The NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a delegation of senior Malaysian government leaders from the Razak School of Government to the Djiyagiyulang-gal Enterprise Hub on Gadigal Country in Redfern. The visit formed part of a leadership program delivered in partnership with The University of Sydney Business School. NSWICC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Deb Barwick welcomed the delegation alongside Luke McIlroy-Ranga, Co-Founder of Tika EQ. The visit created an opportunity to share NSWICC's experience of building practical pathways for Indigenous business growth, while opening an important conversation about how policy, certification and partnership can support Indigenous economic self-determination across borders.
Sharing a Story of Indigenous Enterprise
Following a tour of the Hub, Deb shared the story of NSWICC's journey over the past 20 years, from its establishment to its role today as a peak body supporting Indigenous businesses across New South Wales. The discussion explored the leadership, resilience and community-led approach that have underpinned the Chamber's work.
The delegation also heard how NSWICC helps connect Indigenous businesses with meaningful market opportunities, while supporting buyers to engage suppliers with confidence and integrity. This work recognises that strong Indigenous economies are built not only through policy commitments, but through practical systems that enable businesses to compete, grow and create value for their communities.
A key focus of the conversation was the role of the NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy and the Australian Government's Indigenous Procurement Policy in converting government commitments into genuine economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses. NSWICC also outlined the importance of its business certification process. By assessing the business itself, including ownership, control and the delivery of work, NSWICC helps protect the integrity of Indigenous procurement opportunities and supports buyers to engage genuine Indigenous enterprises with confidence. For the Malaysian delegation, this approach carried particular significance. Malaysia's Indigenous communities have their own histories, strengths and experiences of colonisation. The group was interested in how elements of NSW's approach to certification, procurement and government partnership may be adapted to strengthen economic development for Indigenous Malaysians.
Luke McIlroy-Ranga also spoke with the delegation about what it means to navigate two world views when delivering projects on Country. His reflections considered how formal systems and project requirements can be balanced with Indigenous perspectives grounded in relationships, cultural authority and connection to Country. Two nations, two histories of colonisation, and one shared vision: economic self-determination for Indigenous peoples is strengthened when leadership, policy and partnership work together. The visit was a valuable reminder that the work of Indigenous economic development is both deeply local and globally relevant. Meaningful exchange between Indigenous leaders, government representatives and institutions can create new opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen policy, and support communities to shape their own economic futures.
NSWICC sincerely thanks the Razak School of Government and The University of Sydney Business School for including the Chamber in this important day. We look forward to continuing conversations that advance Indigenous business, leadership and economic self-determination.