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COUNCIL REPORT Agenda Item 7.1

15 December 2009 CR ONG POST TRAVEL REPORT, ECONOMIC FORUM,

Report by Councillor Ken Ong

Purpose

1. To report to the Council on the travel undertaken by Cr Ken Ong to , Malaysia associated with the inaugural World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF) for the period 16 and 17 November 2009.

Recommendation

2. That Council:

2.1. note the report and the incorporated summary of benefits and outcomes of Cr Ong’s participation in the World Chinese Economic Forum; and

2.2. request that management review the suggested actions contained in the report and provide an assessment to Councillors in the form of a briefing paper.

Background

3. On 29 October 2009, the Lord Mayor approved the proposal for Cr Ong to participate in the WCEF between 16 and 17 November whilst on private travel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

4. Cr Ong was invited to participate in the WCEF as a guest speaker for one of the sessions titled ‘The Chinese Diaspora Worldwide – Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility: Key Challenges Ahead’. Due to time constraints, this proposal was unable to be submitted to the Finance and Governance Committee as the next scheduled meeting was due to take place during the forum. In accordance with the Councillor Expenses and Resources Guidelines, the approval of the Lord Mayor was sought and obtained.

Key issues

Details of travel

5. Cr Ong attended the WCEF on 16 and 17 November 2009.

6. The WCEF event was organised by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) which was set up by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dato Seri Dr when he was in office.

7. The WCEF was attended by a large number of senior Chinese business people, Government representatives including Ministers, MPs, Mayors (from China), Academics and Professionals from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America. There were over 500 participants at this WCEF event.

8. Copies of some of the media articles relating to the WCEF are included in Attachment 1. Page 2 of 8

Councillor Expenses and Resources Guidelines

9. The Manager Governance Services has confirmed that the travel accords with the requirements of the travel guidelines outlined in the Councillor Expenses and Resources Guidelines.

Outcomes/benefits

10. Involvement in the WCEF allowed the Council to participate in discussions, exchange information and establish further links in forums that may assist business development in the Asian region. Some of the key observations, outcomes and benefits include the following:

10.1. there were many presentations covering China’s economic growth, business opportunities, the role of the Chinese Diaspora, new green technologies as well as trade opportunities between China and other countries in the region;

10.2. on the item discussing China’s position as the World’s third largest economy, the focus of China’s trade away from Europe and the USA raised hopes of more opportunities for the South East Asian region. For new investments and projects in China, the Mayors of the municipalities are the key to doing business in their cities;

10.3. the Chinese Diaspora should be used to set up a global network which could be utilised to increase business linkage and share ideas and opportunities which are mutually beneficial;

10.4. the Malaysian Government promoted its role as a regional hub for transport and freight of goods in Asia. There were discussions of the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and East Asia in terms of linkages and the China – ASEAN free trade zone which is due to be signed by the end of 2009;

10.5. issues faced include the lifting of tariffs which were opposed by some business Councils in ASEAN and Trade Unions also opposed this. There was also discussion of region wide Business Councils to address concerns;

10.6. China’s economic representatives discussed the need of other countries to understand local China business culture in response to comments about dealings which Chinese local government and businesses. China is now promoting opportunities in the North East and Western regions of China and encouraging more delegations to China;

10.7. other initiatives proposed include greater support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and Small Medium Industries (SMI’s) by Governments to expand into the region with open markets. This will provide opportunities and benefits to SME’s and SMI’s and enhance ties;

10.8. in most topics covered, the Chinese Diaspora was seen as the key to developing the business linkages and building new businesses between the countries of the region;

10.9. there were also many presentations that discussed corporate social responsibility which included the issue of environmentally sustainable practices and design. This issue is still in infancy stage with the recent introduction of the Green Building Index which appears to be based on the Australian Green Star rating. There are opportunities for Australian businesses and in particular Melbourne businesses to develop and establish a presence due to its leadership position in the region;

10.10. the organisers, ASLI, have discussed the possibility of staging the 2011 WCEF in Melbourne as many of the ASLI executive studied in Melbourne in the 1970’s and 1980’s; and

10.11. such an event in Melbourne will require the involvement of federal, state and local government support, as well as key leaders of the local Chinese business communities.

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Suggested Actions

11. In advancing opportunities arising from participation in WCEF, the following suggested actions are proposed for assessment and advice from management:

11.1. invite the ASEAN Delegation to visit Melbourne;

11.2. possibility of setting up a local Chinese Australian Business Council which are actually managed and led by local Chinese community members, with Chinese Australian Government members as patrons;

11.3. invite key ASLI executives and the Chinese Government equivalent to Melbourne for talks in preparation for the 2011 event; and

11.4. investigate business delegations to China that will result in export opportunities and foreign direct investment into Australia.

Cost

12. There was no cost to Council. The conference organisers funded two night’s accommodation and other expenses were funded privately by Cr Ong.

Attachment: 1. WCEF Media Articles 3 Page 40 of 8

THE MALAYSIAN RESERVE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17,2009 CORPORATE MALAYSIA China aims to be world's EVERGREEN FIBREBOARD I3HD 2nd largest trading power 3009 The nation has been the third largest trading power in the world since 2005, with total imports and exports volume reaching US$2.56 trillion in 2008, 17.8% higher than the previous year by LEE CHERNG WEE

CHINA is on its way to b, come the world's second lar1 est trading nation if its grows momentum continues. "It is normally expecte that foreign trade growt 3009 3 8' rates would be 1.5 to tw times that of China's econon REVENUE RM223.71 million RM330.77 DIII1on ic growth. That means if Ch NET PROFIT/LOSE 138492.37 mil ' n RM89.95 m Hon (From left) ASLI CEO Datuk Dr Michael Yeoh, Dr Koh, Lee and Mah Sing group MD/ chief executive Tan Sri na's economy grows by 8% 1 Leong Hoy Kum at the World Chinese Economic Forum yesterday EARNINGSSt.OSSPERSHARE 44.38 sen 43.22 snn 10% per year in the coming I to 15 years, its foreign trad DIVIDEND - . would grow by 12% to 20' per year. "It is not a dream that Ch 3 Q09 3Q 8 na would overtake German , i , REVENUE LI1lR'.11/1 6 rn, I,441 RMI00.75 billion 1 and become second large: 1 trading power in the forese, NET PROFIT/LOSS 6,51626 rn,II.n RM7.18 million able future," said Zou Mir IEARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE 6.66 sen grong, executive vice chai 15 sen man of the China Nationi DIVIDEND Committee for Pacific Ea nomic Cooperation (CNPEC yesterday. Zou added that China foreign trade may decreas 15% this year as its trad tional export market: namely the US, Europe an Japan, contract too quickl: But the decreasing rate is Ix ing narrowed month b month, and the trade vo 3 Q09 3Q08 ume may be stabilized i L. 2010, he said in a presents REVENUE RI.E41.17 rE5E.on HM38 45 m5hon tion during the World Ch INE7 PROFIT/LOSS RM2.24 million RMI.24 raion nese Economic Forum i _.. EARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE 0.315 sen 0.37 sen Kuala Lumpur yesterday. previous year. in the world behind the U Institute (ASLI). 1 China has been the thir CNPEC expects China's and Japan. In the press conferenc DIVIDEND largest trading power in th economy to grow 8.2% this "China has continuousl, Minister in the Prime Mini world since 2005, with tots year and 9.5% next year. In stepped up its participatioi ter's Department Tan Sri YSP SOUTHEAST ASIA HOLDING ISHD imports and exports volum 2008, China's gross domestic in regional economic cooper said the forur 3 Q09 3QOB' reaching US$2.56 trillion i product (GDP) stood at ation. The building of China came at the right time aft, 2008, 17.8% higher than th US$4.4 trillion, third largest Asean Free Trade Area is gc Chinese President Hu Jintac UE 6E134.25 mill on 433 9 mlilion ing full steam ahead. Nex visit to Malaysia recently, wi NET PROFITILOSS RM3.39 RM3.44 mann year is the first year to imple nessing the signing of fis EARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE ment the programme. Th memoranda and agreemen 3.49 sen 3.58 sen building of the Shanghai Cc covering co-operation i DIVIDEND operation Organisation i banking, higher educatio also proceeding with corn and sewerage. FOTRONICS CORP BHD prehensive and pragmati Koh added that bilateri 2Q 9 2Q0It cooperation," said Zou. trade between Malaysia an In a press conference dur China exceeded US$53.4 bi 1 ESVLSIUL RI:115.45 rniilk, RM16.6; ini'licrn ing the forum, Malaysia-Chi lion last year, beating tk NET PROFIT/LOSS -RM628,000 4142.58reili:ori na Business Council co-chair US$50 million target tw IEARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE -OAS sen .0. SEsen man Tan Sri Lee Kim Yes years ahead of the schedu. said business entities fron of 2010. Malaysia and China hav The forum was organise

INS Bioscience raised RMB1 by ASLI, Country Heigh OSK VENTURES INTERNATIONAL BUD Group/Easy Phae (RM492,704) to sponsor Ma Holdings Bhd and Easy Phi Q 09 Max CEO Datuk laysian students to attend th max. Among the speaker j3 DaVid Teat 2010 Shanghai World Exp, were Transport Minist, REVENUE RM2.98 mIllon next year. Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kea NET PROFIT/LOSS AM4.22 million The founder and depot: Penang's chief minister Lit IEARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE -2.88 sen chairman of Country Height Guan Eng and Minister Holdings Bhd added that th Energy, Green Technolog IDIVIDEND funds will be managed by th and Water Datuk Peter Chi Asian Strategy & Leadershir Fah Kui.

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14 PRIME NEWS NEW STRAITS TIMES MONDAY, NOVEMBER16,2009

Giving the New frontiers for business tourists a taste of with Chinese companies Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: An exhibi- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian nomic Cogperation and the stoma growth and the nexus tion on local Chinese restau- entrepreneurs should explore Chinese Professional and with the Chinese diaspora. rant and hawker food fare will linking up with those In China Businessmen Aseeciation of "It still also help promote be held here from Dec 18 to 20 to explore business opportuni - Victoria„Australia. Malaysia as a regional hub oi as part or the country's year- ties Imre; there and in other Viols said the forum had at- link China with other coon- end Fabulous Food 1Malaysia markets such as the Middle tracted 300 participants from trhus such as (those in) the promotions. East. Malaysia. the United States, Middle East" he said. Tourism Minister, Datuk Areas of interest could in- Britain, France, Pakistan, In a special message to par- Seri said locals and clude property and housing WORLD CHINESE Swiczerland. Singapore, Aus- ticiptuus of the forum, Prime tourists could savour choice development, infrastructure ECONOMIC FORUM tralia, New Zealand, China Minister Datuk Seri Najib Chinesas rood dished out by 30 projects, halal food industry, and Indonesia. Rezak said he welcomed Cisinese restaurants and a va- green technolog, palm oil Some of the distioguished guests from China and from riety or street food hawkers at processing and tourism pro- Croup. participants include bankers, countries around the world Ilte expo at Putra NAhrld Trade jects as well as traditional Chi- Yeoh said among the new private equity funsi. managers, whent the Chinese diaspora Centre. nese medicine. frontiers that could be charted professore and lawyers. had created vibrant overseas Speaking to reporters after Asian Strategy and leader- included getting the Chinese Minister in the Prime Minis- Chinese communities. includ- launching the Fabulous Food ship Institute {Asti) chief exec- sovereign wealth funds to in- ter's Department 'fan Sri Dr ing Australia. New Zealand, 1Malaysta 2009 here on utive Datuk De Michael Yeoh vest in Malaysia and more Chi- Koh 'ku Koon will deliver the Singapore, Indonesia and na- Thursday, Ng said: "Starting said those Would be some or nese companies on to list on keynote address at the forum tions sucrose Curio!, this year, the Tourism Ministry the issues to be explored at the Bursa Malaysia. while Transport Milkier Ile said by prinnoting closer will dedicate the last three first Mild Chinese Economic The forum is also supported Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and Inkiness links among user- months of the year for rood Asian Strategy and Forum Us be held here today. by four overseas organisations Penang Chief Minister lisn se.a.s Chinese itt SistffileaSt promotion. Leadership Institute chief The two-day fornm with the — the China Association of Goan Eng will deliver lun- Asia. Europe and Atedralia, it Xiu launched the fine din- executive Datuk Dr Michael theme "Building Inkiness Mayors. dm China Council for cheon keynote addresses. would help tap inek) the eco- ing promotion hist month anti Yeoh says the forum will help linkages, charting new fron- I he Pionsotion of International Yeoli said the forum aims to nomic resources or Chinos, fink month will be dedicated to promote Malaysia as a tiers" is jointly organised by Trade, dui China National better understand the key entrepreneurs armind the Asian heritage food followed regional hub Asli and the Cmmtry Heights Committee for Pacific Eco- forces driving China's eco- world, hystreet 111011111:

DISTANCE EDUCATION MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY "Your home is your classroom"

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JANUARY 2010 INTAKE

'he Programme dvances in technology have powered this paradigm shift in My).= ducation. In line with this, the vision of Distance Education to import quality education and knowledge through the RM18,605.00 sultimedia and information technology approach particularly ) the large group of people who have been excluded from articipation due to time and financial constraints. This is one nay to a second chance to attain a degree. Great discounts for he aim of Distance Education in Multimedia University is to Schoolchildren getting a closer look of an almost-real Tyrannosaurus Rex at the exhibition being rovide flexible, cost effective and quality education to life-long TM and subsidiaries held at the Foundation complex's exhibition hall. !arners who wish to continue their education anywhere and staff nytime. Rinimum Entry Requirements EPF withdrawal from Almost like the real thing STRW"A" Levels or its equivalent with at least 2 principals Account 2 KUANTAN: Each time the OR knowledge of dinosaurs, and oped by thiu Petrosains in- Tyrannosaurus Ilex roans( the opportunity to have a pie- IIMIse learn, / A recognized Diploma and MOVed itti head, the tore taLen with a mechanical "Ikh will offer a Wide range schoolchildren squealed in de- baching : State-Of-The-Art Resources monster, aactivities fur children during licious terror. Menteri Rosso Datuk Seri the school holidays — among Multimedia learning system (MMLS) Nine robotic dinosaurs are Adinsit Yarikob, who opened them colouring contests, ;ti- Face-to-face sessions the highlight or the Petrosaine the exhibition said: "This exhi- leractive quiz programmes r Module study guide DinoTrek exhibition at the Pa- bakes is a creative and innova- and talks on science" ining Foundation complex ex- live effort to teach children And en weekends Pelso- hibition hall. n/Id adults abotst dinosaurs." saints plans to organise iletivi- ,or further information, please contact :- The exhibition opened last Petrosains chief executive ties rortho whole thirdly. )istance Education Centre, Ground Floor, FOM SuildMg, week and will ClIttie (Ill Wine officer Kinks/ Nasarialn A visitor, Jul:nisi Nlan, said it etultimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100 Gyberjaya, Darul Ehsan 30. h olliurs interactive, hands- Tenglas Syed Ibrahim said the Was l0 haer In travel 'el: 03-8312 5763/48/78/45 Fax: 03-8312 5767 ott1,ducatismal games for insi- s'xlnihsiiistnn used the latest to Kuala Animus' loses, the es- : distance0mmu.edusny Website : www.mmu.edu.my/cirde A7714 unw ght or all ages to Oust thee' learning approaches devel- Mishkin. 2009*11A17H (Elgiz.) Page 6 of 8 !Het.. - 17

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