Powering Clean Energy Collaboration Between Australia and the Philippines
Connecting climate innovation across Southeast Asia and Australia through international professional placements
Philippine Participant Judith Escobar, Business Development Specialist, Cleantech (right), with her host representative Sabina Curatolo, Partner, Ecotone Partners and Justin Whyatt, First Assistant Secretary, DFAT, during the Celebratory Closing Event of the Melbourne 2026 Program
Overview
Strategic Development Group (Strategic) implemented the Professional Placements Program on behalf of the Australian Government to enable Australian and Southeast Asian businesses to send and receive early- to mid-career professionals for international professional placements. Through this program, Strategic has enabled knowledge exchange and capacity-building opportunities for 58 businesses, fostering enduring business-to-business relationships grounded in strong people-to-people connections.
In April and May 2026, Ecotone Partners, an Australian funds management and advisory firm, hosted a professional from a Philippines-based renewable energy developer, Cleantech Global Renewables, for three-week placements through the Professional Placements Program.
Participating organisations
Two organisations participated in this professional placement.
Australian Host Business: Ecotone Partners
Funds management and advisory firm, Melbourne, Australia
Ecotone Partners is a boutique funds management and advisory firm focused on advancing the climate transition through investment and strategic advisory services. The firm works with investors, governments, and corporations to finance scalable climate solutions while targeting financial returns.
The Opportunity: For Ecotone Partners, the program presented an opportunity to deepen its understanding of regional market dynamics and build relationships that could support future partnerships and collaboration with Philippine businesses.
Philippine Business: Cleantech Global Renewables
Renewable energy developer, Manila, Philippines
Cleantech Global Renewables (Cleantech) is a Philippine-based renewable energy developer focused on developing, acquiring, constructing, owning, and operating renewable energy projects across the Philippines. The company supports energy production and supply in the Philippines by providing clean and affordable energy while preserving the environment and providing opportunity, growth, and impact to local communities.
The Opportunity: Cleantech viewed the program as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its engagement with the Australian market. By sending Business Development Specialist Judith Escobar to Melbourne, the company sought to build new industry relationships, gain insights into Australian investment and renewable energy markets, and explore opportunities for future collaboration between Australian and Philippine organisations.
Reflecting on her motivations for participating in the program, Judith said:
“My company supported my participation in the Melbourne Professional Placements program because they saw it as an opportunity to support my professional growth and expand our network with Australian companies and industry professionals. Given the increasing collaboration opportunities between Australia and Southeast Asia, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure, the program aligned well with both my personal development goals and the company’s broader interests.
The placement also provided valuable exposure to international business practices, investment perspectives, and emerging industry trends that could be beneficial to our work in the Philippines. By participating in the program, I was able to gain insights, build relationships, and bring back knowledge and experiences that may contribute to future projects and potential partnerships…
Beyond professional growth, I wanted to challenge myself personally by stepping outside my comfort zone, adapting to a different culture and workplace environment, and building relationships with peers and mentors across the region. I believed the experience would help me grow not only as a professional, but also as a person, by becoming more adaptable, open-minded, and confident in unfamiliar environments.”
Philippine Participant Judith Escobar, Business Development Specialist, Cleantech (left), with her Australian host representative Sabina Curatolo, Partner, Ecotone Partners
Placement outcomes
During the three-week placement, Judith collaborated closely with the Ecotone Partners team on a range of investment, research, and stakeholder engagement activities, gaining practical experience in Australia's climate investment sector while contributing fresh insights from the Philippine renewable energy market. She delivered tangible outcomes for Ecotone Partners, including the development of an investment thesis focused on Australia's electric trucking sector, while gaining meaningful exposure to market research, industry analysis, and the broader energy transition landscape.
Reflecting on the experience and the knowledge she gained during the placement, Judith said:
“Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of emerging technologies, infrastructure challenges, and investment opportunities within the EV and renewable energy sectors. I also appreciated the opportunity to experience a professional work environment in Australia, collaborate with industry professionals, and develop both my technical and professional skills. Overall, the placement contributed greatly to my personal and career growth.”
Judith also reflected on the broader value of the program for both participants and businesses:
“I believe the Professional Placements Program is a valuable opportunity for both individuals and businesses because it creates meaningful exposure to international work environments, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world industry experience. For individuals, the program provides a unique opportunity to develop professionally and personally by gaining practical experience, expanding networks, and learning from professionals in a different country and industry setting.
For businesses, the program helps foster stronger international connections and encourages knowledge sharing between Australia and Southeast Asia. It allows companies to engage with emerging talent, exchange ideas and perspectives, and build relationships that may lead to future collaborations and partnerships.”
For Ecotone Partners, the placement reinforced the value of building relationships across Southeast Asia's renewable energy sector. Through working closely with Judith and learning more about the Philippine market, the firm gained insights into regional energy transition opportunities while establishing connections that could support future collaboration, investment discussions, and cross-border renewable energy initiatives.
Looking ahead, Judith reflected on what she would do differently and how she plans to build on the relationships and opportunities established during the placement:
“As a result of the placement, I will approach future work with a more global mindset and a better understanding of different ways of working. In terms of ongoing connections, I plan to stay in touch with people I met during the program and continue building those relationships in a meaningful way.
From a professional perspective, I am also exploring ways to collaborate further with Ecotone Partners, particularly in relation to renewable energy projects and potential funding opportunities for projects in the Philippines. I see real value in continuing these conversations where there is alignment, and in building longer-term partnerships that can support cross-border energy and infrastructure development.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, Judith described the placement as both professionally enriching and personally transformative:
“This has truly been one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of my life. I still find myself reflecting on the journey, the people I met, the conversations we had, and the moments that made the experience so special. Everything was so thoughtfully organized, and I always felt supported at every step, from placement coordination to cultural and professional guidance.
Beyond the professional learnings, what I will really carry with me are the relationships and genuine connections I built along the way. Being part of this program made me grow in ways I didn’t expect, both personally and professionally, and gave me memories I will always look back on fondly.”
Mutual Benefits and Broader Impact from this Placement
Enhanced business development capabilities through exposure to new markets, industry perspectives, and professional networks.
Strengthened cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and global leadership skills.
Increased understanding of the renewable energy, infrastructure, and climate investment landscape in Australia and Vietnam.
Identified potential opportunities for renewable energy investment, project development, and cross-border partnerships.
Conclusion
The Professional Placements Program demonstrated the value of international professional exchanges in building business relationships, strengthening market understanding, and creating opportunities for future collaboration. Through the placement, Ecotone Partners and Cleantech gained valuable insights into each other's markets, expanded their networks, and established connections that continue beyond the program.
By creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration and market insight, the placement delivered value for both organisations while strengthening connections between Australia and the Philippines' renewable energy sectors.
About the Professional Placements program
The Professional Placements Program was an 18-month pilot program funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The program offered support to Australian and Southeast Asian businesses to send or host temporary professional placements of young professionals between Australia and Southeast Asia. Countries included Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
