Eastern Bridge Consulting specialises in strengthening international relations, enhancing migrant engagement, and boosting community and economic growth. Collaborating with local councils and agencies, we're committed to building interconnected and prosperous communities.
To create interconnected, informed, and prosperous communities through comprehensive international and local engagement.
Eastern Bridge Consulting dedicates itself to strengthening international relations, fostering migrant engagement, and driving community and economic development. Through transparent partnerships with local councils, agencies, and communities, we aim to facilitate understanding, growth, and collaboration across borders.
Eastern Bridge began its journey in 2014, established with the primary aim of aiding a few local councils in managing their sister-city affiliations. As the years passed, our reputation grew, and by 2017, our expertise was sought by 36 council organisations. Our initial focus was on harnessing economic development potentials from sister-cities. This encompassed attracting foreign investments, welcoming international students, and helping councils facilitate export opportunities through their sister-city connections. In 2017, Eastern Bridge diversified its services to include cultural exchanges and began connecting with migrant communities. This pivotal year also marked the first migrant survey. By the close of 2019, Eastern Bridge had broadened its portfolio, offering services not just to local governments, but also to economic development agencies, tourism promotional offices, and educational institutions.
The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped Eastern Bridge's trajectory. With borders shut, many of our clients withdrew, and a surge in anti-Asian sentiment left numerous Asian migrants jobless and without homes. Inconsistent communication from both local and central governments left many migrants in the dark about pandemic regulations. In response, Eastern Bridge launching a dedicated website to enlighten migrants about their rights and provide translations of vital government updates. This initiative laid the foundation for what is now known as Hongi, our comprehensive news and information platform. Furthermore, we provided a contact center for migrants, directing thousands to appropriate authorities for aid. Recognising the evolving landscape in 2022, our CEO, Simon, spearheaded a strategic restructuring of the company. Introducing Eastern Bridge Education, Eastern Bridge Global Trade, and Eastern Bridge Digital as commercial branches, they now subsidise our community and council support work, which continues under the Eastern Bridge Consulting banner.
Simon Appleton, the driving force behind Eastern Bridge, hails from Hawke's Bay, the location of our primary office. With a deep-rooted passion for international relations, local community, and economic development, Simon's experiences span across multiple countries. Spending over ten years in China and Korea, he acquired a comprehensive understanding of the regions. He holds a Masters in Chinese Law with a focus on International Relations from the renowned Renmin University in Beijing. Simon speaks Mandarin and Korean.
Simon's career is diverse. He has worked in local government, including at the Opotiki District Council, and Toi Economic Development Agency in New Zealand and Gyeonggi Provincial Government in South Korea. Presently, he holds the title of Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea (South Korea). His foray into education saw him teaching, curating curricula, and assisting in the establishment of several private schools in China. Furthermore, Simon also worked in the media sector in China as a scriptwriter, actor, presenter and assistant producer.
At his core, Simon cherishes cultural diversity, languages, and community vibrancy. He derives immense satisfaction from collaborating with local councils, crafting programs that usher in growth and positivity to communities.
