Building a lasting business connections between the Australian-Pakistani business leadership and professionals

A Cross-cultural Consultant, Tasneem addresses issues of equity and belonging through an intersectional lens in leadership of government, corporate, arts, academic and NGO sectors within Australia and overseas.

She assists clients refine their D&I policies as an industry expert, executes workshops, curates exhibitions and promotes social change towards greater cultural inclusion. Tasneem is also an accomplished emcee and keynote speaker.

As a commentator her expertise has been sought on topics related to leadership, cultural inclusion, gender justice, intersectionality, migration, social cohesion and social justice.

For her efforts she was appointed inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia, is a former Anti-Racism Champion with the Australian Human Rights Commission and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.

Tasneem’s governance roles have included: Strategic Advisor to the Victorian Public Service Commission, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, NSW Legal- Aid Anti-Racism Advisory Group and the Collingwood Football Club Anti-Racism Panel.

She is also an Adjunct Fellow at Victoria University, TEDx Melbourne presenter and published writer.

Tasneem has featured on numerous platforms including BBC, SBS, ABC’s Q&A and The Drum . She co-hosts the podcast Colour Outside the Lines with Leah Vandenberg, and has previously hosted Strengths Untold.

Her 500+ clients include: WIEF, ABC, Deloitte’s, Bradford Literature Festival, EMENA, National Library Australia, KPMG, Zurich Insurance, Open Society Foundation, Dept of Prime Minister and Cabinet (Aus),Tennis Australia, Allen & Overy - and more.

Bruce Atkinson is a Melbourne-based business and governance professional with extensive experience across commercial, advisory, and public leadership roles. He is currently associated with Vynka Pty Ltd, where he contributes to business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and long-term value creation, drawing on a practical and considered approach to decision-making. In addition to his private-sector experience, Bruce served for three decades in the Victorian Parliament (1992– 2022), including as President of the Victorian Legislative Council from 2010 to 2018, where he was widely respected for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to effective governance.

Throughout his career, Bruce has built a strong reputation for bridging public policy insight with commercial and community perspectives. His parliamentary work encompassed small business, planning, local government, and economic development, underpinned by a deep understanding of governance and institutional frameworks. Complementing this background, Bruce also serves as a Board Member of the Australia Pakistan Business Chamber Incorporated, supporting initiatives that foster trade, investment, and business collaboration between Australia and Pakistan. This role reflects his ongoing commitment to international engagement, responsible leadership, and strengthening cross-border economic relationships.

Adam Sadiqzai is an Australian hospitality industry leader and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience. Coming from one of Australia’s longstanding migrant hospitality families, he has built a career supporting the growth of hospitality businesses through venue development, operational strategy, and industry consultancy. He is the Director of Khans Hospitality Services, where he advises hospitality operators, private enterprises, and government stakeholders on hospitality design, development, and business growth.

Adam also serves as Honorary Investment Consul in Australia for Pakistan, working with the Pakistan High Commission to strengthen trade, investment, and business collaboration between Australia and Pakistan. His work focuses on fostering economic partnerships and supporting commercial engagement between businesses across both countries.

Alongside his professional work, Adam remains deeply involved in community initiatives. He serves as a Board Member of The Ace Foundation and was appointed an Honorary Justice of the Peace in Victoria, reflecting his commitment to public service and community engagement. He also contributes as a Board Member of the Australian Pakistan Business Chamber Incorporated (APBCI), supporting the Chamber’s mission to advance bilateral business connections.

Madeeha’s story begins in Pakistan and continues with purpose in Australia, where she arrived in 2014 with ambition, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the community. What she has built since then reflects not just professional success, but a consistent commitment to creating opportunities for others, particularly migrants finding their place in a new country.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Madeeha is the founder of Care Assure and The Kalculators. Her career has been shaped by both technical expertise and lived experience. As a migrant woman balancing family, career, and unfamiliar systems, she understands the realities many face when starting over. Instead of stepping back, she became a source of support for others, especially women from culturally diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate employment, housing, and complex systems with confidence.

Alongside her business journey, Madeeha has spent years quietly supporting families and individuals as they settle in Australia. This has made her a trusted and respected figure within migrant communities.

Through Care Assure, she has built an organisation that reflects her values of inclusion, dignity, and cultural understanding. Her leadership demonstrates that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.

Madeeha is also an award-winning leader, with her contributions to industry and community recognised by government bodies on multiple occasions. Most notably, she was named Citizen of the Year in 2025.

She takes pride in her Pakistani heritage while actively contributing to Australia’s professional and multicultural landscape.

As a Board Member of the Australian Pakistani Business Council Incorporated, Madeeha brings strategic insight, governance experience, and a strong network across business and community sectors. She is committed to strengthening ties between Australia and Pakistan, supporting ethical business practices, and creating platforms for collaboration and growth.

Madeeha’s journey is defined by steady progress, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. She continues to focus on empowering migrants, supporting communities, and building pathways so others can move forward with confidence.