AMBC NSW, Merdeka and Hari Raya

We always seem to be busy with AMBCQ developments, but suddenly we're very very busy. Firstly of course is the AMBCQ Australia Malaysia Ball which is coming up on 15th September, so just around the corner.  That always requires a lot of time to organise and being our first year at the Stamford, makes it a very exciting project for all members.  So if you're interested in coming along, you better contact me soon, hint hint!

Quite recently, we hosted Immediate Past President of AMBC and Chairman of the Royal Exchange, Justin Howden.We also hosted the then President of AMBC Vic and President of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce Mike Anderson.  We also hosted two corporate figures from Malaysia, and a director of a large Australian operation (Malaysian owned).

Last week, we spent a day in Sydney at the invitation of the AMBC NSW chapter.  The chapter is in a position now to rebrand and revitalise with a strong team behind it.  As Queensland has experienced good growth over the last few years and has an existing strong relationship with AMBC NSW, Kiong and I have been asked to come on board as AMBC NSW executive committee members.  We are very honoured to be asked to participate in AMBC NSW - Bill Wilkinson, the current President, has always been very collaborative and we look forward to continuing this productive partnership. In the evening we also had a small gathering to celebrate Merdeka in Sydney.  While we were in Sydney, we also had a chance to catch up with the staff from MIDA, as the meeting and evening drinks were held in their office in Spring Street at the harbour end of town.  It was good to catch up with and wish the hard working staff, including Consul Khairuddin, the Investment Consul, his Deputy Gulam, and all staff, all the best for Hari Raya Puasa as well.

When we arrived back in Brisbane we had a quick meeting with incoming AMBC Victoria President Joe Perri.  Joe was just elected to the position (literally, just the night before) and we're very much looking forward to collaborating with him as well.  The distances between the various State Chapters of the AMBC sometimes mean that meeting face to face is quite rare so it is always really good to have the opportunity to meet our peers from interstate.  Makes a nice change from the usual email exchange.

On Friday it was time for another AMBCQ meeting and it happened to coincide with Merdeka, so we had a light meal and drinks as well.  We finalised and discussed some of the last details of the Ball and then enjoyed a simple light meal, along with some teh tarik made by Rahmat, and some apple and coffee layer cake that Anita had generously brought along.  Considering the late notice, we had a very good turnout and it was great a casual catch up.

Saturday we were invited along to the Malaysian student Hari Raya Puasa event at University of Queensland next to the Lakes.  We weren't able to stay too long - walking and standing aren't so easy for me at the moment, and although there were mats so everyone could sit on the floor communally, I knew I wouldn't be able to get up again after that!  The students put on a good show and there was a very strong turnout.  Satay, ketupaqt and kuah kacang, nasi kuning, ayam masak merah, rendang daging, cendol, were all on offer and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.  It was a lovely first day of Spring and lovely company too.

Tomorrow we have meetings lined up with two potential corporate supporters, plus a meeting with a media outlet.

So in other words, busy busy busy!