Report on Trade Mission to Singapore
Mr Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
4 - 7 September 2008
INDEX
1
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM ...... 4 TRADE MISSION OBJECTIVES ...... 8 OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS ...... 9 BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERS...... 9 REPORT...... 10 MEETING WITH DR AMY KHOR, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES...... 11 URBAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP...... 13 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT URBAN DEVELOPMENT LUNCHEON...... 14 JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SINGAPORE CAMPUS GRADUATION CEREMONY ...... 19 ALUMNI FUNCTION HOSTED BY JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY ...... 23 MEETING WITH AEI INTERNATIONAL...... 24 MEETING WITH DAS INTERNATIONAL ...... 25 MEDIA RELEASES ...... 26 SPEECHES ...... 32
3
PROGRAM
4 PROGRAM
Time Zones Time in bold indicates international local time Time in normal font indicates Brisbane time
Time Difference Singapore 2 hours behind Brisbane
Thursday 4 September 2008 – Brisbane to Singapore
11:45pm Depart Brisbane for Singapore
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ246 Flight time: 8h
Friday 5 September 2008 – Singapore
5:45am Arrive Singapore (7:45am)
7:00am Check into hotel (9:00am)
8:00am Parliamentary Secretary to depart hotel for meeting (10:00am) Travel time: 30m by car
9:00am – 9:30am Meeting with Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary (11:00am – 11:30am) Secretary for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
Venue: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources 40 Scotts Road, #24-00 Environment Building Singapore 228231 Tel: 67319000 Fax: 67319456
9:30am Parliamentary Secretary to depart for next meeting (11:30am) Travel time: 30m by hire car
10:00am – 11:00am Meeting with Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of (12:00noon – 1:00pm) State, Ministry of Transport, and the Singapore Land Transport Authority
Venue: Ministry of Transport 460 Alexandra Road, #39-00 PSA Building Singapore 119963 (Conference Room 1, Level 39)
5 9:45am – 11:30am Urban Development Workshop (11:45pm – 1:30pm) Note: Parliamentary Secretary did not participate in this workshop
Venue: Vanda Room Level 5 Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
11:00am Parliamentary Secretary to return to hotel to host lunch (1:00pm) for workshop participants
Travel time: 30m by car
11:30am – 11:45am Meet with Queensland companies participating in (1:30pm – 1:45pm) workshop/luncheon
11:45am – 1:30pm Queensland Government Urban Development (1:45pm – 3:30pm) Luncheon Speech
Venue: Vanda Room Level 5 Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
1:30pm – 5:00pm James Cook University Singapore Campus Graduation (3:30pm – 7:00pm) Ceremony Speech
Venue: Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
7:30pm for 8:00pm Alumni function hosted by James Cook University (9:30pm for 10:00pm) Speech
Venue: Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
Overnight Singapore
Saturday 6 September 2008 – Singapore/Brisbane
10:30pm – 11:30pm Meeting with Mr Suhaimy Hassan, Education (12:30pm – 1:30pm) Counsellor, Australia Education International, Australian High Commission, Singapore
6 Venue: Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
3:00pm – 4:00pm Meeting with DAS International regarding the (5:00pm – 7:00pm) Singapore River Lighting Project
Venue: Cavanagh Bridge, adjacent to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore 1 Fullerton Square Singapore
9:10pm Depart Singapore for Brisbane (11:10pm) Singapore Airlines Flight SQ235 Flight time: 7h 25m
Sunday 7 September 2008 – Brisbane
6:35am Arrive Brisbane
7
TRADE MISSION OBJECTIVES
• Strengthen Government relationships with key government and business leaders in Singapore and support Queensland enterprises in this market. • Promote Queensland as Australia’s “Smart State” and as a potential collaborative, research and business partner, particularly in the areas of education, water infrastructure, urban development and transport. • Identify opportunities for Queensland businesses in Singapore and establish contacts to help develop the Queensland Singapore trade relationship. • Promote Queensland’s education capabilities, in particular the James Cook University.
8 OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS
Mr Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
Mr Martin Bradshaw Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERS
Mr Steve Sanderson Principal Sanderson Group Malaysia
Mr Gaurang Khemka Vice President Asia HOK Sport Venue Event Architecture
Ms Mary-Lou Kelly Managing Director Ecospecifier
Mr David Baggs Technical Director Ecospecifier
Ms Kay Ganley Chief Executive Officer Charlton Brown; and State Director Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET)
Mr Warren G Dunne Director, DAS International Pty Ltd
Mr Ross Palmer Principal, Palmer Acoustics (Australia) Pty Ltd
9
REPORT
10 MEETING WITH DR AMY KHOR, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 9:00am – 9:30am
ATTENDEES Dr Amy Khor Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
Mr Eng Tiang Sing Director of International Relations, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
Mr Bernard Koh General Manager of the Public Utilities Board Consultancy (and Industry Development), PUB
MEETING SYNOPSIS • The purpose of this meeting was to personally deliver a letter from the Honourable Craig Wallace MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Water inviting HE Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singaporean Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs to Queensland to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Urban Water Research and Management. • This meeting was also an opportunity to assess the potential trade opportunities from future joint projects under the MOU, particularly in the context of the emerging export capabilities mapped in the Queensland Government’s Water Sector Action Plan. BACKGROUND • The proposed Queensland − Singapore MOU is a result of Minister Wallace’s visit to Singapore in April 2007, where he represented Queensland at the inaugural Singapore Desalination and Water Reuse Leadership Summit. • During the visit, Minister Wallace met with Minister Yaacob to discuss water issues. Both Ministers gave in-principle agreement to collaborate on new water research.
DISCUSSION POINTS AND OUTCOMES • I received a briefing from Dr Khor on Queensland − Singapore complementarities in water, particularly in relation to the proposed MOU. • I provided Dr Khor with the letter for Minister Yaacob on behalf of Minister Wallace and explained that the Queensland Government would like the Minister to visit Queensland to sign the MOU at a mutually convenient time. • Dr Khor undertook that the Ministry for the Environment and Water would work with the Queensland Government to investigate the possibility of Minister Yaacob visiting Queensland to sign the MOU either as part of a broader trade mission in 2008, or as a stand alone visit in 2009. • We discussed the potential for Queensland companies with capabilities in the water sector cooperatively targeting opportunities in the international arena. • Dr Khor referred to Queensland’s success in dramatically decreasing water consumption in South East Queensland and expressed interest in learning more about public education campaigns such as the Queensland Water Commission’s ‘Target 140’.
11 MEETING WITH MRS LIM HWEE HUA, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND THE SINGAPORE LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
ATTENDEES Mrs Lim Hwee Hua Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport (please note Senior Minister of State is equivalent to a Parliamentary Secretary)
MEETING SYNOPSIS • This meeting was an opportunity to reciprocate a study tour undertaken by the Singapore Land Transport Authority to Queensland and further explore areas for potential collaboration in public transportation.
BACKGROUND • A delegation from the Singapore Land Transport Authority recently visited Australia from 5 – 9 May 2008 with a stop over in Brisbane where they met with senior officers from Queensland Transport, the TransLink Transit Authority and the Department of Main Roads as part of a study tour. • The Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport, that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore.
DISCUSSION POINTS AND OUTCOMES • Mrs Lim noted that the meetings held between Singapore Land Transport Authority and the Queensland Government in May 2008 were productive. • She enquired further about Brisbane's world-class busway infrastructure and network planning. • Mrs Lim also enquired about issues associated with the implementation of the Go Card system. It was noted that while Singapore has integrated ticketing for heavy and light rail systems, the large number of private bus companies in Singapore has complicated the task of extending integrated ticketing to buses. • It was agreed that there are several areas of common interest for Queensland and Singapore in public transportation, including: • busway infrastructure planning; • network planning; • operation of bus priority signals; and • the latest public transport information systems and innovation. • Mrs Lim was particularly interested in Queensland’s ability to assemble international consortia and finance for major transport projects. • We undertook to direct the relevant agencies within our respective Department’s to explore options for exchange and collaboration in these areas.
12 URBAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 9:45am – 11:30am
DISCUSSION POINTS AND OUTCOMES • I did not attend this Urban Development Workshop on account of meetings with the Ministries of Environment and Water, and Transport. After the workshop, however, I hosted a luncheon for participants of the workshop. • A total of 50 guests attended the workshop, including representatives from the three largest architects, property developers, contractors in Singapore. • Mr David Baggs, Technical Director, Ecospecifier provided the keynote speech at the Workshop. Ecospecifier is a Brisbane-based green building consultancy which provides information services to industry professionals such as architects, designers and builders from its vast database covering over 3,500 green products and services. • Ecospecifier has confirmed that its participation at the workshop has led to follow-up meetings with key government decision makers and potential allies in the green building sector. • Ecospecifier is now in negotiations to launch its database in Singapore, which will provide market access for over 100 Queensland green building product manufacturers. • Representatives from HOK Sports and the Sanderson Group also attended the luncheon but did not speak at the workshop. • Mr Warren Dunne of DAS international also spoke at the workshop. DAS International is a Brisbane-based international lighting consulting firm that has been active in the South East Asian region for over ten years.
13 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT URBAN DEVELOPMENT LUNCHEON
Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
ATTENDEES Full attendee list attached.
LUNCHEON SYNOPSIS • I hosted a lunch for the participants of the Urban Development Workshop to promote Queensland architecture and urban development capabilities to relevant industry representatives in Singapore.
SPEECH POINTS AND OUTCOMES • This was an opportunity to raise the international profile of Queensland’s new wave of environmental architects and to assist in promoting export opportunities for Queensland’s architecture and related design industries, as well as manufacturers of eco building products. • I provided a speech to the luncheon, in which I: • discussed the opportunities for Queensland specialist firms to take advantage of the increasing global demand for environmentally responsive and responsible architectural practices and particularly the unprecedented construction growth in Asia; • promoted Queensland’s capabilities as a leader in developing sustainable building products; and • highlighted the products and services of those Queensland companies participating at the luncheon. • During this lunch I had the opportunity to discuss with Mr Edwin Khew Chairman, Executive Committee, Sustainable Energy Association Of Singapore the level of expertise available by Queensland Companies and what opportunities exist for these companies in eco design and construction in Singapore. • I also had the opportunity to meet privately with the Queensland companies involved in the luncheon prior to being seated. • The luncheon provided the opportunity for the Queensland companies in attendance to network with some of the major players in urban development in Singapore. • Ecospecifier, a green building consultancy and eco friendly building product database, have advised that as a result of this networking, they intend to establish their database in Singapore. • The database has over 100 Queensland based manufacturers of green building products that will now be proposed and promoted to the Singapore market. • The workshop and luncheon attracted the three largest property developers in Singapore – Capitalland, Keppel and the Sentosa Development Authority.
14 ATTACHMENT • Run sheet • Attendees list • Media release attached at appendices • Speech notes attached at appendices
RUN SHEET QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT URBAN DEVELOPMENT LUNCHEON Friday 5 September 2008 11:30pm – 1:30pm
11:30am Mr Gary Fenlon MP meets with representatives of: • Ecospecifier • HOK Sports Architecture • The Sanderson Group • DAS International
11:45am Mr Gary Fenlon MP arrives at luncheon
Welcome and introduction by MC: Mr Tristram Travers Austrade Trade Commissioner
11:50am Guests invited to take their seats
12:00 noon • Mr Fenlon’s speech (10 minutes) • The Sanderson Group speech (2 minutes) • HOK Sports Architecture speech (2 minutes)
12:15pm Lunch served
1:30pm Lunch ends
15 ATTENDEES
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT URBAN DEVELOPMENT LUNCHEON
Singapore 5 September 2008
Mr Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment And Industrial Relations, Queensland Government
Mr Martin Bradshaw Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment And Industrial Relations, Queensland Government
Mr David Baggs Technical Director, Ecospecifier
Ms Mary-Lou Kelly Managing Director, Ecospecifier
Mr Warren Dunne Director, DAS International Pty Ltd
Mr Steve Sanderson Principal, Sanderson Group
Mr Ross Palmer Principal, Palmer Acoustics (Australia) Pty Ltd
Mr Gaurang Khemka Vice President Asia, HOK Sport Event Architecture
Ms Cheryl Stanilewicz Senior Trade Commissioner, Austrade
Mr Tristram Travers Trade Commissioner, Austrade
Mr Ong Boh Lee Senior Business Development Manager (Infrastructure & Major Projects), Austrade
Ms Irene Tay Business Development Manager (Building & Construction), Austrade
Mr Tan Swee Yiow Chief Executive Officer, Keppel Land Limited
Mr Paul Lau Assistant General Manager (Projects), Keppel Land Limited
Mr Daniel Teo Tong How Chairman & Managing Director, Hong How Corporation Pte Ltd
Mr Lim Hock San President & Chief Executive Officer, United Industrial Corporation Limited
Mr Terry Tay Partner, Architects Team 3 Pte Ltd
Mr Liu Kah Teck Director, Liu & Wo Architects Pte Ltd
Mr Steven Low Kong Yen Partner/ Managing Director, Ong & Ong Architects Pte Ltd
Mr Loke Kwong Yoon Partner/ Director, Team Design Architects Pte Ltd
16 Mr Tay Heng Hock Louis Managing Director, Surbana Technologies Pte Ltd
Mr Wong Chiu Man Managing Partner, Wow Architects
Mr Chua Hock Tong Managing Director, Greatearth Construction Pte Ltd
Mr Eng Wee Tong Deputy Director. Project Development and Management, Ministry Of Education
Mr David KH Lee Manager, National University Hospital (S) Pte Ltd
Ms Soh Kit Chew Director, Singapore General Hospital
Mr Fong Chun Wah, Pbs Deputy Director, Housing And Development Board
Ms Neo Hwee Peng Head, Agency For Science, Technology And Research
Mr Tan Teck Hau Agency For Science, Technology And Research
Mr Alvin Chua Deputy Director, Sentosa Development Corporation
Mr Victor Loo Senior Architect, Sentosa Development Corporation
Ms Kavita Gandhi Executive Director, Sustainable Energy Association Of Singapore
Ms Joann Ng Sustainable Energy Association Of Singapore
Ms Jay Chong Director, Sagesse Investments Pte Ltd
Ms Jenny Tan Green Edge Consult Sgn Bhg
Ms Phang Oy Cheng Green Edge Consult Sgn Bhg
Ms Grace Cheok Building And Construction Authority
Mdm Ow Peck Har Director (Facilities Development), Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
Mr Yatin Premchand Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
Mr Edwin Khew Chairman, Executive Committee, Sustainable Energy Association Of Singapore
Ms Li Sau Kei Director, Greenhilli Pte Ltd
Mr Nigel Greenhill Director, Greenhilli Pte Ltd
Mr S.K. Babu Regional Manager (Bar Systems Division), Vsl Singapore Pte Ltd
Mr Koh Seow Chuan Chairman, Executive Committee, Ministry Of Information, Communication And The Arts
Mr Kenneth Loh Kai Teck Architect, R Architects Llp
Ms Michelle Lim Suying Architect, R Architects Llp
17 Mr Simon Lee Fun Executive Director, The Singapore Contractors Association Ltd
Mr Chris Crawley Skycool
Mr Royston Toh Grandwell Pte Ltd
Ms Ma Jewella L Yap Chiu Teng Construction Company Pte Ltd
Lander Ian Robert Principal Architect, Ian Lander Architect
18 JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SINGAPORE CAMPUS GRADUATION CEREMONY
Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
ATTENDEES Lt Gen John Grey AC Chancellor, James Cook University Professor Sandra Harding Vice-Chancellor and President, James Cook University Dr Dale Anderson Chief Executive Officer, James Cook University, Singapore Campus
MEETING SYNOPSIS • I provided the Occasional Address at the James Cook University Graduation Ceremony.
SPEECH POINTS AND OUTCOMES • In my address I: • congratulated JCU Singapore on the acquisition of their new campus; • noted the significant growth in student enrolments at the JCU Singapore Campus, both Singaporean and international; • noted the importance of JCU’s Singapore campus in helping profile Queensland’s international education industry; and • noted the importance of international alumni as they provide vital relationship benefits to institutions and to Queensland, highlighting that this aligns with the commitment of the Queensland Government to continue to build an innovative, creative and knowledgeable society through global partnerships. • My participation at this graduation provided the opportunity to encourage graduates to maintain their links with Queensland in their post-university careers.
ATTACHMENTS • Run sheet • Graduation Ceremony Procession order • Speech notes attached as appendices • Media release attached as appendices • Graduation Ceremony Procession order
19 RUN SHEET
JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SINGAPORE CAMPUS GRADUATION CEREMONY
Singapore 5 September 2008
Marina Mandarin Ballroom Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square Singapore
1:00pm Light lunch (sandwiches, tea and coffee) available in the Libra Room
Prof Harding meets with Dr Lateef in Executive Centre, Meeting Room 1, Level
Note: Parliamentary Secretary did not attend the light lunch.
1:30pm Prepare for the Academic Procession
1:40 -1:45pm Invited guests escorted to the reserved seating. (List Attached)
1:45pm The Academic Procession assembles under the direction of the Procession Marshal, Mr Noel Richards.
2:00pm Graduation Ceremony Begins
National Anthems Anthems of Australia and Singapore
Official Welcome Chancellor, Lieutenant General John Grey AC
Admission of Faculty Awards Chancellor and The Chair of the Academic Board
Presentation of Faculty Awards Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology Faculty of Law, Business and the Creative Arts.
Presentation of University Award (Doctor of Philosophy – PhD) The Chairperson of the Academic Board will announce the award and the graduate’s name and read the thesis abstract. The graduate will be presented to the Chancellor (assisted by the University Secretary)
Admission and Presentation of an Honourary Doctor of the University (HonDUniv) The Vice-Chancellor and President will read the citation and the Chancellor will confer the award and present the testamur.
20 Occasional Address Mr Gary Fenlon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
Graduate Address Ms Jennifer Norris
Closing Address Professor Sandra Harding, Vice-Chancellor and President
Conclusion The Ceremony Marshal leads the Academic procession out of the auditorium in the reverse order to that which it entered.
Refreshments Immediately following the ceremony the Official Party and VIP guests are directed into the Libra Room where light refreshments are served.
When the first Faculty group photograph has been set up (approx - 15 -20 minutes) the Official Party are requested to join the graduates for this and subsequent group photographs.
Following the group photographs, graduates and their guests are served refreshments in the foyer. Staff are encouraged to be available for photographs with the graduates and their families.
21 Graduation Ceremony Procession
The Procession will enter the room in the following order:
Academic Staff (Seated in the back row on the stage) 1) Mr Noel Richards (Seat 1A) 2) Prof Joseph Yeong (Seat 10A) 3) Ms Teoh Ai Ni (Seat 9A) 4) Dr Nicole Doherty Roe (Seat 8A) 5) Dr Julia Lam (Seat 7A) 6) Dr Shaun Belward (Seat 6A) 7) Dr Foo Koong Hean (Seat 5A) 8) Ms Shanti Achanta (Seat 4A) 9) Ms M S Shanti (Seat 3A) 10) Mr Abhishek Bhati Singh (Seat 2A)
Official Party 11) Prof Robin Woellner (Seat 2) 12) Prof Jeff Loughran (Seat 3) 13) Ms Tricia Brand (Seat 4) 14) Mr Michael Kern (Seat 5) 15) Dr Dale Anderson (Seat 1) 16) Prof Paul Gadek (Seat 10) 17) Prof Scott Bowman (Seat 9) 18) Prof Andy Vann (Seat 8) 19) Mr Gary Fenlon (Seat 7) 20) Mr Henry Heng Jee Kwang (Seat 6) 21) Vice-Chancellor and President 22) Chancellor.
22 ALUMNI FUNCTION HOSTED BY JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY
Date: Friday 5 September 2008 Time: 7:30pm (for 8:00pm)
ATTENDEES Lt Gen John Grey AC Chancellor, James Cook University Professor Sandra Harding Vice-Chancellor, James Cook University Dr Dale Anderson Chief Executive Officer, James Cook University, Singapore Campus
MEETING SYNOPSIS • I attended this alumni function to provide a speech to Singaporean alumni who have received a Queensland education from James Cook University (JCU).
SPEECH POINTS AND OUTCOMES • In my speech I: • promoted Queensland education; • promoted the benefits of international alumni in enhancing relations between Queensland and Singapore in an increasingly global environment; and • outlined how the alumni present could continue to build on the strong relationship between Queensland and Singapore. • My participation at this function served to reaffirm the educational links Singaporean JCU alumni have with Queensland and encourage them to continue their association with Queensland as a partner in trade, investment and research.
ATTACHMENT • Speech notes attached as appendix
23 MEETING WITH AEI INTERNATIONAL
Date: Saturday 6 September 2008 Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
ATTENDEES Mr Suhaimy Hassan Education Counsellor, Australia Education International, Australian High Commission, Singapore Ms Kay Ganley CEO, Charton Brown; and State Director, Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET)
MEETING SYNOPSIS • I met with Mr Hassan to: • receive a briefing on the Singapore education market including priority and growth areas and related project and education opportunities; and • discuss ways to collaborate and avenues for ongoing communication with Australian Education International (AEI) Singapore.
DISCUSSION POINTS AND OUTCOMES • I received a briefing on the recent performance of Australia’s education and training exports to Singapore. • I enquired of Mr Hassan as to how Queensland can best position itself to continue to maintain the interest of Singaporean students in Queensland education providers. • Ms Ganley noted that there were a number of niche opportunities emerging for Queensland education providers in Singapore including: • establishing pathways courses into universities and education institutions; and • setting up training facilities for aged, child and disability care. • Mr Hassan noted the effect of competition from larger universities from the United Kingdom and the United States and stressed the need for Queensland to continue to focus its education resources in high-growth areas – such as training for aged, child and disability care. • Mr Hassan also advocated a stronger collegiate approach between Queensland universities in complementary areas. • I reinforced the Queensland’s Government’s to desire to continue working closely with AEI to take advantage of these and other opportunities in Singapore.
24 MEETING WITH DAS INTERNATIONAL
Date: Saturday 6 September 2008 Time: 3:00pm
ATTENDEES Mr Warren Dunne Director, DAS International
MEETING SYNOPSIS • This meeting comprised a briefing on DAS International’s contract with the Singapore Tourism Board for the Singapore River Lighting Project. • I met with Mr Warren Dunne, the Director of DAS International, who accompanied me on a site inspection of the development.
DISCUSSION POINTS AND OUTCOMES • Mr Dunne provided a briefing on the size and scope of the SGD15 million (A$12.9 million) project, which will incorporate the lighting of approximately 2.5 kilometres of the Singapore River from Robinson Quay to the Fullerton Hotel on Marina Bay. • We discussed DAS International’s dealings with the Singapore Tourism Board in securing the contract, particularly in relation to key issues for other Queensland businesses tendering for Government contracts in Singapore. • We also had the opportunity to discuss opportunities for DAS International in Singapore resultant from his participation in the Queensland Government Urban Development Workshop on 5 September 2008.
25
MEDIA RELEASES
26 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel
05/09/2008
Queensland and Singapore to share water expertise
Queensland and Singapore will work together to address issues relating to the conservation and efficient supply of water under a new agreement being developed between the two Governments.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade Gary Fenlon met with Singapore's Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Amy Khor today.
Mr Fenlon issued an invitation on behalf of Queensland's Water Minister Craig Wallace, for Singapore's Minister for the Environment and Water and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim to visit Queensland and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Urban Water Research and Management.
"Queensland is committed to working with Singapore as a recognised world leader on water issues, and we are eager to pursue potential trade opportunities from future joint- projects under an MOU," Mr Fenlon said.
"Queensland's water sector comprises engineering, technology and manufacturing firms , water infrastructure companies, water distribution entities, education and research institutions, finance companies and government agencies. The sector has been rapidly expanding in recent years, particularly in the area of urban water supply.
"Given Singapore's world-class reputation in water management, the Queensland / Singapore MOU could prove a valuable mechanism for exporting our State's water products, technology and management skills to secondary markets in the future.
"Singapore has developed state-of-the-art water facilities such as the NEWater recycling facility, utilising dual-membrane and ultraviolet technologies, the SingSpring Desalination Plant and the Changi Water Reclamation Plant, which are an example to the rest of the world.
"Queensland's export capabilities in the area of water conservation and management are set out in the Queensland Government's Water Sector Action Plan that I provided to Dr Khor today," Mr Fenlon said "The Action Plan also maps the Queensland water sector's rapid expansion in recent years and presents the sector as a promising source for new exports. It brings together the industry players to jointly market Queensland's water sector to the world.
"The draft MOU covers emerging technologies, climate change science and adaptation, management of water supply and demand, leakage detection and loss management, water quality monitoring, water sensitive urban design and institutional capacity building. "Following the invitation issued today, the Queensland Government looks forward to the formalisation of this important agreement," Mr Fenlon said.
In 2007-08, Queensland merchandise exports to Singapore were worth more than $412 million placing Singapore in Queensland's top 20 largest goods export destinations.
Media contact: John Smith 3237 1944, Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060. 5 September 2008.
27 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel 05/09/2008
Singapore discussions focus on transport alliances
Singapore: Queensland and Singapore have much in common, including a shared ambition to properly and efficiently address issues of future planning, funding and construction for major congestion-busting transport projects.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Trade Gary Fenlon met with Singapore's Transport Minister Raymond Lim today to discuss possible opportunities for project partnerships and information sharing on transport projects.
"Mr Lim is aware of Queensland's high levels of investment and expertise in bringing forth vital transport projects that will make a real difference in tackling urban congestion and making travelling easier, less time-consuming and generally more efficient for our State's workers and families," Mr Fenlon said.
"A delegation from the Singapore Land Transport Authority, led by the Authority's Chairman, visited Brisbane in May and met with Queensland Transport, the TransLink Transit Authority and the Department of Main Roads as part of an Australian fact finding tour.
"The Singapore delegation was particularly interested in Brisbane's public transport bus network and our world-class busway system.
"They attended briefings on Queensland's busway infrastructure planning, network planning, operation of bus priority signals and the latest public transport information systems and innovation.
"Their program included a tour of busways and a visit to Brisbane Traffic Management Centre at Brisbane City Council.
"Our meeting today was a good opportunity to assure Mr Lim and the Singapore Government that Queensland is well able to assist with Singapore's current and future transport development.
"I was pleased to offer Mr Lim my assistance, and that of the Minister, to access our State's transport expertise and experience in both the public and private sectors, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Singapore Government to find ways to meet shared challenges across both of our extensive transport networks," Mr Fenlon said.
Media contact: John Smith 3237 1944, Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
5 September 2008
28 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel 05/09/2008
Queensland companies can help build a greener Singapore
Singapore: Queensland's world-class building expertise and architectural design credentials were highlighted in Singapore today with the staging of a high-profile Urban Development Workshop by the Queensland Government.
Following the Workshop, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade Gary Fenlon hosted attendees, comprising around 50 of Singapore's major urban development stakeholders, at a function providing an additional forum to promote Queensland's quality green building knowledge and capabilities.
"Guests at the Queensland-sponsored Workshop and function today included Singaporean architects, consultants, engineers, relevant government authorities and planners, major builders, developers, building product manufacturers and suppliers," Mr Fenlon said.
"The Queensland Government has recognised that there is increasing global demand, particularly in Asia, for environmentally responsive and responsible architectural products and practices. To day's functions were about letting our friends in Singapore know that Queensland firms are well positioned to assist in meeting this demand.
"As a feature of these functions, representatives of Queensland environment-friendly building companies, HOK Sport and The Sanderson Group gave presentations on their capabilities and strengths in respective specialty areas of sporting facility design and construction, and development of public facilities and spaces.
"Queensland-based green building and product specifying company, Ecospecifier International, provided the keynote speaker at the Workshop with lighting specialists, DAS International also introducing their services. These presentations will help to further cement the State's strong reputation and credentials in Singapore.
"Growing international demand for environmentally responsible products and services has led to our State developing as a leader in the field of sustainable building products. T he recent growth of Ecospecifier's business is a prime example of this demand inspiring a highly innovative and creative supply base in Queensland," Mr Fenlon said.
Mr Fenlon said that Queensland has a style of architecture unique within Australia, and highly suited to international markets, including Singapore.
"Queensland's climate, development direction and history have led to our architectural sector developing niche specialities including theme park and entertainment precinct, health facilities and sporting facilities design and construction, on top of our high-level broad capabilities in this market.
"Queensland is well positioned to assist as Singapore looks to develop and expand with an eye to preserving the natural environment and promoting a cleaner, energy-efficient future," Mr Fenlon said.
Last year, Queensland merchandise exports to Singapore were worth more than $412 million, placing Singapore in Queensland's top 20 largest goods export destinations.
29 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel 05/09/2008
Queensland Government praises Singaporean graduates
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade Gary Fenlon today congratulated graduates at a ceremony at the Singapore campus of Queensland's James Cook University (JCU).
Speaking at the event at the Marina Mandarin Singapore hotel, Mr Fenlon said the presence of Queensland-based education providers in Asia underlined the outstanding international reputation of Queensland's education and training industry.
"In our increasingly globalised world, international experience is viewed with more and more respect by employers in both the private and public sectors," Mr Fenlon said.
"Queensland's reputation internationally as a provider of high-quality education and training will be of great assistance to graduates of JCU's Singapore campus, which is already developing a strong standing in the region amongst employers and students alike. "Queensland Education and Training International report that, for the 2007 calendar year, a total of 68,284 international students enrolled in Queensland institutions while the value of Queensland's international education exports was $1.614 billion for the 2006-07 financial year.
"The growth of JCU Singapore has been so rapid that new facilities were needed only five years after the opening of the original campus, with student numbers increasing from around 50 in 2003 to nearly 1200 today.
"By expanding its international operations into Asia, JCU is exporting the quality education for which Queensland is known to Singapore and beyond, benefiting not only JCU Singapore graduates but also our industries, and our great nations," he said.
"Many Singaporean graduates of Queensland institutions now occupy prestigious roles within the government and business communities of Singapore - current Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology Lee Boon Yang is a graduate of a Queensland University.
"Lee Lai Huat, who started HolidayCity.com - an online discount accommodation company with a transaction value of $32 million - also studied in Queensland, and acknowledges the importance of his international experience in achieving excellence in his ventures," Mr Fenlon said.
Mr Fenlon said Queensland's Smart State Strategy had helped to cement its position as an education leader, delivering a world-class education both within Queensland and through its offshore campuses.
Media contact: John Smith 3237 1944, Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
5 September 2008
30 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel 05/09/2008
Parliamentary Secretary congratulates Queensland university on new Singapore Campus
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade Gary Fenlon has congratulated James Cook University's Singapore campus on the official opening of their new campus.
In Singapore for the James Cook University (JCU) graduation ceremony tomorrow, Mr Fenlon said JCU Singapore had experienced great success, and exponential growth in terms of student numbers prompting the move to a larger, refurbished campus at 600 Upper Thomson Road.
"JCU Singapore has grown at an outstanding rate since they first opened in 2003, and the move to new premises will only strengthen their success," Mr Fenlon said.
"From an initial intake of 50 students when the first Singapore campus opened, to the current 1200 students they have today, JCU Singapore shines as a great example of taking Queensland's top class education to the world.
"The new campus has a student capacity of 3500 which will allow even more Singaporean and international students to gain a well regarded qualification from a Queensland institution," Mr Fenlon said.
"The new campus has been specially designed with the best e-learning facilities, including an online e-library, as well as traditional libraries, sporting facilities, medical centre, retail outlets, eateries and plenty of green space," he said.
"JCU Singapore was recently awarded the Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Organisations from the Singaporean Government - which recognises excellence in Singapore's private education sector - and is the first Australian university to receive such an honour.
"Contributing significantly to JCU's rapid expansion in Singapore is a strong synergy with JCU's North Queensland base. This is particularly relevant in the study areas of tropical industry, economies and peoples, tropical sciences including medicine and biosecurity as well as other studies relating to reef and marine ecosystem sustainability and conservation.
"I would like t o congratulate JCU on their success here in Singapore, and I would encourage other Queensland educational institutions to look to them as an example of how highly regarded Queensland's education system is viewed internationally," Mr Fenlon said.
The Queensland Government's export agency, Trade Queensland, has a dedicated unit, Queensland Education and Training International (QETI) that promotes and profiles the State's education and training industry overseas and builds international education and training alliances and partnerships.
QETI figures show that, for the 2007 calendar year, a total of 68,284 international students enrolled in Queensland institutions and that the value of Queensland's international education exports was $1.614 billion for the 2006-07 financial year.
Media Contact: John Smith 3237 1944, Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060 5 September 2008
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SPEECHES
32 SPEECH NOTES
FOR
MR GARY FENLON MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TRADE, EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
EVENT Queensland Government Singapore Urban Development Luncheon
VENUE Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard Singapore
DATE 11:30am-1:30pm Friday, 5 September 2008
33 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Mr Steve Sanderson, Principal, Sanderson Group
• Mr Gaurang Khemke, Vice President Asia, HOK Sport Venue Event
• Mr David Baggs, Technical Director, Ecospecifier
• Ms Mary-Lou Kelly, Managing Director, Ecospecifier
• Mr Warren Dunne , Director DAS International
SPEECH POINTS
• Welcome the attendees (approx 50 expected).
• Most attendees attended the Urban Development Workshop where David Baggs from Ecospecifier gave the keynote presentation and Warren Dunne provided an outline of DAS International.
• There has been unprecedented construction growth in Asia, coupled with the an increasing demand for environmentally responsive and responsible architectural practices.
• This presents an opportunity for Queensland specialist firms to take advantage of the global demand.
• There are major urban development plans for Singapore around Marina Bay and Sentosa Island in particular.
• Queensland companies have already demonstrated their capabilities in delivering quality projects in Singapore including:
ML Design - who undertake part of the master planning for the Sentosa Island developments.
The Sanderson Group – best known in Singapore for their Maine Cove work.
DAS International – who are currently undertaking work in Singapore on a lighting project on Boat Quay.
• Queensland is a big state with a range of climatic conditions, including tropical and sub–tropical climatic zones. A similar climate to Singapore.
• Queensland architects have an understanding of designing sustainable buildings for these climatic conditions.
• The demand for sustainable design in Queensland has also led to Queensland being a leader in developing sustainable building products.
34 • Ecospecifier who gave the keynote presentation at this morning’s workshop is an example of this demand turning into a highly innovative and creative supply base.
• Queensland has a style of architecture that is unique within Australia and that is highly suited to the international marketplace.
• This style has been showcased in two publications the Queensland Government has put together – HEAT and PLACEMAKERS. A complementary copy of these publications is available for you today. The publications outline Queensland architectural capability as well as our State’s dedication to environmental and social sustainability.
• The development and history of Queensland has led to our architectural sector having a number of niche capabilities including:
Theme park and entertainment precinct design (note the Sanderson Group).
Health facilities (note Thomson Adsett who have designed hospitals throughout South East Asia.)
Sporting facilities and facilities for major events (note HOK Sports)
• You have heard from Ecospecifier and DAS international today and I would like to invite Mr Gaurang Khemke Vice President, Asia of HOK Sport and Mr Steve Sanderson Principal of the Sanderson Group to give a brief introduction to today’s audience.
ENDS
35 SPEECH NOTES
FOR
MR GARY FENLON MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TRADE, EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
EVENT
James Cook University Singapore Campus Graduation Ceremony
VENUE
Marina Mandarin Ballroom Marina Mandarin Singapore 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
DATE Friday, 5 September 2008 1:30pm for 2pm
36 10 minutes; 1500 words
KEY MESSAGES
• Congratulations on your graduation
• Career opportunities opened up with a Queensland qualification and an international degree
• The quality of a Queensland education is driven by the Smart State Strategy
• This has changed how Queensland engages with the world; Encouraging the delivery of education in new and innovative ways such as overseas campuses
• The success of JCU Singapore and congratulations on the new campus
• The success of previous international Singapore alumni and inspirational words on achieving career success
• Remember to stay in touch through International’s alumni network
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Lt Gen John Grey AC, Chancellor, James Cook University
• Professor Sandra Harding, Vice-Chancellor, James Cook University
• Dr Dale Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, James Cook University, Singapore Campus
• Singapore dignitaries TBA
37 SPEECH NOTES
Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and President, Singapore Dignitaries (TBA), Members of Staff, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Graduates, Good Afternoon.
Firstly, let me say how delighted I am to be here in Singapore, a warm and vibrant city with which Queensland shares a long and fruitful relationship.
It is my great pleasure to be here together with you today in Singapore to celebrate your graduation.
Graduation is a great milestone in a person’s life - a celebration of academic achievement and the beginning to what will hopefully be a long, exciting and fulfilling career.
Graduation is a significant rite of passage.
It is a time to reflect on your study experience and to look forward to a bright and exciting future.
A time to be recognised for your academic achievement in the presence of your friends, teachers and peers.
The days of long hours of classes, lectures, studying and assignments may be over, but your learning will continue throughout your life.
It is now time to take what you have learned in the classroom and through work experience and to apply it to real world situations.
Your James Cook University qualification provides a very solid foundation upon which to build your career and apply your new skills and knowledge.
38 My University qualifications provided me with an abundance of opportunities and has brought me to where I am today as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Queensland Government.
[Anecdote here if appropriate.]
I am confident that your Queensland qualification can bring an equally successful and rewarding career to each of you. And that is my wish for you today.
You also graduate today with an international degree: a qualification that is coveted around the world for its ability to open even more doors in our increasingly global world.
In 2006, a study on employer perceptions of an international study experience was commissioned by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Education and Training International together with the International Education Association of Australia.
Not surprisingly, the response was overwhelmingly positive - an international education helps your career.
Nearly 70 per cent of Australian multinational companies surveyed said that an overseas study experience was a definite positive on a graduate’s resume, particularly if this experience involved some kind of internship or practical work component.
The study also found that an overseas study experience helps many graduates to progress more quickly through the company ranks and to secure opportunities for overseas travel in their work.
Employers who had recruited graduates with international study or work experience also cited their international perspective and alternative ways of approaching challenges as two of the greatest assets they could bring to a workplace.
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In addition, 72 per cent of employers felt that a second language makes a graduate a more appealing employment prospect.
We believe the combination of an international study experience with a Queensland qualification makes a graduate a very competitive prospect.
Each of you today should be proud to be graduating with a Queensland qualification.
Queensland is proud to be one of the world’s leaders in the provision of international education. The quality of our education system is recognised around the world.
The fast-growing recognition of the quality of Queensland education is illustrated by the fact that Queensland has universities ranked in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards 2007 Top 200 Universities. And Queensland was one of only three international destinations chosen by the Chilean Government in 2008 for its new three-year US $11 million vocational skills scholarship program, demonstrating growing international confidence in the quality of a Queensland education.
The establishment of Queensland as a provider of quality study options has been driven by a Queensland Government commitment to excellence.
Smart State Strategy
The Queensland Government’s Smart State Strategy has been successful in positioning Queensland as a leader in international education.
In the late 1990s, the Government saw the emergence of “21st century” industries such as biotechnology, creative industries, and information and communications technology as a way to diversify the foundations of the Queensland economy.
40 This became the basis of the Queensland Government’s Smart State Strategy - a strategy that encompasses and informs all aspects of life in Queensland, from education and training, through to industry and infrastructure development.
Education was identified as one of the key pillars of the Smart State strategy – recognising that education underpins and drives a region’s economy, the success of this economy and its business linkages.
The Smart State has built a world-class education system of the State and has changed the way Queensland engages with the world.
International borders no longer present a barrier to learning, and opportunities abound for students to study overseas or obtain an overseas degree at home.
As testament to the quality of a Queensland education, campuses of Queensland universities such as JCU Singapore are beginning to be established in a number of countries, as more and more students realise the benefits of such study. This campus is an outstanding example of bringing Queensland education to the world.
The growth of JCU Singapore has been extraordinary in the relatively short time it has been open, and its projected continued growth is proof of the quality education it offers.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your beautiful new campus.
It is especially exciting to be here to congratulate the graduates of JCU Singapore, the day after the official opening of the new campus, which makes this day even more special, and a great milestone both in your life and the life of JCU.
41 As you stand at the beginning of your exciting new careers, it is timely to focus on the others that have come before you and their success stories and to let them inspire you.
There are some outstanding alumni of Queensland universities of whom we are proud and I’m sure Singapore is even prouder. One is Lee Boon Yang who came to Queensland to study Veterinary Science and is now the esteemed Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Singapore.
Another Singapore alumnus, Lee Lai Huat, started HolidayCity.com, an online discount accommodation company, which last year had a transaction value of $32 million.
Mr Lee, who studied in Queensland, acknowledges that his studies helped prepare him for business success in the global online industry.
Now as you stand at this important juncture in your life, you too can achieve great career success.
Armed with the knowledge, qualifications and the maturity that comes with study you are poised to enter the profession of your choosing and to draw on your study and personal strengths to carve out a name for yourselves just as many other Singaporean alumni before you.
In my personal experience, the most important things in developing a successful career come from…
[Insert personal anecdote] (eg. education, drive, ambition, hard work, ethics, good professional relationships)
Before we send you out into the world to embark on your exciting career journeys, I ask you to stay in touch.
Over the next twelve months, the Queensland Government’s Queensland Education and Training International will form a Queensland Universities’
42 Alumni Group for international graduates from Queensland’s nine universities, to assist alumni to stay connected and be part of an invaluable network of contacts from around the world.
I encourage you to join up once you receive the request and to keep in touch with Queensland.
Ladies and gentlemen and JCU Singapore graduates of 2008: Let me once again congratulate you - the best and brightest, and the most likely to succeed!
I’ll leave you with these inspirational thoughts, which while not mine embody the well wishes that I want to give you today.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Henry David Thoreau
Enjoy your special day and may your career be successful and rewarding.
Thank you ENDS
43 SPEECH NOTES
FOR MR GARY FENLON MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TRADE, EMPLOYMENT AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
EVENT James Cook University Singapore Campus Alumni Function
VENUE Marina Mandarin Hotel
DATE 5 September 2008 7:30pm
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KEY MESSAGES
• Celebrate alumni and the powerful tool that is Queensland education
• The benefits of international alumni and relations between our countries in an increasingly global environment
• The relationship between Queensland and Singapore (education and trade)
• Highlight outstanding Singaporean Queensland alumni
• A snapshot of Singaporean students studying Queensland qualifications
• The success of JCU Singapore as demonstrated by its new campus
• How the alumni present will continue to build on the strong relationship between Queensland and Singapore
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Lt Gen John Grey AC, Chancellor, James Cook University
• Professor Sandra Harding, Vice-Chancellor, James Cook University
• Dr Dale Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, James Cook University, Singapore Campus
• Singapore dignitaries TBA
45 SPEECH NOTES
Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and President, Singapore Dignitaries (TBA), Members of Staff, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Graduates, Good Afternoon.
I was delighted to address the 2008 JCU Singapore graduates at the ceremony today.
It is my great pleasure to be here together with you tonight in Singapore to celebrate the success of James Cook University Singapore alumni.
Tonight we celebrate those of you who have made the smart choice for your education and have studied with Queensland’s JCU either in Queensland or at their growing Singapore campus.
It is wonderful to see so many of you here tonight, and is a testament to the pride of international alumni who have studied at a Queensland university and the ties they still hold to Queensland.
I would also like to thank [any other thank yous here].
Tonight’s function is a great platform to celebrate the success of our Queensland graduates and recognise what a powerful tool a Queensland qualification can be to achieving a successful career, not just in Queensland but also in Singapore and throughout the world.
One of the most satisfying things for me as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade, a portfolio which encompasses international education, is to meet with Queensland alumni such as yourselves and to hear your personal success stories.
As you have no doubt begun to realise in your own careers, the benefits of an international education aren’t just realised by individuals, but also by the broader communities they return to, armed with knowledge, skills, experiences and an international perspective.
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Today’s global knowledge economy requires students and citizens of all ages to be prepared for growing competition in the labour market and to navigate the challenges of increasing international business, social and cultural exchanges. Queensland equips its alumni to rise to these challenges.
Our alumni progress in their careers and personal lives carrying an affinity to the place and institution at which they studied. Your Queensland study experience binds Singapore and other South East Asian nations and Queensland, and creates a very personal relationship for you with Queensland. And these special relationships can stretch beyond personal friendships to extend into rewarding economic and diplomatic benefits for both our countries.
And greater than these economic and diplomatic relationships borne from alumni relations, is the profound cultural understanding between our two regions that is established.
As a member of the Asia Pacific region, Queensland is closely linked to the large and fast growing economies of South East Asia – and these will remain primary partners for Queensland well into the future. It is imperative that good relations continue to grow between us all, and international engagement through education and alumni relations is just one way in which we can achieve this.
Singapore graduates of Queensland universities are great ambassadors for each of our countries. They are proof of the success that can be achieved with the linking of our education systems.
There are some outstanding alumni of whom we in Queensland are proud and I’m sure Singapore is even prouder. One is Lee Boon Yang who came to Queensland to study Veterinary Science in Queensland and is now the esteemed Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Singapore.
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Another Singapore alumnus, Lee Lai Huat [lee-lie-hwut], started HolidayCity.com, an online discount accommodation company, which last year had a transaction value of $32 million. Mr Lee, who graduated with a Bachelor of Information Technology in 1995, acknowledges that his studies helped prepare him for business success in the global online industry.
These are just two of the outstanding career success stories of our Queensland alumni. Such a successful body of alumni is a tribute to the long-standing and mutually-beneficial education relationships shared by our regions.
Singapore has long been an important educational partner to Queensland, and long-standing institutional and articulation partnerships have seen many students from the region travel to Queensland to study at our institutions and share their culture with us.
Since the foundation of our first university in 1910, we have welcomed thousands of international students to Queensland, and many have come from Singapore.
In 2007, 1268 Singaporean students studied in Queensland. 91% of these students were enrolled in higher education courses.
I understand that there are currently 1200 students studying at JCU Singapore and it is projected that by the end of 2008 there will be more than 2500 students studying on campus. It is fantastic to see such growth.
This concept of education has also greatly expanded over the last decade to see Queensland universities extend their world-class education model to develop oversees campus.
48 I am proud of the success of the JCU Singapore Campus.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate JCU Singapore on being awarded the Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Qualifications from the Singaporean Government. It is the first Australian university to receive this honour.
And hence the need for a new campus.
I would like to congratulate JCU on its beautiful new campus at Upper Thomson Road.
This is a significant milestone in the growth of JCU Singapore and builds on the quality delivery of a Queensland education.
Let me take this opportunity to comment on the fruitful relationship between Queensland and Singapore and how this will ultimately benefit the alumni.
Through our long-standing education relationship with Singapore, we have come to recognise the value of international education and its great contribution to research, academic and student exchanges and institutional linkages, as well as long-term friendships, trade relationships, and business opportunities.
For example, Singapore and Queensland share a number of synergies across areas such as tropical biotechnology, environmental management, tropical architecture, healthcare, creative industries and eco-tourism. Our educational alliances and research collaborations continue to propel our successes in these areas in conjunction with our industry and trade cooperation.
Singapore is a member country of the Colombo Plan, a collective intergovernmental effort toward the economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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This plan brought some of the very first international students to Queensland and set the scene for the continued growth and expansion of the world’s now booming international education industry.
I am certain that the already strong education and training relationship between Singapore and Queensland will continue to thrive, and I look forward to all of us here tonight being instrumental in this process.
The education, industry and trade alliances that have grown from this relationship provide significant employment and relationship opportunities for alumni and will be exciting to see how you too build on this relationship through your own careers.
Finally, I congratulate each and every one of you here tonight on the successes you have achieved in your careers and urge you to never cease striving for excellence in the future.
On behalf of the Queensland Government, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to you all for making the time to attend this evening’s function and for continuing to invest in a friendship that we are eager to see continue well into the future.
Thank you and please enjoy yourselves tonight.
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Please quote: Mail Number/Author Code/Work Area
Space for Date Stamp
Lt Gen John Grey AC Chancellor, James Cook University JCU Singapore 600 Upper Thomson Singapore 574421
Dear Lt Gen Grey
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address graduands at the James Cook University Singapore Campus graduation ceremony held on Friday 5 September 2008.
The Queensland Government places importance on forging a strong relationship between Queensland and Singapore in the education sector and the success of James Cook University Singapore Campus is an example of how this relationship continues to grow.
The work of institutions such as James Cook University in their efforts to provide students around the world with a global experience and high quality educational outcomes is key to Queensland maintaining a sustainable and innovative international education and training industry.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you again to further discuss the promotion of Queensland education in Singapore.
Yours sincerely
Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
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Mrs Lim Hwee Hua Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport Ministry of Transport 460 Alexandra Road, #39-00 PSA Building Singapore 119963
Dear Mrs Lim
I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet with me on 5 September 2008 during my recent trade mission to Singapore.
The delivery of world-class transport infrastructure is a key priority for Queensland’s rapidly growing economy and our meeting reinforced that we have much to learn from one another in this field.
In particular, I noted your interest in learning more about Queensland’s expertise in assembling international consortia for major infrastructure projects.
The Queensland Government will be hosting it’s annual Major Projects Conference in Brisbane on 14 October 2008, which will feature a information session on the Queensland Government’s approach to Public Private Partnerships and alliances in the delivery of major infrastructure. Details for the event are indicated on the enclosed brochure and I warmly encourage you or a representative from your department to consider attending.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you again in the future to further explore how Queensland and Singapore can work together on transportation issues.
Yours sincerely
Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
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Dr Amy Khor Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources 40 Scotts Road, #24-00 Environment Building Singapore 228231
Dear Dr Khor
I would like to thank you for taking the time to meet with me on 5 September 2008 during my recent trade mission to Singapore.
I was pleased to learn of the strong complementarities between Queensland and Singapore in the water sector, which are reflected in the MOU developed in partnership between the Singapore Public Utilities Board under your Ministry and the Queensland Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Water.
In particular, I have reported to my Minister, the Honourable John Mickel MP, on the potential for the MOU to be used to harness the export capabilities of our respective water sectors and we will be working with the Department of Natural Resources and Water to ensure that all outcomes from the meeting are fully implemented.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you during a future visit to Queensland to further explore how Queensland and Singapore can work together on the environment and water.
Yours sincerely
Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
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Please quote: Mail Number/Author Code/Work Area
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Mr Warren G Dunne Director, DAS International Pty Ltd DAS International Pty Ltd 2/123 Sandgate Road Albion, QLD 4010
Dear Mr Dunne
I would like to thank you for taking the time to assist with and participate in my with recent trade mission to Singapore from 4 – 8 September 2008.
I was pleased to learn more about your project with the Singapore Tourism Board for the Singapore River Lighting Project, which is an indication of the strong market potential for Queensland in Singapore.
Further, early feedback on the Queensland Government Urban Development Workshop indicates a number of other promising opportunities for Queensland in the Singapore urban design and construction market.
I have briefed my Minister, the Honourable John Mickel MP comprehensively on the outcomes of my trade mission to Singapore and Trade Queensland will continue to help participants capitalise on these, and other opportunities.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you again in the future to discuss the export successes of DAS International.
Yours sincerely
Gary Fenlon MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
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