Icons of Change International Awards 2026
Jonathan Saw
Former Australian Trade & Investment Commissioner and Consul (Commercial) to Vietnam & Cambodia
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Former Trade & Investment Commissioner to Thailand & Laos
Senior Trade and Investment Leader | International Expansion | Investment Attraction | Export Facilitation
Recipient, Australia Day Achievement Medallion 2020
Recognised, 122 Asian-Australians of 2022
Finalist, 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards 2020
SDG Focus: Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Icons of Change 40-Under-40
Young Changemaker for International Trade, Economic Diplomacy and Australia–Asia Engagement (Australia)
Jonathan Saw is a distinguished Australian trade and investment leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening Australia’s economic engagement with Asia, expanding international opportunities for Australian businesses and facilitating investment that contributes to economic prosperity and jobs growth.
With more than 15 years of international business experience across the public and private sectors, Jonathan has developed a distinguished career connecting governments, businesses, investors and institutions across the Asia-Pacific. His work demonstrates how effective economic diplomacy can create practical opportunities for businesses while strengthening relationships between nations.
Driving Australia’s Economic Engagement with Asia
As Australian Trade & Investment Commissioner and Consul (Commercial) to Vietnam and Cambodia, Jonathan leads whole-of-market trade and investment strategies across two of Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies. Based at the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, he represents Australia’s commercial interests in senior government, ministerial and business forums, building trusted relationships with government agencies, industry leaders and major enterprises. His responsibilities span export growth, investment attraction, market development and strategic engagement, while supporting Australian companies as they navigate regulatory environments, identify partners and expand into international markets. Through this work, Jonathan plays an important role in strengthening Australia’s economic relationships with Vietnam and Cambodia and opening new pathways for trade, investment and collaboration.
Championing Australian Businesses in Global Markets
A defining feature of Jonathan’s career has been his commitment to helping Australian businesses succeed internationally. As Global Engagement Manager at Austrade, he led teams providing Australian businesses with strategic advice, market intelligence, services and opportunities to support their export and international expansion journeys.
