Standing Committees

Chairman:

Engineer Emil Isaac

Emil is the cofounder of River Stone Aquaculture Innovations, being the parent company of the award-winning Swift Grow soil microbiome technology, has 30 years of hands-on experience in the application of Information Technology to transform business efficiency and productivity through the Agile mindset and practices. Since joining in 2018 as a certified Agile Coach, Emil has transformed River Stone from a fragile Australian startup to a​ globally recognised industry-leading technology company that tackles the UN sustainability development goals in the areas of soil regeneration, food security and carbon sequestration that culminate in restored environmental and human health.

Chairman:

Jean-Marcel Malliaté

He is a highly experienced investigator, mediator, dispute resolution specialist, security professional and trainer with more than 25 years of experience across mediation, investigations, government, health, youth justice, child protection, workplace behaviour, security and community services. He has successfully facilitated and managed more than 3,300 complex and sensitive mediations and investigations, working with children, young people, families, employees, government agencies, health professionals, legal practitioners and emergency services. His experience includes collaboration with organisations such as NSW Health, NSW Police, Family and Community Services and Joint Investigation Response Teams. Jean-Marcel is recognised for his meticulous, analytical and compliance-focused approach. He applies evidence-based decision-making, risk assessment and structured investigation methodologies to complex situations while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism and cultural sensitivity. His extensive career includes providing specialist advice on workplace bullying and harassment, misconduct investigations, conflict resolution, risk management and workplace behaviour, as well as managing sensitive cases involving vulnerable children, young people and families. He has also worked as an Accredited and Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, facilitating high-conflict and multi-party disputes and developing practical solutions focused on safety and sustainable outcomes. Currently consulting across the mediation, investigation, security and training industries, Jean-Marcel combines strong investigative and interpersonal skills with extensive knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements. He is an effective communicator and negotiator who builds trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels. With qualifications in Dispute Resolution, Applied Social Science and Psychology, along with extensive practical experience, Jean-Marcel brings a balanced combination of professional judgement, empathy, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving to every engagement. He is also a competent security professional with experience in venue security, RSA marshalling, night-shift and on-call assignments. Jean-Marcel is French-speaking and culturally aware, with a strong ability to communicate and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Chairwoman:

Engr. Gemma Herrera, MBA

<> Engr. Gemma Herrera, MBA, is a highly experienced Australian-Filipino executive, strategic project leader, and international partnership facilitator with more than three decades of professional experience spanning infrastructure, transport, tourism, investment, business development, and cross-border collaboration between Australia and the Philippines. As Chief Executive Officer of the Australia Philippines Chamber of Commerce Inc. (APCCI), Gemma provides strategic leadership in advancing the Chamber’s mission to strengthen economic, commercial, tourism, investment, transport, infrastructure, and institutional partnerships between Australia and the Philippines. Her leadership focuses on transforming strategic relationships into practical opportunities for businesses, investors, government stakeholders, industry organisations, and communities. Gemma brings a distinctive combination of government delivery experience, private-sector leadership, tourism expertise, project management, and international business engagement. Throughout her career, she has coordinated complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives involving government agencies, consultants, contractors, tourism operators, commercial organisations, investors, and strategic partners. Her approach is strongly focused on collaboration, practical implementation, sustainable outcomes, and long-term value creation. A key strength of Gemma’s leadership is her ability to serve as a strategic connector between organisations, industries, and markets. She is passionate about developing partnerships that support transnational cooperation, investment, co-branding, joint ventures, tourism development, infrastructure initiatives, and business expansion between Australia, the Philippines, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Gemma believes that sustainable economic development is built through trusted partnerships that connect people, destinations, infrastructure, investment, innovation, and opportunity. Through APCCI, she works to create platforms where Australian and Philippine organisations can identify common interests, develop strategic relationships, and pursue mutually beneficial commercial and institutional opportunities. In addition to her leadership with APCCI, Gemma is the Director of Brokerage Investment Property Alliance & Lifestyle Services (BIPALS) and the owner of UpandAwayHolidays Travel & Tours, where she continues to support clients and partners across travel, tourism, investment, property, and lifestyle-related services. She has also demonstrated leadership in assembling multidisciplinary international teams for tourism, cruise, infrastructure, and strategic development initiatives. Her professional qualifications include an MBA in Project and Strategic Management, a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, postgraduate studies in project management and transport management, and qualifications in financial brokerage and property services. As CEO, Gemma brings to APCCI a combination of strategic vision, entrepreneurial leadership, technical expertise, international networks, and a strong commitment to Australia–Philippines relations. Her work supports the Chamber’s broader objective of positioning Australia and the Philippines as trusted partners in tourism, transport, infrastructure, trade, investment, education, innovation, and sustainable regional development.

Strategic Focus Area:

• Australia–Philippines Tourism & Transport Partnerships
• International Chamber & Business Collaboration
• Cruise & Destination Development
• Infrastructure & Connectivity Initiatives
• Investment Facilitation & Strategic Partnerships
• Government & Stakeholder Engagement
• Multidisciplinary Project Leadership
• Regional Development & Sustainability

Chairman:

Jose Mari Crame, MBA

Self-employed for over 30 years in marketing, print, signage and the promotional products industry. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Western Sydney University. Has extensive experience across relationship management, sales, marketing, promotional services, and multicultural community initiatives. With a strong passion for connecting people and creating meaningful opportunities, Mari has worked in roles involving community outreach, brand representation, business partnerships, and client engagement. His work is driven by a belief that authentic relationships and value creation are the foundation of long-term success. Mari currently works across business development initiatives including print, promotional products, signage, digital solutions, and strategic partnerships, while continuing to build connections within the Filipino-Australian community and broader business networks. He is passionate about supporting individuals and businesses through collaboration, innovative thinking, and practical solutions that create shared outcomes. Mari values contribution, continuous learning, and helping ideas and people connect in ways that generate lasting impact.

Chairwoman:

Julieta Roldan-Navarro, Director

Julieta Roldan-Navarro is an accomplished finance, taxation, governance, and business administration professional with more than three decades of experience across government, energy, property, and private enterprise. She brings extensive expertise in taxation compliance, financial management, internal audit, governance, risk management, commercial operations, and strategic planning, including 18 years with the Australian Taxation Office and senior roles with the Electricity Trust of South Australia. Julieta is recognised for her integrity, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex regulatory and operational environments while building strong relationships with stakeholders. Her experience in organisational transformation, quality management, and business improvement enables her to contribute practical and strategic perspectives to organisational growth. Beyond her professional career, Julieta is a passionate community leader, author, publisher, and certified life coach. She has contributed to significant multicultural and community initiatives in Sydney, including the development of a performing arts and cultural centre designed to strengthen cultural expression, community connection, and opportunities for future generations. As a member of the Australia Philippines Chamber of Commerce Inc. (APCCI), Julieta brings together her expertise in finance, governance, business, and community engagement to support stronger Australia–Philippines relationships and sustainable organisational development. Her qualifications include a Master of Taxation from UNSW, Master of Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, and a Diploma in Quality Auditing, complemented by professional memberships with the Institute of Public Accountants and The Tax Institute.

Chairman:

Roy Bato

Roy is a media, communications, and technology executive with three decades of experience in broadcast journalism, more than two decades as an entrepreneur, and extensive experience in technology and digital platforms. As Founder and President of IBS Worldwide Corp., Roy leads a Philippine technology company focused on software solutions, digital platforms, technology-enabled business initiatives, strategic partnerships, and product development. He also serves as Head for Communications of the Catholic Mass Media Awards, where he leads media relations, public information, stakeholder engagement, and cross-platform communications, building strong relationships across journalism, broadcasting, sponsors, and institutional partners. As Founding President of the KBP CALABARZON Chapter, Roy advocates for professional standards, public-service broadcasting, and stronger collaboration among regional media practitioners. Combining journalism, communications, public affairs, technology, and entrepreneurial leadership, Roy brings a unique cross-sector perspective to strategic partnerships and initiatives connecting media, business, technology, and community stakeholders.