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celebrating singapore’s 50th
AUG / SEP 2015
Access Asia
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Dear members,
It was fantastic to be part of Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence celebrations. What a special time to be in Singapore. It was great to have the strong support from our members who lent a hand at the Australian High Commission’s SG50 BBQ’s that took place throughout Singapore back in June. Thank you so much to the many AustCham volunteers who took part.
That same week we also held a special breakfast. AustCham had the honour of hosting The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia at an event that sold-out in less than two days. I’m very happy that our events continue to resonate so strongly with our members and this is something the Chamber is committed to continue over the coming months.
This issue of Access Asia is a little different to our regular ones as we shine a spotlight on some of the Australian business success stories in Singapore over the last 50 years. Inside you’ll find the ‘Singapore story’ of some businesses, insights into their growth over particular decades as well as some of their exciting future plans across various industries.
I’ve just returned from our second and very successful Australian Roadshow. We partnered with the Australian High Commission and Austrade, visiting seven cities over seven days, holding seven key events and nine round tables with more than 800 attendees. From the many discussion we had with attendee’s the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has raised the profile of Singapore’s business opportunities and there was much interest from government and businesses. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our Roadshow partners; Australian International School, ANZ, Ernst & Young and Telstra. We couldn’t have done it without you.
I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Face to Face with Benjamin Tan, Qantas
Industry insights: Celebrating 50 years of Aussie business success in Singapore
Austrade update
An Aussie celebration of SG50 and 50 years of diplomatic relations
From the executive director
Out and about
New members
Membership card offers
Newsflash
47-1315
2024
CONTENTS
President’s message
2830
Guy ScottPresident
Guy Scott
PLATINUM SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
AustCham Board PRESIDENT Guy Scott VICE PRESIDENTS Adam Lyle Padang & Co
Greg Williams Commonwealth Bank of Australia
HONORARY TREASURER Graham Lee PricewaterhouseCoopers
HONORARY SECRETARY John Dick DA Partners Dr Belinda Braggs ACS ServTech
Nigel Cummings Boost Media International
Philip Forrest Honorary Life Member
Derek MacKenzie designphase dba
Chris Rees Austrade
Vishnu Shahaney ANZ
Leigh Snelling Inational Maritime
Sean Straton Credit Suisse
Annette Tilbrook AustCham
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Benjamin Tan, regional general manager Asia, Qantas
Going troppo Going troppo Going troppo Face to Face with Benjamin Tan, Qantas
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AustCham: Can you tell us a little about your background and your connection to Australia outside of Qantas?
Benjamin: My career grew in the tech industry, I worked for Nokia in the glory days and was with Microsoft for more than a decade. I only moved into the aviation industry with Jetstar around four years ago so I’m a relative newbie. I’ve spent most of my career outside of Singapore, I worked in Beijing and Tokyo and I’ve only moved back to Singapore four years ago, about six months before I joined with Jetstar.
I lived in Melbourne in 1991, just for a year so I can’t claim to have deep connections but it was a very formative time of my life. Before moving to Australia I was very studious with lots of hard mugging, very hard working and completely inactive in sports. The year I returned from Australia I became involved with the debating team and track and field. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that one year in Melbourne really transformed my outlook and my approach.
I’m the first local general manager for Asia with Qantas. All of my predecessors have been Australian expatriates. I think this is a break through for Qantas and certainly underscores that we have achieved a sufficient level of understanding and trust to enable this to happen. As a matter of fact my manager, as well as quite a few other senior executives back in Sydney, have all rotated through Singapore which shows it is a key station that is certainly important to Qantas.
AustCham: You were Jetstar’s group head of sales for three years in Singapore before you started at Qantas in December last year. How did those three years prepare you for this role?
Benjamin: Everything I knew about aviation when I started at Qantas was from Jetstar and it was interesting coming from a local carrier perspective as I tend to be very conservative when it comes to spending. My role at Jetstar was essentially head of worldwide sales, which actually gave me an end-to-end view of every single sales channel, with their associated costs, strengths
and weaknesses. This has been extremely helpful in applying myself across a region of huge diversity.
Over here we have Singapore and Hong Kong which, from a commercial level, is alike in many ways. Then the emerging regions of Indonesia and Thailand which is again really quite different and then China which is obviously incredibly important and also has a different set of rules. So, because I owned all of it at Jetstar, I think that was really good knowledge I could bring into the business at Qantas. Jetstar also gave me a very deep appreciation of the economics of the aviation business in general. Without realising it for most of my life in sales and marketing I’ve actually assumed that supply meets demand, that demand generation and getting customers is all you care about. In aviation, you have a limited number of planes and limited number of flights so if you want to undergo a rapid market expansion it’s got to be a planned activity. Aviation is much more heavy on strategy and planning than what I had realised before.
AustCham: The aviation industry has seen significant change over the last few years, particularly in APAC, what do you see as the number one opportunity for Qantas in Asia over the next 12 months?
Benjamin: Number one is the transformation that Qantas has gone through with the shift of the European hub from Singapore to Dubai. On the surface it may seem like a loss of flights from an Asian perspective but I think it has helped us very much in terms of clarifying and focusing our efforts on Australia - which is absolutely what Qantas should be all about. Now we’re no longer distracted with how to fill the flights to Europe or trying to compete with many airlines but we are focused on, from my perspective, bringing customers to and from Asia and Australia. This shift has actually helped us train our efforts to being better representatives for Australia and over time that has actually made us much more relevant to the market and also much more successful.
In the past, the role that Singapore played is that it was pretty much a pit stop for Aussie travellers going back and forth to Europe. Most of the A380 flights were filled with transit passengers so when the A380 moved to Dubai and Singapore started to get the A330, which is a much smaller plane, we actually had a lot more seats to fill. Now Asia is a destination in itself and we need to think a lot harder about reaching and penetrating much more deeply into Asia to get a greater breadth of customers to Australia in more creative ways.
This result of the transformation is extremely important and what helped us very much was that even though Qantas was undergoing some difficult times we never stopped investing in our customers and products. So, the upgraded A330 planes that is being brought into service in Asia actually makes Qantas the most competitive we’ve been in quite a long time.
Benjamin Tan meeting Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.
AustCham: Can you tell us a little more about the Qantas and Singapore story and how it’s developed over the last 80 years?
Benjamin: I think Qantas has played, and continues to play, a very important role in connecting Australia and Singapore and the significance of Singapore to Qantas is that we have more flights from Singapore to more cities in Australia than anywhere else in the world. We have five from Singapore, there is no other city with five daily flights and we have direct flights to four cities in Australia. So, it’s an extremely important market for us, plus all of Asia is run out of Singapore.
Qantas has also benefited from Singapore’s positioning and excellence as an air hub for the region. The success and efficiency of Changi Airport, the business friendly policies, rule of law and lack of corruption in Singapore have all contributed towards Qantas investing significantly in Singapore for a very long time.
An example is Jetstar Asia which is not fully owned by Qantas, we own a 49 percent share, and it’s really the first airline that the Qantas group have set up outside of Australia. The policies of Singapore’s government have been such that it’s a very liberal market, of course it’s competitive but it’s also a very level playing field. There are no distortions and in Singapore we have the opportunity to play by the same rules as everyone else and to fight for our share of the pie. AustCham: What’s next for Qantas in Asia?
Benjamin: I think for the next two years we really have to bed down our new found position in the markets. So in Singapore we have to evolve from being the hub for Europe to being a destination for Aussie’s and for tapping into Singapore’s strength as a hub for Southeast Asia into Australia and back.
We have to leverage the new product that has progressively been deployed across the Asian markets and to be much more successful and raise our overall profile and awareness as a premium carrier. Obviously, and this is not specific to Singapore but certainly top of mind for many, we will work very hard in capturing the China opportunity.
Over the next five years Qantas will be renewing its fleet and bringing in new aircraft types that are more fuel efficient and using much more modern leading technology and that’s going to be exciting to watch as many other cities in Asia will be in reach much more economically for Australia.
Our rule as the Australian national carrier is to provide a broad spectrum of product choices for Aussie travellers into Singapore and for Singapore travel into Australia across all price categories so we have a full range of products; from the world’s highest quality business class seat to Jetstar. We’ve got offerings for all levels of affordability.
We have the best lounge; I think we have the best business class of any airline going to Australia so it’s never been a better time to work for this international carrier.
AustCham: This year marks 50 years of Singapore’s independence but it also marks the 80th year since Qantas’s first overseas passenger flight. How fitting that it was from Brisbane to Singapore, congratulations on this remarkable anniversary! What are some of the ways in which you’ve celebrated this milestone? Benjamin: We have partnered with DFAT to bring the koalas to Singapore and have had massive coverage and also, quite frankly, a fair amount of anxiety that they would arrive healthy!
We ran a series of marketing campaigns and consumer activations at the airport. It is a very significant anniversary. You may have heard that most Singaporeans are actually migrants or children of migrants. So when I reflected on Qantas arriving in Singapore for the first time 80 years ago that’s actually longer than my family has been in Singapore. I’m a proud third generation Singaporean but Qantas landed here before my grandfather did and it’s the same for a lot of other Singaporeans too.
(L-R) New A380 business class and Qantas office on Robinson Road, Singapore.
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Qantas customer desk at Raffles Hotel.
Australia’s Best Culinary Trails in Winter
There are so many reasons to visit Australia – not least of which is its astonishingly good food and wine. Australia’s remarkable fresh produce tastes better when eaten outdoors, even in winter and going on a culinary trail is the perfect way to discover the country’s finest fare and world-class wines in some unforgettable settings. From foraging expeditions to tasting award-winning Shiraz in one of Australia’s best known wine regions, here are some of Australia’s best culinary trails to go on this winter.
Capital Country and a Truffle HuntDiscover Canberra, Australia’s capital city and a treasure trove of food and wine offerings. Dine at some of Canberra’s amazing restaurants including Aubergine and Močan & Green Grout. Take a short drive to the rural setting of Poacher’s Pantry, home to award-winning Smokehouse Café and Wily Trout Vineyard located in a beautifully restored 1930 weatherboard farm cottage.
From June 21 to late August, be a part of the Canberra and Capital Region Truffle Festival. Regarded as one of the best truffle regions in Australia, the Canberra and Capital Region shows off this prized local fungus with a two-month festival. More than 40 venues across the region join in the celebration, with tastings, truffle degustation dinners, masterclasses, truffle hunts and markets. Book in at one of the local truffières to take part in a truffle hunt. Every hunt is different but includes a hands-on hunting experience and a talk about truffles.
Sunshine State and Regional FlavoursFrom casual eateries to fine dining, virtually every taste and budget is catered for in Brisbane. The city’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Establishments such Esquire, Urbane and Gerard’s Bistro are
some of the most outstanding the city has to offer and foodies the world over are rapidly descending upon the capital city of the Sunshine state to discover for themselves what else Brisbane has to offer.
If you’re there on the weekend of July 18-19, providores in Queensland and celebrity chefs from around Australia will be in South Bank for the food and lifestyle festival, Regional Flavours. The festival feeds people’s passion for food with about 100 stalls decked out with produce and serving a range of events along the riverbank. Make a day of it and visit South Bank’s Epicurious Garden, which is packed with edible plants including fruits, vegetables and herbs.
City of Churches and a Gourmet WeekendIt may be known as the City of Churches but Adelaide is also known for its cuisine which is complemented by locally grown wines. Orana, Peel Street and Bistro Dom join the city’s old but gold establishments such as Chianti Classico to bring a youthful exuberance to the many offerings in Adelaide that will leave food lovers impressed with both the cuisine and the environment in which meals are savoured.
Away from the city, the Barossa Valley might be well known as one of Australia’s premier wine regions, but it’s also responsible for some of the finest produce in the country. At the Barossa Gourmet Weekend from August 14–16, indulge your culinary curiosity with three days of markets, music, cooking and wine masterclasses, as well as the best food and wine in the region. From luxury lodges to boutique accommodation, immerse yourself in the festivities by staying in the Barossa Valley.
Visit www.australia.com for more information and discover why There’s Nothing Like Australia.
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For those of us living in Singapore it should come as no surprise that this August Singapore celebrated its fiftieth anniversary of independence.
Branded as SG50, patriotic evidence of this significant event has abounded in our island state. From supermarkets, buses and street signage to flags, advertising and events, Singapore has SG50 fever which culminated on National Day on 9 August.
Another anniversary occured at the same time that might be less well known to some
of you. Australia also celebrated fifty years of diplomatic relations with Singapore. In fact, Australia was one of the first nations to establish diplomatic relations and have maintained a close relationship over the last fifty years.
A recent example of this close relationship is the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) which occurred during Prime Minister Abbott’s visit to Singapore in late June. The CSP lays out a 10-year roadmap for closer collaborations in areas, such as defence and economy between the two countries. Aussie’s have been doing business in Singapore for over 100 years but since 1965 their presence has definitely strengthened and grown in alignment with the success that Singapore has achieved. From start-up’s and SME’s to large and MNC’s, Australian businesses have contributed to Singapore’s growth and success throughout various industries.
Over the next six pages we’re shining a spotlight on a few of these Aussie businesses who have been established in Singapore at various stages over the last fifty years, in fact
of Aussie business success in Singapore
Celebrating 50 years
one of them has been doing business since 1891. We find out the Singapore story behind Australian companies in the insurance, property, finance, telecommunications and logistics industries. They also share what their plans for the future are in Singapore and beyond.
This spotlight is just a snapshot of what the many successful and dynamic Australian businesses have done, and are doing, in Singapore and how they are increasingly using the Lion City as a regional hub for doing business.
AustCham’s 2015 Business Survey revealed the outllook for business in Asia is very positive with 81 percent of respondents having a positive outlook for the next 12 months and 60 percent reporting an increased profitability in 2013 as compared to 2012. The survey also found that 41 percent of respondents had been operating in Singapore for less than five years.
There are great opportunities for growth in Singapore in regards to business and AustCham is committed to supporting this growth by continuing to create business links between the two countries.
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QBE Insurance first set foot in Singapore 124 years ago with their parent company at the time being Burns Philp, a merchant trading company.
QBE Singapore is part of the QBE Group that has grown into one of the world’s top 20 general insurance and reinsurance companies. We are the oldest Australian company in Singapore since 1891. We have witnessed the phenomenal development of Singapore over the years, and are proud to be part of its growth journey.
As testimony to our commitment to Singapore we have continued to build our capabilities in the market whilst others have come and gone. QBE in recent years has acquired the general insurance businesses of ING, Zurich and a marine underwriting agency. This has resulted in QBE being one of the leading insurers in Singapore.
Being a global company, QBE is able to leverage on what it does well in other parts of the world, such as leveraging on its London operations where QBE is the largest capacity provider to Lloyds of London.
Key to QBE’s strength is that it has remained focused on its core. QBE is a pure general insurance company and does not write life insurance. Additionally QBE’s focus has been on the commercial and corporate market and as a result is not a player in the retail market.
QBE has been a product innovator through the years and has brought several new products to Singapore with the most recent being the contractors plant and equipment policy “Industrial Special Plant” which is targeted at construction companies seeking to protect their mobile plant and equipment.
The policy replaces up to five standalone policies for policyholders, thus reducing both intermediaries’ and clients’ administrative costs. No other insurer offers such a comprehensive package in Singapore.
Besides this, QBE also offers simple products such as property, construction, liability, commercial motor, professional indemnity, aviation, workers compensation, medical, directors and officers, marine cargo and hull. On top of this, we also offer specialised products such as terrorism, fine arts, event
Karl HamannChief Executive OfficerQBE Insurance
Singapore’s history Steeped in
cancellation and hole in one, as well as others.
Making it possible for businesses in Singapore to succeed is illustrated by QBE currently being the insurer of 50 percent of the Singapore flagged vessels. The company does signature accounts such as the medical insurance for the staff of Singapore Airlines, insures the Singapore Flyer as well as participates on the construction insurance for the new terminal at Changi Airport.
As the leading marine insurer, QBE Singapore supports the Government’s initiative “Advance Export Declaration” to strengthen Singapore’s supply chain security through risk assessment using credible information prior to export. This helps to strengthen Singapore as a robust, safe and secure trading hub to attract more marine business activities into Singapore.
As Singapore celebrates its golden jubilee, QBE is working towards partnering with the country for more years to come.
QBE has been a product innovator throughout the years and has brought several new products to Singapore
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Lendlease’s CEO, Rod Leaver shares their remarkable Singapore story
BeginningsLendlease began operations within Asia through Singapore back in 1973. Our first project was in partnership with a local company to deliver 30 blocks of Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, public housing which is home to over 80 percent of Singaporeans. It involved bringing new and innovative construction technology to the market. For example, to meet HDB’s requirement for plenty of pillar-free space in the void deck to cater for events like weddings and funerals, we introduced stronger and thicker concrete beams to take the weight of the floors above. With Singapore’s stable social-economic environment, open economy and a strong pool of talents, Lendlease has rapidly expanded over the years and Singapore is now our Asia headquarters, overseeing our operations in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Japan. For the last 42 years, we have completed over 400 projects in Singapore across various sectors including industrial, commercial office, life science, retail and education. From pharmaceutical plants, factories, offices, schools and shopping malls, millions of Singaporeans are living, working, studying and shopping in places designed, built and managed by Lendlease. We are the only end-to-end property solutions provider in Singapore, participating in the entire value chain from taking on the roles of investment manager, developer, builder to asset and property manager. Projects that we have developed through this integrated model include 313@somerset and Jem in Singapore and the upcoming Paya Lebar Central mixed-use development. Other notable projects completed by us in Singapore include the Insead Campus, Australian International School, GEMS World Academy International School as well as pharmaceutical facilities for Pfizer, Merck and Novartis.
Looking forwardIn Singapore, we will continue to explore opportunities to capitalise on our integrated capabilities and strong track record for growth opportunities in sectors such as retail-led mixed use developments and urban regeneration. This is an area where we can demonstrate clear value to our clients, like Governments, through a track record that has seen us deliver major iconic projects around the world that help people to live, work and play in safe and sustainable places for generations to come.
We’re looking forward to delivering our next transformational project at Paya Lebar Central, a large mixed use urban regeneration development site that we secured in April 2015 with our joint venture partner. The site has capacity for circa 165,000 sqm of development and has direct connections to the Paya Lebar MRT that serves both the Circle and East-West lines. Getting a sizeable plot in such a well-located and connected area is something our partners and us are very excited about. Our project has the critical mass and we have the development expertise to re-rate the area. It is something we have been doing consistently over many decades in key international cities.
Our design includes commercial, retail and residential within a very generous public realm and outstanding public space. It will be a beautiful precinct to be part of and we are excited to create something for the community there, a focal point for people to come together, eat, work, play and be entertained. On the construction front, we will continue to leverage our leadership position in the life sciences and education sector, as well as look for opportunities in the sustainable refurbishment, general industrial, manufacturing and data centres sectors.
Rod LeaverChief executive officer, AsiaLendlease
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ANZ opened a representative office in Singapore in 1974. It was later converted to offshore bank status in 1980 and further upgraded to a wholesale bank in 2002.
ANZ Singapore is one of two designated ANZ regional hubs in Asia which can provide integrated solutions across institutional and corporate banking, financial markets, trade finance, corporate finance, retail banking, private banking and investment banking services.
Helping our customers grow across Asia Pacific.ANZ’s Singapore story – helping our customers grow across borders and connecting them to the region’s expanding trade and investment flows – resonates with Singapore’s own success story as a regional and global hub.
ANZ’s vision is to be the best connected and most respected bank in the Asia Pacific region. As one of ANZ’s two regional business hubs, our Singapore business plays a critical role in bringing this super regional strategy to life, focusing on institutional, corporate, wealth and retail clients who use the country as an entry point to Asia Pacific.
Just as Singapore has transformed over the last 50 years, ANZ too has evolved with our customers here. From a representative office in 1974, we have built a strong, customer-focused business and, importantly, an excellent team that serves more than 400,000 customers across all segments.
We have also grown from just 80 staff in 1999 to more than 2,200. Today, we are one of the few banks – and the only Australian bank – to hold a Qualifying Full Bank license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which has enabled us to gain a strong foothold in the country.
Throughout Singapore’s journey, we have partnered with enterprises to help them grow regionally while using Singapore as a strategic base.
As the world’s economic centre of gravity continues to shift to Asia, we are welcoming more and more Australian customers who have Asian connections or who want to grow their businesses in this part of the world.
Equally, as ANZ expands across Asia Pacific, we also see more customers from this region
Vishnu ShahaneyCEO, Singapore and MalaysiaANZ
over four decades in Singapore
ANZ’s transformation
who are looking to expand into our home markets of Australia and New Zealand.
ANZ plays a key role in facilitating this trade and investment flow between Australia and the region, connecting individuals and companies with our networks and expertise.
As an Australian company in Singapore, we value our unique position in strengthening ties between the two countries. We engage actively with both the local and Australian communities here, from local voluntary welfare organisations to AustCham and the Australian International School.
What’s next for ANZ in Singapore?As Singapore and the customer landscape continues to transform, so must we.
We will continue to grow our business across the Institutional, Corporate, Retail, Wealth and Private Banking segments while continuing to strengthen our commitment to Singapore by focusing on local talent development and building a local talent pipeline.
Our Singapore story resonates with Singapore’s own success story as a regional and global hub.
position pays off for Telstra
Asian-centric
Telstra is a leading Australia-based tier one telecommunications and information services company offering a full range of communications services. Telstra considers Singapore to be a key growth market – both for Telstra as well as their customers – due to the region’s vast economic potential.
Through strategic investments over the years and the recent acquisition of Pacnet in Asia, Telstra now have the largest privately owned subsea cable network in Asia Pacific, have licences throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas and facilitate access to more than 2,000 Points of Presence in 230 countries and territories.
Telstra Global Enterprise and Services (GES) is a division of Telstra that focuses on growth opportunities outside Australia through onward investments, deploying disruptive technologies across the world and growing international and local customer relationships. Telstra’s success story comes from a deep understanding and experience in the Asian market for more than 30 years.
Singapore timeline• 1990’s: Telstra began its long relationship with Singapore by
supporting Australian companies with business operations
• 1999: Data centre and business services in Singapore Harmony/Data
• 2002: Telstra in Singapore transforms to an ‘Asian-centric’ business with local sales and support teams
• 2012: Telstra Global expands APAC hosting capacity with a new Singapore data centre
• 2013: New Singapore office officially opened.
Supporting start-upsTelstra-backed startup accelerator, muru-D, was launched in Singapore in April 2015. muru-D’s goal is to help Australia and Southeast Asia become a centre of digital business by providing mentoring, tailored acceleration services and investment to early stage startups. Its inaugural six-month accelerator program commenced in August with 10 technology startups. Successful applicants receive S$40,000 in seed capital, work space in muru-D and introductions to world-class mentors, coaches and investors. The Singapore accelerator program grow’s Telstra’s global footprint.
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Leap into AsiaIn 2007 Toll Group acquired SembCorp Logistics, since then we have delivered warehousing and transportation services and solutions, including feeder activities to Batam and Bintan. We have provided end-to-end supply chain services to many multi-national companies in Singapore and we have been fundamental to the integrity of defence and health efforts of the nation. We operate a large fleet of over 70 prime movers, 300 trailers and ten trucks, including dedicated and specialised feeder services with five units of multi-purpose vessel fleet in Singapore. GrowthSingapore has, and can be, our test bed for new ideas, IT development and research and development efforts. For example we introduced two 30-metre long Super B-Double trailers to be used for container transfers after four years of positive engagement with PSA, LTA and EDB.
That initiative alone has helped reduce labour by 50 percent, fuel and emissions by 36 percent, while increasing productivity by 57 percent. It’s a clear demonstration of the teamwork between a progressive Government and an agile logistics business
to ‘challenge the norm’ with well thought-out innovation.
Toll City We recently unveiled our blueprint for Toll City – a 100,000 square metre Toll City logistics hub in Tuas, Singapore. Set to become the logistics hub of choice in the Asia Pacific, the S$228m five-level, ramp-up facility will house state-of-the-art automation systems to improve productivity and operating efficiency for Toll and its customers in Singapore and in the region. The development is a key part of Toll’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the region and to continue providing best-in-class supply chain solutions across different market sectors. The size and scope of this investment is a testament to Toll’s intent to achieve supply chain excellence in Asia Pacific for its customers. Toll City will redefine warehousing solution options for its customers through leading-edge technology and innovation in a world class facility.
We will be ready to increase Toll’s productivity and meet warehousing capacity
Toll’s big plans in Singapore
demand in a region that is set to become one of the largest economic blocs in the world. We are not just an investor in Singapore, or a supply chain company who delivers from A to B. We are focused on continuous improvement that drives to achieve greater operational excellence and new opportunities for employees to upgrade their skills, which fit EDB’s vision for the logistics industry in Singapore.
Training and developmentToll is focused on a program of continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence and create opportunities for employees to upgrade their skills – a program in line with Singapore’s vision for its country’s workforce. In collaboration with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Toll has developed core and advanced training segments to meet the demands of Singapore’s ‘Smart Nation’ vision.
As part of the move into Toll City, Toll will continue its work as a WDA in-house Approved Training Operation which will provide a framework for reviewing the use of technology and automation to design the jobs of the future that attract more young and mature locals to the logistics industry.
The region is set to become one of the largest economic blocs in the world
Chris PearceCEOToll Group Logistics
Asian-centric position pays off for Telstra
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Australian Trade Commission
10 things you need to know about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On Sunday 28 June 2015, the Prime Ministers of Australia and Singapore concluded a historical Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) agreement between the two countries in Singapore. Born from a desire to forge a relationship with Singapore “as close as the one we have with New Zealand”, the agreement sets out a long term plan to leverage the synergies and complementary natures of the two countries to take advantage of both future opportunities and address future challenges. At a high level, the agreement is a commitment to formalising an elevated partnership with Singapore to drive closer relations similar to the Australia-New Zealand relationship. At a practical level, it is a ten-year roadmap of specific measures to enhance cooperation across foreign affairs and security, defence, economic and people-to-people spheres. From a business perspective, the two countries will work towards a “Closer Economic Relationship (CER)” that will drive closer economic integration.
In the economic sphere, the overall goals are:
1. a review of the existing Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, unlocking new trade and investment opportunities and establishing a Closer Economic Relationship arrangement
2. exploring investment opportunities in sectors such as food, agribusiness and infrastructure, and in new growth areas including Northern Australia
3. increasing the flow of skilled labour and visitors4. joint tourism cooperation5. reviewing Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board thresholds for
Singapore’s investments into Australia6. better access to, and integration of, financial and capital markets,
including cooperation on financial market infrastructure7. expanding potential to increase two-way investment flows, including by
working together in third markets in our region and beyond8. building additional research and development partnerships, including
by working on the commercialisation of research among our agencies, academic institutions and the private sector
9. enhancing our aviation and maritime connectivity10. promoting trade and investment activities through more partnerships
in the private sector, including through sharing information on infrastructure opportunities, collaborating on food and agribusiness opportunities (including in aquaculture and fisheries), and promoting mutual recognition of standards, conformance and qualifications.
Unlike, say, a free trade agreement, this agreement doesn’t automatically trigger a series of changes immediately upon signing. Rather, it represents a commitment to working towards bringing our two countries closer together. Some of the advantages will be bilateral – we will be able to access each others’ markets better, our economics will become deeply integrated, and business between our countries will become increasing easier to conduct. Others will be the ability to partner together to access – and contribute to – the growth of the ASEAN economies over the coming decades. We believe this agreement will provide a platform for Singapore and Australia – different from each other in so many ways yet with complementary economies and shared goals and aspirations – to continue to forge closer and increasingly productive and profitable ties.
Australian Trade Commission in Singapore
CONTACT USContact us to discuss how our industry specialists can help your business: Phone: +65 6418 8400Email: [email protected]: www.austrade.gov.au
The signing of the CSP on 28 June 2015
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Visit Stamford
Register at www.sais.edu.sg
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Stamford American is delighted to offer theirMath Enrichment Program.
Future MathProfessorRequiredAges 2-6
At Stamford American we recognize the importance of setting math foundation from an early age. From Nursery, children are taught to explore, notice and connect mathematical dimensions within their world, whether comparing quantities or finding patterns. From Kindergarten 2 children join Stamford’s specialist Math Enrichment Program, delivering differentiated instruction to ensure our students achieve more than they believe they can.
We are ready and waiting to meet your future Math Professor.
Please introduce us.
Stamford offers an outstanding international
education for students from 2 to 18 years.
We offer the rigorous IB Program –
enhanced by American standards and
a focus on languages – to equip your
child for global citizenship.
Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2014 to August 9, 2018
Inquiry Hotline+65 6653 7907
Visit Stamford
Register at www.sais.edu.sg An Aussie celebration of SG50 and 50 years of diplomatic relations
2015 is not only Singapore’s 50th anniversary, it also marks the 50th year of Australia and Singapore’s diplomatic relations. In fact, Australia was the first government to open relations with Singapore, on 18 August, 1965.
50 BridgesThe Australian High Commission in Singapore wanted to contribute to Singapore’s celebrations in ways that brought Australian elements to Singapore’s “heartlands”; this led to the creation of 50 Bridges.
The 50 Bridges programme was launched on 20 May by Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong.
Fun festivities The programme comprised of three elements, aimed specifically at Singapore’s locals. One of the elements, 50 walls, brought public art to hawker markets, schools and malls. Throughout May, residents were also able to enjoy 50 performances - a series of uniquely Australian puppetry performances that could be found surprising Singaporeans at MRT stations and public parks.
10,000 steaks!The Australian High Commission also brought to life 50 simultaneous barbecues to heartland locations across the island. More than 10,000 steaks were consumed which meant that the five hundred Australians volunteers were kept very busy cooking up a storm.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Tony Abbott and Prime Minister Lee joined into the festivities at Bishan Park, donning aprons and getting behind the BBQ to the delight of the many locals who attended.
Koala crazy Aside from these fun festivities, Singapore experienced some Koalamania in May with the arrival of four koala’s (Paddle, Pellita, Chan and Idalia) from Australia at Singapore Zoo.
Our native furry friends will be on loan from Australia to Singapore for six months, offering visitors to the Zoo an opportunity to have a peek at an icon of Aussie wildlife.
L-R: John Gordon, Adam Lyle, Guy Scott and Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Philip Green volunteering at the SG50 BBQ at Bishan Park.
Melbourne’s Polygot Theatre’s snuff puppets on the streets of Singapore.
L-R: PM Abbott, Dallas Cuddy and PM Lee cooking up a storm at Bishan Park.
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Guest numbers grew significantly this year and we’ve had wonderful feedback, thank you so much for your support.
Speaking of Wine+Cheese our second, and last one, for the year is coming up on Friday 21 August at the Grand Hyatt. We’ve moved into a bigger space this time and are expecting over 600 cheese and wine lovers.
A big thank you to ANZ for their continued support as co-sponsor and a warm welcome to Flight Centre who are co-sponsors for this August and March 2016.
We’d also like to welcome new supporting sponsor a.hartrodt for this Wine+Cheese Night and are very pleased to acknowldge the return of Australian International School and Eastern Carpets, your ongoing support as sponsors is greatly appreciated.
Lastly, we’d like to recognise the return of Fresh Trust as the events gourmet sponsor, responsible for the delicious market produce available at Wine+Cheese.
Dear members,
Like Guy, I too have just returned from our Australian Roadshow and I can’t tell you how strong the interest is in Singapore at the moment. It’s great to be back and I’m looking forward to catching up with you at some upcoming events.
We have an AustCham Special Breakfast: The Global Economy in Transition on Tuesday 8 September. Warren Hogan, chief economist, ANZ will be sharing his expert opinion on this topic in an informal Q&A breakfast forum. Later that week our popular networking event, Business Connects will take place on Thursday 10 September. Although I was on the Australian Roadshow and wasn’t able to attend our Australian Night of the Races I’ve heard that it was a fabulous evening. I can certainly see from the photos that the Derby style dress code was a huge hit as the fashions on the field were stunning – and great to see the gents getting involved too! This was our third annual celebration of Australian racing and I have a feeling that this event is going to join our legendary Wine+Cheese Nights and Australia Day Ball as a must attend social event.
Annette TilbrookExecutive Director
Upcoming events
Register for events online ataustcham.org.sg
Annette
Fri 21 August 2015Wine+Cheese Night: A taste of Australia & New ZealandGrand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt
Thu 10 September 2015Business Connects September Event sponsor
Co sponsors
Supporting sponsors
Tue 8 September 2015AustCham Special Breakfast: The Global Economy in Transition
Gourmet sponsor
Event sponsor
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Some things can’t afford to get lost in translation
Our International Company Directors Course will equip you with the knowledge to address the unique challenges faced by directors and senior executives operating across countries and regulatory frameworks.
To find out more visit companydirectors.com.au/icdc
Governance. Compliance. Ethics. Law.
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Excellence in Leaders series: The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia
Monday 29 June 2015, Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt
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Opposite page
1 The Hon Tony Abbott MP Prime Minister of Australia addressing the guests
2 (L-R) Linda Collins, Garry Taylor and Grace Liu
3 (L-R) Andre Casson, Ben Tallentire, Sarah Wainwright, Martin Aitchison and Det Fischer
4 (L-R) Justin Madhaven, Robert Tan and Lawrence Ang
5 Guy Scott welcoming Prime Minister Abbott
6 MC, Philip Forrest
This page
1 A full room to hear PM Abbott’s address
2 (L-R) Grant Kelley, Tony Ryan, Guy Scott and PM Abbott
3 (L-R) Philip Green, PM Abbott and Sally Trethewie
4 (L-R) Peta Credlin and Philip Forrest
5 (L-R) John Osborn, Genevieve Osborn and Jamie Osborn
6 AustCham Board and PM Abbott
7 (L-R) Ben Smith and Manish Shroff
8 (L-R) Det Fischer, Dale Anderson and Sarah Cullens
9 (L-R) Andre Casson, Philip Green and PM Abbott
10 (L-R) PM Abbott, Benjamin Tan and PJ Roberts
11 (L-R) Lucas Glanville and PM Abbott
12 (L-R) PM Abbott and Sally Brazier
Australia’s Best RestaurantsThis year, four of Australia’s best restaurants have been named in the prestigious S.Pellegrino World’s 100 Best Restaurants list, as judged by 900 of the world’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and food media.
To have four restaurants in this list is a record achievement for Australia, reflecting the unique combination of innovative chefs, awe-inspiring landscapes, access to surprising native ingredients and some of the freshest produce in the world. Australia’s rich ethnic diversity has produced one of the most exciting and multicultural cuisines in the world, with chefs able to thrive in the creativity of a food and wine culture not bound by tradition.
Attica – Melbourne, Victoria Ranked at number 32, Ben Shewry’s gastronomic temple in Ripponlea continues to break new ground in the evolution of contemporary Australian cuisine and a must-visit when travelling to Melbourne. Taking great inspiration from the native landscape to form his menu at Attica, Shewry’s pantry of native ingredients has grown to include bunya nuts, samphire and finger limes, while muntries, plum pines and saltbush also feature. He has championed wallaby as a meat, and one Attica dessert includes desert limes, native currants, lemon aspen, muntries, macadamia nuts and bottlebrush flowers.
Quay – Sydney, New South Wales Is it the sparkling harbour location, the stunning, uninterrupted view or Peter Gilmore’s unique, culinary vision? We suspect all these of these helped Quay jump up to number 58 on the list. A love of botanical art translates into dishes including freshwater marron with scales of micro radish and superb rosehip puree, and abalone
and squab in an anchovy broth garnished with white bean flowers. Arrive in time for sunset for one of Australia’s best views as the restaurant is housed in a contemporary glass space perched between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sepia – Sydney, New South WalesMartin Benn’s many years as head chef at Tetsuya’s are evident in the dazzling harmonies of texture, flavour and mood in his Japanese-inspired dishes at Sepia which debuted at 84 on the list. Don’t let the corporate atmosphere mislead you; this is cooking that is far from conservative. Also receiving the Fastest Rising Restaurant Award, a new Yakitori menu served at the bar is the more affordable option. Wine service under sommelier Rodney Setter is exemplary.
Brae – Birregurra, Victoria Dan Hunter’s Brae joins the list for the first time at number 87 and is the former Mugaritz (Spain) head chef’s first venture out on his own. He exposes diners to indigenous ingredients and aims to develop a cuisine with a uniquely Australian identity. Some of the ingredients he employs in his superb cooking are bower spinach, warrigal greens, river mint, coastal bone fruit, chocolate lily, wattle seed and quandongs.
To create your own culinary adventure in Australia and discover why dining out here is different from anywhere else in the world, visit www.australia.com.
From top left: Ben Shewry, Attica; Quay, Sydney; dish from Brae, Victoria; native fruits of Australia dish, Attica; dish from Sepia, Martin Benn, Sepia and Dan Hunter, Brae.
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Business Connects July
Thursday 9 July 2015 at Boomarang, Boat Quay
Event sponsor
1 Westpac’s special guest, Tim Horan
2 (L-R) Lyn Boxall, Philip Forrest and Faith Sing
3 Aussie style canapes by Boomarang
4 (L-R) Scott Harris and Justin Sampson
5 (L-R) Belinda Braggs and Candy Braithwaite
6 (L-R) New member, Lydia Neo sharing her story with attendee’s
7 (L-R) Tim Horan and lucky prize winner Candy Braithwaite
8 (L-R) Annette Tilbrook, Bala Swaminathan, PJ Roberts and Francis D’Souza
9 (L-R) Edward Kennan, Bill Castellas, Nicholas Whalan and Natalie Whalan
10 (L-R) Brad Johnson, Kerriann Tyson-Jones and Johanna Johnson
11 (L-R) Tony Gravina and Rick Chapman
12 (L-R) Tim Horan and Francis D’Souza
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Gold Corporate Members
Gold Corporate Members
ANZANZ’s presence in Singapore dates back almost four
decades. Starting as a representative office in 1974,
the Bank progressively transformed its business
to grow alongside client needs, offering financial
solutions as an offshore bank in 1980 and later in
2002 as a wholesale bank with a private banking unit.
In 2010, ANZ received approval from the Monetary
Authority of Singapore for a Qualifying Full Bank
license, after completing its acquisition of Royal Bank of
Scotland’s retail and commercial banking businesses in
Singapore.
ANGELINE SEAH Director
WEE PHENG SOH Associate director
ZOE MARMOT Marketing executive
ALLIED PICKFORDSAllied Pickfords began its operation in Singapore in 1974
and have grown steadily over the years to become one
of the most sophisticated moving companies in Asia.
Their speciality is the movement of personal effects and
household goods for expatriate staff from all over the
world. It also provides local moving, office relocation and
records management services.
CINDY SONGSales manager
ZANN LEE Marketing manager
SERVCORPSince opening our first location in Sydney Australia
in 1978, Servcorp has grown into a global network
of exceptional office facilities with over 140 locations
around the world. With an unwavering commitment to
deliver premium quality business solutions, Servcorp
always establishes facilities in premier buildings with
unparalleled addresses located in the most dynamic
cities worldwide. With four outstanding locations in
Singapore, Servcorp will have a solution to meet most
requirements and budgets.
ABHISHEK BHATICampus dean
FAITHFUL+GOULD Faithful+Gould is a world-leading integrated project and
program management consultancy that supports clients
with the construction and management of their key
assets, important projects and programs. With a turnover
in excess of £220 million, Faithful+Gould is staffed by over
2,200 experienced and passionate professionals spread
across 50 offices in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East,
and the Americas.JONATHAN GIESECKESenior project manager
DAVID WHITFIELDCEO
ASTRUM LIGHTING INNOVATIONAstrum is developing intelligent lighting systems that
provide high quality light supported by intelligent
autonomous control systems to deliver significant energy
benefits.
JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE CAMPUSJames Cook University is Australia’s leading tropical
research university. Additionally it is ranked in the top
4 percent* of universities in the world. JCU Singapore
was established by the university in 2003 with just 50
students and has since grown rapidly to have in excess
of 3000 students. The campus offers programs at the
undergraduate and postgraduate level in business,
information technology, psychology and education.
Corporate Members
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CANDIDA BRAITHWAITE Managing director
AUSTRALIAN TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT COLLEGEAustralian Technical and Management College Group
conducts vocational education and higher education in
business and information technology at its campuses in
Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong in Australia as well as
teaching centres in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
and Malaysia.
MANISH MALHOTRADirector
Corporate Members
SCOTT HARRIS Structural engineer
ARUPEstablished since 1968, Arup has over 40 years in
Singapore and has earned a fulsome reputation for
its close and exceptionally productive collaborations
with leading architects, and for devising advanced and
economical solutions for the built environment.
Corporate Members
SANJAY SAMUEL
BAE SYSTEMSSoftware products and services focused on AML
compliance, fraud analytics and cyber security.
BRITISH COUNCIL (SINGAPORE) At the Professional Development Centre of the British
Council our team of well qualified and experienced
expatriate trainers will work closely with you to support
the training and development of your team. With over
50 workshops on offer across our seven suites, we
offer something for every learner at every stage of their
development. Whether it be leadership, team work,
written communication, creativity or innovation through
to personal performance, interpersonal communication
or customer service, our highly interactive and practical
workshops will challenge your staff to continue their
journey of life-long learning, enhancing their capabilities
and adding significant value to your organisation. You
may choose to join our workshops in our purpose built
training facility at Toa Payoh or we can come to you
and work in your premises on a customised workshop
designed especially for your team.
ANNA BRITTON Assistant director PDC
AMANDA MOODY Assistant director PDC
ALAN WHITEHEAD Assistant director PDC
STUART ROBINSON Principal consultant
director
BIOPHARMAXBiopharmax Pte Ltd. is a consulting business based
in Singapore. Biopharmax provides marketing and
commercialisation services to the pharmaceutical and
biopharmaceutical sectors. Other services include staff
development and training that are designed to enhance
in-house competencies in product commercialisation.
SANJAY SAMUELM. D. JAPAC
BAKER & MCKENZIE.WONG & LEOWBaker & McKenzie’s member firm in Singapore, Baker
& McKenzie.Wong & Leow is part of one of the world’s
leading and most internationally diverse law firms.
With broad global coverage and comprehensive local
knowledge gained from over 30 years of operating in
Singapore, they offer a unique combination of resources
to help you effectively manage the challenges and
opportunities of doing business in Singapore, the rest of
Asia and globally.
SIMON GRAYSenior associate
BANYAN TREE LANG COExplore the beauty and charm of Lang Co. In Central
Vietnam, Banyan Tree Lang Co is an all-pool villa resort.
Feel the warm waves of the East Sea tickle your toes,
and raise your gaze to behold the magnificent stretch of
the Truong Son Mountain Range. Within touch of three
UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the imperial city of Hue,
charming old town of Hoi An and My Son’s historical ruins
- culture aficionados will be satiated. Those with a bent
for the physical will also find joy in wide range activities.
Golfers can tee off in style at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed
18-hour championship golf course, meandering through
rice paddies and trickling streams against the backdrop
of a staggering mountain range.
KEN LEOWSenior manager
CAEVEST PRIVATE LIMITEDCaevest Global Commissioning Management is a leading
Singapore consultancy servicing the international oil and
gas industries. Strategically headquartered in Southeast
Asia we service a portfolio of clients globally.
Caevest has an enviable track record in providing
turnkey completions, commissioning and start-up
solutions and expertise to a number of sectors including
floating production facilities (FPSO/FSO/FLNG), process
systems and marine systems, power generation and
offshore oil and gas production facilities.
CST TAX ADVISORSOur business provides expatriate individuals and
international business clients with integrated tax
accounting and structuring advice for their home market
and the international markets in which they operate.
As a client of CST we have empathy with your facts
and circumstances, a focus on executing tax and or
business solutions for you while we add value in the way
we present information to you and deliver our services. DAVID JUN
Director
KPMG SERVICES KPMG operates as an international network of member
firms offering audit, tax and advisory services. KPMG
work closely with clients to mitigate risks and grasp
opportunities.
MICHAEL HABBOUSH
Director
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Corporate Members
EXPAT INSURANCEFounded in 2008, we are a leading independent insurance
broker in Singapore serving the expatriate community.
We aim to provide comprehensive and cost-effective
services and solutions for our clients. We pay very close
attention to detail and pride ourselves in our professional,
yet friendly, approach to conducting business. Our
international team of advisers understand our clients’
needs. Based on our local knowledge of products and
services available in the market, we offer sound advice to
individuals, families and companies including: medical,
business liabilities, employee benefits, travel, home and
contents and motor Insurance.
JOHN GORDONManager marketing and business development
PINSENT MASONS MPILLAY LLP Pinsent Masons MPillay offer clients a seamless service
in both Singapore and across the wider Asia Pacific
region. Its clients value their ability to advise on all
aspects of both commercial and construction litigation
and arbitration work, with a particular strength in the
construction and engineering and energy sectors.
NICHOLAS BROWNPartner
FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP Based in Brisbane and expanding globally, Flight Centre
is continuing its rapid growth across the island here in
Singapore. With four retail shop fronts and Flight Centre
Business Travel, we pride ourselves in delivering amazing
travel experiences along with our trade mark lowest
airfare guarantee. Our store is located at International
Plaza and we are well travelled, multi lingual and just
really great people!
KATE MARSDEN Senior travel consultant
POP UP WINESingapore Expats’ favourite wine company. Discount
premium Australian and New Zealand wine from $25.
French champagne from $59. Same day delivery and
free for two dozen. Minimum order is three bottles.
Pop Up Wine’s 70 hand-selected wines are critically
lauded, much awarded and represent unquestionable
value.ISADORA NOBLE Director
KING & WOOD MALLESONS LLPKing & Wood Mallesons (KWM) is a new choice of
law firm bringing a fresh perspective to commercial
thinking and client experience. We are strategically
positioned in the world’s growth markets including
Singapore and Hong Kong, with deep roots and scale
in China, Australia and Europe. KWM is a full service
firm with over 2,700 lawyers in more than 30 offices
cutting through the challenges facing businesses,
providing commercial solutions, and transforming the
way legal services are delivered.
MICHAEL LAWSON Partner
REVIRESCO SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT PTE LTDReviresco Specialist Recruitment is a privately owned
Singapore based organisation providing clients and
candidates with a personalised and uncomplicated
recruitment experience. Our directors have been
recruiting in Singapore for over ten years, making their
partnership one of the most experienced in the country.
They have an in-depth knowledge of the market and
work with a diverse group of clients, placing mid to
senior level candidates across a variety of disciplines.
For clients we offer expert advice on recruitment strategy
from competency based interviewing to staff retention.
For candidates our aim is to establish a strong working
relationship with you so that we can offer the best
possible objective advice on your career and job search.
JAMES MCEWINDirector
GEEK TEAMSingapore based Geek Team offers technology support
needs at home or in the office.
Geek Team are a 24/7, 365 days-a-year service with fully
qualified technicians and in person experts who can do
everything from set up a new computer, troubleshoot
wireless networks, sync Apple hardware, fix a virus or
help with software installations.
The Geek Team understand technology and take pride in
providing a high level of service.
JASON O’SULLIVAN
Managing director
JOHN SULLIVAN Partner
TAYLOR VINTERS LLP SINGAPORE At Taylor Vinters we want to change your view of what
dealing with a law firm is like. Professional yet progres-
sive, we are lawyers who listen and who are flexible,
approachable and quick to respond. Our job is to get
to the point: to get to the heart of the challenges you
face, find practical solutions and communicate them in
language you understand. Our lawyers are excited by
our clients, how their organisations and lives progress
and how they can use their experience and technical
expertise to enable clients to meet their objectives.
DANIEL SONGAssociate
THE PRIME SOCIETYThe Prime Society offers a modern contemporary cuisine,
showcasing the very best breeds of Australian beef.
From premium grass and grain fed, to 100 percent full
blood Wagyu, dry and wet aged beef. All beef is sourced
from suppliers that do not use growth hormones or
antibiotic feed supplements. Our steaks are served with
house made flavoured salts and condiments.DALLAS CUDDY Food and beverage
director
AURIGINAurigin Coffee Roasters are an innovative Australian
roaster of coffee and manufacturer of coffee solutions
for small and large customers. We make it possible
for anyone to enjoy great coffee, anywhere, any time
through any method of preparation.
JUSTIN METCALF Managing director
Individuals
ALPHABETA
FRASER THOMPSONSenior fellow
FREESTONE STRATEGIES
APAC
KRISTINA FELLER Managing director
DENNIS WEE REALTY
ELLIOT GOON Real estate agent
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Corporate Members
KA COMMUNICATIONS Led by one of Australia’s prominent media identities,
KA Communications is a premier media and political
consultancy. We specialise in executive seminars for
companies that do business with Australia, featuring
highly-respected and recognised media, government
and corporate identifies.
KIERAN WALSH Manager
FRONTIER WELLBEINGWhether you have 20 people or 20,000, Frontier
Wellbeing is your strategic wellbeing partner. We
understand the importance that wellbeing offers to a
successful business strategy. We develop and deliver
corporate wellbeing programs that coordinate your
health and wellness needs with your business strategy.
Our programs integrate the latest research in wellbeing
and human function so you and your team can align your
choices with your required outcomes.
GEOFF HUEGILL Professional services
WILLIAM ANGLISS INSTITUTE Willliam Angliss Institute is a private education institute
operating as a continuing education and training centre
in the tourism and hospitality industry.
It provides WSQ programs and other training will
be added over time. The institute is a wholly owned
subsidiary of William Angliss Institute in Melbourne
which provides tourism, hospitality and foods training
and consultancy throughout Australasia, Pacific, Asia
and Africa.
IAN NICOLSONHead, regional development
LUTHER LLP
ALICIA HAESSLEIN Foreign lawyer
Associate Members
CHARTER KECK CRAMERCharter Keck Cramer (“Charter”) is Australia’s leading
independent property advisory firm. Charter operates
nationally from its Melbourne and Sydney offices.
Our client’s success is our sole focus. We support a
range of clients from small to large, private, multinational
and government.
We have the largest senior team of property advisors
in Australia. Our team is drawn from backgrounds
including, property, finance, construction, planning,
research and architecture.
We have the best national capability in Australia. Our
cross border experience extends to all states and
territories.
IVAN LAM Executive manager, ASEAN and China
AUZCORPAuzcorp operates a diverse portfolio of projects
having made its mark as a pioneer in the provision
of accommodation and hospitality services in the
Pilbara region and expanded its operations to medical
services, human resources, residential and commercial
development and infrastructure. Auzcorp maintains a
vision of delivering successful and sustainable solutions
to any given project.HANNIF KASSIM Chairman
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AustCham members enjoy 30 percent off professional
negotiator and 50 percent off strategic collaboration
public programs. For details call +65 6513 2132 or
visit CoalfaceDialogue.com/AustCham
Cliftons is the leading provider of premium, purpose-
built training and event facilities. AustCham members
enjoy a special discount of 25 percent off when
booking a room with Cliftons Singapore.
AustCham members receive 10 percent off
best available rates at Capri by Fraser, Changi
City, Singapore, Capri by Fraser, Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam and Capri by Fraser, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia inclusive of one breakfast and Wi-Fi.
AustCham members also enjoy 10 percent off
Sunday Brunch at Capri by Fraser, Changi City.
Complimentary car park coupon with minimum of four
diners. Conditions apply.
Allied Pickfords are pleased to offer two hours
complimentary handyman service on your moving day,
when booking your move with Allied Pickfords.
Contact Allied Pickfords on +65 6862 4700 to take up
this offer.
AustCham members and their accompanying family
members can access business class check-in at the
Qantas Lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore, when
travelling with Qantas. Just remember to bring your
current AustCham membership card when you travel.
Note: offer is not transferable; AustCham membership
card must be presented to take advantage of this offer.
AustCham members receive 10 percent off best
available rates courtesy of Frasers Hospitality.
Minimum of two nights stay. Members also receive
a special rate at the new Fraser Residence Kuala
Lumpur. Conditions apply.
AustCham members and their immediate family can
enjoy member benefits with Dental Essence. Check
out the Membership Card Programme page on the
AustCham website for specific pricing. Terms and
conditions apply.
ANZ Private Bank, Singapore is pleased to waive the
application fee for AustCham members applying for
a new Australian property loan (save up to US$750).
For information, contact Peter Mostyn: t. +65 6681
2254; or email [email protected]
AustCham members enjoy 20 percent off the total
bill at The Trading Floor, Tuxedo, Plate all-day
dining restaurant and roof top Graffiti Sky Bar every
day of the week. For more information please email
AustCham members receive 25 percent off best
available rate at Banyan Tree Bintan or Angsana Bintan.
This offer comes along with international buffet
breakfast for two persons and other great benefits. Far East Hospitality hotels in Singapore are offering
AustCham members five percent off best available
rate with complimentary daily buffet breakfast and free
WiFi. For TFE hotels in Australia, AustCham members
receive 10 percent off best available rate. Check the
AustCham website for links to the reservations pages.
visit austcham.org.sg for full details & conditions
AustCham members receive a 20 percent discount.
Geek Team can fix all your technology support needs.
Whether it’s in the home or office we bring a helpdesk
to your front door. Geek Team tackle both small and
complex issues from setting up a home network, to
servicing the needs of a growing company.
AustCham members receive 20 percent off all public
workshops. Training over 10,000 people a year, the
British Council Singapore provides over 60 workshops
in seven key areas. They also run customsied
workshops for in-house training.
International school GEMS World Academy (Singapore)
is pleased to extend priority discounts and preferential
placement to all AustCham Singapore members
for enrolments for the 2015-2016 academic year.
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AustCham members enjoy preferred room rates in a
Deluxe room from S$330++ per room per night.
They also receive special offer dining privileges at
Olive Tree; 1 for 1 weekday dinner and 4 for 3 weekday
lunch and weekend lunch/dinner and at the Victoria
Bar receive 30 percent of all drinks and complimentary
tapas and special rates for weekend afternoon tea in
the Lobby Lounge.
Honan Insurance Group is pleased to offer AustCham
members complimentary insurance assessment.
Contact Celestina Cheung: email celestinac@honan.
com.au; t. +65 8198 4110.
Style sets the tone of the three ultra-luxurious
Mulia properties set along 30 hectares of sprawling
landscape, on the exclusive coastline of Nusa Dua.
AustCham members enjoy up to 20 percent off best
available rates. Conditions apply. For reservations
t. (62-361) 301 7777 or email [email protected]
Wine Exchange Asia is offering AustCham members
S$69 per bottle for cases of six Veuve Clicquot Brut
NV. Subject to availability. To order email Robert at
Shiva Designs are offering a 15 percent discount
on all online and in-studio purchases over $99. This
discount can be used by quoting “AUSTCHAM” or pre-
senting your AustCham Membershio Card.
Pay a flat fee of only S$15 for money transfers to
Australia with Pay2Home Remittance Services, a
saving of 25 percent. To redeem the offer email
AustCham members receive a 15 percent discount
on the total food bill only (all buffet) at The Square
Restaurant upon presentation of their AustCham
membership card.
With an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary
dishes, Soi 60 represents a fresh approach to Thai din-
ing in Robertson Quay. AustCham members receive a
10 percent discount off on their total bill, conditions
apply.
Janus Academy offers AustCham members receive
20 percent off private class rates for all general and
business language classes or 30 percent off if your
children are enrolled in any of their language classes.
Conditions apply.
visit austcham.org.sg for full details & conditions
AustCham members enjoy $0 establishment fee (save
up to AUD$750) when they take out a new Australian or
New Zealand investment property loan with Westpac
Private Bank Singapore. For more information,
contact Garine Hagopian on +65 6530 9852 or
[email protected]. Subject to meeting
underwriting standards. Terms and conditions apply.
Meeting Magic offers AustCham members free graphic
recordings at facilitated meetings. Contact John Ogier
on +65 82440244 or
AustCham members receive 15 percent off best
available rates at Marina Mandarin Singapore and enjoy
15 per cent discount on food and beverage the whole
year round at hotel managed restaurants and lounge
that include the AquaMarine, Peach Blossoms and
Atrium Lounge. Terms and conditions apply.
Enjoy ‘The Virtual Office’ package and two hours use
of the Servcorp Boardroom complimentary for one
month. Note: the usual Servcorp terms and conditions
apply; not applicable to current Servcorp clients.
AustCham members receive a 10 percent discount off
the best available rates for all room categories at the
Orchard Hotel. A range of discounts are also available
at the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, including all
night long 1-for-1 happy hour at Intermezzo Bar.
QBE Singapore extends a 20 percent discount on
travel insurance to all AustCham members.
This includes coverage on both business and leisure
travels. Please contact Ms Wendy Goh by phone
on +65 6477 1151 or email [email protected].
QBE has been represented in Singapore for more than
a century and we are the Republic’s oldest Australian
company.
30
AustCham Singapore (Australian Chamber
of Commerce Singapore) 25 Napier Road, Level 3,
Singapore 258507 Tel: +65 6738 7917
Fax: +65 6738 7916 www.austcham.org.sg
EDITORIAL, DESIGN & ADVERTISING
Angelique Dingle [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Annette Tilbrook
PRINT Win & Win Printer
MICA (P) 159/08/2014 Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the chamber.
New event space for Grand HyattGrand Hyatt Singapore revealed its newly renovated events space with a Food Lover’s Market themed party on 25 June. Executive Chef Lucas Glanville and his team transformed the Grand Ballroom into an enchanting and interactive market place with fresh, sustainable seafood and healthy, thoughtfully sourced produce from countries like France, Italy and more. The new events space offers three levels of residential-style event space. Integrated show kitchens, natural floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings and panoramic video mapping capabilities make the hotel a new venue for small to medium-sized events, be they corporate or social. singapore.grand.hyatt.com
Australia’s first bank, here in Asia.With more than 40 years’ experience in Asia, take advantage of our strong local and regional knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re investing in Australian or New Zealand property, or just need a trusted banking partner in Asia and Australasia, Westpac can help.
Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233713. Westpac Singapore Branch holds a wholesale banking licence and is subject to supervision by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Westpac Hong Kong Branch holds a banking licence and is subject to supervision by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Westpac Hong Kong branch also holds a licence issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Type 1 and Type 4 regulated activity. DW_WBC613A1_AA
Singapore +65 6530 9898 Hong Kong +852 2842 9888 Visit www.westpac.asia
Speak with one of our Relationship Managers today.
WBC613 Private Banking Asia AccessAsia FPC FA1.indd 1 17/09/14 4:13 PM
Qantas announces Rockpool sommeliers
A new team of wine experts and mixologists from the Rockpool Restaurant Group will select wine, Champagne, spirits and other beverages for Qantas domestic and international flights and lounges from July 2015. The new team, named The Qantas Rockpool Sommeliers, features 16 highly experiencedsommeliers and mixologists. Among the group is Head of Sommeliers Australia, David Lawler andone of only two Master Sommeliers in Australia, Sebastian Crowther, as well as Head Bartenders ofRockpool restaurants around the country. The sommeliers will blind taste, review and select from 1,200 Australian wines and Champagnes over four days each year and provide tasting notes for the International First and Domestic Business cabins. They also provide recommendations for wine in the lounges and for the first time, Rockpool mixologists will create monthly cocktails. Qantas Chef and restaurateur Neil Perry said his team’s expertise in wine and mixology will offer the very best restaurant experience in the sky to Qantas passengers. “Rockpool has worked with Qantas for over 18 years to design menus and we are thrilled to be working more closely to select beverages for the airline. We are committed to continue providing the finest Champagnes and the boldest wines from across Australia and deliver a restaurant experience on the ground and in the air,” said Neil. qantas.com.au
Qantas Rockpool Sommeliers L-R Bon Klaus Kuil, Matt Langdon, Neil Perry and Ryan Gavin.
Australia’s first bank, here in Asia.With more than 40 years’ experience in Asia, take advantage of our strong local and regional knowledge and expertise. Whether you’re investing in Australian or New Zealand property, or just need a trusted banking partner in Asia and Australasia, Westpac can help.
Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233713. Westpac Singapore Branch holds a wholesale banking licence and is subject to supervision by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Westpac Hong Kong Branch holds a banking licence and is subject to supervision by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Westpac Hong Kong branch also holds a licence issued by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for Type 1 and Type 4 regulated activity. DW_WBC613A1_AA
Singapore +65 6530 9898 Hong Kong +852 2842 9888 Visit www.westpac.asia
Speak with one of our Relationship Managers today.
WBC613 Private Banking Asia AccessAsia FPC FA1.indd 1 17/09/14 4:13 PM
Globally focused, distinctly Australian
Is there a little
LEONARDO DA VINCI in your child?
World-renowned leaders and academic experts join AIS in inspiring our students to fi nd their inner inventor. Recent mentors to engage with AIS students include Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the 2005 Nobel Laureate for Peace, Professor Peter Sullivan, the co-author of the Australian Maths curriculum and Richard Gill OAM, an internationally renowned conductor and educator.
Enquire now to fi nd out morecall +65 6653 7906 or visit www.ais.com.sg
The Australian International School is a world-leading school for 2 to 18 year olds. The International Baccalaureate, underpinned by the Australian curriculum, and a focus on the arts & sports, ensures your child reaches their full potential.
Introducing
Inventors and MentorsInternational thought-leadership program to inspire our students
Book your
personal tour
Register at www.ais.com.sg
Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 2015 to 5 July 2019
