Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Key Capabilities
References
Timeline
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Bal S. Bhullar

Bal S. Bhullar

Policy Advisor, Government Affairs & International Trade Specialist
10 Larkin St, Waverton NSW 2060, Australia

Summary

A results-driven leader with 15 years of experience spearheading international trade and investment initiatives across diverse regions like Southeast Asia, East Asia, North America and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Skilled in building high-performing teams, strategising market entry, and forging impactful partnerships to drive economic growth and unlock lucrative export and investment opportunities. Possesses in-depth knowledge of these regions, enabling sound decision-making and effective stakeholder engagement. Passionate about promoting Australia's economic potential and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
Languages

Work History

Senior Policy Advisor

APEC Business Advisory Council
01.2019 - 07.2023
  • Formulated and monitored APEC Business Advisory Council's projects and recommendations to APEC Leaders on trade, investment, financial inclusion, and environmental, social and governance issues, toward supporting increased and balanced business investment in the Asia-Pacific.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to drive policy advancements through effective communication, fostering dialogue, and formulating impactful documents for business engagement, and increased trade and investment opportunities.
  • Improved policy effectiveness by conducting comprehensive research and analysis on various topics.
  • Organized conferences and workshops designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, leading experts from diverse backgrounds.

Assistant Director

White Rook Advisory
09.2018 - 12.2018
  • Focused on Business Development for growth of a start-up trade and business consultancy with clients across a number of Fortune 500 companies with interests in the Asia-Pacific.
  • Conducted research and analysis, and supported market access advisory, regulatory and landscape analysis, strategic counsel and government relations support for clients.

First Secretary / Economic Counsellor

Brunei Embassy, Washington D.C.
03.2014 - 03.2018
  • Conducted market research and analysis, provided policy and regulatory guidance and coordinated stakeholder engagement efforts, building relationships and advocating for investment and trade opportunities in Southeast Asia, in collaboration with the ASEAN Committee in Washington, D.C. Research and guidance included areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, trade facilitation, financial services and investment policies.
  • Managed relationships with US government officials, businesses and interests groups to facilitate information exchange and promote mutually-beneficial engagement.
  • Worked extensively with business groups such as the US-ASEAN Business Council, U.S. Chambers of Commerce, Bower Group Asia, and the Asia Group to advice of trade and economic developments and strengthen business linkages between the U.S. and Southeast Asian governments.
  • Fostered international cooperation by representing Brunei at meetings, conferences, and forums on various global issues, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Bank Board of Governors' Meetings.
  • Contributed to policy development by analyzing regional trends, conducting research on specific topics, and providing recommendations to senior officials.
  • Responsible primarily for handling economic cooperation, with main focus on US accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, before US withdraw involving interactions with U.S. government officials and U.S. business
  • Managed public diplomacy efforts including press engagements, social media presence, and educational exchange programs aimed at increasing Brunei's and Southeast Asia's profile.
  • Coordinated high-level visits of Leaders, Ministers and high-level officials to advance diplomatic goals, managing logistics, schedules, and communications with host countries.
  • Developed outreach programs to promote cultural exchanges and enhance mutual understanding between the US and Brunei and wider ASEAN.


Second Secretary

Dept Of International Trade, Min. Foreign Affairs
01.2008 - 03.2014
  • Led negotiations for Market Access, Investment, Trade in Goods and Rules of Origin negotiations across multiple free trade agreements, including for ASEAN, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan and ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreements, as well as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
  • Negotiated the ASEAN Enhanced Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes between ASEAN Member States.
  • Chaired the Sub-Committee on ASEAN Rules of Origin, streamlining supply chain and cross-border processes toward fostering regional trade growth through improved market access.
  • Chaired the Ad-Hoc Committee on ASEAN-Australia Economic Cooperation Work Programme, to support capacity building for strengthening economic policies in ASEAN Member States.
  • Worked extensively on Group of Twenty (G20) issues and coordinated Brunei's participation at the G20 in 2013. ·
  • Led Brunei's delegation to the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) for the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, drafting resolutions, creating policies for UN resolutions, dealing with pressing global financial and economic and development issues.
  • Engaged in market analysis and collaborated with stakeholders to advance economic cooperation, including for ASEAN-EU, Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation), and ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) matters.
  • Supported meetings of the bi-annual ASEAN Leaders Summits, including the East Asia Summit, through the preparation of briefs, speeches, and report preparation. Similar work was undertaken for meetings of the ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers, and Senior Economic Officials.
  • Regularly monitored and prepared daily reports on economic and trade developments globally, with an emphasis on Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States, particularly developments affecting business engagement and investment.

Research Assistant for Tort Law

University of Technology, Sydney
07.2006 - 12.2006
  • Collaborated closely with faculty members to delve into developments in Tort Law, fuelling a passion for legal research and analysis.
  • Served as a valuable resource for colleagues seeking guidance on complex research tasks or unfamiliar areas of law.
  • Proactively monitored changes in legislation and case law, assisting changes in curriculum delivery.

Education

Bachelor of Law -

University of Technology, Sydney
01.2003 - 2008.05

Graduate Certificate of Legal Practice - undefined

University of Technology, Sydney
07.2007 - 2008.04

Skills

Communication Skillsundefined

Key Capabilities

  • Investment Promotion: Extensive experience in identifying, developing, and managing profitable investment opportunities for Brunei and APEC economies. Led negotiations for market access and collaborated with businesses and governments to secure successful investments.
  • Project Management: Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects within time and budget constraints, ensuring quality deliverables and stakeholder satisfaction. Chaired committees and coordinated teams to drive successful outcomes in the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA and APEC trade and investment initiatives.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, business leaders, and diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to foster collaboration, negotiate effectively, and communicate complex information persuasively.
  • Market Analysis and Insights: Developed expertise in analyzing economic trends, identifying potential sectors, and formulating investment strategies. Provided insightful guidance to APEC leaders and high-level decision-makers.
  • Communication and Relationship Building: Strong written and verbal communication skills honed through negotiations, presentations, and policy documents. Proficient in establishing rapport with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, ensuring effective cross-cultural communication.

References

References available upon request

Timeline

Senior Policy Advisor

APEC Business Advisory Council
01.2019 - 07.2023

Assistant Director

White Rook Advisory
09.2018 - 12.2018

First Secretary / Economic Counsellor

Brunei Embassy, Washington D.C.
03.2014 - 03.2018

Second Secretary

Dept Of International Trade, Min. Foreign Affairs
01.2008 - 03.2014

Graduate Certificate of Legal Practice - undefined

University of Technology, Sydney
07.2007 - 2008.04

Research Assistant for Tort Law

University of Technology, Sydney
07.2006 - 12.2006

Bachelor of Law -

University of Technology, Sydney
01.2003 - 2008.05
Bal S. BhullarPolicy Advisor, Government Affairs & International Trade Specialist