Dr Monica Kennedy

Dr Monica Kennedy is General Manager, South Asia for the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). With over 2 decades' leadership experience in the education sector, Dr Kennedy has helped position Australia as preferred education partner in the region. She led development of Austrade's international education sectoral strategy and several Australian government priority projects. These include the India Digital Education Hub, the Future Skills Initiative, Australia India Business Exchange (AIBX) and the Australia India Innovation Network.​

Under the AIBX Partnering for Prosperity program, Austrade facilitated over A$1 billion in commercial transactions enabling over 1,500 Australian businesses to engage with India. Dr Kennedy continues to build on these foundations, positioning Australia as a leader in renewable energy, elite education, and premium food and wine sectors in the region. She is focused on building engagement with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, significant markets in South Asia. Dr Kennedy continues to drive momentum of Australia-India trade under the Australia India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.​

Dr Kennedy's experience spans partnership development and growth across both private and public sectors in India, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka Australia and New Zealand.  She has held senior international engagement and business development roles at Swinburne University of Technology, Study Group Australia, Victoria University, University of Canberra, and other institutions. ​

Dr Kennedy's academic work has contributed to the fields of organisational learning, international education and strategic thinking. Her work is published in international journals, books and conference presentations. Dr Kennedy's commercial acumen and academic background are instrumental in advancing Austrade's engagement in South Asia, fostering new opportunities for Australia-South Asia cooperation and positioning Australia as a natural partner for the region.