Media Statement 14 May 2002
New Manager for Technology New Zealand
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology have appointed Suki Siriwardena as Manager, Technology New Zealand -
a group within the Foundation that is responsible for stimulating innovation within the private sector by providing
advice and funding for specific research and development projects.
Suki who holds B.Sc. with First Class honours in Chemistry from Massey University, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and an MBA from
Victoria University of Wellington has extensive experience in both the public and private sector. She began her
professional career in 1988 as a Research Scientist at Industrial Research Limited (then DSIR Industrial Development),
and later joined the New Zealand Trade Development Board (Trade NZ) as an Export Consultant, where she provided export
marketing, strategic planning and capability development services to a portfolio of 20 high growth technology companies.
She was the NZ Trade Commissioner in Jakarta during 1994-96 where she spearheaded a range of new business opportunities
in the technology and infrastructural development sectors.
Suki was the Director of the NZ Trade Development Centre in Taipei during 1996-99. Suki and her team contributed to
export successes totalling NZD462m in 1998/99. She also facilitated Acer/Hontung's investment in Zeacom Ltd.
In 2000, Suki served as the Manager of the Trade NZ Technology, Education & Services team, where she managed the results, performance and resources of her team of 21 staff in Auckland,
Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Napier.
Suki left Trade NZ to join the private sector in late 2000, and worked in an e-commerce software company (Southfresh)
and more recently in the venture capital industry.
The Chief Executive of the Foundation, Gowan Pickering says Suki Siriwardena brings a wealth of experience to the
organisation and her appointment reflects the intention of the Foundation, through Technology New Zealand to continue to
develop closer links with the business community. "Her experience as a Trade Commissioner and her knowledge of global
markets will add a new dimension to the advice that the Foundation can offer to businesses." Suki will be based in the
Auckland office of the Foundation.
For further information contact: Peter Burke 025 2242184 or Suki Siriwardena 09 9126733