SYDNEY: The National Entrepreneur Conference (NEC) 2026 concluded its high-impact program at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on 9 May, showcasing the future of diaspora-led innovation.

The day’s spotlight fell on Sahara Basnet, who secured the AUD 10,000 Pitch Award for her venture, Re-fab, an end-to-end sustainable fashion platform powered by Artificial Intelligence.

Selected by a seven-member judging panel from a field of five diverse finalists, Basnet’s “Re-fab” was recognized for its potential to revolutionize the garment industry through ethical, tech-driven production.

The conference, organized by Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia, served as a critical platform for connecting Nepali-Australian professionals with global economic opportunities. Addressing the delegates during the presidential remarks, NRNA Australia President Santosh Kunwar emphasized the strategic importance of the gathering.
“This program aims to explore the ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Nepali community,” Kunwar stated. “We are here to foster an environment where our professionals can thrive in Australia while finding meaningful ways to invest back into Nepal.”

The morning sessions focused on the integration of the Nepali-Australian community into the local economy. Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, and Kellie Sloane, Leader of the Opposition, both delivered video messages acknowledging the community’s significant contributions to the state. Mark Coure and Mark Buttigieg further discussed policy priorities and workplace safety for multicultural small businesses.

Jacqui Munro MLC led a critical plenary session regarding the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence, focusing on how emerging technologies can strengthen productivity and public policy in NSW.

Media broadcaster Olympia Kwitowski presented “No One Will Tell Your Story Better Than You,” providing delegates with practical techniques to communicate with confidence and stand out in a crowded professional landscape.

Renowned TV presenter Osher Günsberg delivered a keynote on performing under pressure, drawing on his 30-year career to provide a framework for leadership and mental health advocacy.

A finance-focused panel featuring Craig Betalli, Atom Go, Tian, and Dr. Kiran Thapa (moderated by Anil Pokhrel) explored the impacts of rising interest rates and inflation on small businesses in 2026.

Anil Keshari Shah, former CEO of Nabil Bank, delivered a session on moving “From Remittance to Investment,” presenting strategies for redirecting diaspora savings into productive investments within Nepal.

Enrico Pecora discussed how risk management can drive measurable value for organizations, while Tasso Papachatgis shared leadership frameworks for driving growth in competitive modern markets.

Sabina Silwal, Sujata Chalise, and Shrishti Sha-moderated by Karuna Rawat (Miss Nepal International 2024)-shared their personal journeys, setbacks, and leadership strategies across healthcare, finance, and law.

The technical sessions concluded with a KFA Consulting presentation highlighting Nepal’s unique investment advantages and emerging sectors for the diaspora.