCWA’s objective of enhancing the cultural and economic linkages between WA and Japan.”