entrepreneurs with fresh ideas

AUG / SEP 2014

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Dear members,

It was fantastic to have strong support from our members at the recent AGM. I was pleased to deliver the President’s report which tells a good story. Our events programme continued strongly with a diverse range of speakers connecting with members at 57 events attended by close to 4,900 participants. Our membership broke through the 700 mark for the first time in the history of the Chamber and we are forecasting 789 for the year. We are on track to achieving this target.

I am very proud to be associated with AustCham, the brand is undeniably one of the most visible in business networks in Singapore, the quality of the functions and our overall presentation cannot be faulted. The level of professionalism portrayed by the Executive Team is second to none and we hold a premier standing amongst the other Chambers in Singapore and the region. Every great team has a great leader and a special thanks to Annette Tilbrook who I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this year.

As President my objective is to continue to enhance the brand, and to promote member and service growth, ensuring we are recognised as the pre-eminent business Chamber in the Asia region and the go-to organisation for all Australian businesses venturing into this part of the world.I encourage you to make the most of your memberhsip and attend events when possible.

I look forward to sharing an exciting year ahead with you all.

Face to Face with Elena & Roland Scherer from Red Gum

Austrade update

Entrepreneurs: Making it matter

Entrepreneurs: Top dog of an Australian invention

Entrepreneurs: Awarding the entrepreneurial spirit

New in Singapore: Australian inspiration behind Chinese meals

Industry Insights: Before they start their engines

Industry Insights: Grand training for Grand Prix

Ask an expert: Choosing an international school

From the Executive Director & upcoming events

Out & about

Newsflash

New members

AustCham membership card offers

Our community

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17CONTENTS

President’s message

1923

Guy ScottPresident

Guy Scott

PLATINUM SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

The 2014 President’s report and the audited financial reports are available on the website under members menu. You must be logged in first to access this section.

AustCham Board PRESIDENT Guy Scott Faithful+Gould

VICE PRESIDENTS Adam Lyle Padang & Co

Greg Williams Commonwealth Bank of Australia

HONORARY TREASURER Graham Lee PricewaterhouseCoopers

HONORARY SECRETARY John Dick EY Dr Belinda Braggs ACS ServTech

Nigel Cummings Boost Media International

Philip Forrest Honorary Life Member

Graham Lee PricewaterhouseCoopers

Derek MacKenzie Designphase dba

Nick McGlynn Qantas Airways

Chris Rees Austrade

Vishnu Shahaney ANZ

Leigh Snelling Inational Maritime

Sean Straton JP Morgan

Annette Tilbrook AustCham

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Southern Star: Tell us about how you came to Singapore and how the business began?

Elena: My mother, Margarita Ryan, began the business in 1989. Her idea was to have Chefs pre-order their vegetables and salads from us. This meant what she ordered from the farmer would already be allocated here in Singapore, so delivery could take place directly from the airport We still work on that model today – farmer to Australian airport, arrive in Changi, and deliver to the customer before lunch.

Southern Star: What challenges did you encounter in the earlier days?

Elena: Chefs didn’t want Australian produce as they were all buying from Europe. Martin Fassler from Movenpick was our first customer and he introduced us to Chef Otto Weibel at the Westin. When others heard that Chef Otto endorsed us, then doors started opening. The food industry here is very small and everyone knows each other – reputation and word of mouth are vital. We never had sales staff, rather it has been word of mouth that has developed the business for us.

Southern Star: Tell us about your expansion.

Elena: In the early days, the company was run by myself and my parents, a bookkeeper, and a delivery driver. Our driver, Saleh bin Hamid, is still with us today, and is a key member of our staff. For a while we were working out of our home and doing deliveries by car and then Mum bought a refrigerated truck for the delivery of the vegetables. Nobody did that then – vegetable trucks were all open tray. The company stayed at that same level for a number years until I met Roland. He was Executive Chef at the Shangri-La and I was immediately taken with how positive and cheerful he was. After we married, he joined the business and with his knowledge of foods we expanded into processing as well. We

now supply a lot of the salad mixes that are in Cold Storage’s Fresh Food section. We also import olives and fresh vegetables and process them into antipasto products and salads, which Cold Storage includes in their delicatessan counter.

Southern Star: How do you select which products are included in your line?

Roland: We are the largest supplier of salad ingredients in Singapore. Our main products are vegetables, salads, antipasto, and cheese. It takes time and energy to bring a new product to the market and you have to be fully committed to it. I don’t want to just try a product out for three months and then say it didn’t work.

You need to have a strategy and be prepared to showcase it and promote it effectively. When we add a new product line it has to

complement our existing lines. By compliment we mean that for example, if we have a product that would compliment the cheeses we import, we would consider it. Especially if it brings us closer to offering our customers a complete “cheese board solutions.” We’re proud of the cheese brands we import, and are happy to help customers with information and training to improve knowledge of the product.

Southern Star: How have you managed your supply chains?

Elena: Originally Red Gum focused on Australian produce, hence the name, however now we have a global network of suppliers. Relationships with our suppliers are so important – we are always open and honest with them about who we are buying from. With fresh products like ours, there’s always a danger that bad weather will affect

a crop. Consequently, we always maintain a spread of suppliers. If our usual farmer cannot supply an item then we have an established relationship with another one who can help us.

Roland: It’s very important to be clear about the partnership with your suppliers and what your expectations are from the beginning. We enter into agreements with suppliers only when we are completely satisfied that the relationship will be supportive and strong. There are many risks and they all need to be discussed prior to conducting business together.

Southern Star: What is your point of difference?

Roland: Our philosophy is to eat well, live well, and only use the best ingredients. We only use natural preservatives. Some of our products could be cheaper if we used ingredients of lesser quality, but you get what you pay for.

Elena: We want to educate our consumers to know what they’re eating, and what the difference is in taste and health value between high quality fresh products and mass produced foods with added chemical stabilisers.

Roland: Our main value is customer service. We take total ownership of the products we import and produce. We take care of the product so it goes directly into the chiller at our customers’ restaurant or retail outlet. Our delivery staff are trained to put fresh products away themselves, if necessary. This ensures the product gets onto the end user’s plate (or in the kitchen) in the best possible condition.

Southern Star: As a leader in bringing Australian produce to Singapore, are you often approached by Australian businesses?

Face to Facewith Elena & Roland Scherer from Red Gum

Celebrating 25 years of bringing Australian produce to Singapore

Like the Australian native the business was named after, Red Gum has withstood hardships to stand strong and flourish as a leader in supplying fresh, gourmet food to Singapore’s finest restaurants, hotels and retailers. Southern Star spoke to Australian entrepreneurs, Elena and Roland Scherer to hear their story that’s been 25 years in the making.

(L-R) Chef Allen (Executive Production Manager), Roland Scherer, Chef Kit (Production Manager), Elena Scherer, Lydia (Office Manager) & Christian (Operations Manager)

Tip from the Cheese Experts

Cheese is at its best when it reaches its Best Before date. Look for cheese in the bargain bins – the closer it is to the expiry date, the better the taste!

Roland: We have a very good relationship with Austrade and work with a lot of Australian exporters. We often share our knowledge with those interested in exporting their products. Many Australian businesses looking to expand their markets think of Asia, but it’s not as easy as boxing up your product and sending a few pallets over. There is a lot more involved. We’ve put together a checklist so that Australian businesses approaching us can make sure they are export-ready.

Southern Star: Many businesses struggle with finding and retaining talent in the food preparation industry. What has your experience been?

Roland: We do food preparation, but we are different from a hotel. Our employees appreciate not having to do shift work, not working weekends and public holidays, and having regular hours. A big part of our success is our team. We like to share the success of the company with our employees. If the company does well, so do they. We have a low turnover, which is testament to the fact that we have created a great work environment.

We have made steps towards greater productivity such as purchasing a top of the range onion cutting machine from Switzerland, but it’s not always possible to automate all the jobs – some have to be done by hand.

Southern Star: Is there anything you wish you knew at that start of your entrepreneurial journey that you know now?

Roland: I am glad we’ve done it, but I wouldn’t do it again.

Elena: It’s very tough. We nearly lost the company a couple of time. It was stressful. We sometimes felt like walking away, but then you look at all the work you’ve put into it and you have to stick at it.

Southern Star: Do you have advice for others interested in starting a business?

Elena: When you sign a contract, read the fine print. Spend time understanding what you are signing up for.

Roland: You must always have passion for what you do - that is what gets you through the tough times.

redgum.com.sg

* According to research in 2013 by PwC for Google** Minister Robb’s full speech can be read here (http://www.trademinister.gov.au/speeches/2014/ar_sp_140115.html)

The Australian tech startup sector has the potential to contribute $109 billion to the Australian economy by 2033.*

In his speech on Innovation and the digital economy in January 2014, Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb said, “Australia is a knowledge-based economy, a smart, technologically savvy country with world-leading research capacity, and a reputation as innovative problem solvers”.

With Singapore’s aim to be the world’s first ‘smart nation’ that uses technology to transform the quality of life, Australia, a nation of sophisticated ICT users who eagerly embrace new technology, is a clear choice to help achieve this.

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Singapore football fans experienced enhanced viewing of the tournament – with real time local content through their mobile devices, thanks to Australian company Local Measure’s partnership with SingTel Mio TV. SingTel used Local Measure to gather aggregated location-based data from social media platforms and from fans inside the stadiums. This information was then turned into interactive social content for viewers in Singapore, providing them with a fully immersive World Cup experience; all through their second-screen viewing via their mobile devices.

Local Measure’s recent expansion into Singapore is a result of the interest coming from Asia. Singapore’s central position allowed Local Measure to use Singapore as a hub to service the larger Asia Pacific region. Some of Local Measure’s existing customers in Singapore include Spizza, Gelatissimo, SingTel and Qantas.

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Other Australian technopreneurs have recently announced their success in Singapore following CommunicAsia 2014.

• Two Bulls has signed a contract with Singaporean start-up, Nichify, to build their social networking platform. Two Bulls had also previously sold its iPad-based POS system, Breadcrumb, to Groupon which it provides to businesses in Singapore. This program has become Groupon’s professional restaurant iPad point-of-sale product. Early planning is now underway for Two Bulls to set up an office in Singapore.

• flexAnswer Solutions won a contract with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to implement its newly released “Virtual Assistant” - an online customer self-service solution to help customers get fast accurate answers to their first level queries; using their powerful advanced Natural Language Processing learning engine. Another unique feature is the ability to answer multiple questions asked in single question; deflecting the mundane repetitive phone and email volume besides providing real customer insights through its powerful analytics and reporting features. Currently it is in a trial phase for two Government agencies and excitement is already building from other Singapore Government agencies who are interested in this solution to enrich their customer service experience.

• Australian management and technology company, Sypaq, entered the ASEAN market via the establishment of Sypaq Business Partners (SBP); a joint venture between SYPAQ Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Cerulean Business Partners Pte Ltd, a Singapore based management consulting firm specialising in the financial services sector. Besides providing support to existing Cerulean customers in the insurance, banking and finance sectors throughout the ASEAN region, SBP will broaden its service offering to those clients by leveraging on SYPAQ’s track record of successfully delivering complex technology projects, including project governance and management, enterprise architecture, solution design and development, systems integration and ongoing support and maintenance.

Australia’s technopreneurs continue to provide innovative, technology-based solutions to global issues. PwC has predicted that the sector could contribute 4% of GDP to the Australian economy and 540, 000 jobs by 2033.

For more information contact singapore@austrade.gov.au

Australian companies embracing Technopreneurship

This story starts in mum and dad’s garage in Canberra. Like many entrepreneurs, Mick Spencer saw a gap in the market and took a big risk.

It was in 2009 that Mick Spencer began his dream of OnTheGo, a technical sportswear manufacturer, with the initial headquarters in the family garage. He committed to delivering 300 cycling jerseys in three weeks to a charity cycling event – a commitment no other business would consider as they quoted eight weeks as the fastest possible turnaround time.

Mick reminisces, “I had $150 to my name, was just out of Year 12, and had only lasted a semester at university. I threw myself in the deep end. There was economic turmoil in Australia and overseas, I was entering an industry that was very competitive and required lots of capital and I had no experience in the industry.”

Despite the risks and the lack of resources, Mick saw an opportunity. Mick explains, “I stumbled across a significant gap in the sportswear market where customers were not being serviced. Fast, quality custom-made apparel was not on offer. Our competitors had large minimum orders, long turn-around times and were very expensive. This forced small teams and sporting groups to compromise on comfort and performance and buy cheap and nasty products.

“By re-assessing the supply chain, we were able to cut out the middlemen. Our product is freighted directly from the factory to the user and this has slashed delivery times.

“Our use of technology and unique business model has revolutionised the market. It has not only streamlined various design and production steps, it has allowed consumers to create products beyond what they thought was possible; then have it delivered to their doorstep.”

Four and a half years later, OnTheGo now design, produce and distribute over 300 products to over 3,000 organisations worldwide. Team and individual sports such as cycling, triathlon and running are its biggest markets, with an increasing footprint in health clubs, enterprise and non-profit.

OnTheGo’s story in Singapore began in June this year when it signed an exclusive supplier uniform and apparel deal with Anytime Fitness Asia, the health club chain that just won Entrepreneur Magazine #1 Franchise in the world.

“The biggest challenges for building and launching OnTheGo into Singapore is understanding the existing players in the market. Our strategy is to target Singapore with a strong online presence, and also partner with local distributors, who already have a strong footprint,” says Mick.

Mick sees the biggest issue facing the retail industry is the transformation of shopping towards online and pop up shops. Over 50% of Singaporeans go to the internet before making a sizeable purchase, and close to 70% of Singaporeans are “showrooming” which means checking a product in store before they buy online.

Mick says, “This strong trend towards online shopping, and the pop up shop experiences, will drive the prices down for the consumers. Traditional retailers, especially the high-end ones, will need to adapt before their expensive leases catch up.”

Mick advises other entrepreneurs that Singapore can be expensive to learn lessons. “Keep your operation as lean as possible in the startup phase, and really keep risk low while you are trialing new products and markets.”

To Mick, success is waking up, following your purpose and learning constantly. “You have to love what you do. Business is tough, people are even tougher, and you will have times where people kick you down, everything goes against you and all you may have is your vision. You have to have a mindset of ‘when the going gets tough the tough gets going’, otherwise you will fall down and give up.”

Demonstrating the company commitment to its motto of ‘Every Day Matters’, every purchase made with OnTheGo makes a difference to youth in under-privileged areas. The company donate products and funds to youth programs in Fiji and Western Australia to help develop the leaders of tomorrow through sports.

Mick adds, “I’ve had health challenges and a wild journey through life, so it’s important to give every day, everything. You only live once. Make it count, make it fun.”

onthegosports.com.au

Making itMatter

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OnTheGo is a strong supporter of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and is its national supplier of apparel.

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Experience the vibrant and chic new Qantas Singapore lounge with:

- Neil Perry cuisine with live cooking station and extensive buffet- Bar offering exclusive Spice Temple cocktails- Barista coffee- Showers- Sofitel service experience- Tech pods

Eligibility for Qantas Singapore Lounge: AustCham members, Qantas Business customers, Platinum One, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club members, eligible Emirates Skywards members and oneworld customers.

Dine in style on the ground

Enjoy more sleep in the air

Qantas_AustCham.indd 1 12/18/13 11:53 AM

Charlie loves the great outdoors, Tanjong Beach Saturdays, West Coast Dog Run Sundays, the Sentosa Cove promenade during the week. A bouncy puppy, he would often return wet, sandy, smelly, and occasionally with unwanted friends.

Between bi-monthly grooming sessions, Australian owner Vishmi De Silva became frustrated. Struggling with washing Charlie in the family bath, it wasn’t until a recent trip to Australia that she had a brainwave - to bring the K9000 Dog Wash to Singapore.

A coin/note operated, self-service dog wash that shampoos, conditions, treats fleas and ticks and dries a medium-sized dog in as little as ten minutes, Vishmi was keen to introduce the K9000 Dog Wash to Singapore.

Having worked alongside Singapore’s National Parks Board, the K9000 Dog Wash will be launched at West Coast Park Dog Run next month, much to the delight of dog owners who have used the K9000 Dog Wash in dominant existing markets - North America, Europe and Australasia, as well as developing markets such as Israel and South Africa.

In forging ahead, Dog Wash Singapore has obtained ‘First Mover’ recognition in respect of their innovative business idea. The Pro-Enterprise Panel, set up by Ministry of Trade and Industry, is the champion for the First Mover Framework, which gives a head start to entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that maximise the use of public assets.

According to AustCham member and Dog Wash Singapore representative Vishmi De Silva, the potential of the K9000 Dog Wash is significant.

“In Singapore, pets live indoors, typically in confined HDB and condominium spaces, and are increasingly treated as family members. These factors, combined with the effects of tropical weather, the presence of brown ticks, and the high costs of quality pet products, make the K9000 Dog Wash an attractive proposition. Suffice to say, Charlie will definitely be getting a weekly wash,” says Vishmi.

Vishmi and her business partners have turned their attention to the commercialisation of the K9000 Dog Wash. “We see obvious opportunities working with pet stores and groomers, veterinary practices, and housing developments, drawing customers on a regular basis or improving available amenities,” says Vishmi.In considering partnership arrangements, Vishmi implores existing pet stores and groomers to think of Dog Wash Singapore as friends not foes. “We’re not groomers, we operate in a distinct space, providing a solution to one-off and weekly washing needs. We’ll cooperate and complement, as seen in other markets. Studies in Australia and Europe indicate that K9000 Dog Washes increase customer regularity, and accordingly spending, and even lure entirely new customers.”

The first partnership concluded by Dog Wash Singapore, whereby a K9000 Dog Wash will be operated at West Coast Park Dog Run, was centred on offering new amenities to park visitors. According to Vishmi this has been a highlight. “We have partnered based on the concept of bringing a relevant product to market, which was the initial impetus for bringing the K9000 Dog Wash to

Singapore, and that makes me particularly pleased. Singapore’s National Parks Board were fantastic in understanding the market, our offering, and went about introducing the K9000 Dog Wash to the market in a professional manner.”

Beyond these obvious collaborations, Dog Wash Singapore is fascinated to see what other partners will emerge.

“In Australia, all sorts of retailers have incorporated K9000 Dog Washes into their businesses, to increase traffic and awareness, or just make use of unutilised space. With the well-publicised increase in rents hurting Singapore businesses, we’re excited about the prospect of speaking with local business owners,” Vishmi explains.

With all the partnership prospects, it is easy to get lost in the business of the K9000 Dog Wash, but the founders of Dog Wash Singapore have not forgotten their initial inspiration.

Vishmi explains, “We chose the K9000 Dog Wash as it was independently rated by TMC Pet Vending Solutions as the best machine globally, and we chose Fido’s Pet Care Products as it offered Australian made, soap-free, hypoallergenic products. We want the best for our dog, and understand our customers do too.”

Walking the talk, and looking beyond just the interests of their own dog, Dog Wash Singapore have teamed up with Action for Singapore Dogs, and will be donating $1 from every standard $10 wash to help stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore to find homes through fostering and adoption programs. info@dogwash.com.sg

Top dog of an

Australian invention

Charlie enjoying bathtime in the K9000 with owner Vishmi

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Singapore is the springboard to Asia for many Australian businesses. Developing your business in this diverse region, working across the well-established economic powerhouses in Asia and the exciting emerging markets requires an open and educated approach. Hear lessons from business leaders already taking advantage of the major opportunities for business throughout Asia.

Guide to Singapore

Learn more...

Predicted to overtake Switzerland as the wealth capital of the world, what does this economic power offer your business? What are the trends, opportunities and challenges of operating in this unique Asian hub and how can your business take full advantage of its economic and political stability.

Key industry experts reflect on operating in their specific industries in Singapore and beyond. Angelo Augustus Managing Director for Harvey Norman in Singapore, Chris Pile from The Farm Digital Marketing and Dr Dale Anderson, Head of the Singapore Campus, James Cook University Australia are just some of our featured members who provide commentary on their industries.

Visit AustCham Singapore’s Access Asia - an online knowledge centre designed to assist Australians doing business in Singapore and the region through sharing stories, advice and lessons learned. AustCham has created videos and articles around four main pillars of learning:

The Singapore Story Your Asian Strategy Industry Insights

Visit www.austcham.org.sg and Access Asia...

Access Asia received funding from Austrade as part of the Asian Business Engagement Plan.

Our Guide to Singapore gives you the basic answers to the most commonly asked questions around relocating and working in Singapore.

Country PagesOur Guide gives you a snapshot of doing business in different countries. With the latest trade figures and links to relevant information, this is a great place to start your research.

This section keeps you informed with helpful insights and other news about Australia. Recently uploaded videos include David Thodey, Telstra CEO speaking on how innovation and technology in Australia is driving change.

Your Australian Connection

Awarding the entrepreneurial spirit

RMIT University has established a reputation for excellence in business and management education and research, through its longstanding commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship. A unique feature of RMIT’s College of Business initiatives is its Business Plan Competition, which offers a remarkable total annual prize pool available to all winners of over AUD$100,000 in cash and in-kind.

Now in its fourteenth year, this increasingly popular competition provides participants with the all-important skills that will enable them to deal with real-world business issues. The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across all of RMIT’s many campuses in Melbourne and Vietnam, as well as its students in Singapore. It is the largest of its type in Australia and one of the biggest in the world.

More than 3,600 participants have been able to take part in the competition since its inception in 2001, with many of its past competitors going on to high-level industry roles running successful businesses around the world. The Business Plan Competition is conducted over three rounds, and this year a closely-contested round one featured more than 100 international teams, including an impressive five teams from Singapore alone.Of these, one Singaporean team has been successful and has proceeded through to round two.

To assist with progressing forward in the competition, the Singapore team – like all of the successful teams – are given the valuable opportunity to be locally mentored by industry experts, including RMIT alumni.The Singapore team will go on to compete

against twenty-nine other teams for up to ten places in round three.

For this final round, teams will be flown to Melbourne by RMIT, where they will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative entrepreneurial ideas to a highly regarded panel of leading industry practitioners. Engaging industry professionals in mentoring opportunities allows current RMIT students to become the beneficiaries of their experience and success in business, including receiving feedback, guidance and practical advice.

The competition concludes with a gala awards ceremony hosted by RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor, which will be attended by Business Plan Competition sponsors, mentors, industry guests, as well as award contenders and their families. The Business Plan Competition is closely overseen by Dr Marcus Powe who, in the only program of its type in Australia, is RMIT’s Entrepreneur in Residence.

Dr Powe is a highly experienced business person, consultant and entrepreneur. All RMIT students, alumni and staff have access to Dr Powe, from whom they can seek advice about their concepts for new or existing businesses.

Last year, RMIT’s ongoing efforts to encourage entrepreneurship in the Asia-Pacific region enabled student entrepreneurs from RMIT Vietnam to win the Business Plan Competition, the first team from Vietnam to do so.

Their winning team created ‘TixZone’, an innovative business idea to create an efficient, secure and reliable online ticketing system, offering full ticketing solutions, as well as service packages for event organisers.For their efforts, the team was awarded the first prize of AUD$25,000, with Team leader and RMIT Vietnam student, Nguyen Thao Vy, saying that it was “a dream come true” to receive the acclaim of the industry judging panel: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I will never forget it!”

Comprising six teaching schools and over 400 staff, RMIT University’s College of Business is one of the biggest business teaching facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. With RMIT’s significant teaching and research partnerships in Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, alongside substantial

programs offered at RMIT Vietnam, the College attracts more than 23,000 business students internationally.

For the past twenty-seven years, RMIT and Singapore Institute of Management have worked in partnership to deliver quality higher education to Singaporean students. This collaboration is Australia’s largest transnational education partnership.

rmit.edu.au/bus

Can you assist?Planning for next year’s RMIT Business Plan Competition is already underway.

RMIT is keen to hear from Australian and international industry members – including those from Singapore’s business community – to participate in the 2015 competition as judges, mentors and prize sponsors.

As an experienced and respected industry professional, RMIT recognises that your sponsorship of a prize or your gift of time and expertise as part of the Business Plan Competition will immeasurably assist young entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region to aspire to achieve their innovative initiatives.

For further information about the Business Plan Competition at RMIT University’s College of Business email bpc@rmit.edu.au or visit bpc.rmit.edu.au

Above (L-R): The team behind ‘TixZone’: Nguyen Khoa Bang, Nguyen Thao Vy and Nguyen Trung Duc, with Professor Ian Palmer, RMIT Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and Vice-President.

Above: RMIT’s flagship Swanston Academic Building, home of the College of Business

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PS.Cafe was opened in 1999 as a cosy cafe hidden within Projectshop clothing store, serving hearty takes on savoury cafe classics, famous truffle shoestring fries and indulgent cakes, puddings and tarts. This home-grown Singapore brand quickly gained a following with the expatriate and local communities alike and now has eight establishments under the PS.Cafe, PS.Cafe Petit and Chopsuey Cafe brands. AustCham member Edward Lee, General Manager of PS Gourmet explains why Australia has always been integral to the Group. “Since the very beginning, the group has had close ties with the land down under from its Aussie inspired menu to the team itself. Our Executive Head Chef reigns from Newcastle and I from Sydney. The Chopsuey Cafe concept was how we had Chinese food back home. The restaurant pays homage to an array of Chinese comfort favourites and new interpretations of traditional foods influenced by the Anglo-Chinese memories by recreating them with premium meats, top quality seafood, and a colourful array of crunchy fresh vegetables.”

In June, PS Gourmet launched two new restaurants - Chopsuey Cafe and PS.Cafe Petit at 38 Martin Road. In recognition of the Australian-influence on the menu, AustCham members were treated to a delectable evening of fine food and wine as they trialled the food and service at the pre-opening.

A wide selection of traditional and creative dim sums are made daily by hand and steamed to order. Decadent desserts and refreshing cocktails get a tropical twist from fresh fruits, herbs and spices found throughout the region.

AustCham members unanimously gave Chopsuey Cafe their wholehearted approval and are eager to bring friends back to enjoy the new venue. Reservations are now also available for lunch and brunch at Chopsuey Cafe. Ken Hickson who attended with his wife M says, “I’ve already been back again - the great service and atmosphere make for a very enjoyable dining experience.”

pscafe.com

A fusion of flavours

Australian inspiration behind Chinese meals

Pork Coconut Salad

Siew Mai Dumplings

Chopsuey Cafe at 38 Martin Place

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When Singapore opens its doors to the world for the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, patrons will be greeted by many enthusiastic attendants. Fuelled by excitement, Australian training provider William Angliss Institute will train the local staff to assist patrons with information and guidance throughout the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

To prepare for Singapore’s largest sporting event, over the next few months approximately 2,000 participants will receive the highest quality, interactive and hands-on training from William Angliss Institute.

Centre Director at William Angliss Institute, Ray Petts describes the challenges of this style of training. “The training is heavily contextualised to ensure participants are able to easily transfer their new skills, knowledge and confidence learned in the classroom into their workplace responsibilities during the event. Unlike other training programmes where a teacher can get to know the students gradually, we have to ensure we form a rapport quickly. We need to make an impact and get an outcome in a short space of time,” says Ray.

The training actually begins with the trainer.Ray explains, “We are always focussed on our trainers being not only highly qualified, but dynamic in their teaching styles. They themselves undergo training to ensure the content they deliver is consistent. This consistency and attention to detail will ensure

the Singapore Grand Prix is showcased to the world in a way that it is recognised by patrons as the ultimate Grand Prix experience in regards to service excellence.”

As a street circuit, the model adopted by the Singapore Grand Prix is a success story as it actively engages the local hospitality industry to assist with the extensive event requirements. The event not only has a huge positive impact on the economy but also provides a great platform for participants to launch a full-time career in the events,

attractions, tourism and hospitality industry sectors should they decide to extend their studies after the event.

All those working at the Grand Prix are honoured to be associated with such a high profile international event and William Anglisss Institute is no different to all the customer service staff it is training. “Being appointed the training partner by the organisers of Singapore’s premier sporting event means a great to deal to us as a company. It identifies that our brand is synonymous in the Singapore market place for delivering the highest level of training, having highly-skilled trainers and being able to offer tailor-made training solutions to ensure specific learning outcomes are achieved” says Ray.

William Angliss Institute believes training is an investment. The link to performance and the personal development of staff is vital to achieve a competitive advantage within any industry. Flexible training solutions are offered by William Angliss Institute from a one day tailor-made corporate training programme through to the full WSQ Diploma qualification and with up to 90% funding available to Singaporeans and PRs for eligible courses.

angliss.edu.sg

Grand training

In September, Singapore will host its seventh race around a 5.065km track that curls around the harbour of Marina Bay. Drivers take just under two hours to complete 61 laps in 30°C heat and 80-90 per cent humidity, in what many consider to be the most spectacular race on the calendar. Behind the excitement and glamour lies AustCham member Faithful+Gould’s work as the engineering project manager, ensuring the smooth construction, operation and removal of the racing circuit and its supporting facilities.

Faithful+Gould’s role with the Singapore Grand Prix began with the 2008 inaugural race, the first night-time event in Formula One history. The company was then known as Confluence before its acquisition by Faithful+Gould in October 2013. After working on this annual project for seven years, it has built a close relationship with its client, Singapore Grand Prix Corporation and the other key public and private sector stakeholders, and its own project team now numbers 40.

Faithful+Gould Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Guy Scott, says, “Singapore is one of just three street races in the FIA Formula One World championships. Creating the race circuit from public roads within the Raffles District and Marina Bay areas is a major challenge. This is principally a commercial district, hosting retail, hospitality, cultural centres and park land. Minimal disruption to the community and surrounding businesses is achieved through close collaboration with several government agencies and the local businesses and property owners.”

Construction begins four months before the race takes place, when all race-related infrastructure is moved from a 38,000 square metre storage facility in eastern Singapore. Ten kilometres of fencing and approximately 2,600 safety barriers are needed, together with temporary bridges and ticketing booths. The track surface is comprised of a specially

designed coarse pavement mix with polymer modified binder, providing high shear strength and high grip in both wet and dry conditions. Maintenance works are undertaken annually to ensure that the surface meets the stringent Formula One requirements. High grip levels are maintained with specialist TrackJet cleaning equipment, originally used to maintain airport runways.

To light up the unique night-time track, 108,423 metres of power cables are needed, with 240 steel pylons and around 1600 light projectors, all installed over a period of three months. A week before the event, 650 tonnes of race teams’ equipment arrives by air and sea freight.

The Faithful+Gould project management and engineering role includes the spectator facilities. This is a complex planning and logistics exercise that considers passenger flows (to hotels and trackside), crowd control, security, spectator sightlines, corporate hospitality, food and beverage requirements and garbage collection. The event also hosts a series of trackside live music performances, with stage, sound and light requirements.

Multiple stakeholder management and collaboration is vital to the event’s success. Faithful+Gould support Singapore Grand Prix

First-class project management skills transform a densely populated city into a twisting street circuit for Formula One’s only night-time street race.

When the track goes live, I hear the first roar of the pace car

from my office. The chequered flag is a great spectacle, but the sound of the pace car is the sign that we’ve handed control of the track to FIA, the race will run and our delivery risk has once again

been well managed by our team. - Guy Scott, Faithful+Gould

in managing relations with many government agencies including the Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the transport authorities, the police and a variety of steering groups and working parties. Hotel access and operations are also important and Faithful+Gould liaise with the main players, such as the Singapore Flyer and hotels close to the Esplanade.

Guys explains, “This is a year-round project for Faithful+Gould, with the pressure on all behind-the-scenes teams mounting as the event approaches. Extensive communication, meticulous planning and careful scheduling are needed. Timely delivery is of course vital as the client, spectators, broadcasters, viewers, sponsors and of course the competitors are avidly watching the starting light gantry. Our seven years of experience ensures that each year’s new challenges can be met, risks are mitigated and our client’s interests are protected.

“We bring energy, experience and best practice project management principles to the design, procurement and delivery management of the project,” says Guy.

Faithful+Gould is a member of the Atkins Group of companies. Its goal is to become the leading integrated project and programme management consultancy in the world. Faithful+Gould currently employs over 2,300 staff with a turnover in excess of £230 million and has an expanding office base worldwide.

fgould.com

Before they start their engines...Before they start their engines... for the Grand Prix

17

ReferencesBamberg, J.D. (1994) Raising Expectations to Improve Student Learning. NCREL. Monograph.

Barott,J.E. and Raybould, R. (1998). Changing Schools into Collaborative Organizations. In Pounder, D.G. (Ed.). Restructuring Schools for Collaboration: Promises and Pitfalls. New York: State University of New York.

Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t. New York: Harper Business.

Constantiono, S.M. (2003). Engaging All Families: Creating a Positive School Culture by Putting Research into Practice. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Education.

DuFour, R., Eaker, R., and DuFour, R. (Eds.). (2005). On Common Ground: The Power of Professional Learning Communities. Bloomington, IN: National Education Service.

Freiberg, J. (Ed.). (1999). School Climate: Measuring, Improving and Sustaining Healthy Learning Environments. New York: The Falmer Press.

Fullan, M. (2001). Leading a Culture of Change. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Hattie, J. (2003). Teachers Make a Difference: What is the Research Evidence? Paper presented at the Australian Council for Educational Research Annual Conference on Building Teacher Quality, Melbourne.

Marzano, R.J. (2006). Classroom Assessment and Grading That Work. Alexandra, VA: ASCD.

Marzano, R.J., Pickering, D.J., and Pollock, J.E. (2001). Classroom Instruction that Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement. Alexandra, VA: ASCD.

Wiggins, G., and McTighe, J. (2007) Schooling by Design: Mission, Action and Achievement. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

Jacqueline McNalty

Director of Early Years/ PYP CoordinatorGEMS World Academy (Singapore)

Research-based indicators

international schoolfor choosing an

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. The quality of your child’s education will impact his/her future so it is important to choose wisely. You will never regret the time you invested in making the right decision in choosing a quality international school and providing the very best education for your child.

Educational research has shown that high performing, quality schools have a number of common characteristics as outlined below.

An expert teaching teamEducational researcher John Hattie (2003) proposes that the quality of teaching and learning provision is by far the most salient influence on students’ cognitive, affective, and behavioural outcomes of schooling – regardless of their gender or backgrounds. Indeed, findings from the related local and international evidence-based research indicate that ‘what matters most’ is quality teachers and teaching, supported by strategic teacher professional development.

Strong procedures should be in place to encourage a school-wide, shared responsibility for student learning and success. Educators place a high priority on ensuring that, in their day-to-day teaching, classroom teachers identify and address the learning needs of individual students, including high-achieving students. Teachers are encouraged and supported to monitor closely the progress of individuals, identify learning difficulties and tailor classroom activities to levels of readiness and need. Quality educators have high levels of professional accountability, taking personal and collective responsibility for improving students’ learning and their own teaching methods.

A clear and shared focusWiggins and McTighe (2007) highlight that effective schools have a clear, shared mission and vision resulting from common beliefs and values. Starting with the school’s mission and goals helps to develop a powerful school improvement plan focused on desired results. Everyone in the school is working towards a common goal and knows where they are going and why. The focus is on a consistent, positive direction for all involved.

High standards and expectations for all studentsEffective schools are driven by a deep belief that every student is capable of successful learning (Bamburg, 1994). They must provide a learning environment that is safe, respectful, tolerant, inclusive and that promotes intellectual rigour.

Effective school leadershipThe Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) as well as researchers such as Fullan (2001) and Collins (2001) highlight the powerful impact that school leadership teams can have in improving the quality of teaching and learning. Effective leaders create cultures of high expectations, provide clarity about what teachers are to teach and students are to learn, establish strong professional learning communities and lead ongoing efforts to improve teaching practices. School leaders nurture and develop a positive school culture that is conducive to learning and professional growth. They encourage distributive leadership, where teachers and other staff take on leadership roles within the school.

High level of collaboration and communicationBarott and Raybould (1998) highlight that in high performing schools there is evidence of strong teamwork across all grades and with other staff. Staff are connected and involved with each other, including parents and members of the community.

Quality curriculum, instruction and assessment Research from Marzano, Pickering and Pollock (2001) features the relationship between a quality curriculum and a strong impact on student outcomes. Schools will have a coherent, sequenced plan for curriculum delivery that ensures consistent teaching and learning expectations and a clear reference for monitoring learning across the year levels.

Frequent monitoring of learning and teachingMarzano (2006) concludes that high performing schools have procedures in place to encourage a school-wide, shared responsibility for student learning and success, and to encourage the development of a culture of continuous professional improvement that includes classroom-based learning, mentoring and coaching arrangements. A high priority is given to the school-wide analysis and discussion of systematically collected data on student outcomes, including academic, attendance and behavioural outcomes, and student wellbeing. Teaching is adjusted based on frequent monitoring of student progress and needs. Assessment results are used to focus and improve instructional programs.

Focussed professional developmentHigh performing schools place an emphasis on staff development and professional practice (DuFour 2005; Fullan 1993). Professional development is linked to the school’s mission and strategic plan.

Supportive learning environmentFreiberg (1999) discusses that high performing schools have a safe, healthy, happy and stimulating learning environment. A high priority should be given to building and maintaining positive and caring relationships between staff, students and parents.

High level of family and community involvementResearch from Constantino (2003) emphasises that high performing schools actively seek ways to enhance student learning and wellbeing by partnering with parents and families, other education and training institutions, local businesses and community organisations. Partnerships could be strategically established to address identified student needs and operate by providing access to experiences, support and intellectual and/or physical resources not available within the school.

gemsworldacademy-singapore.com

19

Dear members,

We are very pleased to welcome two new members to the team, Kristy Peters is our new Programme Manager and Kate Ryan who has taken over as Membership Manager from Lucinda Bertram who will focus on Marketing & Communications.

Kristy Peters has worked extensively in business marketing and is well underway to determining the business programme for the next few months. We have several exciting events already planned for our Excellence in Leaders series and Kristy has been kept very busy liaising with the offices of some high profile speakers. We’re excited to have confirmed Lindsay Maxsted to speak at a lunch on 19 Sep. As Chairman of the Board of Westpac, and also on the Board of Directors at Transurban and BHP Billiton, Lindsay was described by The Australian as ‘the most powerful boardroom operative in the country’. He will share with us his viewpoint on Australia’s engagement with Asia and the challenges that Australian companies face.

Kate Ryan comes to us from the AXA University Asia Pacific Campus where she was involved in the creation and implementation of learning programmes and was the liaison point for clients. Kate will be taking a close look at the membership processes and benefits. AustCham aims to capitalise on the strong interest in the chamber and grow the current membership-base so that it becomes an even stronger network across all industries.

New staff members provide a fresh perspective. As we show Kristy and Kate the AustCham way, it’s a great chance to reflect on why we approach things the way we do. Frequently we can recount a story or reason for why a certain system was adopted however sometimes we realise that it’s more historically-based and it’s a good time to review our procedures. Fresh ideas, new interactions and different conversations are so valuable in creating food-for-thought and there is a great energy in the office as we focus on delivering to you, our members, a high quality service and full range of events.

If you have ideas on how we can improve our offering, please do take time to let us know your thoughts. We value your feedback.

Upcoming events

Annette TilbrookExecutive Director

Annette

Above: AustCham Board Members and Executive Team

Thu 21 Aug 2014An evening with three Australian Government Ministers:Asia’s rise - Australia’s opportunityPARKROYAL at Pickering

Fri 15 Aug 2014Wine+Cheese NightGrand Hyatt

Register for events online at: austcham.org.sg

Co-Sponsors

Racing Expert

Supporting Sponsors

Fri 12 Sep 2014Australian Night at The RacesSingapore Turf Club, Kranji

Race Sponsors

Fri 19 Sep 2014Excellence in Leaders with Lindsay Maxsted, Chairman Westpac The Westin

Event Sponsor

Avondale DISCOVER THE

SPIRIT

Wine Sponsor

Event Sponsor

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Annual General Meeting12 Jun 2014 at Australian High Commissioner’s Residence

1 A full house for the AGM

2 (L-R) Michael Muncaster was the lucky member who received an Angsana Bintan Getaway from Stefan Thumiger for renewing before April 30.

3 (L-R) Douglas Peris, Arielle Benadi, Amber Lindman & Gabrielle Cummins

4 (L-R) Suzanne Ardagh, Clive & Annette Tilbrook & Chris Rees

5 President Guy Scott addresses the members

6 High Commissioner Philip Green welcomes Sean Straton

7 MC Phil Forrest concludes the official part of the evening to allow members a chance to mingle on the lawn

AustCham Special Breakfast: Caged Tiger - The Transformation of the Asian Financial System2 Jul 2014 at The Intercontinental

8 (L-R) Gavin Ingram, Leo Hannan, Annette Tilbrook, Graeme Hannan & Trevor Williams

9 ANZ Chief Economist, Warren Hogan

10 Guests enjoy breakfast and conversation before the presentations

11 ANZ Chief Economist, APAC, Glenn Maguire

12 (L-R) John Knox & Kurt Vella

13 (L-R) Karen Cariss, Warren Pink, Roger Smith & Michael Muncaster

14 (L-R) MC Phil Forrest presents Warren Hogan and Glenn Maguire with a token of appreciation

Event Sponsor

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Business Connects July17 Jul 2014 at Straits Bar, Tower Club

1 (L-R) Sandra Harding, Arielle Benadi, Leigh Snelling & Francis DSouza

2 (L-R) Elizabeth Tang, Kam Ying Goh & Alfred Chua

3 (L-R) Dale Anderson, Sean Straton, Sandra Harding, John Dick, Greg Wiliams & Jonathan Pooley

4 (L-R) David Tripp, Kate Ryan & Leo Hannan

5 Westpac’s Head of Private Bank, Asia, Francis DSouza welcomes the guests

6 (L-R) Ben Smith, Jacqui Hocking & David Holloway

7 (L-R) Andreas Koch, Francis DSouza, Graham Lee & Craig Manning

8 Christine Edwards from Honeycombers introduces herself as a new member.

9 (L-R) Justin Chia, Jacki Nicholas & Chris Pile

10 (L-R) Bernard Siew, Dianne Sainsbury, Lucinda Bertram & Jordan Gall

Inside Business: Managing Diversity Through Linking Country Culture and Business Performance23 Jul 2014 at Ashurst

11 (L-R) Ian Wilson, Phil Forrest & Matt Bertram

12 (L-R) Kristy Peters & Joanna Thumiger

13 A full audience

14 Guest Speaker, Pamela Young

Event Sponsor

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AustCham member Janus Academy, a language education provider, is partnering with online language learning platform, fluentlee.com.

David Yeng from Janus Academy says, “Learning a second language is one of the most valuable skills you can invest in yourself and your employees. Multilingualism breaks down barriers, opens up new markets, and builds stronger relationships. It can help grown your business in Singapore and across the region.”

David reports that the most common reason people fail to develop useable language skills is lack of conversation practice. “While time and practice are essential to learning a new language, class hours may be difficult to accommodate around busy schedules. The fluentlee.com platform is a perfect way for language learners to learn at their own pace, participate in sessions from the convenience of their home or office and receive language support from the language professionals at Janus Academy at anytime. Sessions can be as short as 15 minutes in duration to allow daily practice,” says David.

The recently launched service is still in its pilot stage and AustCham members are invited to trial the platform free of charge. Please see members’ offers page 29 or on the AustCham website for further details.

janus.edu.sg

Learning languages fluently

New Head of Private Bank, Asia appointed at WestpacFrancis DSouza joined Westpac as Head of Private Bank, Asia in June. Based in Singapore, Westpac’s regional head office, Francis is responsible for the management and oversight of all of Westpac’s private banking services and operations across Asia. Damien MacRae, General Manager, Westpac Premium said “With extensive regional experience in the key private banking markets and track record of building deep relationships with customers, Francis’ leadership will help Westpac build and transform its private banking proposition in the region.”

Westpac’s strategy in Asia is to connect customers to the increasing trade, capital and people flows between Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

“There is growing connectivity between the two regions as Australia and New Zealand expatriates are moving to Asian hubs like Singapore. Whatever their goals are, our aim is to work seamlessly across geographies to meet the needs of our customers,” says Francis.

Earlier in the year Westpac was ranked the #1 Most Sustainable Corporation in the World. In keeping with this, Westpac are very excited to be moving this month, to their new regional headquarters in Asia Square which has won top awards for environmental sustainability.

westpac.asia

Qantas and Jestar voted best Airlines, Australia-Pacific

Qantas and Jetstar have been named the two leading airlines in the Australia-Pacific region in the 2014 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Qantas was awarded Best Airline Australia-Pacific for the second year in a row and Jetstar Airways awarded Best Low Cost Airline Australia-Pacific. Qantas also received the accolade for the Best Premium Economy Class Catering.

Qantas ranked 11th out of the top 100 airlines in the world and in addition to its category win, placed in the top ten airlines in a majority of categories including Best Airline Inflight Entertainment (4th), Best Business Airline Lounges (4th) and Best Airline Business Class (6th). Jetstar was voted the number four low cost carrier in the world.

qantas.com

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Gold Corporate Members

Gold Corporate Members

ANZ ANZ’s presence in Singapore dates back almost four

decades. Starting as a representative office in 1974, the Bank

progressively transformed its business to grow alongside client

needs, offering financial solutions as an offshore bank in 1980

and later in 2002 as a wholesale bank with a private banking

unit. In 2010, ANZ received approval from the Monetary

Authority of Singapore for a Qualifying Full Bank license, after

completing its acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland’s retail

and commercial banking businesses in Singapore.

Today, ANZ Singapore has over 2,000 staff and four Retail

branches and offers a full range of banking solutions covering

institutional, commercial, retail, wealth and private banking. As

one of the two regional headquarters in Asia, ANZ Singapore

has been connecting clients to business opportunities across

Asia Pacific with extensive experience and deep insights

in sectors such as Financial Services, Natural Resources,

Agribusiness, Infrastructure, Property and Trade.

PHIL KENCHINGTON Team Head

ROGER SMITH Associate Relationship

Director

Gold Corporate Members

FAITHFUL+GOULD Faithful+Gould is a leading global project management

and commercial services consultancy that protects

and maximizes it’s clients’ interests in the planning

and delivery of projects. With a turnover in excess of

£220 million, Faithful+Gould has offices in Asia Pacific,

Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas and is part

of the Atkins Group, one of the world’s leading design,

engineering and project management consultancies.

MARTIN RIDDETT Director

DAMIEN NG Head of Origination Loan Syndications – SE Asia

RIO TINTORio Tinto is a leading global mining and metals company.

Metals and minerals are transformed into end-products

that contribute to higher living standards and economic

development. A 66,000 strong organisation working in

more than 40 countries across six continents, Australia

is home to around half its global assets. Rio Tinto and

Australia proudly share a rich heritage spanning more

than 100 years since the Consolidated Zinc Corporation

was founded in 1905 in Broken Hill, New South Wales.

ALAN SMITH President Iron Ore Asia

SERVCORPSince opening their first location in Sydney Australia

in 1978, Servcorp has grown into a global network

of exceptional office facilities with over 140 locations

around the world. With an unwavering commitment to

deliver premium quality business solutions, Servcorp

always establishes facilities in premier buildings with

unparalleled addresses located in the most dynamic

cities worldwide. With four outstanding locations in

Singapore, Servcorp will have a solution to meet most

requirements and budgets.

SELENE NG General Manager, Global

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATIONWestpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) has a proud

heritage spanning nearly 200 years. As the Most

Sustainable Corporation in the World (Global 100), and

with an AA- credit rating (S&P Long Term), it continues

to create a sustainable future, offering the stability and

longevity to support its customers. Westpac Private

Relationship Managers in Singapore are experienced

in meeting the unique needs of non-tax residents of

Australia, including expatriates.

FRANCIS DSOUZA, Head, Private Bank (Asia)

Corporate Members

ANTHONY COUNDOURIS Manager

APEXPEAKApexPeak eases the cash-flow problems faced by SMEs

and MNCs by buying e-invoices before they fall due.

Founded in 2013, the firm is ready to provide USD100

million to businesses located in APMEA (Asia Pacific,

Middle East and Africa). ApexPeak is headquartered in

Singapore, with a second office located in Cape Town,

South Africa. With additional offices scheduled to open

by late 2015.

BRUCE GRANT Managing Editor

BLOOMBERG LPBloomberg, the global business and financial information

and news leader, gives influential decision makers a

critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network

of information, people and ideas, delivering data, news

and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and

accurately. Bloomberg’s professional service, provides

real time financial information to more than 320,000

subscribers globally.

CHRIS LEACH Director Regional Business

Development

CROWE HORWATH INTERNATIONAL Crowe Horwath International, ranked among the top 10

global accounting networks, consists of more than 150

independent accounting and advisory services firms in

over 100 countries around the world. Crowe Horwath

member firms are known for their local knowledge,

expertise and experience balanced by an international

reputation for the highest quality of service.

JORDAN GALL IT Manager

FUNCTION EIGHTFunctionEight is a trusted, full-service technology

company, providing outsourced Business IT support,

bespoke advice, infrastructure and website development

services to small and medium-sized enterprises

throughout Asia.

SCOTT MONTGOMERY General Manager

FUTURE SKILLS INSTITUTE Future Skills Institute is the newest Vocational Education

and Training (VET) provider to Singapore. Future

Skill partners with clients adapting their government

endorsed courses around the operational demands

of each business. Using new generation teaching

methodologies, they offer certifications in Manufacturing,

Leadership, People Management, Finance, Accountancy

and Workplace Safety and Health.

JENNIFER ANDREWS Partner

GADENS LAWYERS SINGAPORE Gadens Lawyers Singapore is an imaginative, relevant

and commercial legal advice firm, focused on delivering

practical business solutions and exceptional service

experiences to it’s clients. A firm defined both by the

character and spirit of its people, as well as its knowledge

of the law. Gadens Lawyers pride themselves on their

creative engagement in dealing with clients, their people

and in their support of the community and the arts.

DAVID EDWARD Founding Education Principal

GEMS WORLD ACADEMY (SINGAPORE) International school GEMS Education was established

in 1959 and is today one of the world’s largest IB

(International Baccalaureate) private education operators

with a global network of 73 schools.

GEMS World Academy (Singapore) is it’s first foray into

South East Asia, bringing along a unique proposition as

a “truly international” school, pre-kindergarten to 12th

grade (ages 3-18).

The school provides students in Singapore with

connectivity with their peers worldwide, creating a unique

learning environment throughout the child’s education.

GEMS World Academy (Singapore) places great value

on providing students with a holistic education. While

academic achievements and qualifications are important

in helping pave the way to accessing a better life and

good university options, GEMS also believes a values-

driven education is equally vital.

The school delivers an internationally recognised

curriculum which supports their focus on holistic learning

initiatives for international students.

KELLIE HAMMOND Registrar

JACQUELINE MCNALTY Head – Early Childhood, PYP

Coordinator

VALERIO ROSSI Enrolment Consultant

– Corporate

DANIEL YOUNG Founding Head of School/ CEO

CHRISTINE EDWARDS Managing Director & Founder

HONEYCOMBERSHoneycombers is the ultimate go-to lifestyle resource in

Singapore, Jakarta and Bali. Whether you are looking

for things to do, hot new restaurants, spas & wellness,

nightlife, travel or family inspiration - Honeycombers

have the latest content online and offer free newsletters

to keep you in the know.

DOG WASH SINGAPOREDog Wash is Singapore’s exclusive provider of the

K9000, a self-service dog wash that shampoos,

conditions, treats fleas and ticks and dries a medium

sized dog in as little as ten minutes. Recognised as

the world’s leading self-service dog wash, the K9000

was designed in Australia, where it continues to be

manufactured. VISHMI DE SILVADirector

Corporate Members

CLEMENTS INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATEClements International Real Estate is a strategically

placed premium real estate agency with services

extending beyond Melbourne to the Asia Pacific island

of Singapore. As advocates for Melbourne property we

offer services across metropolitan Melbourne and we are

the experts in creating strategies that deliver outstanding

results in all price ranges.ROBERT CLEMENTS Licensed Estate Agent

PHILIPPE TOUATIHead of Institutional

Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand

26 27

Corporate Members

DANA RAHMAN Director of Administration

K&L GATES LLPK&L Gates LLP comprises more than 2,000 lawyers

who practice in 46 offices located on five continents,

with 11 offices in the Asia-Pacific region that includes:

Beijing, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul,

Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, and Tokyo.

K&L Gates represents leading global corporations,

growth and middle-market companies, capital markets

participants and entrepreneurs in every major industry

group as well as public sector entities, educational

institutions, philanthropic organizations and individuals.

Individual Members

PETER SELIGMANAssistant Branch Manager

MEYADO PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

MAGGI HUGHES Management & Leadership

Consultant

MATTHEW MITCHELL Executive Vice President IBAHN CORPORATION

RENE TRUELSEN Senior Vice President/ CFO

TEMASYS COMMUNICATIONS

MIKE ADAMSManaging Director

M.A. CONSULTING GROUPM.A. Consulting Group offers sales strategy and

execution advisory, corporate and CEO retainers and

sales leadership development.

BELINDA MELLIS Marketing Manager

PRESTO EXPAT MOTORINGPresto Expat Motoring Consultancy is the leading

privately owned motor vehicle solutions company

specialising in providing a consultative approach to

obtaining a motor vehicle whether this be buying, selling,

renting or leasing. A one stop shop for all your motoring

needs delivered via experienced & friendly consultants

available 24hrs, 7 days a week.

SOPHIA HOOPER Managing Director

THE PULSE NETWORK The Pulse Network provides innovative and effective

solutions for marketing your business, both online and

off. They have the sharp skills and flexibility to meet the

unique needs of your organization—whether you’re a

new small start up or an established corporation. Send

your business soaring to the next level with their range of

digital and real world marketing services.

LUXSHO LOGAN Sales Manager

SALESFORCE.COMSalesforce.com is the enterprise cloud computing

leader, delivering social and mobile cloud technologies

which include their flagship sales and CRM applications.

Salesforce.com help companies connect with customers,

partners, and employees in entirely new ways.

ANT HEARNERegional Director, South

East Asia & India

OUTBRAIN SINGAPORE Outbrain is the leading content discovery and

recommendation platform, serving over 63 billion

recommendations on most of the popular top publishers

websites, including: CNN, FOX, MSNBC, ABC News,

USA Today, Slate, BBC, The Guardian, and many

more. Outbrain provides marketers with a simple way

to get their earned and owned content recommended

efficiently and at scale.

BRIAN SHUPTRINE Director

TURNER & TOWNSENDTurner & Townsend is a leading global programme

management and construction consultancy that

supports organisations that invest in, own and operate

assets. Making the difference to projects across the

property, infrastructure and natural resources sectors

worldwide Turner & Townsend help organisations

succeed by managing risk while maximising value and

performance during the construction and operation of

their assets.

BRETT ALEGRE-WOOD Chairman

YPC GROUPSpecialising in off-market new build specialist selling

in Australian, UK and London properties, YPC Group

research, negotiate, manage, rent and grow your

property portfolio.

Associate Members

VINAY JAGESSAR Director

ARTERIAL MARKETING Arterial Marketing aim to be known as the agency that

thinks harder, works smarter and time and time again

puts a smile on your face by solving the tricky business

problem that’s been keeping you up at night.

STEPHEN BYRON Managing Director

CANBERRA AIRPORTCanberra Airport comprises the terminal and Fairbairn

RAAF base, as well as Brindabella Business Park

and Majura, all of which have undergone extensive

development since privatisation in 1998. With an

investment of $420 million the all-new Canberra Airport

terminal was opened by Prime Minister Tony Abbott

on 4 April 2014. With a growing role as a national

transportation hub, commercial business park and retail

destination Canberra Airport has been acknowledged as

one of the leading Australian airports, and was named

Australian Airport of the Year in 2002, 2007 and 2013.

RYAN MCDONOUGHCompany Director

URBANCo-founded by brothers Gavin and Ryan McDonough in

2002, URBAN employ a core team of 25 staff in Sydney

and Melbourne across two distinctively different, but

mutually supportive business units!

‘URBAN’ is an integrated experiential marketing and

communications business and ‘Activation’ is a national

staffing brand activation business.

Associate Members

GEMMA MANNING Managing Director

MANNING & CO Manning & Co is a full-service integrated strategic

marketing consultancy, head-quartered in Sydney,

Australia with reach into New Zealand and an expanding

presence in Asia, particularly Singapore. Founded

in 2008, they are a fast growth company providing a

complete range of strategic marketing services delivered

by an experienced and talented team of professionals

with expertise across both off and online media and with

Asia Pacific experience.

28 29

Coalface Dialogue is a leading collaboration,

negotiation and leadership consultancy. AustCham

members enjoy up to 50% off collaboration and

negotiation public programs. For details call 6513

2132 or visit www.coalfacedialogue.com/austcham-

member-offer.

Cliftons is the leading provider of premium, purpose-

built training and event facilities. AustCham members

enjoy a special discount of 25% off when booking a

room with Cliftons Singapore.

AustCham members receive 10% off best available

rates at Capri by Fraser, Changi City / Singapore, Capri

by Fraser, Ho Chi Minh / Vietnam, & Capri by Fraser,

Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia inclusive of one breakfast

and Wi-Fi. AustCham members enjoy 10% off Sunday

Brunch at Capri by Fraser, Changi City / Singapore.

Complementary Car Park coupon with minimum of 4

diners. Conditions apply.

AustCham members receive a 15% discount off all

orders of gorgeous Australian Native flowers over $90

at Australian Flower Girl! Flower girl offers flowers with

style for delivery and events island wide.

www.australianflowergirl.com

Allied Pickfords are pleased to offer two hours

complimentary handyman service on your moving

day, when booking your move with Allied Pickfords.

Contact Allied Pickfords on +65 6862 4700 to take up

this offer.

AustCham members and their accompanying family

members can access business class check-in and

the Qantas Lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore, when

travelling with Qantas. Just remember to bring your

current AustCham membership card when you travel.

Note: offer is not transferable; AustCham membership

card must be presented to take advantage of this offer.

AustCham members receive:

• ‘one-for-one’ on draught beers, red wine and white

wine, for the whole night at Bar Canary

• 15% off ‘All you can eat’ promotion at Open House

Restaurant.

AustCham members receive 10% off best available

rates courtesy of Frasers Hospitality. Minimum of two

nights stay. Conditions apply.

AustCham members and their immediate family can

enjoy member benefits with Dental Essence. Check

out the Membership Card Programme page on the

AustCham website for specific pricing. Terms and

conditions apply.

AustCham members are entitled to enrol at a special

rate for all International Company Directors Courses.

Upcoming courses are as follows: Shanghai on 7-12

Sep 2014 and Bali on 20-25 November. Contact Fiona

Currey on fcurrey@companydirectors.com.au for more

information.

visit austcham.org.sg for full details & conditions

ANZ Private Bank, Singapore is pleased to waive the

application fee for AustCham members applying

for a new Australian property loan (a saving of up to

US$750). For information, contact Peter Mostyn : t.

6681 2254; email: peter.mostyn@anz.com

AustCham members enjoy exclusive room rates in a

Deluxe room at S$310++ per room per night.

AustCham members also enjoy special offer dining

privileges at Olive Tree & Lobby Lounge (1 dines free

with 3 paying adults) and Victoria Bar 1-for-1 house

pours daily from 5pm. Attend The Arts on Sunday

Champagne Brunch and receive a $50 discount per

person. Conditions apply. Check AustCham website

for full details.

Honan Insurance Group is pleased to offer AustCham

members complimentary insurance assessment.

Contact Celestina Cheung: email celestinac@honan.

com.au; t. 8198 4110.

Style sets the tone of the three ultra-luxurious

Mulia properties set along 30 hectares of sprawling

landscape, on the exclusive coastline of Nusa Dua.

AustCham members enjoy up to 20% discount off Best

Available Rates. Conditions apply. For reservations

t. (62-361) 301 7777 or email joy.liu@themulia.com

visit austcham.org.sg for full details & conditions

Wine Exchange Asia is offering AustCham members

S$59 per bottle net for cases of six Mumm NV. To

order email Robert at robert@wineexchangeasia.com.

Subject to availability.

Ted Kelly Enterprises is offering AustCham members

a 10% discount on the Steinborner Family Vineyard

Barossa Deutsche Limited Edition 2005 Shiraz. The

special price is S$60 + GST per bottle. Conditions

apply.

Enjoy ‘The Virtual Office’ package and two hours use

of the Servcorp Boardroom complimentary for one

month. Note: the usual Servcorp terms and conditions

apply; not applicable to current Servcorp clients.

AustCham members receive a 15-25% discount on

meeting seminar packages and dining at these selected

restaurants at Raffles Singapore – Bar & Billiard Room,

Tiffin Room, Raffles Grill, Raffles Courtyard and Long

Bar Steakhouse.

AustCham members pay a flat fee of only S$15

for money transfers to Australia with Pay2Home

Remittance Services – a saving of 25%. To redeem the

offer, email customerservice@pay2home.com.

AustCham members can also enjoy 15%

discount at Robe de Princesse on line store. The

e-voucher is available from the AustCham website.

robedeprincesse.com.sg

AustCham members receive the following special

offers at Compass Offices’ four Singapore locations:

1 month FREE serviced office trial and

5 hours FREE meeting rooms

Conditions apply. Contact Candy Ng +65 6632 3638

or Mariza Santos +65 6631 2969

AustCham members enjoy 15% discount

on subscription of 6 months and above.

Get your copies today at www.newspaperdirect.com.sg

or email info@newspaperdirect.com.sg

Promo Code: AUC15

Meeting Magic is delighted to offer AustCham members

a 20% discount on graphic facilitation fees for strategic

leadership and small conference events in 2014.

+65 82440244, john@meetingmagicinternational.com

meetingmagic.co.uk

AustCham members receive a 10% discount on

presentation of their membership card at Hogs Bar

Restaurant, 382 Joo Chiat Road. Phone 6342 0382 or

visit hogsbar.com

AustCham members enjoy 20% off your total bill at

The Trading Floor, Tuxedo (both located at lobby level),

Plate all-day dining restaurant (level 3) and roof top

Graffiti Sky Bar (level 29) every day of the week.

For more information please email f&b@carltoncity.sg

AustCham members enjoy 10% off Best Available

Rates for all room categories. For enquiries or

reservations, please email Reservations.OHS@

millenniumhotels.com

AustCham members also enjoy special dining

privileges at Orchard Cafe, Noodles, Intermezzo Bar

and Hua Ting Restaurant. Conditions apply. Check

AustCham website for full details.

Order the Entertainer Singapore 2014 book or mobile

app online today at www.theentertainerasia.com

and receive a 20% discount, exclusive to AustCham

members. Just enter the promo code ACC20 on the

website and enjoy thousands of dollars in savings until

the end of this year!

AustCham members receive 15% off for the total bill at

Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore’s Lobby Lounge for the

Gourmet High Tea Buffet from 2-5pm daily.

AustCham members receive 25% off Best Available

Rate at Banyan Tree Bintan or Angsana Bintan. This

offer comes along with International Buffet Breakfast for

two persons and other great benefits

AustCham members receive a 10% discount on

presentation of their membership card at Bacchanalia

Restaurant Bar Lounge. Phone 6509 1453

Far East Hospitality hotels in Singapore are offering

AustCham members 5% off Best Available Rate

with Complimentary daily buffet breakfast and Free

WiFi with minimum 2 nights per stay. For TFE hotels

in Australia, AustCham members receive 10% off Best

Available Rate. Check the AustCham website for links

to the reservations pages.

Shiva Designs are offering AustCham members a 15%

discount on all purchases over $99. This discount can

be used at the online store www.shivadesignsbespoke.

com by quoting “AUSTCHAM” at checkout. And is also

applicable to all purchases made at our studio.

AustCham members can receive a free consultation

on any of the 60 “off the plan” property developments

currently in their showroom (Brisbane, Melbourne and

Sydney), as well as discounted rental management

fees for those with property in Melbourne and a free

finance check up on current Australian property

investments – such as refinancing, multi-currency

loans and rental appraisals.

Janus Academy is collaborating with language learning

platform, Fluentlee. The pilot version is giving away

four free 15-minute online sessions in Mandarin or

Japanese to the first twenty AustCham members.

Email ask@janus.edu.sg for more details

30

AustCham Singapore (Australian Chamber

of Commerce Singapore) 25 Napier Road, Level 3,

Singapore 258507 Tel: +65 6738 7917

Fax: +65 6738 7916 www.austcham.org.sg

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

Lucinda Bertram lucinda.bertram@austcham.org.sg

ADVERTISING Annette Tilbrook

annette.tilbrook@austcham.org.sg

PRINT Win & Win Printer

MICA (P) 129/04/2014

Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the chamber.

Gone Adventurin’ had its roots in an adventure. Banker, Ashwin Subramaniam was tasked with travelling to Cambodia to write about his employer’s Corporate Social Responsibility projects and he was hit by a desire to do more than just write a report about what he had witnessed. He decided to do a triathlon to raise funds for a local charity, managing to raise several thousands of dollars in two weeks. After more adventures and some documentary screenings, he was approached by businesses to do something similar – create impact projects and inspiring stories. That’s when the real adventure begun…

Gone Adventurin’ connects companies with communities and consumers to tackle social and environmental challenges – and create business value in the process. Their ground up projects include tackling water scarcity in Vietnam for Unilever, incubating social business models in Sri Lanka for B.P. de Silva Holdings and inspiring employee volunteerism & community engagement with Barclays Bank.

“Companies and brands have an amazing opportunity to drive scalable social or environmental impact by aligning their Sustainability aims with real projects and sharing the story to inspire greater change. We immerse employees or the public into the communities where they are making an impact, through an adventure experience, and capture this story through inspiring film and media content. We’ve found that the adventure component engages mainstream audiences, both online and offline.” said Laura Allen, AustCham member and Business Development Manager at the Singapore start-up.

Gone Adventurin’ knows that ensuring brands are connected to the most impactful and worthy community projects is essential. Laura explains, “We have a strong entrepreneurial network all over the world of change makers and influencers who have a deep understanding of local issues and help us create projects which are relevant and beneficial to the local community – and the companies we work with.”

A recent highlight for Gone Adventurin was leading 15 of Standard Chartered Bank’s regional employees on a 800km cycling adventure, ‘Ride for Sight’, to raise funds and awareness for ‘Seeing is Believing’ - their global sustainability program to end avoidable blindness throughout the world by 2020. Throughout, the team immersed themselves in the communities that they were making a valuable contribution to. Daily video & photo highlights engaged employees and consumers globally, allowing the team to achieve outcomes well beyond their fundraising.

“Our goal this year is to work with companies in industries such as fast moving consumer goods, banking & finance, agri-business - and also family businesses which are so critical in Asia - to enable them to rethink their sustainability plans and become a thought leader in their own right. We need a paradigm shift from seeing sustainability as a ‘by the way’ mindset to ‘yes we must’ mindset. Investment in sustainability is no longer an afterthought but a sensible business decision,” says Laura.

goneadventurin.com

Gone Adventurin’ lead the ASEAN Standard Chartered Bank employees on a ‘Ride for Sight’; 800kms through communities of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos

A good story to tell...

Commonwealth Private

Service, Advice and Opportunities / 1Commonwealth Private.A private banking relationshipthat can take you even further.

Supported by one of Australia’s largest financial institutions, Commonwealth Private offers exclusive private banking services for clients in Hong Kong and Singapore. As a client, you will receive outstanding personalised service, local expertise and competitive residential mortgage solutions to buy property in Australia or New Zealand.

Together we can continue your success.

Arrange a meeting with a Private Banker today. Call (Singapore) +65 6349 7000 or (Hong Kong) +852 2844 7500 Visit commbank.com.au/privatebankasia

Things to know before you Can: This information has been prepared by The Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 234945. The services described are provided by bankers who are representatives of The Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Your child’s Talents, Made More

Team spirit, participation and

competitiveness… great Australian

qualities we promote in every child.

We regard physical activity with just as much importance as academic learning. That’s why your child will enjoy considerable opportunity to participate in sports both within the curriculum and during co-curricular activities. Specialist PE teachers and expert coaches lead a wide range of indoor and outdoor team and individual activities in our world-class facilities. Our Representative Sport Program takes sport to the next level, giving students unrivalled opportunities to compete in a large number of inter-school competitions, including 16 international tours. During the year, regular inter-house carnivals bring the School together in an environment of friendly competition. Join us for an Open Day and see for yourself.

Globally focused, distinctly Australian

Contact: +65 6517 0247 | www.ais.com.sg

AIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schoolswww.cognitaschools.com

Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2015

See for yourself!

Thursday, 14 August 9:30am

Thursday, 11 September 9:30am

To register your place, visit www.ais.com.sg