CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

THE 2008-09 YEAR will be recorded as a year of considerable change at the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre. Not only has there been transition of the executive management, and the office location, but in May 2009 the Centre entered a new Collaboration with Asialink.

The Collaboration brings together two successful organisations, both of which have made significant contributions to the building of Australia’s engagement in, and understanding of, the countries of Asia. Over 12 years, the Centre has built an enviable position in corporate Australia where it is now expected that an Asian engagement strategy is a key pillar of an organisation’s overall business future. Asialink, 20 years old in 2010, delivers a broad range of programming across education, arts, leadership training, second track dialogues, community health, and corporate and public programs. This programming builds the influence, impact and engagement of Australia, and Australians, in Asia.

From the commencement of discussions, both organisations sought results from the Collaboration that produced better outcomes for all stakeholders. The depth of Asialink’s programming combined with the strength of the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre’s corporate relationships will, in time, deliver more opportunities and benefits for all stakeholders and a better outcome for Australia.

As the two organisations chart the course forward, it is opportune and appropriate to recognise the contribution of the Centre’s founders. Chairman Emeritus Hugh Morgan AC, and Founding Director Richard Woolcott AC started the Centre in 1997, and with the support of the board and stakeholders have built the Centre to where it sits today, as the leading multilateral Asia Australia business organisation. Although no longer directors, pleasingly both Founders continue to be active supporters and contributors to the Centre. We would also like to recognise the generous contribution of outgoing Chairman Harrison Young, now Deputy Chairman, who has steered the organisation through the transition of the last year.

There were a number of other Board changes during the year. Retiring after distinguished service were: Bruce Dungey, Charles Goode AC, Hugh Morgan AC, Fiona Wallace-Smith and Richard Woolcott AC. I am joined as a new Director by: Tim Cox, John Curtis, Professor Glyn Davis AC, Lindley Edwards, Professor Ross Garnaut AO, Jenny McGregor, Professor Tony Milner AM, Professor Abdullah Saeed, Alice Wong and Peter Yates.

Early in the year, Fiona Wallace-Smith was appointed the Centre’s Executive Director. Fiona knows the Centre and its stakeholders well after having worked for 12 years at the Centre. This year Fiona has not only managed an organisation in transition but also continued to deliver the Centre’s program throughout the year.

Although a cliché, we do live in interesting times. There is now growing evidence that the last two years of financial crisis are drawing to an end with the prospect of a return to a modest level of world economic growth. The turmoil of this crisis has served to accelerate the shift of economic, political and financial might from the west to the east; indeed, Asian economies led the way out of recession. In this environment, Australia becomes more important for Asia. In the last two years Australia has emerged as a destination for Asian investment, and as a source of supply for the commodities essential to grow Asian economies.

Over the last 12 years, the support and contribution of the Members, and all the Centre’s stakeholders, has been pivotal in the Centre’s success. This support is appreciated and valued, especially in this last year, a year of considerable change.

There is more work to do in building Australia’s engagement in Asia, especially with the growing relevance of Australia in Asia. The Centre, now in Collaboration with Asialink, is well positioned to build on its position as the leading multilateral Australia Asia engagement organisation.

Sid Myer
Chairman

September 2009

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