Heading into a new lunar year, the Chamber continues to work with the local community and also get our members online and savvy, says Roger Wolfe, AustCham Beijing Chairman.
This year’s Chinese Zodiac sign of the tiger symbolises character traits including bravery, confidence, competitiveness and unpredictability. The opportunities and challenges we face in China will certainly feature all of these traits in various levels! With this in mind, I wish you all a happy Year of the Tiger and look forward to seeing you at an AustCham Beijing event soon. 2010 will be a watershed year for China given the number of ‘Global and Local’ issues that have been reported over the last few weeks in local, International and the Australian press. For our members, keeping focused on your needs is paramount as distractions can have a significant impact. AustCham can be a valuable source of ideas and I encourage interaction and networking with other members this year – you may be surprised about what you can learn and apply to your business from others.
MEMBERS ONLY ONLINE FORUM
A key part of the Digital Delivery Strategy, a members only online forum was launched recently. The forum, with categories including working groups, industry specific discussions, Beijing Banter, the Bush Telegraph, and a general discussion area, is a great platform for members to discuss pressing issues facing their business operations in China.
Visit www.austcham.forumation.net/forum to register now and start posting.
*Note: Corporate members are invited to register up to three users per company so please take advantage of this opportunity.
CSR PLATFORM CONTINUING TO EXPAND AND INCREASE
There is currently a multi-faceted CSR strategy in place with the Chamber covering the following key issues:
• Member education and networking – open roundtable sessions with experts on the latest trends in CSR, inter-chamber best practice sharing and focussed training sessions.
• Philanthropy & Community Support – this includes individual financial donations from the Chamber and our members, as well as long-term financial, promotional and in-kind support, to local organisations.
• Connections – facilitating opportunities for member companies (and other interested corporate organisations) to work with trusted charitable organisations.
There will be a number of opportunities in 2010 for the Chamber to consolidate our CSR platform and take it to a new level. Key sectors to be addressed throughout 2010 include microfinance, our local Chinese-Australian community, the environment and children’s needs.
Visit “AustCham in the Community” on our website for upcoming community functions, member activities and more.
BRAIN DRAIN BONANZA QUIZ RAISES >45,000 RMB
Two hundred people came together one Saturday night, battling to take the crown of Beijing’s Smartest, at the 2010 AustCham Beijing Brain Drain Bonanza Quiz. More than 45,000 RMB was raised, through a combination of the more traditional door and raffle ticket sales, together with Heads & Tails and a paper plane competition.
Thanks to all the supporters who made the night possible, including the Organising Committee; MC Dennis Oldfield; Quiz Master’s Alan Cox, Adam Schembri and Jane Farrelly; and the companies who provided great products for the night itself and prizes.
“The funds raised will be used to furnish classrooms for the 40+ children who, up until now, haven’t been able to attend class due to a lack of Y2L resources and staff” said Ren Cronan-Dixon, one of the founders of Y2L. “Ultimately, we would like classes to start from nursery and continue through to adulthood, for there to be continuity when the children progress between the various programs and levels”.
Start preparing now for the 2011 quiz night!
AUSTCHAM BEIJING GALA BALL – BLACK & WHITE MASQUERADE BALL
Beijing’s event of the year is taking place on Saturday 17 April 2010 at China World Hotel. With Australian food and wine, midnight snacks, a 2am breakfast, great entertainment and many other special features that Beijinger’s have come to know and look forward to, this year’s ball is shaping up to be another fabulous night. Book now with events@austcham.org
