dec 2009 newsletter 2009 091209 - aas.org.sgaas newsletter december 2009 issue 2009-01 54th annual...

AAS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2009 ISSUE 2009-01

Australian Alumni Singapore, AAS Secretariat, 279 River Valley Road, #06-01 FDAWU Tower, Singapore 238320 www.ozalumni.org.sg

AAS Management Committee 2009/2010 President Mr Loh Hoon Sun Managing Director Phillip Securities Pte Ltd Vice-President Ms Peggy Tan Deputy Director (Projects) Deputy Principal’s Office, Nanyang Polytechnic Honorary Secretary Mr Alex Chow Head of Surveys and Inspection Deputy General Manager Nippon Kaiji Kentei Kyokai Assistant Secretary Mr Suhaimy Hassan Director (Education) AEI, Singapore Australian High Commission Honorary Treasurer Mr Seah Kim Swee Company Director Assistant Treasurer Ms Christina Tan Director, Hayman Pte Ltd Committee Members Mr Paul Chia CEO CXM Capital Inc Dr Ronald Lee Kim Liang Principal Consultant Ah Ronald Associates Ms Tan Boon Soo Partner / Architect ACA Akitek (Associated Civic Akitek) Mr Andy Tan Wei Ann Sales Director CAD-IT Consultants (Asia) Pte Ltd Dr Angelo Vernados Executive Director Heritage Fiduciary Services Pte Ltd Ex-Officio & Immediate Past President Mr Simon Ho Lecturer & Consultant Simon Ho & Associates, NASD Reg. Honorary Auditor Ms Esther Chng Senior Associate Iyer Practice

President’s Message Dear Fellow Members The Australian Alumni Singapore (AAS) will be turning 55 in 2010 and while convention dictates this as a time for retirement, I am delighted to be your new President to help move AAS forward not for just a year or two but towards its centennial anniversary. And of course, to achieve this, every alumnus, irregardless of age or university, is required to play a part. The call from past Presidents to keep the tenets of AAS relevant to attract younger members and rejuvenate the Management Committee, had been a challenge year after year. Thanks to our Immediate Past President, Mr Simon Ho and his Management Committee who had organized a couple of high profile events, notably the AUIAC 2008, AAS has not gone into retirement and oblivion. The new AAS Constitution adopted by the AGM on 29 Sep 2009, subject to the approval of the Registry of Societies, has recommended several changes that aim, among other things, to provide continuity and self renewal of the Management Committee and admit Institution members. In this system of self renewal, “one–third of the elected Management Committee members shall retire by rotation each year and shall be eligible for re-election provided no member shall serve for more than six years continuously.” We certainly hope to keep the AAS Management Committee constantly rejuvenated to carry on the tasks that the Founding Committee had begun. Our current Management Committee has pledged to reach out to all existing members through an improved and interactive website, an e-Newsletter once in four months, and regular events. With the provision in the new AAS Constitution allowing office bearers to stay for a term of two years, there will be more stability and continuity in the execution of planned programmes. To achieve the goals of our term in office and serve our members better, we have formed 6 Committees, namely, Activities Committee, Business Committee, Membership Committee, Newsletter Committee, Relationship Committee and Website Committee. Furthermore, with the admission of Institutional members, we hope to work closely with existing Australian institutions of higher learning, professional bodies and their campuses, branches and alumni bodies outside Australia and attract more new members. More importantly, we will foster closer relationships with the Australian High Commission in Singapore, the Australian business community and Australian Universities Alumni, both local and overseas, through our newly-formed Business and Relationship Committees. Hopefully, these will create opportunities for our members to network with both the Australian and Singapore business and professional communities. On a personal note, I am very excited at the changes and the vast opportunities that these will lead to. However, this dream will not be possible without your individual support. I look forward to working with you and celebrating the 55th AAS Anniversary in 2010. Best wishes Loh Hoon Sun President [email protected]


54th Annual General Meeting: Loh Hoon Sun heads AAS

The AAS 54thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 29 September 2009 at the NUSS Guild House at SUNTEC City. This was the second consecutive year that saw the support of more than 50 members – 52 members, including 16 new members, turned up. At the 53rdAGM last year, 51 members were present. The atmosphere was cordial and relaxed as members caught up with one another and the out-going Committee, sharing news and the latest happenings while tucking in the delicious fare. The outgoing President, Mr Simon Ho, moved the motion for a Constitution change, subject to the approval of the Registry of Societies, which included the provision for continuity and self-renewal of the Management Committee, admission of institution members and the lengthening of the tenure of the Management Committee from one year to two years. After some deliberation, the AGM supported the motion. It was a smooth transition of leadership from Mr Ho to Mr Loh Hoon Sun, Managing Director of Phillip Securities Pte Ltd, who had graciously accepted the honour. Members of the 2009/2010 Committee were duly elected without any opposition. As the Immediate Past President, Mr Ho remains on the new Committee as an Ex-Officio. Congratulations to the 54th AAS Management Committee! President’s Profile LOH HOON SUN B Econ (Hons), Dip Com, AAUQ, FCPA (A), CA (M), FCPA(S), FICP Loh Hoon Sun is Managing Director of Phillip Securities Pte Ltd and a Director of a number of companies. Phillip Securities is a major stockbrokering house in Singapore with operations in 11 countries. He graduated with a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. He is a Fellow and Council Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore.

Currently he is a Board Member of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and a Member of the GST Board of Review. He is also on the Regional Advisory Committee of the Securities and Investment Institute, the Industry Advisory Board of the UQ Business School and the Advisory Panel, Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting Centre, National University of Singapore. He is a Past President of CPA Australia, Singapore Division, and Chung Ling High School Alumni (Singapore) Association. In recognition of his contributions to the accounting profession and to his alma mater, he was honoured with the awards of Life Membership by CPA Australia and International Alumnus of the Year by UQ, both in 2005. Since taking office as AAS President in September 2009, Hoon Sun has met with HE Doug Chester, Australian High Commission to Singapore, to discuss ways to strengthen the bond between AAS and the Australian High Commission in moving forward. He was also invited to attend a lecture by the Honourable Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia, who announced the creation of a new Australian international scholarship programme "The Australia Awards" at the National University Cultural Centre Theatre on 13 November 2009. The Prime Minister was in Singapore to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2009.

A smooth transition - introducing the new AAS President…….

An amiable AGM

Mr Loh Hoon Sun


Committee Chairman

Six Working Committees To Serve You Better To provide a better service to AAS members, six Committees with their respective terms of reference, have been formed. These are: 1 Activities Committee

Terms of Reference: To organize activities alone or with other bodies for the benefit of members. Chairman: Mr Tan Kah Hoe Members: Ms Peggy Tan Dr Ronald Lee Kim Liang Mr Simon Ho

2 Business Committee

Terms of Reference: To seek sponsorships for events and raise funds for AAS, and maintain good relationship with the sponsors Chairman: Mr Michael Yap Members: Dr Angelo Venardos Mr Bill Chua Ms Diana Pang Mr Seah Kim Swee

3 Membership Committee

Terms of Reference: To recruit new member and maintain a good relationship with existing members. To review and improve Membership application process. Chairman: Mr Suhaimy Hassan Members: Mr Bambang Sumaryono Ali Mr Emil Dereinda

4 Newsletter Committee

Terms of Reference: To publish regular newsletters for circulation to members and posting on the website. Chairman: Ms Peggy Tan Members: Mr Jude Yue Ms Tan Boon Soo

5 Relationship Committee

Terms of Reference: To liaise with and maintain good relationship with the Australian High Commission, alumni bodies and universities and other organizations from Australia and elsewhere. Chairman: Mr Simon Ho Members: Mr Alex Chow Ms Tan Boon soo

6 Website Committee

Terms of Reference: To enhance, maintain and update the website of AAS Chairman: A/Prof Margaret Tan Members: Mr Andy Tan Dr Ronald Lee Kim Liang


Southern Ridges Canopy (ALUMNI UNITE & WALK TOGETHER) Walk

The Southern Ridges Canopy (ALUMNI UNITE & WALK TOGETHER) Walk held on 11 July 2009, attracted more than 800 participants from the various alumni associations/bodies. Mr Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Information, Communications and Arts, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC was the Guest‐of‐Honour to flag‐off the start of the walk. The other important guests were His Excellency Mr Doug Chester, Australian High Commissioner, Mr Seah Kian Peng, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC and Mr Chew Heng Chin, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament. This was the very first time that an attempt was made to garner the support of so many different alumni associations to come together under the theme “Alumni Unite & walk Together” for this community bonding event. Mr Tan Kah Hoe, Singapore’s former High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and a member of the Executive Committee of AAS, initiated and chaired the Organising Committee. This would be a precursor to more of such events which would include the charitable element and enable alumni to contribute meaningfully to the community and society at large. In his short impromptu address, MP Sam Tan applauded the inaugural event and encouraged participants to continue to walk with their families. He also noted the Organising Committee’s level of enthusiasm in its commitment to start planning for next year’s walk. The event ended with a lucky draw. It was a fruitful morning and despite the initial downpour, it was “all’s well that ends well”!

In appreciation to the sponsors and Organising Committee, a ‘Thank‐you Dinner’ was held at the Boomarang Bistro at the Quayside on 6 August 2009. The dinner was jointly sponsored by Mr Steven Teo, Director of Veritas Pte Ltd and Ms Kate McGettigan, Managing Director of Boomarang Bistro. It was an excellent closure and the Organising Committee would like to thank all sponsors, participating alumni and everyone who had contributed, in one way or another, to the success of the whole project.

Report by Peggy Tan

Ready, get set, go! Flag‐off by MP Sam Tan We’re walking in the rain & enjoying the cool breeze


Up, up and away, blazing the Hill‐Top Trail We’ve reached the top – what a lovely view!

Interesting curves Henderson waves We’ve made it to HortPark!

Thanks to our Marshalls Thanks to our VIPs, MP SamTan & on his left, HE Doug Chester Thanks to our videographer & photographer

Proudly displaying and upholding our University Banners


Heartiest CONGRATULATIONS from AAS! Ms Jessie Lee Wins APEA 2009 Most Promising Entrepreneur Award

On 28 July 2009, Ms Jessie Lee Kwee Lian received the prestigious Most Promising Entrepreneur Award of Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2009 at the Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony at the Ritz Carlton, Millenia, Singapore. Jessie is an AAS member and alumnus of Monash University, Queensland University of Technology and University of South Australia. Jessie is the Managing Director of Progressive Components (Asia) Pte Ltd, company that supplies the tooling industry with innovative products and the Award is in recognition of her drive and passion in moving the company forward. Despite her win, Jessie remains humble and attributed her win to a gift from God. Having worked with her on alumni activities, we know that Jessie, besides being efficient, effective and precise in her work, is also a trusted friend.

Report by Peggy Tan

Jessie with her prized trophy With Mr William Ng (centre) & Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn Chairman, Enterprise Asia

Meeting Australian Prime Mister, The Hon Kevin Rudd

On 13 November 2009, AAS President, Mr Loh Hoon Sun, and some committee members who were also heads of the various Australian university alumni chapters, were invited by His Excellency, Douglas Chester, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, to attend the launching of “The Australia Award “ by The Honourable Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia. The award will benefit more than 40,000 young people of Asia.

Report by Seah Kim Swee

The Honourable Kevin Rudd, 6th from Left, flanked by Hoon Sun on his right and Kah Hoe on his left,

with heads of the various Australian University Alumni Chapters in Singapore


Investment Talk

On Thursday 26th November 2009, a talk cum members networking night was organised by the "Business Committee" for its members. This event was presented by Phillip Gems Department, a division of Phillip Securities Pte Ltd and held at the Presentation Room, Level 6 Raffles City Tower. Out of the registered 30 members, 8 were new members. The event started at 6:45pm and ended at 9:30pm. Prior to the talk, members caught up with each other and had an informal networking session whilst having a "light meal". The speaker was Mr Anthony Hoe, Head and Senior Manager of Phillip Gems. With more than 20 years experience in the financial industry, Mr Hoe's presentation was timely in view of the turbulent financial and stock market in the late 2008 and early 2009. Armed with flip charts prepared by his research team, he gave a candid review that tracked the pre and post crisis, and gave a prognosis of the stock market moving forward in 2010. His interesting presentation opened up contributions from the floor and a lively dialogue ensued. Sharing from their own perspectives were members like Mr Bill Chua, alumni member of the University of New Castle, Dr Stephen Choo, alumni member of Curtin University and University of Western Australia, Mr Lee Ah Bay, alumni member of University of South Australia and Mr Simon Ho, alumni member of Southern Cross University. This is the first event organised by the "Business Committee" and more of such activities that are relevant for our AAS members, will be organized. Report by Michael Yap

I A cosy and informal networking session Introductions by Chairman of Business Committee, Michael Yap (R)

The interactive audience Our speaker, Mr Anthony Hoe


NEW MEMBERS AAS warmly welcomes the following new members:

1 Mr Ang Daniel Southern Cross University2 Mr Anthony Samy Francis Xavier University of South Australia3 Mr Chang Poh Fatt, Patrick Adelaide University4 Mr Cheng Meng Yeow, Eugene Monash University5 Ms Cheok Geok Hwee, Amy University of Melbourne 6 Dr Choong Stephen Curtin University7 Mr Chua Bill University of Newscastle 8 Mr Chua CH Victor University of Queensland9 Dr Er Kong Kiong, Dominic University of Queensland

10 Mr Hay Chik Sheng RMIT University11 Ms Ho Lydia Macquarie University12 Mr Lee Shawn University of Queensland13 Mr Lee Ah Buay University of South Australia14 Mr Liaw Wee Tong University of Queensland15 Mr Lim Jia Kai Adelaide University16 Mr Lim Sherng Hwei, Julian Murdoch University17 Mr LimTow Fok Adelaide University18 Dr Lim Wie Ming University of Queensland19 Ms Loo Chiaw Ming, Ally Latrobe University20 Ms Mui Kum Peng, Lydia Victoria University21 Miss Ng Chloe University of Queensland22 Mr Ng Kiang Chong Adelaide University23 Mr Ong Choo Teow , Harry Southern Cross University24 Ms Pang Li Yen, Diana Curtin University of Technology 25 Mr Tan Geng Hui University of Queensland26 Mr Tan Ken University of Queensland27 Mr Tan Peng Koon Southern Cross University28 Mr Toh Simon Adelaide University

UPCOMING EVENTS

Programme : A Dialogue With The Women Members of Parliament (MPs) Venue : People's Association Auditorium, Level One, 9 King George's Ave, S208581 Date/Time : 2 February 2010, 7:15 pm Registration : 22 January 2010 (deadline)

Please register early as places are limited to 40 only on a first-come first-served basis.

If you have a question for the women MPs, please email your question together with your registration. To register, please email your name, organisation name, email address and contact number to : [email protected]

WATCH OUT FOR MORE 2010 ACTIVITIES Canopy Walk II AAS 55th Anniversary Dinner & AAS 55th Anniversary Publication Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, East Malaysia) Climb

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REMINDER

Subscription fees are due for the year from January 2010 to December 2010. Please renew your subscription via cheque to “Australian Alumni Singapore”, and mail to: AAS Secretariat, 279 River Valley Road, #06‐01 FDAWU Tower, Singapore 238320

Please update the Secretariat of any changes in your contact details at: Email: [email protected]

Thank you.

dec 2009 newsletter 2009 091209 - aas.org.sgaas newsletter december 2009 issue 2009-01 54th annual...

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