Kicking off 2013 with a weekend of fun

This weekend just past saw our first events of the year.  Our dragon boat team had their first training session on Saturday at Colmslie on the Brisbane River with the Brisbane River Dragons in preparation for the Chinese New Year regatta at Southbank on the 9th February.  That will be Chinese New Year eve,  and some of our seasoned team members aren't available - also we have lost a few members who have returned to Malaysia or Singapore.  So we have a few experienced dragon boaters along with quite a few who are very new to the sport.

It was a very hot day, but luckily it was breezy on the river.  Training is hard work - much harder than race day. Getting the technique, maintaining the stamina, keeping in time with the other paddlers - it's exhausting but it's very rewarding when it all comes together.  During the regatta itself, each race is about 250 metres, and we get a breather in between races, so it's not as physically demanding overall.  But you really must focus so intently, otherwise it all falls apart!  

On Sunday a group of us got together to watch two Malaysian movies screening at the Asia Pacific Triennial at the Gallery of Modern Art.  "Mukhsin" and "Flower in the Pocket" screened one after the other making for a rare Malaysian movie marathon in Brisbane!  Both were very good movies - "Mukhsin" by the late Yasmin Ahmad was definitely the more audience friendly of the two, while "Flower in the Pocket" by Liew Seng Tat had a much edgier feel to it.  But they were both great representatives of modern Malaysian cinema.  It is unfortunate that, like all the other films screened through the almost four months of the Asia Pacific Triennial, they will only screen once.

"Mukhsin" is a very charming tale of love and friendship set in a kampung - it is in some ways a typical coming of age story, but it shuns some of the genre's narrative conventions. It has a gentle sense of humour typical of Malay movies, but also uses this humour to cut at some Malay kampung conventions.  It is a lovely experience with very good performances and beautiful cinematography. 

"Flower in the Pocket" opens with a little boy poking around in the dirt and rubbish with a stick - and this is the feel of the film, poking around at those dark and dirty places to expose the less glamourous aspects of life in Kuala Lumpur.  There are some troubling themes dealt with in this film, but again, by using humour and using the child like perspective of its two main protagonists, it softens the grittiness of the film and makes it more palatable.  I wasn't able to see the whole of this film (my baby became too restless), but I think it is well worth another look.   

Although they are both very different, they are very much Malaysian films - they do not try to be Hollywood, or Hong Kong, or arthouse, or anything they are not.  It's not easy for small national cinemas like Malaysia's, or even like our own, to produce strong assured films like this, so it was very pleasing to see.

Afterwards we met up at Blue Gulabi in Wooloongabba for a Malaysian Indian meal - dosai, idli and chutneys, along with payasam and teh tarik. We stayed til it was almost closing time - I guess it was good company.  Thanks to all those who helped make the weekend a great start to the year!

Overview of 2012 and a recap of October to December

Last year was a great year for AMBCQ.  After 6 years of hard work, the AMBCQ has really come a long way and the fruits of all that labour can be seen in the active membership base, the strong business and political networks, and the collaborative relationships we have with our partners.  We had a very busy year, as always, but it was also a very exciting year.  We worked in close collaboration with Malaysian government representatives on many projects, we gained new members, and we ventured into new territory.

We had an extremely successful AMBCQ Ball in September, and we welcomed on board two new corporate supporters - QUT and Griffith University.  Through the year, we had the privilege of hosting the Malaysian High Commissioner, the Australian High Commissioner, the Malaysian Trade Commissioner, the Malaysian Agricultural Consul, the Lord Mayor, and many other dignitaries   We were involved with visits by the Sarawak Housing Minister, the Malaysian Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and the Deputy Prime Minister. Our dragon boat team competed in three regattas and had a great time, and we also supported the Malaysian students' Citra Malaysia event.  And we met briefly with Tun Dr Mahathir - a great privilege.  And MAFTA was passed through the Australian Parliament.

I missed posting about a number of events late last year - October to December were exceptionally busy months for the AMBCQ and for me personally, it coincided with the birth of my third child in October.  In that short amount of time there were seven delegations to Brisbane or the Gold Coast.  This could have been several blog posts, but my hands were full with my newborn, so I didn't get to attend many events. So here is a recap.

Talent Corp Delegation, 11 and 12 October 2012 

Talent Corp (a Malaysian Government entity tasked with developing and enhancing Malaysia's human resource capacity by attracting skilled Malaysians back home) visited a number of capital cities, including Brisbane.  The delegation included businesses and healthcare professionals, and they hosted two information evenings at the Sofitel.  The AMBCQ helped bring together many of the students, professionals and business people who attended these two events.  These were good forums - there was sufficient time for questions and answers, and the participants on all sides were very open and forthcoming about issues of concern.

Delegation led by Sarawak Housing Minister, 14-19 October 2012

Kiong and I assisted the Sarawak Government to organise a visit by a 60-person delegation led by  the Minister for Tourism and for Housing.  Members of AMBCQ were there to receive the delegation at the airport and spent several days with the delegation.  Members of the delegation included the Minister, two Assistant Ministers, an MP, and the Attorney General, numerous top public servants,city council officials, and leading members of the Sarawak Housing Development Association.  The delegation was warmly received by Cr Angela Owen-Taylor representing the Lord Mayor. 

AMBCQ also helped to organise meetings at Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government and we helped to put together at short notice an afternoon tea with a Queensland Minister the Hon Glen Elmes MP and several of our friends (Mark Boothman MP, Freya Ostapovitch MP, Ian Berry MP, Anthony Shorten MP, Mark Stewart MP, Tarnya Smith MP and Michael Pucci MP) at Queensland Parliament. 

The delegation of over 60 from Sarawak's State Government and Housing Industry met with AMBCQ members at Stamford Plaza, October 2012.  Thank you to Keith Low for the photograph - not easy to take and he managed to jump in as well!

Citra Malaysia festival, 20th October

This festival is in its second year, and AMBCQ was once again heavily involved.  Thanks to all the members who came along to support the event and a very special thanks to those who helped out on the day.  We have some great members who have really been fantastic in supporting these events, especially events like this which are very labour intensive - Rahmat and Anita, Ivan, Ben, Keith, Amirul and Danny (and several others - apologies if I missed acknowledging you as I was in the maternity ward at that time) thank you so much.  And thanks once again to Keith for the photos!

The audience watching performances during the day.

Kiong addressing the audience.

Delegation led by James Chan, Mayor of Kuching South, October 2012

Cr Angela Owen-Taylor, a friend of the Mayor of Kuching South Datuk Mayor James Chan hosted a visit by Mayor Chan and his delegation.  The delegation studied Brisbane's public transport system. AMBCQ President Kiong Chan spent the day with the delegation before hosting afternoon tea at the Hilton, and seeing the delegation off at the airport later that night.

Deepavali, 3rd November

As we always do each year, the AMBCQ supported the Tamil Association's annual Deepavali dinner at the RNA Showgrounds.  This event attracts around 800 people each year, and is a night of performances, food and celebration for the Tamil community.  It is always a lot of fun and it is great to support our friends in the Tamil community.

Malaysian Scientific Diaspora Launch with Malaysian Minister for Higher Education and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, November 2012

The worldwide launch of the Malaysian Scientific Diaspora was held on the Gold Coast to coincide with the visit by Malaysian Minister for Higher Education and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister.  

AMBCQ President Kiong Chan was invited by the Malaysian Government to help form the Malaysian Scientific Diaspora Network.  

The event started with an inaugural luncheon at the Marriott Surfers Paradise with a group of leading scientists, followed by a large official dinner with Ministerfor Higher Education Dato' Sri Khaled Nordin and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Sheraton Gold Coast.  

At the launch, Kiong made a reply speech following the Deputy Prime Minister's official speech.  He highlighted the numerous possibilities afforded by the newly launched Malaysian Scientific Diaspora Network, and the potential for bilateral collaboration.  Many thanks to those AMBCQ members who participated in the event and helped organise participants.  A special thanks to Rahmat Shazi who along with Qistina Jamil, MCed the event very professionally.

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dinner, November 2012

Kiong and I assisted the Malaysian government with several aspects of the Malaysian Deputy prime Minister's visit to Australia.  AMBCQ was invited by the Malaysian government to attend the Deputy Prime Minister's Charity Golf Dinner on the Gold Coast. The event raised money for charity, and the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Foundation made donations to all Malaysian student associations in Australian and New Zealand universities and all UMNO student branches in Australia and Malaysia.

Malaysian Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, December 2012

This wonderful event was hosted by the Queensland Youth Orchestra at that most interesting of venues, the Old Museum, and home to the Orchestra. AMBCQ was invited to co-host the post concert reception, so we supplied Malaysian food for the reception.  All those who attended had a great evening, and the performance of these young Malaysians was by all accounts truly magnificent.  It was a great privilege to be involved in such a prestigious event.

Visit by Tun Dr Mahathir, December 2012

Tun Dr Mahathir, Malaysia's longest serving Prime Minister, was briefly in Queensland on a private visit. Kiong and I were privileged to be invited to meet with Tun Dr Mahathir and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah and we took the opportunity to present the couple with a small gift to add to the official collection at Tun Mahathir's Perdana Leadership Foundation.  

Kiong and I had not had the opportunity to catch up with Tun Mahathir since we last met him during Paradigm Infinitum's NMIC Project in Malaysia in 2009.  Tun Mahathir has lost none of his presence, and we were struck by the couple's warmth, humility and friendliness.  

MAFTA Comes Into Force

With the beginning of the New Year, the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) now comes into force.  Yesterday Minister Emerson released the following press release.  The press release can also be found at: http://trademinister.gov.au/releases/2013/ce_mr_130101.html 

Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia in Force

1 January 2013

Australia’s ground-breaking free trade agreement with Malaysia enters into force today, opening up opportunities for exporters and investors across most sectors.

From today, 97.6 per cent of Australian goods currently exported to Malaysia are eligible for tariff-free treatment, rising to 99 per cent in 2017.

Service providers - including universities, schools, banks, insurers, telecoms companies and accountancy firms - will also benefit, with increased access to the Malaysian market and an easing of rules on control of Malaysian businesses.

Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson said the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) would further integrate the Australian economy into the fast-growing Asian region.

“It builds on the benefits already flowing from the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA to open up new opportunities for investors and exporters,” Dr Emerson said.

“This high-quality agreement reduces trade barriers, increases transparency and provides greater business certainty, making it easier for Australians to do business in Malaysia.”

Dr Emerson said Australian exporters would benefit from improved market access for a variety of goods and services, including liquid milk and processed foods, automotive vehicles and parts, iron and steel.

Under MAFTA, the remaining Australian tariffs on Malaysian goods have been removed, helping lower the cost of consumer goods for Australians.

MAFTA is Australia’s seventh free trade agreement. Agreements are already in force with Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and the multiparty ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA.

And for the Malaysian perspective, here is the press release from MITI (Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry).  http://www.miti.gov.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_d9aa676d-c0a8156f-612c612c-76ab40b2

Malaysia-Australia FTA To Be Implemented Next Month

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia- Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) will come into effect on Jan 1, 2013.

The agreement was signed on May 22, 2012, after 11 round of negotiations, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said in a statement here today.

The scope of commitments under MAFTA provided a more liberal and predictable operating environment for the business community of both countries, it said.

Under MAFTA, Malaysia will progressively reduce or eliminate tariffs on an agreed list of industrial and agricultural products.

Most of the tariff reduction or elimination will be undertaken on Jan 1, 2013, and subsequently on Jan 1 every year until 2019.

MAFTA will benefit Malaysian exporters as Australia will eliminate 100 per cent of its import duties next month.

"This is the first FTA under which Malaysia will be obtaining immediate tariff elimination on all products from an FTA partner," said MITI.

"In addition to complementing the Asean-Australia-New Zealand FTA, MAFTA will open up new market opportunities for both countries and enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries," it added.

Under MAFTA, Australia will allow Malaysians to wholly-own operations in professional sectors such as legal, accounting, architecture, taxation, dental, veterinary, engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture and management consulting services.

In turn, Malaysia is offering commitments for increased Australian participation in education, telecommunication and financial services, MITI said.

MAFTA is Malaysia's sixth bilateral FTA, following the conclusion of similar agreements with Japan in 2005, Pakistan (2007), New Zealand (2009), India (2011) and Chile (2010).

MAFTA also seeks to promote increased economic cooperation in the form of technical programmes mainly in the areas of automotive, tourism, agriculture, e-commerce and clean coal technology.

Trade between Malaysia and Australia grew by 11.1 per cent to RM38.49 billion in 2011 from RM34.2 billion in 2010.

Exports to Australia in 2011 totalled RM25.68 billion and imports amounted to RM12.81 billion.

-- BERNAMA