About Us

AES was established in 1993, and provides a range of integrated international business services to Australian and overseas clients. AES are human resource development and recruitment specialists, and AES principals back their direct practical market experience with many years of senior business management, teaching & training and market research involvement. We believe that recruitment is about far more than 'placing people' - we offer a totally integrated HR and consulting system and are passionately involved in all of the detailed steps required.

AES specialises in the ASEAN region and China markets, and has close linkages to South Africa and Canada. The principals of AES have more than 40 years direct working experience, within the markets that they service. This long term practical experience and contemporary knowledge proves invaluable in achieving positive action in all consulting and business assignments. AES people have an intimate understanding of the culture and business practices of each country. Sensitivity to cultural situations and empathy with people in overseas countries creates a very positive environment, which contributes strongly to the success enjoyed by AES clients.

The AES international business experience covers a wide range of products and services, including education, manufacturing and marketing. We draw on this experience when servicing client needs within our core business scope.

Our People

Robert Armstrong - Managing Director

Robert Armstrong has more than 40 years experience in international business development and consulting, and during this time has worked in more than 38 countries. He has spent a number of years living and working in China. He has been closely involved in the development of companies in Bangladesh and the Philippines. In addition he has consulted widely to businesses and local Government in the South Pacific - notably New Caledonia.

Robert formerly served on a number of Australian Commonwealth and State Government advisory boards and committees. He commenced his career in the agricultural sector, and gained his first international experience in the UK during the early 1970's within the livestock export and shipping trades when he travelled extensively to the Middle East and Eastern Europe. He later held senior management positions in several multi-national trading companies. Robert also has considerable experience in the field of international professional recruitment and human resource development.

This vast 'in market' experience has equipped him with deep understanding and cultural empathy for the differing business norms and social protocols that are such an integral part of business in Asia. He has lectured at universities in Australia and China, on the topics of international business, communication and cross cultural understanding. He is a registered trainer and specialises in developing and delivering programs on cultural aspects of international business success. His qualifications include MBA (International Business Law), Grad Dip Mgmt, and Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Mosaddek Shahid - Associate Director - Asia Pacific Region

Originally from Bangladesh, Mosaddek Shahid is a citizen of Australia and has lived there for 17 years. He founded and successfully developed one of the largest plastics manufacturing businesses in Bangladesh. Mosaddek subsequently developed a successful import and export business in Australia - specializing in garments, high quality leather goods and giftware.

Since 2000 he has focussed on the successful development of HRM and recruitment services, principally within the Indian sub-continent and Singapore. This has resulted in him spending a considerable amount of his time in employer markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai.

He brings diverse cultural and language expertise to AES as well as a very strong knowledge and business network within the Asian region, Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and North Africa. Mosaddek Shahid is also actively involved in supporting the consulting division of AES, and he is the leader in AES developments in Brunei. Educated in both Bangladesh and Australia his qualifications include: B. Sociology, M. Sociology (Hons), Graduate Certificate Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, Certificate IV in Business Management.

Dr Robert Kelso - Associate Director - Education and Training

Dr Kelso heads up the education and training activities of AES. He has more than 30 years experience in education including secondary schools, university, vocational education - and as a state Government ministerial policy officer. Robert has led research teams and published in the area of ethics, public administration and regional development. He holds a PhD in Ethics, Master of International Studies, Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Higher Diploma of Teaching, Secondary, A Cert IV Building Construction and is a Justice of the Peace and Fellow of the International Institute for Public Ethics. He has had many years experience lecturing and delivering workshops overseas, notably in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Dr Kelso has worked extensively within the field of youth development and mentoring, and in applying his research and core knowledge on the field of Human Resource Development in the Asia Pacific.

Helen Tan - China Partner

Helen Tan is a citizen of China, resident in Xiamen. She is a highly successful business person in China. She is the owner of Xiamen Cala Import and Export Company Ltd, and the managing partner of the Zamba garment group. She has opened a chain of Zamba brand retail shops. Helen is fluent in English, and has acted as an interpreter for official Chinese delegations. She is highly skilled in product sourcing and all facets of supply chain management and logistics. She has travelled widely in the course of business including; Australia, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, France, Singapore, Thailand and the USA. Helen is a dynamic business personality and has been a business partner of AES for more than ten years.