Publishing Australia Networking Evening, 23 February 2010

Yesterday Kiong had a call from our AMBC counterpart from the NSW chapter, Bill Wilkinson.  Bill asked us if we would like to go along to an event being hosted by a friend and colleague of his in Brisbane on Tuesday night at the Jade Buddha at Riverside for Publishing Australia.  Basically a networking evening for those in the printing and publishing industry.  He invited us along because he thought that Paradigm Infinitum's extensive networks could be of interest to members of Publishing Australia.  We agreed to go along, although we had a lot on our plate this week, and we were glad that we did. 

It was a very vibrant networking evening with a good bunch of people.  Although we don't work in the area of publishing or printing ourselves, we do have an interest in media more generally.  From the perspective of our own business, it was also interesting and I have to say inspiring to hear about new developments in the printing industry and the possibilities that brings for advertising, promotion, and also training materials as well.  There were quite a few people up from Sydney and we met quite a number of people that would never otherwise have met, and really enjoyed the opportunity.  However, neither we nor the organisers were impressed by the service offered by the staff of Jade Buddha - while it has nice decor, it was noisy, and the staff were exceedingly inflexible, non responsive and slow with orders.  We were shocked by what we saw and felt bad for the organiser who does not live in Brisbane and thus could not check out the place first.  Note to self, not a venue for AMBCQ functions!

On a positive note, we met some great people and hada rally nice time.  To our colleague Bill Wilkinson, President AMBC NSW, we thank you!

Singapore Business Council of Australia Chinese New Year Dinner

The Singapore Business Council invited the AMBCQ to their Chinese New Year dinner on Saturday, 20th February.  We took a table and had a fun time - it was squeezing room only at Aspley Oriental but it was a very nice dinner, lovely company and a fun night.  The lion dance was done by Khuan Yee lion dance group and it was very good.  The lions got around the whole restaurant and everyone was encouraged to get up on their chairs and feed the lions with red packets!  Then after the ang pau feeding frenzy and the "choy ching" (picking of the green) we were treated to a 'drunken lion', which was something new for me, watching the lion staggering around with its eyes shut before it hit the floor!

We have a good relationship with the SBCA - they are a really nice bunch and they are also good supporters of the AMBCQ.  We always enjoy attending their functions and they often do something a bit fun and different - at their national day event, they had an art competition; for Saturday night, they had a scavenger hunt.  Our table didn't win that, and we didn't have any luck with the raffle either, but maybe next time!

Windows on Europe Film Festival Launch!

On Friday night Kiong and I were very lucky to be invited along to the Windows on Europe Film Festival launch at the Dendy Cinema, Hamilton.  The event was organised by our friend and counterpart from the Council for Europe, Elfi Massey-Vallazza and as usual, Elfi did an amazing job - she once again sourced the most incredible venue at Gianni's overlooking the river with a wonderful view of the Gateway Bridge and portside.  I always pick up something new for our own events from her!

The evening was hosted by Mr John Richards, representing the Delegation of the EU in Australia and New Zealand, along with the Dendy Cinema.  The festival will be continuing until the end of February with films from around Europe. We were also very lucky to be able to see a movie as well (when you've got small kids, these opportunities are few and far between).  Spain holds the current presidency of the EU so "Hector", was chosen.  It was quite a charming film - about a teenage boy who is taken in by his auntie's family after his mother's death, and the tug of war when his long estranged father wants to be involved in his life.  It was an enjoyable evening and we must really thank Elfi and the Council for Europe for their hospitality.

For more on the Windows on Europe festival, click here: - http://www.dendy.com.au/event_detail.asp?Event_ID=468

Welcome to the Australia Malaysia Business Council (Qld) Inc blogsite (AMBCQ)!

The AMBCQ is a highly active organisation with a strong membership base. We have launched this blogsite because we wanted to keep our members informed about events and opportunities and also to promote our organisation to others. Being a non-profit organisation, we wanted to maximise our impact while minimising costs, and at the same time, we also needed a format which is very fast and responsive because we are so active!

We are a bilateral organisation recognised by both the Australian Government and the Malaysian Government. The AMBCQ is affiliated with the National AMBC, the state chapters (New South Wales/ACT, Victoria/Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia) and our sister organisation in Malaysia, the MABC (Malaysia Australia Business Council).

Since 2006, when the AMBCQ was reactivated after a period of dormancy, we have regularly organised functions and participated in many forums, as well as helping and advising Australian and Malaysian businesses and individuals in all aspects of business promotion and facilitation. Our membership comprises a cross-section of business interests from large corporations to small and medium sized enterprises.

In three short years, we have become the largest and most active state chapter in Australia!

So why join the AMBCQ? Well, we offer:

• An apolitical nature and bipartisanship approach
It is our policy to engage both sides of politics both here in Australia and also in Malaysia and as an organisation we have developed strong support across the political spectrum.

• Networking
Our members come from a wide range of industries and many different backgrounds with varying business interests. They also bring to the AMBCQ their own networks as do the various state chapters and our counterparts in Malaysia.

• Opportunity
As we are recognised by both the Malaysian and Australian governments, we are privileged to be involved in many highly sought after events, such as trade delegations and ministerial visits. In 2009 the AMBCQ hosted, contributed to or was represented at over 100 events.

• Not just Malaysia
Many of our members have links and business interests in Malaysia, but also in the wider Asian region. Additionally, you will find that Malaysia is an excellent base for working in and doing business with Asia in general.

• Social
We wouldn’t be a Malaysian affiliated group if we weren’t interested in socialising! Any excuse for a meal, a drink and a get-together we will certainly take up, and with the Malaysian and Australian calendars combined for special occasions (Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Merdeka, Christmas etc etc), you won’t be short of social invitations!

The principles of the AMBCQ are to:
• Promote trade, industry, and development.
• Facilitate liaison and cooperation for the benefit of all.
• Act as a forum to foster understanding and better relations between our countries.
• Disseminate information of interest and enhance communication between groups.
• Work in partnership with associated organisations.

In 2009, Australia was the biggest source of foreign direct investment in Malaysia. Malaysia is Australia’s eleventh largest trading partner, with total trade in 2008 totalling $15 billion. Australia’s major exports to Malaysia include resources such as coal, copper and aluminium, agricultural goods such as milk and wheat, as well as educational services. Malaysian exports to Australia include crude petroleum, computers, telecommunications equipment, integrated circuits, and furniture. In 2005, Australia and Malaysia began negotiating a Free Trade Agreement to further our trade and business relations. The latest round was held in August 2009 and both governments are committed to finalising a high quality and comprehensive agreement.