In this episode of Power Perspectives, KWM’s Energy Partners Rod Smythe, Vishal Ahuja and Shirley Cheng unpack Australia’s newly proposed 2035 climate targets and what they mean for the energy sector. 

Drawing on insights from a recent KWM Energy Insight Series event featuring Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority, and Nevenka Codevelle, CEO of ASL, the discussion explores the practical challenges of achieving a 62–70% emissions reduction from 2005 levels and the scale of the transition required to meet those goals. 

Key Topics Discussed

• How Australia’s new 2035 climate targets were set and their implications for energy generation
• The electricity industry’s role in delivering more than half of the required reductions
• The scale of investment and build needed, six-fold growth in storage and tripled solar capacity
• Challenges around transmission, approvals, workforce and social licence
• Financing the transition through policy clarity and government underwriting

Tune in to hear how the energy industry can bridge the gap between policy ambition and delivery and what needs to change to make the 2035 targets achievable 

Duration: 22.29

Host: Katherine Ke, KWM Register Foreign Lawyer

Guest: Duong Thi Mai Huong, Frasers Law Company Partner, Vietnam

Summary:

Vietnam is changing how personal data is protected. The new law, effective from January 2026, will affect local and foreign businesses. 

In the latest episode of KWM’s View from Asia, Katherine Ke and Duong Thi Mai Huong unpack the new rules and what they mean for anyone doing business in Vietnam. They discuss the scope of the law, what counts as consent, who needs to comply, what documents must be filed and the real risk of penalties. 

How does the law compare to others in Asia - and what should you do now? You can read their key takeaways in full here: https://kwm.digital/data-protection-vietnam

Key topics:

• Vietnam’s journey towards data protection and an overview of the new law — Law No. 91/2025/QH15 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL)
• Extra-territorial reach and implications for foreign businesses
• The strict requirements around consent — what counts, how to prove it, and why it matters
• Compliance obligations, including mandatory data impact assessments
• The consequences of non-compliance — with significant penalties on the horizon.

Tune in to hear what this means for your business and why planning ahead is essential.

For more regional insights, subscribe to KWM's View from Asia: https://kwm.digital/subscribe-view-from-asia

Hosts: Nicola Yeomans (KWM Partner & Co-Head of Private Capital) and Will Heath (KWM Partner)
Duration: [16:38]

Summary:
Asian capital is increasingly shaping Australia’s biggest deals. In this episode of KWM’s View from Asia, Nicola Yeomans and Will Heath share insights from the AFR Asia Summit — exploring inbound investment trends, key sectors and the regulatory landscape.

They discuss why Japanese, Singaporean and other Asian investors are active in Australia, the growing role of Singapore as a financial hub, and how intra-Asia investment is expanding. Regulatory developments and sector hotspots like data centres are also in focus. You can read their key takeaways in full here: https://www.kwm.com/global/en/insights/latest-thinking/asias-capital-is-on-the-move-the-view-from-australia-and-singapore.html  

Key topics:

• How Asian capital is driving Australia’s largest deals
• Inbound investments to Australia from Japan, Singapore and beyond
• Sector hotspots — from data centres to digital assets
• The regulatory backdrop — FIRB, ACCC and deal timelines
• Intra-Asia investment growth and Singapore’s role as a regional hub.

Listen in for a clear take on Asia’s capital flows — and what they mean for your next move. 

For more regional insights, subscribe to KWM's View from Asia: https://landing.kwm.com/Subscribe-view-from-asia

In this episode of the NEXT KWM Responsible Business Podcast, hosts Clem Johnson and Dan Creasey explore how businesses can lead meaningful, lasting change by learning from nature and embracing adaptive networks. Joined by special guests Sarah Downey (CEO, Shared Value Project Australia and New Zealand) and Leith Sharp (Director, Executive Education in Sustainability Leadership, Harvard University), the conversation delves into the intersection of business, law, community, and society.

Key topics discussed:

1. The power of adaptive networks and collective intelligence in driving organizational change
2. How biomimicry and indigenous knowledge can inspire innovation and resilience
3. The importance of authentic leadership, psychological safety, and storytelling in embedding sustainability
4. Overcoming barriers to integrating sustainability into core business strategy
5. Real-world examples of change agents and the “squiggle” journey of bringing ideas to life

Whether you’re a business leader, sustainability professional, or change agent, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for shaping a better, more sustainable future.

Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation! #Sustainability #Leadership

Please note that while Dan Creasey has left KWM, he remains deeply connected to the important issues explored in these episodes. His insights continue to be invaluable in our discussions.

Hosts: Rod Smythe, Shirley Cheng, Vishal Ahuja

Duration: 16.35

Summary: 

In this episode of Power Perspectives, KWM’s Rod Smythe, Shirley Cheng, and Vishal Ahuja break down the Nelson Review, a major government-backed initiative set to drive investment in firmed renewables and storage on Australia’s East Coast.

The team explores the Review’s headline reforms and what they mean for investors, developers and energy sector stakeholders. They discuss how the proposed changes aim to boost market confidence, improve contract liquidity and facilitate greater participation from both traditional and emerging energy technologies.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) 
• Standardised contracts and market liquidity
• Mandatory Market Making Obligation regime and its impact on contract availability
• Increasing participation from virtual power plants, batteries and large energy users
• Opportunities and challenges for long-duration storage and firming services

Tune in to hear how the Nelson Review could reshape Australia’s energy market and what it means for those navigating the energy transition.

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 8: AI in the Workplace

Presenters:

• Sarah Clarke, KWM
• Bran Black, Business Council of Australia
• Barbara Hyman, Sapia.ai
• Edward Santow, Human Technology Institute
• Lee Hicken, National AI Centre

In the final episode of KWM’s Digital Future Summit Series, legal, business and technology leaders consider the transformative impact of AI in the workplace. They discuss the tension between productivity gains and job security, acknowledging the need for transparency and engagement for successful AI adoption. The conversation also explores workforce transformation, skills demand, and the future of AI governance.

Key Points:

1. Workers want to be upskilled and involved in how AI is introduced in their workplaces.
2. AI can elevate human potential by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing decision-making.
3. Australia faces a productivity challenge that AI can help address, but it requires a supportive regulatory environment.
4. Businesses must foster a culture of AI literacy to build confidence and encourage innovation among employees.
5. Regulation should focus on existing frameworks while addressing gaps to promote safe and effective AI adoption.

Additional Resources here:

https://pages.kwm.com/directions-report

https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/data-digital#interim

https://aiagenda.bca.com.au/

https://www.kwm.com/au/en/insights/latest-thinking/ai-in-the-australian-finance-industry-opportunities-risks-and-benefits.html

https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-artificial-intelligence-ecosystem-growth-and-opportunities

https://www.bca.com.au/unlocking_australia_s_r_d_potential

https://kpmg.com/au/en/insights/artificial-intelligence-ai/trust-in-ai-global-insights-2025.html

https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/articles/opinion-piece-australia-shouldnt-fear-ai-revolution-we-can

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 7: Board strategies for cyber security and AI innovation

Presenters:

• Cheng Lim, KWM
• Andy Penn, Director
• Richard Dammery, Director
• Catherine Brenner, Director

A group of highly experienced business leaders discuss the intersection of cybersecurity and AI governance for Boards. They explore ways to manage risks, stay informed, and leverage AI innovation while ensuring organisational resilience.

Key Points:

1. Cybersecurity is a critical risk that must be prioritised on every organisation's risk register.
2. Developing an inventory of digital assets is essential to protect against malicious cyber activity.
3. Crisis management plans should be established and tested before an incident occurs.
4. Collaboration among industry players enhances resilience and strengthens defense against cyber threats.
5. Organisations must embrace AI responsibly, balancing innovation with effective risk management strategies.

Resources:

NIST cybersecurity framework

KWM Cyber Resources

AICD Cyber Security Governance Principles

KWM and Sapiere: AFIA Report on AI in the Finance Industry

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 6: Trends in crypto, payments and fintech

Presenters:

• Urszula McCormack, KWM
• John Ho, Standard Chartered Bank
• Shiau Sin Yen, Titan Fund
• Yvonne Tsui, Hong Kong Monetary Authority

In this episode of the Digital Future Summit Series, we explore the evolving landscape of digital finance in 2025. Our expert panel discusses the rapid advancements in crypto markets, stable coins, tokenisation, and regulatory frameworks across Asia and beyond. Join us for a deep dive into the key trends shaping the future of digital finance.

Key points:

1. The total crypto market cap has surged to approximately $3.5 trillion, with Bitcoin routinely trading over $100,000.
2. Institutional adoption is accelerating, with significant interest in stable coins and tokenised assets for payments and fundraising.
3. Regulatory clarity is emerging globally, fostering innovation and investor protection in sophisticated digital asset markets.
4. Digital identity and interoperability are crucial for reducing friction and enhancing access to financial services.
5. Asia is leading the charge in crypto adoption, driven by young tech-savvy populations and progressive regulatory frameworks.

Additional Resources here:

In Australia...

Crypto custody: ASIC expands its Regulatory Guidance under RG 133 - KWM

The future of digital money is coming – evolutionary steps for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in Australia

Token a closer look at the impact of digital asset cases on financial markets - KWM

In Hong Kong...

Gen AI Guide for Financial Institutions

Hong Kong’s new stablecoins law: what issuers and distributors need to know

Hong Kong’s Stablecoins Ordinance goes live today: What you need to know - KWM

Hong Kong Monetary Authority - Fintech Supervisory Sandbox (FSS)

SFC Publishes Fresh Guidance for Virtual Asset Exchange Licensing - KWM

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 5: ASIC Chair Joe Longo

Presenters:

• Alex Elser, KWM
• David Friedlander, KWM
• Joe Longo, ASIC Chair

In this episode of the Digital Future Summit series, ASIC Chair Joe Longo discusses the corporate regulator’s discussion paper into private and public capital markets in Australia, considering the impact of AI, markets’ operation, and the role of superannuation money. Longo shares insights from ASIC's recent paper and outlines the commission's approach to enhancing transparency and data collection in private markets.

Key Points:

1. ASIC's recent discussion paper aims to reshape public and private markets in Australia, emphasising the need for market transparency.
2. Why Joe Longo believes the decline in public listings is influenced more by structural factors than regulatory burdens.
3. Why ASIC seeks greater data visibility in private markets to enhance its understanding of capital flows and investment practices.
4. How the commission is exploring the potential of digital financial reporting as a way to modernise market practices – and wider potential law reform.
5. The importance of balancing regulation and innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Additional Resources here:

https://download.asic.gov.au/media/44hh5ctv/australia-s-evolving-capital-markets-a-discussion-paper-on-the-dynamics-between-public-and-private-markets.pdf

https://www.kwm.com/au/en/insights/latest-thinking/asics-private-markets-review-the-next-chapter.html

https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/inside-asic-podcast/#series2-episode2

https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/consultations/dp-australia-s-evolving-capital-markets-a-discussion-paper-on-the-dynamics-between-public-and-private-markets/#submissions

https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2025-releases/25-096mr-asic-clears-path-for-faster-ipos/

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 4: Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind

Presenters:

• Michael Swinson, KWM
• Bryony Evans, KWM
• Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind

Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind discusses developments in privacy law reforms, the implications of AI and emerging technologies on privacy, and the regulatory landscape for data protection in Australia. Commissioner Kind highlights key priorities for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, focusing on the importance of balancing privacy protections with the benefits of innovation in the digital economy.

Key points:

1. Passing of the first tranche of privacy law reforms and new statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy – an important step for individual rights and regulatory enforcement.
2. The OAIC’s regulatory priorities: addressing persistent privacy harms, particularly in the online realm, and rebalancing power asymmetries to protect vulnerable groups.
3. Commissioner Kind highlights the need for clarity on how existing privacy laws apply to new technologies like AI and the importance of transparency.
4. The conversation covers development of the Children's Online Privacy Code and the need for age-appropriate consultations to ensure children's privacy protection.
5. Commissioner Kind discusses the value of collaboration with other regulators, both domestically and internationally, to address privacy challenges particularly regarding emerging technologies like AI and facial recognition.

Additional Resources here:

KWM Insight | First tranche of privacy law reforms – breading down the Privacy Amendment Bill

KWM Insight | Statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy

KWM Insight | Introduction of social media ban

KWM Insight | Social Media Minimum Age Bill Introduced

KWM Insight | Rebooting the system – the Government announces its plans for the Consumer Data Right