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Business Connections
Connect with Australia China businesses through our online marketplace. Job Connections
A new way for Australians and Chinese to find employment in each others countries.
Events Connections
Click images below for the many EVENTS in China and Australia
Book Connections
The site to find the many books on China.
Back Issues
| CSR, Olymipic spirit and 2020 | | Print | |
| Jul / Aug 2008 | |||
 A steady stream of high-profile AustCham Beijing events has proven a great build up to the Beijing 2008 Games, while CSR continues to develop within the chamber and amongst AustCham Beijing members writes AustCham Beijing Chair, John Pendergast.AustCham Beijing, on behalf of all our members, would like to express its sincere condolences to all those who lost their lives, relatives and homes following the earthquake in Sichuan province in May 2008. Although a long way from Wenchuan, the epicentre of the quake, the immediate response from the foreign community in Beijing (and indeed across China) was truly heart-warming. AustCham Beijing was pleased to donate to Half the Sky foundation, an organisation working with orphaned children. Following the earthquake, Half the Sky are focusing on recovery, facilitating the training of children's counsellors to help kids in the aftermath of the loss of parents, friends and their homes. Thank you to our members and friends for your donations, and to ANZA for their generous donation. In an unannounced visit, Ernie Dingo (from Channel Seven's The Great Outdoors) dropped in to say g'day and make a donation at Kooka.  A strong charitable feeling has gained strength at AustCham Beijing events, collaborating with member companies to make donations and work with their nominated charities. SmartTrans nominated Stars & Rain Institute for autistic children to forward proceeds from their Kooka sponsorship, while we are also working with Sun Village, a home for children with incarcerated parents. Children at the Agape Family Life House were also appreciative of the tricycles, therapy chairs, potty mats and school supplies that AustCham's cash donation made possible. We welcome member suggestions for future events and beneficiaries.RECENT EVENTS BREAKFAST WITH THE AUSTRALIAN TREASURER Further highlighting the importance of China to the Australian economy, AustCham Beijing was honoured to host breakfast for the Australian Treasurer, The Hon. Wayne Swan, MP. Following the delivery of his first Australian budget, the Treasurer discussed the current Australia-China economic relationship, and answered audience questions about how budget changes will affect business in China. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Australian Embassy and hosting events for future high level Australian dignitaries.  BCA / AUSTCHAM JADE MEMBERSHIP & CHINA ATHLETICS OPENAustCham Beijing's Jade membership with BCA has attracted a lot of interest from the Australian business community in China. More than 13 companies have signed up, taking advantage of the networking events at BCA Headquarters at the Hilton Hotel, tickets to Olympic events and more. At the China Athletics Open, Jade Members and their guests had a chance to view inside the Birds Nest. Athletes from around the world competed in one of the last test events before the Games themselves, giving a taste of what it's going to be like during the two big weeks in August. Our special guest Australian athlete Kyle van der Kuyp signed autographs, took photos and gave away a few secret training tips! 2020 SUMMIT Jason Li, AustCham's Vice Chair, was chosen as one of Australia's top 1,000 expert minds to participate in the 2020 Summit in Australia. Prior to his departure, AustCham Beijing facilitated a roundtable gathering across three principle areas, geo-political/political/social; economic/business; and environment/climate change. Jason took many of the ideas to Canberra, and reported back to the Board on the successful event, particularly noting the high levels of optimism from the participants. Jason participated in the "Australia's Future Security & Prosperity in a Rapidly Changing Region & World" work-stream. Some key ideas from this work stream included the compulsory teaching of Asian language to Australian primary school children until Year 10 and the establishment of a regional Energy Security Forum from which Australia could leverage its advantages in natural resources to leadership in addressing Climate Change.  VISA ISSUESAustCham Beijing is aware of the current confusion surrounding visas for foreigners working in and visiting Beijing. We are continuing to monitor the situation, and although we are unable to provide individual advice to our members, we encourage you to visit our website for the most recent information we are aware of. ■ BOARD MEMBERS As you read this, the AustCham Beijing board may have undergone some changes following the recent AGM. We look forward to introducing the board to you in the next edition of Australia China Connections. For the latest information on all events, please visit www.austcham.org, call +86 10 6595 9252 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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