Every Tuesday 30 Sept until 9 Dec 2008 Cantonese Foundation Course for Expatriate Executives

Is your lack of Cantonese holding you back in your business or social life? If the answer is “Yes” then join the Cantonese Foundation Course for Expatriate Executives. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to start developing your Cantonese skills, speak Cantonese and be part of Hong Kong.  AustCham, in partnership with the Communication Group, has been offering this Course to Members on an annual basis for the last five years.

Five Star Training at a Three Star Price!

The Management Team of the Communication Group Ltd. has been involved in Business Communication Training in Hong Kong for over 25 years and is fully aware of the language requirements of companies needing to do business in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. The main clients of the Communication Group Ltd. are major "blue chip" companies in Hong Kong.
The Course focuses on equipping participants with the necessary language skills to cope with a series of common situations in their business and social lives such as Making Introductions, Leaving Phone Messages and Arranging Appointments.

Dates: (Cantonese)	30 Sept until 9 Dec 2008 – 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm Classes are over 10 weeks for two hours on a Tuesday evening  (7 Oct - Public holiday, no class)
Venue:	4/F, Duke of Windsor Building, 15 Hennessy Rd, Wanchai
Cost:	$3,390 members, $3,690 non members (30% Discount off Normal Price of HK$4,850) (Price includes textbooks, teaching materials and CD) (Same price for AustCham Members’ Partners and Adult Children) Early Bird Registration: 5% discount for registering on or before Wednesday 24 September
Enquiry:	For course details, please call: Tel: 2895-5972 E-mail: tcgroup@netvigator.com

Click here for booking

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Every Wednesday 8 Oct until 10 Dec 2008 Mandarin (Putonghua) Foundation Course   for Expatriate Executives

Is your lack of Mandarin holding you back in your business or social life? If the answer is “Yes” then join the Mandarin Foundation Course for Expatriate Executives. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to start developing your Putonghua skills, speak the same language as China’s 1.3 billion potential customers.  AustCham, in partnership with the Communication Group, has been offering this Course to Members on an annual basis for the last five years.
Five Star Training at a Three Star Price!
The Management Team of the Communication Group Ltd. has been involved in Business Communication Training in Hong Kong for over 25 years and is fully aware of the language requirements of companies needing to do business in Hong Kong, the PRC and Taiwan. The main clients of the Communication Group Ltd. are major "blue chip" companies in Hong Kong.
The Course focuses on equipping participants with the necessary language skills to cope with a series of common situations in their business and social lives such as Making Introductions, Leaving Phone Messages, Arranging Appointments and Communicating with Chinese Clients.

Dates: (Cantonese)	8 Oct until 10 Dec 2008 – 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm Classes are over 10 weeks for two hours on a Wednesday evening
Venue:	4/F, Duke of Windsor Building, 15 Hennessy Rd, Wanchai
Cost:	$3,390 members, $3,690 non members (30% Discount off Normal Price of HK$4,850) (Price includes textbooks, teaching materials and CD) (Same price for AustCham Members’ Partners and Adult Children) Early Bird Registration: 5% discount for registering on or before Thursday 2 October
Enquiry:	For course details, please call: Tel: 2895-5972 E-mail: tcgroup@netvigator.com

Click here for booking

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Saturday 1 November Bledisloe Cup Platinum Package

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Saturday 6 Nov 2008 CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS

Join us to celebrate the excellence of Australian Business across Greater China on this very special night. This year, 23 remarkable companies are Finalists in competition for just six Awards.

We'll be joined by the Australian Ambassador to the PRC, HE Dr Geoff Raby and all of Australia 's China-based Consuls General and Senior Australian Trade Commissioners.

We urge you to show your support for this year's ACBA:08 Finalists; companies that hail from all over China , Hong Kong and Australia.

Official Media:	Official Digital Media:	Communication Partner:
Awards Partners:

Date:	Thursday 6 November 2008
Time:	Champagne Reception from 7:30 pm Awards Dinner at 8:00 pm Gourmet menu designed by the Grand Hyatt with premium wines from d'Arenberg selected to compliment each course.
Venue:	Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Cost:	HK$ 888 per person for AustCham Members and ACBA:08 Finalists HK$ 1,600 per person for Non-Members Tables are for ten people. Bookings of ten will constitute a table booking. Corporate Patron and Corporate Member guests may attend at the AustCham Member rate.
Dress:	Lounge Suit for gentlemen and Cocktail Dress for women.
Media:	Please contact Jane Hodgskin at communications@austcham.com.hk

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New Race Discrimination Law...Are You Ready? Lunch Seminar – Tuesday 11 November 2008

Hong Kong employers have become increasingly aware of their obligations to maintain workplaces free of discrimination since the passing of Hong Kong’s first antidiscrimination ordinance in 1995. On July 10, 2008, Hong Kong added to its employment related statutes when the Legislative Council passed the long awaited Race Discrimination Ordinance. The new statute joins the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and Disability Discrimination Ordinance, passed in 1995, and the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance, passed in 1997, on the list of Hong Kong’s employment laws. Although there is no specific effective date provided for the legislation, it is anticipated that the Ordinance will come into effect in the first quarter of 2009.

Employers need to train their Managers on the new laws prohibitions, update their policies for employees and make sure the necessary complaint procedures are in place.

To navigate us through the new Race Discrimination law, join us for this practical seminar presentation that will cover:

An introduction to the employment provisions of the Race Discrimination Ordinance

Key issues for employers arising out of the Race Discrimination Ordinance

Case studies

Practical tips for employers to prepare for the Race Discrimination Ordinance.

Our speakers are:
Pattie Walsh is Head of the Employment practice in Greater China at Minter Ellison and has over 16 years pure employment law specialisation. Highly experienced in all aspects of employment law, Pattie provides the full spectrum of employment law services. Her strengths include advising on trade restraint issues and complex contractual arrangements for senior staff, as well as exit strategies, and major mergers and outsourcing situations.  She also has many years of practical exposure to discrimination claims and issues.  Pattie is a regular contributor to various publications including the South China Morning Post's ‘Know Your Rights’ column; Hong Kong's most popular human resources publication, HKIRM; and CCH's China Staff.  Pattie is also a platform speaker who regularly presents on topical aspects of employment law. 
Alison Smith joined Minter Ellison in 2007 and specializes in providing human resources and employment law advice to businesses. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including large multi-national corporations, small companies, and individuals. She regularly produces articles on topical aspects of employment law, has prepared numerous seminars in Hong Kong, and is co-author of Hong Kong Employment Law: A practical guide (produced by CCH - a leading international publisher). Prior to this she was formerly a solicitor with one of the UK's leading employment law firms.

Dates:	Tuesday 11 November 2008
Time:	Registration from 12:30 pm   Session 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Venue:	AustCham Seminar Room 3/F, Lucky Building 39 Wellington St, Central
Cost:	HK$180 members; HK$300 non-members. (incl sandwich, fresh juice & fruit).
Media:	For media enquiries please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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Basic Of IT Security? Lunch Seminar – Wednesday 12 November 2008 Special Member-only rates when booking for three or more sessions.

Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are often introduced to a host of new security threats since they usually have limited IT resources. This seminar is aimed to provide an introduction to the basics of IT Security to SME Entrepreneurs, Managers and especially, new SME Start Up companies.

At this seminar you will learn about:
Threats: -

Evolution of the IT Security threat landscape

Attacks: -

Complacency – ‘My business is too small for anyone to bother attacking me’

Hackers, Crackers and Phreakers – Who, What, Why and How?

Security:-

How to secure your business from attack, learning what technologies are available, what the best practises are and how to use your common sense.

Recovery:-

What to do if you have been attacked – Best practises for recovering after an attack.

Management:-

How to structure your organisation to minimise risks?

Organisation:-

Organisations around who can help you.

Our speakers are:
Michael Yung is Vice President of ISACA Hong Kong Chapter and has over 20 years of experience in Information Technology with focuses on complex application development, database technologies and IT strategy.  He also spent the last 14 years in Internet technology, web usability, computer security and Public Key Infrastructure technologies.  Michael actively promotes IT/IS security in Hong Kong and is a CISM Certification Board Member, certified information system auditor since 1996; certified information security manager since 2006 and ICT sector specialists of Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation. 

Craig Crawshaw is a Senior Infrastructure Technology Project Manager at PTS Consulting with more than twenty years experience within the Asia Pacific Region; having managed all aspects of IT Projects, Operations and Service Delivery for Global Financial Services Firms, he has a significant understanding of the nuances of working within an environment that demands robust technology security policies and procedures.

Don’t miss out on this important AustCham series
devised specifically for SMEs.
AustCham’s Technology Committee presents Technology Basics for SME’s
SPECIAL PRICES AVAILABLE FOR AUSTCHAM MEMBERS
… book three or more lunch seminars for a discounted rate for AustCham Members

Part 4: Basics of IT Security – Wed 12 November

Part 5: Basics of Email and Spam – Tue 2 December

Part 6: Basics of Web Site Design and Usability – Tue 16 December

Dates:	Wednesday 12 November 2008
Time:	Registration from 12:30 pm   Session 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Venue:	AustCham Seminar Room 3/F, Lucky Building 39 Wellington St, Central
Cost:	HK$180 members; HK$300 non-members. HK$150 per session for Members when booking three or more sessions (incl sandwich, fresh juice & fruit).
Media:	For media enquiries please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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Wednesday 12 Nov 2008 The 38th InterCham Young Professionals Cocktail

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Wednesday 19 Nov 2008 Sustainability

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Presentations For Business Development Professionals Wednesday 19 November 2008

The Objectives of the Workshop are to show you how to:

• Bring in new business for your Company
• Design and structure information to create an effective professional, promotional presentation
• Learn the techniques of speaking persuasively in meetings to get your message across effectively
• Design appropriate visual aids, normally PowerPoint, to strengthen your message rather than send your potential clients to sleep
• Understand the psychology of why clients buy
• Take control of the “meeting” – achieve your objective
• Avoid getting the “I need to think about it” response; instead get “Agreement/Commitment” at the end of the presentation

t does not matter what your job is – there will always be a time when you need to promote yourself or your service to either your boss or to a whole audience of many people - this is the Workshop for you.

Workshop leader Anthony Behan, Founder and Managing Director of The Communication Group Ltd. Has over 25 years’ experience in management, training, marketing and sales in Hong Kong, China and the Asia Pacific Region.  He is an accredited presentation skills trainer for senior executives at HSBC.  This Workshop has been very popular both locally and outside Hong Kong.  In the last three years, this Workshop has been run in Beijing, Shanghai and Osaka.  In Hong Kong, local and overseas delegates from Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangdong, and Taipei attended.

**Deadline for Early Bird Discount is 14 November2008**
**Discount of 10% for two people or more from the same company**

Dates:	Wednesday 19 November, Wednesday 26 November, Thursday 4 December and Thursday 11 December 2008
Time:	6:30pm until 9:30pm Total: 12 hours i.e. 4 sessions by 3 hours
Venue:	4th Floor, Duke of Windsor Building, 15 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Cost:	AustCham Member: HK$ 2,990    Non-Member: HK$ 3,290 *Early Bird Registration: 10% discount for registering   on or before Friday 14 November 2008 **Group Reg: 10% discount for two people or more from the same company
Media:	For course details, please call:Tel: 2895-5972 E-mail:tcgroup@netvigator.com

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Monday & Tuesday 17 and 18 Nov 2008
Property Investment and Finance (PIF)

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November Mix at Six Thursday 20 November 2008

Are you feeling its all doom ‘n gloom out there?
If so, leave it all behind for an evening
and join us for November’s Mix at Six!

This month’s Mix is hosted by AustCham’s Financial Legal & Tax Committee as they invite you to join us for a great evening of catch-up with AustCham Members and friends.

We are very grateful to our November Mix Sponsors:

Don’t miss this opportunity to win great lucky draw prizes including…

1. Two return Economy airline tickets HK-Australia-HK with Qantas
2. 2 x six packs of Pure Blonde beer
3. Crabtree and Evelyn Gift Set

HK$500 Dining Voucher from One Bar

Join us for a night of fun and great prizes!
With special thanks to our supporters:

Dates:	Thursday 20 November 2008
Time:	6:00 – 9:00 pm
Venue:	One Bar, One Exchange Square, Central
Cost:	$140 Members   $190 Non-Members (Includes two drinks and delicious canapés). Cash bar available at special prices. No advance booking – Cash payment taken at the door.

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The Government and Business ... An Environmental Partnership Austcharm and the business coalition on the environment present : Lunch with the Hon Edward Yau, Secretary for the environemnt Monday 24 November 2008

The Chief Executive announced in his 2008/09 Policy Address a series of environmental initiatives to meet the public demand for a better quality of life in Hong Kong and in the region.  Improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are among the Government's top priorities.

Achieving real improvements in the environment will require concrete efforts by not only the Government, but also the business sector and the community as a whole.  At the Joint BCE Luncheon, Mr Yau will be invited to discuss the initiatives put forth by his bureau, particularly relating to areas in which businesses can contribute towards developing a green economy and a green PRD.

The Hon. Edward Yau was appointed Secretary for the Environment on July 1, 2007. He is responsible for formulating policies, promoting public awareness as well as encouraging community participation in environmental protection, nature conservation, energy and sustainable development.  Prior to his current appointment, he was Deputy Director-General of Trade, Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, and Director of Information Services.

Dates:	Monday 24 November 2008
Time:	Registration: 12:00pm, Presentation: 12:30-2:00pm
Venue:	Salon 4-5, Level 3, JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place, Admiralty
Cost:	HK$490 Members, HK$590 Non Members (Price includes lunch).
Media:	For media enquiries, please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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Generation Y and digital natives... Making your way through the jungle Lunch Seminar: Wednesday 26 November 2008

Generation Y refers to people born from 1983 to 1997 - aged between 11 and 26. Also termed 'digital natives', this generation has been immersed in digital technology for their entire lives. Ubiquitous mobile and internet access has globalised and networked this generation beyond the wildest dreams of their Baby Boomer parents. As employers (and parents!), we need to ensure that our organisations can attract, engage and retain this optimistic, educated and questioning generation. This seminar will provide an engaging and interactive discussion.

Our speaker for the event Mike Game, CEO Asia for Global Executive Recruitment firm Hudson joined Hudson Asia as CEO in early 2008 and is charged with the leadership and growth of the firm in the Asia region. Mike has a passion for building innovative, market leading businesses that attract outstanding talent and deliver superb solutions for clients.  

Prior to joining Hudson, Game held senior leadership positions within Fairfax Digital as General Manager, Online Employment; Chief Operating Officer; and Corporate Development and Emerging Markets Director. Mike commenced his career with Shell Australia Limited. At Shell, Mike held a number of positions including Retail Marketing Analyst, Industrial Relations Specialist, Refinery Strategy Planner and Refinery Plant Manager. Mike has also worked as a Consultant and Manager for global strategy management firm, LEK Partnership. Mike led projects with clients across industries including resources, telecommunications, building and financial services and he graduated from the University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and an MBA from the Melbourne Business School

Dates:	Wednesday 26 November 2008
Time:	Registration from 12:30 pm   Session 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Venue:	AustCham Seminar Room 301,  3/F Lucky Building 39 Wellington St, Central
Cost:	HK$180 Members; HK$300 non-members (incl sandwich, fresh juice & fruit).
Media:	For media enquiries, please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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AustCham and the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Present:   The Recession and What Lies Ahead Thursday 27 November 2008

There is a strong undercurrent of thought that enough has been done to stem the systematic risks in global financial markets from causing an economic depression of the magnitude seen in the 1930s. However, this assessment may prove premature. What are the potential pitfalls ahead? How long will it take for global supportive measures to revive economic activity? Will the contagion spread to emerging markets? Can China withstand the downturn?

Join this special lunch session, where AustCham has partnered with the German Chamber of Commerce, on this most topical of issues.

Our speaker Arjuna Mahendran, Head of Investment Strategy, Asia, HSBC Private Bank is responsible for driving research and providing in-depth analysis of markets in Asia-Pacific. He also leads the analytics team in interpreting market economics and developing investment strategies for HSBC Private Bank's clients in the region. He is an industry veteran with over 25 year experience in both private companies and public sector organisations, including senior positions with the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka as well as the World Bank. Mr Mahendran is often sought after by the media for his views on markets. This includes appearances on CNBC, CNN, BBC and comments in Bloomberg, the Financial Times and the Asian Wall Street Journal.

Dates:	Thursday, 27 November 2008
Time:	Registration: 12:15pm Presentation:12:30-2:00pm
Venue:	The Hong Kong Bankers Club, Dragon Room, 43/F, Gloucester Tower , The Landmark, Central
Cost:	$390 Members, $490 Non Members (Price includes lunch)
Media:	For media enquiries, please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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Wednesday & Thursday 26 and 27 Nov 2008
Shopping Centre Management & Marketing (SCMM)

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What price property in Hong Kong?...Weathering the Storm Friday 28 November 2008

Worried about the current market conditions and not sure what twists and turns are on our horizon? This seminar will provide information on the current property market in Hong Kong and will give an insight into future trends and likely outcomes.

In this seminar you will learn:

• How robust is the economy and the property sector?
• Will sentiment or reality prevail in the residential sector?
• What is the extent of the adjustments facing the office sector?
• What about the rest of the market?
• Where are the brave and opportunistic likely to put their money?

AustCham is pleased to join forces with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for this important and timely session.

Our Speaker is one of Hong Kong’s most respected property gurus Mr Nicholas Brooke, Chairman of the Professional Property Services, which is a specialist real estate consultancy based in Hong Kong.  Professional Property Services provides clients with advisory services across the Asia-Pacific region, including Mainland China.

Dates:	Friday 28 November 2008
Time:	12:00-2:00pm
Venue:	Dragon Room I, The HK Banker’s Club, 43/F Gloucester Tower, 11 Pedder Street, The Landmark, Central, Hong Kong
Cost:	$390 Members, $490 Non Members (Lunch includes three-course meal and on standard drink)
Media:	For media enquiries, please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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Thursday 4 Dec 2008 Upclose with John Cleese

Creativity in Leadership

John Cleese , one of the most influential comic writers and actors of our time, is coming, live and in person , to Hong Kong on a ground breaking business tour! John Cleese will be inspiring CEOs and senior management on how creativity in the business world can reap untold benefits through more effective decision-making.

In this half day business seminar John will help you understand:

How to think creatively as a leader

How creative thinking leads to effective decision making

How to develop a culture of creativity in organisations

John Cleese maintains a steadfast commitment to business training and attributes his success at corporate training to his fascination with psychology and his love for acting, teaching and making people laugh.

AustCham is delighted to offer you the opportunity to register to attend UpClose with John Cleese with an extended early bird offer*

This event will be in high demand, don't miss out! Register now to secure the best seats in the house for your clients and key staff.

To learn more about this event go to:
http://www.redcarpetpresents.com/

Date:	Thursday, December 4 - 9am to 1pm
Venue:	JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific Place , 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Cost:	Individual Seat Early Bird Rate HKD 5,400 Standard Rate HKD 6,500 Corporate Table of 10 Early Bird Rate HKD 48,600 Standard Rate HKD 58,500 *Early Bird Registration: This offer is available to AustCham Members for registering on or before Wednesday October 22. Please indicate that you are an AustCham Member to secure the extended early bird rate.
Booking:	To be eligible for the offer, you must email the event organiser, Red Carpet, by October 22 nd at jeni.shirley@redcarpet.co.nz or call their ticketing agent Beacon Events on +852 2219 0111 / +852 2531 6187.

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Friday 5 Dec 2008 Operating in a downturn...an expert view

We exist in a market that is in flux. Companies are experiencing significant changes in terms of liquidity, consumer sentiment and a crisis of confidence seems to have hit everyone. However, downturns create opportunities and entirely new markets for some. Join us to learn how to operate your business in this rocky market.

This seminar will focus on:

• Learning the key areas and initiatives you can deploy to help successfully manage your business in the current period of downturn economy.
• Practical and proven initiatives in improving cash and working capital; reducing costs and enhancing staff productivity.

Our speaker is Anthony Lucas, Advisory Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers China/Hong Kong/Singapore focusing on operational efficiency and corporate restructuring. Anthony has considerable experience in the Consumer Manufacturing and Retail sectors and has worked extensively in Europe, USA and Asia.  His work has been primarily at board level with MNCs and on behalf of banks and other companies. His work covers issues that include rationalisation and streamlining of the cost base, working capital improvements, supplier management and procurement efficiency; store operations and sales channel management.  Much of his work has been for companies seeking to refocus their business to address challenging market conditions.

 

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE - BOOK NOW!

Date:	Registration from 12:30 pm   Session 12:45 – 2:00 pm
Venue:	AustCham Seminar Room 301,  3/F Lucky Building 39 Wellington St, Central
Cost:	HK$180 Members; HK$300 non-members (incl sandwich, fresh juice & fruit).
Booking:	For media enquiries please contact Jane Hodgskin on +852 2522 5054 or communications@austcham.com.hk

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To book please complete the form below and send it to AustCham
Fax: 2877 0860
Email: bookings@austcham.com.hk