In memory of Andrew

It is now almost the middle of the 15 day Chinese New Year celebrations and we've had a few recent events that I should be writing about.  However, today I think it is more appropriate to reflect on our activities this week.  This past week, quite a bit of our time, and Kiong's time in particular, has been involved in helping a family of a Malaysian who died here in Queensland. Andrew went missing during the recent floods while travelling near Gatton, and his body was recovered from Sandy Creek.  His mother and his uncle flew to Brisbane to bring his remains home to Malaysia.  He was in his mid 30s.

Andrew was his mother's only child and her sole source of support. As you can imagine, his mother is devastated. She doesn't just have to deal with her own grief and pain, but also all the red tape and arrangements that must be made in such cases.  It's not an easy path to navigate, and in Andrew's case it was further complicated because of the circumstances of his death.  There are many people to liaise with - the Police, Liaison Officers, Department of Foreign Affairs, Malaysian High Commission, Work Cover, his Bank, the Coroner, and of course the funeral home and crematorium.  Without knowing what to do or without some guidance, it would be very easy to get confused and feel overwhelmed, even for a local.

Kiong was approached by the Malaysian High Commission to help provide support to the family and to deal with the bureaucracy and all stakeholders.  As always the High Commission staff have shown much care and concern for the welfare of their nationals, and they have been very helpful.  The Police Liaison Officers -  public servants who work tirelessly for the people of Queensland, have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the whole process.  We cannot speak more highly of them.  Purdy and Weng Mun have taken so much time to help Andrew's mum and uncle and have stepped them through all parts of the process.  When there have been difficulties, they have been persistent and pressed to make sure that the family have received the care and consideration they deserve and the answers they need.  The Malaysian High Commission has also liaised closely with us and with the Police Liaison Officers to ensure everything is in place for the repatriation of his remains.  Martin Gomes from Metropolitan Funerals has provided his expertise and care through all aspects of the funeral arrangements.

We attended the service in memory of Andrew yesterday at Mount Thompson Crematorium.  His mother and his uncle, the Police Liaison Officers, the funeral director Martin Gomes, and a few of us AMBCQ members, Kiong, Ben, myself and baby Alvar were in attendance.  In the absence of a pastor, Kiong conducted a brief service for the family, and we organised a small wake afterwards.  Andrew hadn't been in Australia for very long and it seems his lifestyle here was basic.  His efforts were concentrated on supporting himself and being able to send some funds home to his mother.

Andrew had come to Australia for the same reason as many others - to find a better life for himself and to provide for his family.  It is very tragic way for all those dreams to end, so far from those who loved him the most. And for his mother who no doubt had aspirations for him and for the future for her child, the tragedy will stay with her for the rest of her life.

Sometimes we are involved in activities that go far beyond the normal activities of typical bilateral business councils.  Our members are highly supportive of this, and know that while we are a government-recognised business council, that profit cannot be the sole driver and purpose of any organisation, and members of the Australia Malaysia bilateral business community in Queensland and even elsewhere support AMBCQ strongly on this and other points. This is also why we have been approached not just by Malaysians but also by Australians, Americans, Chinese, Singaporeans and others for all types of assistance and support through word of mouth.    

The last few days have been sad and confronting days, as will the next few days until Andrew arrives back to his loved ones, but it has also been a privilege to be witness to Andrew's memory, and a privilege to spend time with his family and try to provide any comfort we can.

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

MAFTA passed by the Australian Parliament

One of the last items of business for the Australian Parliament before it went into recess for the Summer last week was passing the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement through the Senate.

It has been a long time in the making, and it has to be remarked that there are so many other agreements out there that sometimes one is left wondering whether it really is worth putting so much effort into establishing bilateral agreements, as opposed to multilateral agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership or the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.  When talking to trade officials about these differing treaties, they always suggest that business entities can really choose which ones suit their own circumstances the best.  So, there is a point, and ultimately it is up to businesses to realise the potential of the varying trade instruments.

Trade Minister Dr Craig Emerson appeared on the ABC's Business Today to talk about the MAFTA.  The first link is the interview itself, the second link is to the Minister's media page where I sourced the transcript from.  The transcript is also copied below - for those of you who just want a quick scan to see what was discussed.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-30/australias-craig-emerson-on-new-trade-deal-with/4401064?section=business

http://www.trademinister.gov.au/transcripts/2012/ce_tr_121130_abc_business_today.html#

Subjects: Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement; Doha; Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Transcript, E&OE

30 November 2012

WHITNEY FITZSIMMONS: The dairy, automotive, and wine industries are all expected to reap the benefits of a free trade agreement with Malaysia that’s been passed by the Senate. Under the deal, almost all Australian goods will be able to enter Malaysia free of duties. In return, Malaysian exporters will enjoy duty-free entry to the Australian market. Malaysia is Australia’s third-largest trading partner in ASEAN and its 10th largest partner overall, with exports of $5 billion and imports of just over $9 billion last financial year. And for more on this deal with Malaysia and other trade-related issues, I’m joined by Dr Craig Emerson, from our Canberra studios, who’s the federal Trade Minister. Craig Emerson, welcome to the program.

CRAIG EMERSON: Thank you, Whitney.

FITZSIMMONS: So this deal with Malaysia appears to be a positive for Australian exporters. But why has it taken so long to get over the line?

EMERSON: It has taken a long time, that is true, but in March of last year Prime Minister Gillard hosted Prime Minister Najib from Malaysia here in Australia. And they called me aside, and they said to me that this had been going on for a long time under the previous government and under this Government;‘let’s give it every chance to be done within a year’. We got there, Whitney; we had agreement one day short of a year, and then, of course, you need to do all the legal work; put it in front of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, which we did; get it through the House of Representatives, which we did; and, symbolically I guess, the very last Bill that passed the Senate last night in the last day of this sitting was the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

FITZSIMMONS: I’m sure it’s something that you probably breathe a sigh of relief, having had that passed last night as you say. But Independent senator Nick Xenaphon has said that our free trade deals must be conditional on Australia’s support for free and fair elections, particularly in countries like Malaysia. What do you say to that view?

EMERSON: Well, there goes, I suppose, a free trade deal with China, and probably with a very substantial proportion of the countries around the world if the Xenaphon view were accepted. Should we really say to our farmers ‘sorry, we won’t trade with, and reduce our trade barriers with, countries with whose political systems we disagree’? That would be an extraordinary constriction on the capacity of Australian farmers, manufacturers and service industries to be able to gain access to markets overseas. Senator Xenaphon can have these views because he knows they’ll never prevail - and thank God for that.

FITZSIMMONS: But Dr Emerson, can free trade deals be used as leverage in other areas of political discourse?

EMERSON: Well, we don’t think that they should be used in areas such as the political system that applies in particular countries. I mean, that would be unbelievable, in fact, and very few in the Parliament would believe that you seek to change a political system on the basis of a free trade deal. I know where those countries would tell Australia to go, by the way. We do have provisions in trade deals ordinarily, and we will increasingly have this in relation to the environment and to labour standards. These aren’t meant to be trade-restricting provisions, but there is an argument that you wouldn’t want, in a sense, a race to the bottom in countries if they didn’t adhere to basic environmental standards and the core labour standards as set out, for example, by the International Labour Organisation. So, we’re okay about that. But insisting that countries change their political systems in order to do a trade deal with Australia I think is pretty silly.

FITZSIMMONS: What about the criticisms that the free trade deals can put Australian producers at a disadvantage? Because they’re competing with countries that, you know, don’t have the same stringent compliance laws and also environmental standards.

EMERSON: That’s why on the environmental front we were just having a conversation about, countries agreeing to reasonable environmental standards, but again…

FITZSIMMONS: How likely is that really to happen? It’s a very difficult…

EMERSON: I’ll give you an example: in the Trans-Pacific Partnership those negotiations are going on. That partnership, involving 11 countries, embraces 30 per cent of the global economy and there will be labour and environmental chapters in that. So it is realistic, Whitney. But again our tariffs here in Australia, in terms of what trade deals would do to us, are either zero or 5 per cent for some items and some textiles; clothing and footwear products are coming down to 5 per cent. So in terms of access to our market, much of it is duty-free access anyway.But are we really saying, as Australian producers, that we don’t want improved access to the markets of the fastest-growing region on earth? That we don’t want improved access to the marketsof Japan and China and Indonesia? I mean, that would be an extraordinary statement.

FITZSIMMONS: I don’t think producers are saying that necessarily. I think that they just want a level playing field.

EMERSON: So this is the idea: they say, if this is the proposition,‘we want improved access into their markets, but we must not give any improvement in access to our markets’. Well, again, that would be a very short negotiation, ending up with an answer ‘n-o, no’. We actually have to offer something in free trade negotiations. And to suggest that an Australian Trade Minister, whether Labor or Coalition, should just go over to other countries and insist on them opening up their markets while at the same time saying ‘well our 5 per cent tariff on a few items is absolutely sacrosanct’ would lead to no deal, to no deal.

FITZSIMMONS: Dr Emerson, Pascal Lamy, WTO Chief, has said that free trade deals can lead to policy fragmentation and also promote protectionism. Is there validity in these comments, or is he just protecting the interests of the WTO?

EMERSON: Well, I support Pascal Lamy in his work, in Geneva, in seeking to advance the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations. Indeed…

FITZSIMMONS: But is what he’s saying, is the validity…

EMERSON: I know. I’ll come to that. But, indeed, Prime Minister Gillard, on behalf of Australia, has mapped out new pathways to the completion of those negotiations - that’s been accepted by all members of the WTO. I think people don’t realise the enormity of that achievement. But in terms of Pascal’s view about free trade, about bilateral and regional free trade agreements: if they’re truly liberalising,if they don’t excessively cut other countries out of the deal, then they can actually contribute to the momentum for multilateral trade negotiations being completed. But I fully support Pascal’s suggestions that low-quality trade deals, done for political purposes, are not productive. And that’s what we have set out in our trade policy statement of April 2011. We will not complete trade deals just for the sake of having a trophy sitting up on the national mantelpiece. What we will do, Whitney, is we’ll do high-quality deals, and we have participated just a week ago in the launch of a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiation, again in this case involving ASEAN countries and six trading partners, including China, India, Korea, Australia and New Zealand and Japan.So we will participate in those. But I agree with Pascal: you shouldn’t just have these fragmented deals that are low-quality and detract from the negotiations in Geneva for the World trade liberalisation.

FITZSIMMONS: Let’s move on to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or the TPP as it’s been called. Given the broad nature of such a deal, is it in danger of becoming another Doha?

EMERSON: Well, I think its gaining real momentum following the re-election of the Obama Administration in the United States. Indeed, at that same venue in Phnom Penh only last week President Obama chaired a meeting of the leaders of those members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership who were in Phnom Penh. And he was indicating to us that he is not interested in a low-quality deal; he’s interested in a high-quality deal to put to the Congress and we’ve all signed up to that. We are going hard to do that now as quickly as possible. I think it is easier under a second term US President, and he has given a very strong commitment to that. So I don’t think it’s going to suffer the same fate as the Doha round has suffered, which has been going for 11 years now. But I do have renewed hope in the Doha round as well, having come back from Geneva…

FITZSIMMONS: Do you think you’ll get expediency on it as President Obama wants?

EMERSON: Well, President Obama wants high ambition and that’s what we have argued for, New Zealand has argued for: high ambition. So, it’s not simply …

FITZSIMMONS: High ambition takes time though.

EMERSON: Well this has already taken some time. And what we’re doing is making sure that we deal with what are called the 20th Century issues as well as the 21st Century issues. If I just quickly can explain that: there are still tariffs on goods and we want them eliminated over time - they’re the remainder of the 20th Century issues. Twenty first Century is information technology, services in particular, investment - and that’s where you get that extra ambition as well. And we are very keen to create a trading area in the Asia-Pacific. And the thing about all this is that both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Trans-Pacific Partnership are pathways to the ideal in our own region for a free trade area for the Asia-Pacific. All this, by the way, is set out in our Asian Century White Paper and the region really appreciates the fact that we have done that work.

FITZSIMMONS: Dr Emerson, thank you for joining the program and we wish you well in a well-deserved break.

EMERSON: Okay. Thanks very much, Whitney.

Lunch with Rudy Khairudin, Malaysian Agricultural Consul, 4th October

The group enjoying lunch and conversation.

The AMBCQ is always busy, but sometimes it gets super busy.  We have been assisting with Talent Corp's upcoming programme in Brisbane, and have also spent many days helping to arrange a 60 person strong ministerial delegation from Sarawak that is arriving next week, plus the upcoming Citra Malaysia festival in Brisbane's King George Square, and a visit by the Mayor of Kuching all happening in rapid succession.  New baby and I are going to have to miss out on everything next week, but there's still plenty to do and organise in the meantime.

Our group fitted nicely in the private dining room
of Hilton Brisbane's Vintaged Restaurant.

Last Thursday, Rudy Khairudin, the Malaysian Agricultural Consul, came to Brisbane and we had a round table lunch in his honour.  Although we have been engaging with Rudy since he came to Australia last year, it was our first opportunity to meet Rudy (like most of the trade consuls, he works out of Sydney).    Rudy went out of his way to visit us - he was actually on leave and was supposed to be enjoying a holiday with his family on the Gold Coast!  So we were very glad he could make the time to visit Brisbane and allow the AMBCQ to host him for lunch in the private dining room at Vintaged, at the Hilton.

Bryan Davies gave the vote of thanks and also delivered our gift to Rudy
- two boxes of chocolate.  A little compensation to thank him for
spending his (holiday) time with us.

Rudy's job is to advocate on behalf of Malaysian agricultural industries and outputs, and to also seek areas of collaboration between Australia and Malaysia. It was very interesting to hear about some of the initiatives that are going on between Australia and Malaysia and some of the shared interests.  Particularly from a Queensland point of view, some of the agricultural industries that Queensland is strong in are the same as those Malaysia is strong in - such as bananas, pineapples, and other tropical fruit.  While this should be a point of competition, and it has been a point of contention at times, it is also provides a valuable platform for collaboration.

Rudy and Kiong. Sorry, new camera.
We're still getting used to it.

It was a most enjoyable lunch and the staff at Hilton really looked after us. There was lots of lively conversation around the table and Rudy was really good to give all the guests his time and attention, addressing all sorts of questions of international trade and cooperation.

AMBCQ Australia Malaysia Ball 2012

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk addressing the crowd

Every organisation needs some renewal and change, and this year's AMBCQ Australia Malaysia Ball was a good opportunity for the organisation to make some positive changes and signal a new direction.  We moved away from the previous format that we had used and adopted a more formal and more focused approach that concentrated on our members and our corporate supporters and allies in business and Government.  We also had the event at the Stamford Plaza which made for a refreshing change that elevated the event to another level.  It really showcased what the AMBCQ is best at.

Our AMBCQ members and assistants on the night,
Ben, Shaeed and Sue all looking fabulous

It is always a bit scary but also so gratifying to try something new and challenging and have it work out.  All these new factors had me a bit jittery - because it was unfamiliar and new territory, and as the MC or Presiding Officer, I was ultimately accountable for the running of the night.  But it all came together so well, thanks to our many great members and those who assisted on the night.  It has never before been so much a genuine team effort and I am so proud that we all did it together.  It must be all that dragon boating spirit!

Guests in the foyer for pre-dinner drinks.

"How different?" you may ask.  Well, how does bagpipes, pre-dinner drinks, formal toasts, and a speech by Professor Clive Palmer sound?  Yes, very different from our previous years!  It sure lent a gravitas to the night that was very memorable.  Formal dining of course began in the early monasteries of Europe, and from there emerged to influence all levels of society, and its rituals were adopted by some of the oldest universities and colleges, by the military and by other institutions.  And the formality was also part of us celebrating and acknowledging the very important underlying tie between Australia and Malaysia, and that is our Commonwealth ties.  In this year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was very fitting that we acknowledge and celebrate these historical links which give both our nations the foundations and the framework in which our societies have grown up in differing but still recognisable paths.  Our Westminster Parliamentary systems, the rule of law, our shared defence ties which continue to this day, the importance of our English language - all these similarities mean that we as Australians or Malaysians, recognise more and understand more in each others' societies than we do in some of our other close neighbours.

We were very pleased at the event to welcome on board our new corporate supporter, QUT.  Kiong, being an alumni of QUT, is especially pleased and it is great to have the support of one of Australia's most recognised higher education brands and leading universities.

Professor Clive Palmer speaking at the event - for many guests it was the highlight of the night.

And Professor Clive Palmer and his wife Anna agreed to come on board as AMBCQ co-patrons and mentors.  We already have wonderful patrons and mentors in Dr Peter Yeoh OAM and Mrs Alice Yeoh. Now with Professor Palmer and Anna, we have the best of Malaysian business and the best of Australian business, to give us moral support and guide and advise the organisation.

Some of our special guests - I'll do my best to name everybody - from left John Mickel, Alicia Gibson, Cr Norm Wyndham, Cr Steven Huang, Jason Woodforth MP, Tarnya Smith MP, Mark McArdle MP, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Lady Mayoress Ann Quirk, David Gibson MP, Cr Vicki Howard , Anthony Shorten MP, my big stomach and I, Katherine Mickel, Ian Berry MP, Judy McArdle, Mark Boothman MP, James Kennett and his wife representing Rob Molhoek MP, Michael Pucci MP and Kiong.

One thing that never changes is that we always have a great line up of special guests.  This year the following came along to the Ball:

Kiong with Judy amd Mark McArdle.

Tarnya Smith MP and Cr Angela Owen-Taylor

• Dr Peter Yeoh OAM and Mrs Alice Yeoh, Patrons of AMBCQ
• Professor Clive Palmer and Mrs Anna Palmer, Patrons of AMBCQ, and Mentors
• The Hon Mark McArdle MP, Minister for Energy and Water Supply
• The Right Hon. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor of Brisbane 
• Lady Mayoress Ann Quirk
• Tarnya Smith MP, State Member for  Mt Ommaney and Deputy Whip
• David Gibson MP, State Member for Gympie
• Anthony Shorten MP, State Member for Algester
• Freya Ostapovitch MP, State Member for Stretton
• Jason Woodforth MP, State Member for  Nudgee
• Ian Berry MP, State Member for Ipswich
• Michael Pucci MP, State Member for Logan         
• Mark Boothman MP, State Member for Albert                                                
• Cr Angela Owen-Taylor, Brisbane City Councillor for Parkinson Ward, Deputy Chairman of Council, Deputy Chairman of Finance, Economic Development and Administration Committee, Deputy to Lord Mayor on City Hall Restoration, and Deputy to Lord Mayor on Multicultural Affairs and International Relations
• Cr Norm Wyndham, Brisbane City Councillor for McDowall,  Deputy Chairman of the Environment, Parks and Sustainability Committee
• Cr Kim Marx, Brisbane City Councillor for Karawatha Ward, Chief Administration Deputy Whip
• Cr Vicki Howard, Brisbane City Councillor for Central Ward, Deputy Chairman Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee
• Cr Steven Huang, Brisbane City Councillor for MacGregor Ward, Deputy Chairman of the Public & Active Transport Committee
• The Hon. John Mickel (former Trade Minister, former Transport Minister, former Energy Minister and former Speaker (retired))

Alice Yeoh and I - a small token of
thanks to the ladies who do so much
behind the scenes.

We had incredibly strong attendance from elected representatives despite the Premier and his LNP cabinet ministers having a community cabinet in Cairns, the ALP having their National Conference in Brisbane, and the National Party having their National Conference in Canberra.


For those of you who couldn't make it, here's a quick recap.  We started the night with pre-dinner drinks in the foyer of the Grand Ballroom.  Our piper, Grant Agnew of City of Brisbane Pipes, sounded the quarter call, and later the five minute call.  Once all guests were inside, he then piped in the official guests.  We began the formal dinner with introductions and the National Anthems of Australia and Malaysia, and the Commonwealth Anthem, 'God Save the Queen'.  We began dinner and during dinner had speeches by myself as  Presiding Officer at the Ball, Kiong as AMBCQ President, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Minister Mark McArdle, and Professor Clive Palmer.  All the speeches were very well received.

Toasting the Stamford staff - from left Clive Palmer, Kiong, Ray Kelly
from QUT, Trieu from Stamford representing the staff, and Lord Mayor
Graham Quirk.

After the main course, we had a short intermission so everyone could chat and have a chance to mingle, after which the Piper called us back.  We then enjoyed a series of toasts where we were able to thank all those who have helped us and all those who hold the foundation of what we do, and many of our members contributed to the toasting.

We also toasted our wonderful Piper, and the Stamford staff for their service.  Tea and coffee and petit fours were served and we concluded our night with the draw of our raffle, with Air Asia again providing return tickets for two people to Kuala Lumpur, and our silent auction. And to signal the end of the formalities for night, our Piper played Auld Lang Syne.

The  following video shot by our wonderful friend and Brisbane City Council Student Ambassador for Singapore, Leong Ming En, has some of the highlights.  You may want to start with it turned down because those bagpipes start straight away!

From left back, Joel, Ivan, Jason a friend; and from front,
Robin, Debbie, Jocelyn, Jeen Sern and Keith

The night would not have been the success it was without the many assistants who gave their time and effort to put everything together.  I sent quite a few SOSs out to members during the week leading up to the night asking for assistance with IT matters, or sourcing various items, and our members always came through!  Thank you to Sue and Bryan who are always an enormous help on the night and who also helped with some of those last minute items I just described.  To Ben, Danny, Ivan, and Joel, who did much of the set up and organising on the night (as well as helping me with my IT woes), and also acted as assistants during the toasts, a very big thank you.  As well as to Rahmat who took on the task of liaising with our Piper and myself and keeping an eye on timings.  And to Keith and Ming who undertook the task of photography that night - there were a lot of great photos taken and both did an excellent job (and hopefully had something to eat!).  And to Shaeed for helping with the raffle ticket sales - actually Sue and Ben also helped out with that as well, and the front desk. And to all those AMBCQ members who hosted our guests so well, and who also made toasts on the night - it was done in a very stately and dignified manner.  I hope I haven't missed anyone... there was a lot going on and I may not have seen all that everyone helped with.

Just some of our guests - at the back Michael Pucci MP, Yang Du, Sean, Maxwell and  Vincent, at the front Rita, David, Freya Ostapovitch MP, Wan and Imee.

Toasting the Piper - from left Stu from Air Asia, Grant, Lord Mayor
Graham. Quirk, Ann Quirk, Alice Yeoh and Dr Peter Yeoh OAM

Finally, I would like to thank our President and my partner Kiong Chan.  I was very skeptical about some of his ideas for the night, but I really think the whole event could hardly have gone better.  It does take some courage to try something different, especially when your partner's giving you sideway looks, but it was a very worthwhile challenge and I believe it has definitely moved the AMBCQ in the right direction.  Next year can only be bigger and better.

Ian Berry MP receiving a raffle prize donated by Lyna Chen - he and his wife Karen cleaned up at the auction as well!

Anita, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, and Rahmat

Anthony Shorten MP with AMBCQ member Ivan Tan - Anthony bought this piece
which is a reproduction of a view of Brisbane from 1888 made using authentic printing techniques.

Keith, Danny and Ming - yes, after all your hard work all night, you deserve a hard drink!

There are many more great photos in our Facebook Group and on Google +.  Haven't seen them - well you better join up!