AIBC NSW: Kicking Goals; Sports, Diplomacy & Business in the Asia Pacific Region

Join us for an exclusive AIBC event on the eve of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Australia and Indonesia. This special gathering will explore the power of football as a driver of diplomacy, business, and cultural connection between our two nations. 

We are delighted to welcome Mark Aubrey, CEO of Sydney FC, who will share insights into the club's regional engagement, the role of sports in strengthening Australia-Indonesia ties, and the commercial opportunities football presents across the region. Also joining the panel is Robbie Gaspar, who will be speaking about his experience of being the first Australian footballer to play in Indonesia. 

Mark Aubrey joined Sydney FC as their Chief Executive Officer in October 2023 after almost 20 years as a senior executive in the global entertainment industry  with leading companies like Activision Blizzard, Warner Bros and LucasFilm where he managed entities across Asia Pacific alongside major global AAA franchises  like Call of Duty, Harry Potter and Star Wars. 

He also sits on various Boards and has provided strategic advisory to multiple global start-ups, companies and governments in the emerging technology and entertainment space including work with the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group.

Mark’s pivot from entertainment to sport was prompted by Australian football’s enormous untapped potential and he is particularly excited by the growth trajectory of the Women’s game. He is now focused on combining his passion for football and sport with his knowledge of new technology, digital entertainment and fan engagement to continue to expand both Sydney FC’s brand and fanbase and the game in Australia holistically.

Robbie Gaspar was the first Australian footballer to play professionally in Indonesia, where he competed for nearly eight years, including with one of the country's most prestigious clubs, Persib Bandung. Beyond the pitch, he became a passionate advocate for sports and business diplomacy, actively strengthening Australia-Indonesia relations. In recognition of his dedication to supporting professional footballers across Southeast Asia, he was awarded Life Membership of Professional Footballers Australia. 

Robbie is currently a board member of the Australia-Indonesia Institute and serves as the President of the Indonesia Institute. He previously sat on the Board of the Australia Indonesia Business Council (Western Australia), including as Chair from 2020-21. Committed to fostering a long-term, sustainable partnership between Australia and Indonesia, he works to inspire younger generations by sharing his experiences in schools, promoting the value of learning Indonesian, and conducting soccer clinics that combine his passion for football with cultural education. 

This is a must-attend event for business leaders, sports enthusiasts, and those passionate about fostering closer bilateral ties through sport. Plus, attendees will have the chance to win exclusive Sydney FC merchandise!

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to celebrate football, diplomacy, and business in the lead-up to an unforgettable match. 

Refreshments will be served