Monash Circular Economy Forum: Actions for circular transformation
Join us for the third Monash Circular Economy Forum, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to accelerating the shift towards a circular economy. This event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability researchers to explore actionable strategies for circular transformation and forge collaborations for a more sustainable future.
Highlights
Showcase of Circular Actions: Discover exemplar actions and cutting-edge solutions from companies that are pioneering sustainable solutions and setting benchmarks for circular transformation. Engage with business leaders who are driving change.
Panel Discussions: Engage with thought-provoking panels featuring diverse perspectives on topics such as policy and regulatory changes, circular design and procurement, resource efficiency and behavioural challenges. Participate in interactive Q&A sessions to dive deeper into the issues that matter most.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators during dedicated networking sessions. Share experiences, explore partnership opportunities, and build relationships with key stakeholders in the circular economy space.
Opening Address
Professor Simon Wilkie, Dean Faculty of Business and Economics Head Monash Business School
Professor Simon Wilkie’s career spans a remarkable array of roles that extend beyond the higher education sphere and include appointments as Chief Economic Policy Strategist at Microsoft Corporation and Chief Economist with the US Federal Communications Commission.
In 2019, Professor Wilkie joined Monash Business School from the University of Southern California (USC), where he was Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics and Professor of Economics, Communication and Law in the USC Gould School of Law. He was previously head of USC’s Department of Economics and the USC Center for Communication Law and Policy.
With an exceptional record for advancing multi-disciplinary collaborative research and leveraging its potential to transform policy and create lasting impact, he is widely published on the subjects of spectrum auctions, game theory and telecommunications regulation in leading scholarly journals.
He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Communication and a former member of the editorial board of the Journal of Public Economic Theory.
Keynote Speakers
H.E. Ardi Stoios-Braken, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands
Her Excellency Mrs. Ardi Stoios-Braken was appointed as the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Australia, with (designated) accreditations in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands in 2023. Her previous roles include: Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2017-2019) and Deputy Head of Mission, Republic of Indonesia (2019-2023).
Before taking senior positions with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Stoios-Braken worked in the Hague as Deputy Director of the Inclusive Green Growth Department; Deputy Head of Mission/ Head of Development Cooperation at the Dutch Embassy in Zambia; Deputy Head of Mission/ Head of Development Cooperation in Albania; Executive Coordinator for Sustainable Development in the Hague; First Secretary, Netherlands Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, overseeing refugee and migration matters; Second Secretary at the Dutch Embassy in Thailand, and Policy Officer Environmental Affairs within the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Multilateral Affairs Department.
She holds a Master’s Degree in both Public Administration and Development Administration from Radboud University, Nijmegen.
Courtney Holm, Founder A.BCH, Circular Sourcing, and Circular Factory
Courtney Holm is a circular fashion systems designer, thought leader and entrepreneur. Courtney founded experimental circular fashion label A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world leading example of what circular fashion could be. In early 2024, she made a strategic decision to step away from making new clothes in order to build her climate-tech startup Circular Sourcing and transition A.BCH into a circular design innovation firm (A.BCH World). With a background and expertise in circular design for clothing, material flows and circular systems, the heart of Courtney's practice is industry-powered transformation for positive ecological, economic and equitable futures.
Rebecca McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Glen Eira City Council
Rebecca is CEO of Glen Eira City Council and is passionate about the local government’s role in creating liveable and resilient communities with a pride of place. Responsible for a $190 million business that delivers more than 120 services to the Glen Eira community, Rebecca has an extensive background and qualifications in HR and public sector leadership, including CEO at Mitchell Shire Council and executive roles in the UK, Ireland, and Queensland.
A values-based leader who invests in people, Rebecca builds strong relationships at all levels, and mentors and coaches emerging leaders in the sector. She has been named one of the Top 50 Public Sector Women in Victoria and Top 50 Global Government Innovators. Rebecca is also the Chair of Zoos Victoria, a world leading Zoos based conservation organisation.
Gwyneth Elsum, Director Industry and Infrastructure, Sustainability Victoria
Focusing on driving change for the future, Gwyneth has spent over twenty years in the water, natural resource management, energy, and climate change space. Before coming to Sustainability Victoria, Gwyneth has held executive positions in Australia and New Zealand. She also spent over 10 years with Melbourne Water, where she played an integral role in improving their strategic direction and sector leadership outcomes.
Gwyneth is passionate about channelling her values into her professional practice, motivating her to work towards better environmental and social outcomes.
Dickson Leow, General Manager, Infinitev Pty Ltd.
The current General Manager of Infinitev, Dickson Leow is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Fellow (FIEAust), and Executive Engineer (ExecEng) member of Engineers Australia with three decades of experience in both private and government sectors in Mobility, EV/Hybrid, Battery Energy, ITS, CAV, Homologation, Regulatory Affairs, Vehicle Engineering & Design, Vehicle Safety, and IP Law in Australia, Europe, and Japan. He has served as an international committee expert member of ISO TC 204 for Intelligent Transport System and Standards Australia IT-023, as well as numerous SAE Technical and Strategy Working Groups. Dickson holds an MBA, BSc, BEng, and post-grad in IP Law.
April Williams, Circular Economy Champion, Monash City Council
April Williams is the Circular Economy Lead at Monash City Council and one of the Sustainability Victoria Buy Recycled Champions. With over 12 years of local government experience in waste projects, service delivery and behaviour change, April now works to transition Monash Council and their community to a circular economy. Current Monash projects include Repair cafes, clothing swaps, a reusable nappy program, a Circular Economy Action plan, the Circular Economy Leadership Program (on behalf of 13 Councils) and an internal working group looking at Procurement improvements to achieve circularity.
Professor John Thwaites AM, Chair, Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group
Prof Thwaites, a former MP and Victorian Deputy Premier, is a Professorial Fellow at Monash University, Chair of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Chair of the Climateworks Centre, and Chair of The McKinnon Institute for political leadership.
Prof Thwaites is also a Director of FairTrade Australia New Zealand.
He was previously Chair of the National Sustainability Council appointed by the Australian Government, which produced the Sustainable Australia Report in 2013. Prof Thwaites also held roles as Chair of Melbourne Water, Chair of the Australian Building Codes Board, President of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and a director of the Australian Green Building Council. He is a Co-Chair of the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (“SDSN”) launched by the Secretary General of the United Nations to provide expert advice and support to the development and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He is also the Chair of the SDSN Association, which operates the SDSN network around the world.
Prof Thwaites was Deputy Premier of Victoria from 1999 until his retirement in 2007. During this period, he held various Ministerial portfolios including Minister of Health, Minister of Environment and was Victoria’s first Minister for Climate Change. Prior to being elected to Parliament, he was a barrister and Mayor of South Melbourne.
Session Facilitators
Professor Amrik Sohal, Department of Management, Monash University
Prof. Amrik S. Sohal has been a Professor in the Department of Management (Monash Business School, Monash University) for over 30 years. He completed his industrial training and education in the UK, completing his PhD in 1986 at the University of Bradford (UK). At Monash University, he has held a number of positions at the faculty level including Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Associate Dean (India Development). His current research focuses on process improvement and innovation, supply chains, circular economy and sustainable procurement.
Associate Professor Glen Croy, Department of Management, Monash University
Associate Professor Glen Croy is an award-winning educator and researcher. His expertise is in the activation of training and learning for the adoption of new approaches to address emerging challenges. Glen has effectively demonstrated this in a range of business, community, and education contexts, with participants achieving and retaining development objectives.
Professor Rob Raven, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University
Prof Rob Raven is an interdisciplinary scholar, professor of sustainability transitions and deputy director (research) at Monash Sustainable Development Institute. He is also a visiting professor at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. Originally trained as an electrical engineer, he has turned his gaze to the social, institutional, political, and spatial factors that influence successful innovation and transitions towards sustainable development.
His current research agenda is focused on the analysis of transformative change in urban contexts such as smart, sustainable, and net-zero cities and precincts, with an empirical focus on energy, the build environment, mobility, circular economy, and the SDGs.
Dr Limin Fu, Department of Management, Monash University
Dr Limin Fu is a Lecturer at the Department of Management, Monash Business School. Before her academic career, Dr Fu worked in several managerial positions with renowned Fortune 500 companies such as Asus, Generali, and CG Holdings. Leveraging her management experience, Dr Fu's research is strongly practice-driven. Dr Fu's research investigates imperative paradoxes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR/ESG) affecting the long-term business-society relationship. Her interdisciplinary approach intersects sustainability, the circular economy, strategy, international business, and innovation.
Associate Professor Martin Geissdoerfer, Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), Monash University
A/Prof Geissdoerfer is Associate Professor of Circular Economy Transitions, and leads the MSDI’s Circular Economy work. He is also an Associate at University of Cambridge’s Circular Economy Centre. A/Prof Geissdoerfer is among the most highly cited sustainability scientists globally, and has authored some of the most influential academic work on the circular economy. His research focuses on circular economy transitions, business model innovation, and sustainability strategies, with his work widely adopted in academia and policy and management practice. He previously advised global Fortune 500 companies and policymakers on circular economy and sustainability strategy, and business building and how to employ policy labs to improve outcomes, at McKinsey & Company.
Event Details
- Date:
- 8 November 2024 at 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Venue:
- The Pavillion, Building H, Level 8, Monash University Caulfield Campus
- Categories:
- General; Management
Description
Join us for the third Monash Circular Economy Forum, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to accelerating the shift towards a circular economy. This event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability researchers to explore actionable strategies for circular transformation and forge collaborations for a more sustainable future.
Highlights
Showcase of Circular Actions: Discover exemplar actions and cutting-edge solutions from companies that are pioneering sustainable solutions and setting benchmarks for circular transformation. Engage with business leaders who are driving change.
Panel Discussions: Engage with thought-provoking panels featuring diverse perspectives on topics such as policy and regulatory changes, circular design and procurement, resource efficiency and behavioural challenges. Participate in interactive Q&A sessions to dive deeper into the issues that matter most.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators during dedicated networking sessions. Share experiences, explore partnership opportunities, and build relationships with key stakeholders in the circular economy space.
Opening Address
Professor Simon Wilkie, Dean Faculty of Business and Economics Head Monash Business School
Professor Simon Wilkie’s career spans a remarkable array of roles that extend beyond the higher education sphere and include appointments as Chief Economic Policy Strategist at Microsoft Corporation and Chief Economist with the US Federal Communications Commission.
In 2019, Professor Wilkie joined Monash Business School from the University of Southern California (USC), where he was Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics and Professor of Economics, Communication and Law in the USC Gould School of Law. He was previously head of USC’s Department of Economics and the USC Center for Communication Law and Policy.
With an exceptional record for advancing multi-disciplinary collaborative research and leveraging its potential to transform policy and create lasting impact, he is widely published on the subjects of spectrum auctions, game theory and telecommunications regulation in leading scholarly journals.
He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Communication and a former member of the editorial board of the Journal of Public Economic Theory.
Keynote Speakers
H.E. Ardi Stoios-Braken, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands
Her Excellency Mrs. Ardi Stoios-Braken was appointed as the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Australia, with (designated) accreditations in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands in 2023. Her previous roles include: Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2017-2019) and Deputy Head of Mission, Republic of Indonesia (2019-2023).
Before taking senior positions with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Stoios-Braken worked in the Hague as Deputy Director of the Inclusive Green Growth Department; Deputy Head of Mission/ Head of Development Cooperation at the Dutch Embassy in Zambia; Deputy Head of Mission/ Head of Development Cooperation in Albania; Executive Coordinator for Sustainable Development in the Hague; First Secretary, Netherlands Permanent Representation to the UN in Geneva, overseeing refugee and migration matters; Second Secretary at the Dutch Embassy in Thailand, and Policy Officer Environmental Affairs within the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Multilateral Affairs Department.
She holds a Master’s Degree in both Public Administration and Development Administration from Radboud University, Nijmegen.
Courtney Holm, Founder A.BCH, Circular Sourcing, and Circular Factory
Courtney Holm is a circular fashion systems designer, thought leader and entrepreneur. Courtney founded experimental circular fashion label A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world leading example of what circular fashion could be. In early 2024, she made a strategic decision to step away from making new clothes in order to build her climate-tech startup Circular Sourcing and transition A.BCH into a circular design innovation firm (A.BCH World). With a background and expertise in circular design for clothing, material flows and circular systems, the heart of Courtney's practice is industry-powered transformation for positive ecological, economic and equitable futures.
Rebecca McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Glen Eira City Council
Rebecca is CEO of Glen Eira City Council and is passionate about the local government’s role in creating liveable and resilient communities with a pride of place. Responsible for a $190 million business that delivers more than 120 services to the Glen Eira community, Rebecca has an extensive background and qualifications in HR and public sector leadership, including CEO at Mitchell Shire Council and executive roles in the UK, Ireland, and Queensland.
A values-based leader who invests in people, Rebecca builds strong relationships at all levels, and mentors and coaches emerging leaders in the sector. She has been named one of the Top 50 Public Sector Women in Victoria and Top 50 Global Government Innovators. Rebecca is also the Chair of Zoos Victoria, a world leading Zoos based conservation organisation.
Gwyneth Elsum, Director Industry and Infrastructure, Sustainability Victoria
Focusing on driving change for the future, Gwyneth has spent over twenty years in the water, natural resource management, energy, and climate change space. Before coming to Sustainability Victoria, Gwyneth has held executive positions in Australia and New Zealand. She also spent over 10 years with Melbourne Water, where she played an integral role in improving their strategic direction and sector leadership outcomes.
Gwyneth is passionate about channelling her values into her professional practice, motivating her to work towards better environmental and social outcomes.
Dickson Leow, General Manager, Infinitev Pty Ltd.
The current General Manager of Infinitev, Dickson Leow is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Fellow (FIEAust), and Executive Engineer (ExecEng) member of Engineers Australia with three decades of experience in both private and government sectors in Mobility, EV/Hybrid, Battery Energy, ITS, CAV, Homologation, Regulatory Affairs, Vehicle Engineering & Design, Vehicle Safety, and IP Law in Australia, Europe, and Japan. He has served as an international committee expert member of ISO TC 204 for Intelligent Transport System and Standards Australia IT-023, as well as numerous SAE Technical and Strategy Working Groups. Dickson holds an MBA, BSc, BEng, and post-grad in IP Law.
April Williams, Circular Economy Champion, Monash City Council
April Williams is the Circular Economy Lead at Monash City Council and one of the Sustainability Victoria Buy Recycled Champions. With over 12 years of local government experience in waste projects, service delivery and behaviour change, April now works to transition Monash Council and their community to a circular economy. Current Monash projects include Repair cafes, clothing swaps, a reusable nappy program, a Circular Economy Action plan, the Circular Economy Leadership Program (on behalf of 13 Councils) and an internal working group looking at Procurement improvements to achieve circularity.
Professor John Thwaites AM, Chair, Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group
Prof Thwaites, a former MP and Victorian Deputy Premier, is a Professorial Fellow at Monash University, Chair of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Chair of the Climateworks Centre, and Chair of The McKinnon Institute for political leadership.
Prof Thwaites is also a Director of FairTrade Australia New Zealand.
He was previously Chair of the National Sustainability Council appointed by the Australian Government, which produced the Sustainable Australia Report in 2013. Prof Thwaites also held roles as Chair of Melbourne Water, Chair of the Australian Building Codes Board, President of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and a director of the Australian Green Building Council. He is a Co-Chair of the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (“SDSN”) launched by the Secretary General of the United Nations to provide expert advice and support to the development and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He is also the Chair of the SDSN Association, which operates the SDSN network around the world.
Prof Thwaites was Deputy Premier of Victoria from 1999 until his retirement in 2007. During this period, he held various Ministerial portfolios including Minister of Health, Minister of Environment and was Victoria’s first Minister for Climate Change. Prior to being elected to Parliament, he was a barrister and Mayor of South Melbourne.
Session Facilitators
Professor Amrik Sohal, Department of Management, Monash University
Prof. Amrik S. Sohal has been a Professor in the Department of Management (Monash Business School, Monash University) for over 30 years. He completed his industrial training and education in the UK, completing his PhD in 1986 at the University of Bradford (UK). At Monash University, he has held a number of positions at the faculty level including Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Associate Dean (India Development). His current research focuses on process improvement and innovation, supply chains, circular economy and sustainable procurement.
Associate Professor Glen Croy, Department of Management, Monash University
Associate Professor Glen Croy is an award-winning educator and researcher. His expertise is in the activation of training and learning for the adoption of new approaches to address emerging challenges. Glen has effectively demonstrated this in a range of business, community, and education contexts, with participants achieving and retaining development objectives.
Professor Rob Raven, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University
Prof Rob Raven is an interdisciplinary scholar, professor of sustainability transitions and deputy director (research) at Monash Sustainable Development Institute. He is also a visiting professor at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. Originally trained as an electrical engineer, he has turned his gaze to the social, institutional, political, and spatial factors that influence successful innovation and transitions towards sustainable development.
His current research agenda is focused on the analysis of transformative change in urban contexts such as smart, sustainable, and net-zero cities and precincts, with an empirical focus on energy, the build environment, mobility, circular economy, and the SDGs.
Dr Limin Fu, Department of Management, Monash University
Dr Limin Fu is a Lecturer at the Department of Management, Monash Business School. Before her academic career, Dr Fu worked in several managerial positions with renowned Fortune 500 companies such as Asus, Generali, and CG Holdings. Leveraging her management experience, Dr Fu's research is strongly practice-driven. Dr Fu's research investigates imperative paradoxes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR/ESG) affecting the long-term business-society relationship. Her interdisciplinary approach intersects sustainability, the circular economy, strategy, international business, and innovation.
Associate Professor Martin Geissdoerfer, Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), Monash University
A/Prof Geissdoerfer is Associate Professor of Circular Economy Transitions, and leads the MSDI’s Circular Economy work. He is also an Associate at University of Cambridge’s Circular Economy Centre. A/Prof Geissdoerfer is among the most highly cited sustainability scientists globally, and has authored some of the most influential academic work on the circular economy. His research focuses on circular economy transitions, business model innovation, and sustainability strategies, with his work widely adopted in academia and policy and management practice. He previously advised global Fortune 500 companies and policymakers on circular economy and sustainability strategy, and business building and how to employ policy labs to improve outcomes, at McKinsey & Company.