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.