Following its successful launch in Colombo earlier this year, Global Biz Connect 2026 is now taking its vision of cross-border business collaboration to Australia, with the Global Biz Connect Melbourne 2026 – Australia Edition scheduled for Thursday, 20 August 2026, at SofitelMelbourne on Collins from 6.30 p.m. onwards.
Launched in Colombo on 3 March 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Global Biz Connect was established as a platform to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and decision-makers to create meaningful connections and explore opportunities beyond traditional markets.
The inaugural Colombo edition was held in partnership with the Old Nalandians’ Association of Australia (ONAA) and JCI Colombo Mid Town, successfully establishing the platform as a forum for international business networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Building on that foundation, Global Biz Connect is now proud to take the platform to Melbourne, in partnership with the Old Nalandians’ Association of Australia and the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI).
The Melbourne edition represents an important next step in the Global Biz Connect journey, bringing together the Australian, Sri Lankan and UAE business communities and creating a platform for new relationships, partnerships, investment opportunities and international business connections.
The transition from Colombo to Melbourne reflects the core philosophy behind Global Biz Connect: business opportunities should not be limited by geography.
The platform was created with the objective of connecting people, ideas, businesses and markets across borders. Following its launch in Sri Lanka, the Melbourne edition will provide an opportunity to strengthen commercial and professional ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, while also opening pathways towards the wider UAE and international business community.
The event will bring together corporate decision-makers, business owners, investors and capital providers, international trade professionals, SME leaders and growth-stage entrepreneurs for an evening of high-level networking and dialogue.
A major highlight of Global Biz Connect Melbourne 2026 will be an engaging speakers panel featuring prominent figures from the worlds of business, government, academia, sport, finance and professional services.
The distinguished panel includes: Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and National Chairman Mohamed Hage OAM; Cricket Victoria Former CEO Ken Jacobs OAM; Dr. PRMD Holdings Chairman Prasanna Rathnayake; Dabbagh Group Vice Chairman Yaser Dabbagh; Colombo Stock Exchange CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike; Deputy Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deakin University Emeritus Professor and The Main Act Co-Founder Prof. Kim Watty; Former Sri Lankan Cricketer (1985-1996) Asanka Gurusingha; OneTax Accountants Principal Partner Ranga De Silva; VETASSESS Executive Director Dr. Mamta Chauhan; and Integrated Knowledge Founder and CEO Dr. Luckmika Perera.
The panel will be moderated by Old Nalandians’ Association of Australia President, Australian Migration Consultants and Ceilao Group Chairman Dr. Manjula Kulatunga.
With representation spanning business, government, investment, professional services, academia and entrepreneurship, the panel is expected to provide diverse perspectives on international business, economic opportunities, market expansion and cross-border collaboration.
Global Biz Connect Melbourne is built around three key pillars: NETWORK -Build valuable international connections and expand professional and business networks; COLLABORATE – Explore strategic partnerships, commercial opportunities and cross-border relationships; GROW – Discover opportunities to expand businesses across Australia, Sri Lanka and the UAE.
The event is powered by Medilinked and is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations that can translate into long-term commercial relationships and opportunities.
The journey from Colombo to Melbourne marks an important milestone for Global Biz Connect.
What began in Colombo as a business networking initiative has now evolved into a platform with an increasingly international outlook. The Melbourne edition will build upon the relationships and momentum created at the inaugural event while establishing a stronger bridge between Australian and South Asian business communities.
Through its association with the Old Nalandians’ Association of Australia and the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Global Biz Connect Melbourne aims to create an open platform for businesses to engage with new markets, explore partnerships and build connections that extend well beyond national borders.