Dear Members and Friends,
As we approach the end of 2021, it is an appropriate time to reflect on what has proven to be another challenging year for many across various industries.
Yet despite the difficulties again presented by COVID-related disruption, the business has again demonstrated its agility and resilience throughout. ATBC members continue to embody a dedication to excellence as they deliver the integrated businesses strategies and services essential to the daily lives of our communities.
I’m proud that throughout the year, ATBC has continued to make substantive contributions to policy discussions and various activities, provided our members with access to the thought leaders and decision makers through our events program, and further enhanced our commitment to champion a diverse, inclusive, sustainable and values-led organisation which included CPTPP submission to an Australian Parliamentary Inquiry on expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to support Taiwan’s accession, 25th Australia-Taiwan Bilateral Economic Consultations (BEC submission) and participated at the 26th Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations (JEMTIC) between the Australia-Taiwan governments. The highlight was the successful hybrid format of 34th Joint Conference of ATBC and ROCABC on 4th November in both Taipei and Brisbane. The collaboration between QAGOMA in Queensland and the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre in Greater Sandimen, Pingtung County in Taiwan and it consummated the “APT10 Business Cocktails – Celebration Arts from Taiwan” at the QAGOMA on 8th December was a great finale for 2021 in bringing to bear soft power diplomacy between Queensland Australia and Taiwan via promotion of the arts and cultural amongst the business community in Brisbane.
ATBC is grateful for the support of Austrade, Australian Office, Taipei and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, NSW Government and specially thanks to the Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Brisbane (TECO, Brisbane) for their kind support.
Next year will see even more activity on these fronts, as we further refine ATBC’s policy focus to address economic and technological trends emerging globally. Our first event will be a webinar on “Exploring future of battery industry supply chain and business opportunities in Australia-Taiwan” and planning for the 35th Joint Conference of ATBC and ROCABC in Australia.
ATBC is excited to provide a great platform for the Australia-Taiwan NextGen on the Australia-Taiwan Emerging Business Leaders Program (the Program) and it’s supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relationswhich it will be the main focus in 2022. This will include opportunities to explore in various’ sectors to drive towards the future leaders’ recognitions and identify more talented people amongst the business community. If you know anyone in Australia and Taiwan who might be the potential candidates, we would like to hear from you please (Please refer to the link for more info.).
On behalf of the Board, we take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best for a relaxed Christmas break and a healthy and prosperous 2022.
Ching-Mei Maddock
Chief Executive Officer
20 December 2021