The Asia Group – a leading strategic advisory firm helping businesses succeed 
in the Indo-Pacific – is pleased to announce the expansion of its Australia 
capabilities by welcoming Minister Stephen Smith as a Senior Advisor. As 
companies look to excel in the Australian market, or with Australian partners, 
Stephen's deep expertise will augment The Asia Group's (TAG) ability to deliver 
unparalleled insights and analysis to clients.

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"We are excited to have Stephen join us as we grow our footprint in the 
Indo-Pacific to support corporate interest across a range of industries," said 
Rexon Ryu, Managing Partner and lead of the firm's aerospace and defense 
practice. "Stephen brings decades of leadership and insight into Australia's 
domestic political system, as well as years of foreign policy, trade, and 
defense experience. His expertise in Australia's governing systems and his 
unique insights into the dynamics of Australia's external relationships will be 
invaluable to TAG's clients to navigate and succeed in this expanding market."

During his decades of public service, Stephen served as a Member of Parliament, 
Minister for Defence, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Trade in 
Canberra – playing a major role in shifting Australia's defense policy and in 
deepening Australia's relationships with India, Indonesia, Japan, and the 
United States, while using venues such as the East Asia Summit and the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership to strengthen U.S.-Australia ties.

In addition to his work with The Asia Group, Stephen is now Professor of Public 
International Law at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and a 
Distinguished Fellow and Board Member of the Perth USAsia Centre based at UWA. 
He is Chair of the UWA Defence and Security Institute, which he helped 
establish. He currently chairs the board of an Australian cyber security 
company and is a member of the Government's Cyber Security Industry Advisory 
Committee. Stephen's background will strengthen TAG's ability to help firms 
navigate issues related to supply chains, critical minerals, 
telecommunications, and cyber security that stand at the intersection of 
national security and commercial concerns.

TAG's growing team covering Australia and the Pacific includes leading experts 
and former government officials with extensive networks and a proven track 
record of success in helping clients seize new business opportunities and 
navigate critical policy challenges. Since the firm's founding in 2013, TAG has 
provided market expansion, sales, and risk management support for leading 
multinational companies across the technology, healthcare, defense, and energy 
sectors in Australia. Along with TAG's recent investments in India, Southeast 
Asia, and China, Stephen's work enhances the firm's on-the-ground capabilities 
and will help provide integrated global–local solutions to clients.

The Asia Group is the premier strategic advisory firm to the world's leading 
companies seeking to excel across the Indo-Pacific. With a team of dynamic and 
experienced professionals – from consultants and former senior government 
officials to lawyers and investment bankers – The Asia Group supports companies 
with end-to-end integrated strategies for market entry and expansion. To learn 
more about The Asia Group, please visit www.theasiagroup.com or reach out to 
media@theasiagroup.com. 

Source - The Asia Group