Dear Members and Friends,
Why Taiwan Matters?
ATBC has been playing a rather important role in the relationship between Australia and Taiwan since 1983 through its understanding of the Australian government’s “One China” policy! Taiwan holds significant importance to Australia in several key aspects. Firstly, Taiwan is a vibrant democracy that shares common values with Australia, including respect for human rights, freedom of speech and rule of law. As Australia is keen to promote democratic values and maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan serves as a beacon of democracy and a model for other nations. Secondly, Taiwan is essential for the growth of the world digital economy. Thirdly, TSMC, the giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd, provides 90% of global output of chips for the supply chains of cutting-edge digital devices and weapons of today and tomorrow! Fourthly, Taiwan is not just an important export market for Australia – but also a friend with many people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges.
ATBC needs your support and participation to carry out more good works in many years to come!
1. Australia and Taiwan: Semiconductor Sector Outlook and Collaboration – Thursday, 8th June 2023 at Sparke Helmore Sydney(In person and online)
Taiwan’s dominance of the chip industry makes it very important as almost everyone wants a piece of it! Investment NSW sent a delegation to Taiwan in February led by Professor Hugh Durant-Whyte, the Chief Scientist, and Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) key personnel etc. They signed an MOU with the National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan (NSTC). This webinar was attended by the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, Director General Fiona Fan of TECO in Sydney, Professor Hugh Durant-Whyte and Dr Ho Lin of TECO in Australia among 50 guests online and in person. The panel presentations and discussion included experts from Sydney and Taiwan, and was led by Dr Jennifer Hsu, Project Director & Research Fellow, Lowy Institute and Senior Visiting Fellow, Social Policy Research Centre of UNSW.
This event was proudly sponsored by Investment NSW and National Science and Technology Council Taiwan and supported by Spark Helmore Lawyers.
2. ATBC AGM 2023 – Tuesday, 18th July 2023 at50 Martin Place, Sydney
The Macquarie Group once again hosted this year’s AGM followed by a Business Luncheon at their Sydney HQ. Chairman Toigo and Hon. Treasurer Cheng presented their reports both in writing and in a verbal presentation at the AGM.
The Keynote Speaker at the lunch was Professor Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney. ATBC presented the 9th “Sir Charles Court Award” to Mr Elliott Y. L. Charng, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia (TECO in Australia) for his contribution to Australia-Taiwan Relations over three decades.
3. How can Australia and Taiwan complement each other in Advanced Manufacture? – Wednesday, 9th August 2023 at ANZ Building, Level 10, 833 Collins Street, Docklands Melbourne (In person and online)
Taiwan is a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, with a highly skilled workforce and more than 700 hardware and component makers, generating over US$500 billion in exports annually. Taiwan is the world’s largest producer of computer motherboards and a leading manufacturer of semiconductors, LCD screens, and solar panels. Additionally, Taiwan ranks first in the world for robot density, with 56 robots per 10,000 employees, surpassing even Japan and South Korea.
Taiwanese firms are leveraging these advantages to push rapidly into emerging sectors such as automation, electric vehicles, battery technology, green energy, IoT and smart agriculture. More than a dozen Taiwanese technology firms have invested in Australia and several more seek R&D and co-development partnerships. With federal and state governments committed to fostering the growth of advanced manufacturing, Australian businesses can look towards Taiwan as a technology development partner.
Mr Bryan Stagg, Vice Chairman, Financial Institutions Group of ANZ, Mr Ray Lu, Director General of TECO in Melbourne and Mr Brent Moore, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Austrade Taiwan made their remarks in person. Chairman Toigo and Dr Guann-Jyh Lee, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) of Taiwan made their addresses online.
A great panel of Dr Roy Ko, General Manager of ANCA Motion Taiwan; Ms Taya Permezel, Director Partnerships, Coolon LED Lighting; Ms Susie Chen, EIoT Sector Sales Manager, Advantech Australia; Mr Younger L. Liang, Co-founder & CTO, KDH Design Inc.; Mr Raymond Hoac, Mini PC & IoT Product Manager, ASUS Australia and Mr Nick Carter, CEO & Managing Director of Skaysha Energy presented their insights. The final panel discussion was led by Dr Bill Petreski, Founder & Principal of Strategy61.
ATBC was grateful for ANZ to sponsor part of this event which it was held at their Docklands HQ.
4. 28th Taiwan-Australia Joint Energy and Minerals, Trade and Investment Cooperation Consultations (JEMTIC) – Friday, 28th July 2023 at Customs House, 399 Queen Street, Brisbane
Chairman Toigo and I joined online while a small delegation from Taiwan, as part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA), arrived in Brisbane to attend the event. 28th JEMTIC was hosted by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) Canberra and topics covered 1) Energy Policy Overview; Low Emissions Technology and Renewables; 3) Energy Efficiency Technology and Research; 4) Resources Outlook.
5. 36th Joint Conference of ATBC and ROCABC – Monday to Wednesday 14th to 16th August 2023 at the Shangri-la Far Eastern Hotel, Taipei (In person only)
The 36th Joint Conference of the ROC-Australia & Australia-Taiwan Business Councils was held in Taipei at the Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei. It kicked off with the Welcome Dinner and special Welcome Tea Ceremony on Monday 14th August 2023. Mr Yang Wei-Fuu, Chairman of ROC- Australia Business Council, CIECA, Taiwan and Mr John Toigo, Chairman, Australia-Taiwan Business Council Limited (ATBC) formally opened the Conference on Tuesday 15th August 2023. Ms Wang Mei-Hua, Minister of Economic Affairs; Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Special Minister of State and Minister for Trade and Tourism; Mr Tien Chung-Kwang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Hon. Cameron Dick MP, Treasurer & Minister for Trade and Investment, Queensland Government were invited to deliver remarks.
They all expressed the importance of and support for the Joint Conference of the ROC-Australia & Australia-Taiwan Business Councils at the opening ceremony. The conference attracted more than 170 people from industry, government and academia in Taiwan and Australia.
There were four topics for the conference and speakers are:
Farewell Cocktails at the Marco Polo, Level 38 of the Shangri-la Taipei was a great finale to the event in which everyone was chatting, admiring a fantastic view of nighttime Taipei and making great connections to sustain the resilient relations between Taiwan and Australia! ATBC was grateful to the support of Mr Lachlan Crews, Acting Representative of Australian Office, Taipei at the Farewell Cocktails.
The ATBC delegation made a special request to see the Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, an old friend of the ATBC, on 14th August 2023. We also dropped into to see another ATBC’s old friend – Mr Bruce Hung, Director-General, Department of General Affairs, MoFA and former Director General of TECO in Brisbane.
Vice Chair Callick and I had a very productive catch up with Chairman Joseph JC Lyu, Bank of Taiwan on 17th August 2023.
It was my great pleasure to attend the TIQ Taiwan’s “Queensland Night Gala Dinner” prior the Conference at the Grand Hyatt Taipei on 13th August 2023 amongst over 250 businesses leaders and the Guest of Honour – Queensland Treasurer the Hon Cameron Dick MP and his entourage from Queensland.
6. Queensland Trade and Investment (TIQ) Reception 2023 – Tuesday, 3rd October 2023 at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank, Brisbane
I attended the annual TIQ gathering of all the overseas trade commissioners and business leaders from all the respective countries with over 400 people in attendance. The Hon Cameron Dick MP, QLD Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment addressed the reception.
7. Double Ten – 112th National Day of Taiwan Celebrations in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra – Thursday, 4th October 2023
The Board of ATBC presented at each city to help with the celebrations. I was also honoured to address at the 112th Taiwan National Day Celebration at the Lake Burley Griffin Walk on Saturday 7th October 2023 which it was organised by the Taiwanese Association of Canberra, Australia (TACA). What a great way to celebrate and it’s very much enjoyable to take part!
8. Premier’s New South Wales Export Awards 2023 – Monday, 23rd October 2023 at ICC Sydney
I presented at the annual Export Awards. It was great to see so many categories of awardees whose hard work and ideas have made their business thrive in this rather challenging business environment.
9. Business Roundtable Discussions with Mr Robert Fergusson, Designated Representative to Taiwan of Australia – Monday, 13th November in Sydney and Thursday, 16th November in Brisbane
It’s really appreciated that Chairman Toigo hosted both discussions at the offices of Spark Helmore. Thanks to all the participating members of ATBC for your valuable time and input, which provided more insights and thoughts to Robert prior to his official posting to Taiwan from late November 2023. ATBC look forward to working with him in 2024.
10. Meeting with the Mayor Tom Tate of Gold Coast City Council – Thursday, 16th November 2023
Chairman Toigo and I met up with Mayor Tate and his team at the Civic Chambers at Gold Coast to introduce ATBC and seek support for the upcoming 37th Joint Conference, possibly to be held at Gold Coast again. The Mayor is very supportive of this!
11. 27th Taiwan-Australia Bilateral Economic Consultations (BEC) – 29th to 30th November 2023 in Taipei (In person)
ATBC always provides the ATBC BEC Submission to both Australia and Taiwan governments each year before the BEC actually takes place. This will be subsequently posted on the ATBC website for people who are interested. Vice Chair Callick provided a pre-recorded video to present at the BEC in Taiwan due to the fact that this year it’s only attending in person in Taipei. The Australian Delegation was led by Ms Elly Lawon, Deputy Secretary of DFAT and the Taiwan Delegation was led by Deputy Minister Chern-Chyi (CC) Chen of MoEA. CIECA/ROCABC (our Taiwan counterpart) presented at the BEC Taipei, emphasising that the joint conference of the two councils is an important bilateral non-governmental exchange platform between Taiwan and Australia.
12. MAGC Gala Dinner of Asia Society – Friday, 1st December 2023 at Park Hyatt Melbourne
It’s very much appreciated that Mr Christopher Campbell of Australasia Academies organised a table this year for ATBC to take part in the Asia Game Changer Awards 2023 hosted by the Asia Society in Melbourne – Spotlight on Southeast Asia. It was so encouraging to see so many wonderful awardees in various categories!
ATBC was honoured to invite Mr Luke Donnellan, a former Victorian government minister and Co- Chair of recent formed the Australia-Taiwan Club in Melbourne at the Gala Dinner to exchange view for possible collaborations.
13. Meeting with Mr Peter McMullin AM, Chairman of Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) – Monday, 4th December 2023 in Melbourne
Vice Chairman Callick and I met up with Mr McMullin who took up the Chairmanship of CACCI last November in Melbourne to introduce us to bring CACCI and ATBC closer for future collaborations.
14. Taiwan Global Food GO Project – Wednesday, 6th December 2023 in Sydney Hilton
I addressed the business matching meeting in Sydney for the 15 top food related companies from Taiwan. The meeting was led by Chairman Paul Hsu of the General Chamber of Commerce of ROC (ROCCOC). Supply chain issues and food safety also played an important part in the business matching events in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We wish them all the best for making the effort to visit Australia and hope they had a fruitful trip.
15. ATBC – End of Year Drinks and Pizza – Wednesday, 13th December 2023 at Domino’s Pizza HQ Brisbane
We are grateful to Nathan Scholz of Domino’s Pizza (DP) for agreeing to host this end-of-year event at their Brisbane HQ. It was a real eye-opener! DP has 190 stores in Taiwan which is one of 12 markets, with a total of 3828 stores. Do you know that DP sold more than A$4 billion of food, with A$1.05 billion of that in Asia in the past 12 months! We were pleased that the Director General of TECO in Brisbane Mr William Fan and his wife attended among other members and friends as we enjoyed drinks and very yummy pizza .
WORTH A MENTION
Mr Ray Lu – Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne
ATBC welcomed Director General Lu as he took up the responsibility at TECO in Melbourne late February 2023. ATBC would like to work with him, Global Victoria and VCCI in Melbourne more in 2024.
Ms Fiona Fan and Mr David Wu – Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney
Ms Fan has been in Sydney, Australia for over three years. She has been a great supporter of ATBC and very much respected in Sydney’s Taiwanese communities. Her work in bringing Taiwanese communities and Australian businesses to Taiwan has been greatly effective! She shall be missed!
We welcome Mr David Wu as Ms Fan’s successor and look forward to working with him in years to come.
Mr William Fan – Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane
ATBC welcomed Director General Fan as he took up the responsibility at TECO in Brisbane in April 2023.
Mr Douglas Hsu – Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia
A warm welcome to Representative Hsu who arrived in Australia on Wednesday 2nd August 2023 after his last position as Director General, Department of North American Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Taiwan. He has extensive and impressive involvement in North American affairs.
ATBC very much looks forward to working with him in 2024.
The New Members since July 2023
ATBC welcomes Mr Hank Huang, Senior Department Manager of MediaTek in Taipei and Mr Joeph Lee, Legal Practitioner Director of TWC Lawyers in Southport QLD who joined ATBC in October 2023.
The upcoming Taiwan elections on 13th January 2024
It’s an important moment to observe what modifications Beijing might make to its long-standing approach to cross-Strait relations, with its blend of coercion and intimidation on the one hand, and economic inducements on the other. After decades of this approach, the PRC appears no closer to its goal of “reunification.” We shall watch closely how all this might unfold!?
The upcoming 37th Joint Conference of ATBC and ROCABC in 2024
It will be held at Gold Coast around early August 2024 – stay tuned for it! ATBC is very grateful for the support of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) and Gold Coast City Council (GCCC).
Can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas, and with 2024 just around the corner we want to thank everyone for all your support through the year! We look forward to working with you in 2024 and beyond. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a peaceful and safe Christmas.
Don’t forget to follow our social media: instagram facebook twitter linkedin!
Best wishes
Ching-Mei Maddock (She/Her)
Chief Executive Officer
18th December 2023
chingmei@atbc.asn.au