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Casting Call for Advance Members in LA!

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We have some exciting new developments coming soon and we want you to be a part of the movement.

We are currently seeking Advance members to be featured in a new video. Yes, that means you!

We could hire actors, but we want to give REAL people the opportunity to promote themselves within the Advance community.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Option 1

Step 1: Open a new Facebook message and in the "To" box typeadvancetv@advance.org

Step 2: Click on the icon for "Take a video or picture" and click on the video camera icon to "switch to video".

Step 3: Record your video and hit Send!

Option 2

Step 1: Record a video of yourself saying the lines below (use any camera, your computer or even your phone).

Step 2: Email your video to advancetv@advance.org (feel free to attach a video or upload it to YouTube and email us the link).

THATS IT!

We will then select twenty people who we think represent Advance to meet with our director in LA.

We invite people of all ages and races. Even if you have never spoken in front of a camera, it doesn't matter. We want you to be YOU.

WHAT TO SAY IN YOUR VIDEO:

1) "YOUR NAME"

2) "YOUR OCCUPATION"

3) Advance your network.

4) Because with our knowledge combined, we can excel together.

5) The movement to Advance begins in Australia and ends with you.

Be sure to speak loud and clear.

Please submit videos by 11.59PM on Monday the 6th of February. We realise that's not far away so get filming!

Filming will take place on Thursday the 16th of February. If you aren't available on that day please let us know when you submit your video. We are also hoping to film on Saturday the 18th of February.

Please note that Advance may use your submission in other promotional materials. If you do not wish for your video to be used in this manner please just let us know.

3-Feb-12 6:00 PM

Itchy Feet

Courtney Patching - noemail@https://advance.org — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

By Courtney Patching

Advance Roaming Writers

If anyone were to ask me the one thing I value most in my life, I would be conflicted between answering with ‘family’ and ‘knowledge’. Without either I would not be sitting at my desk on the 34^th floor of my New York City office building – with the most amazing view of the city I’ve seen thus far - writing for you. As a child I attended St Francis of Assisi Primary, a small Catholic school in Sydney with only 15 children in my grade. I was never interested in sports, religion, computers or the performing arts, so visual creativity and academics became my focus throughout my education. Later on, knowledge of the world would be added to the list.

One day we were asked to illustrate two national flags: one from the country our mother’s heritage and one from the country of our father’s heritage. There was only 15 of us, but flags from India, Indigenous Australia, Portugal, New Zealand, Sudan, the USA, France, the Czech Republic, Cyprus and Scotland (just to name a few) had been taped across the wall so that each student could begin to understand the range of backgrounds and cultures present in our classroom. With the exception of one other student, I was the only person in the class who had drawn two Australian flags.

My family roots are almost 100% Australian. My ancestors were European convicts dating back to the late 1700s and have ever since remained in Australia, creating a quintessentially Australian family tree. When people ask me where I come from, they usually expect me to reply with Italy or the Middle East (mostly because of my dark features and my competence in speaking Italian). People usually respond with disbelief, some have asked me if I’m positive I don’t have anything other than Australia in my DNA. Even though my heritage isn’t as diverse as many of the Australians I’ve developed friendships with, this doesn’t necessarily mean that I don’t yearn to travel outside my sunburnt country.

As I mentioned earlier, knowledge is something I value highly, and knowledge of the world is something I crave on a daily basis. My father has travelled overseas for a living since my birth in 1992. I have a large collection of postcards, trinkets and souvenirs nearly 20 years old now from places all over the world where he would work. As a baby I sometimes went on these overseas business trips if my mother were to accompany my father. The influence that travel has on my family has ultimately rubbed off on me. Knowledge of other countries and their respective cultures is something I consider myself lucky to possess. When I travel I usually do my best to avoid tourist culture and instead seek to familiarize myself with the locals, who impart their knowledge of their country onto me. After visiting over 15 countries before my 20^th birthday, I’m far from finished with my travels and cultural immersion. Put simply, my feet are itching with greater intensity than ever before, and I certainly intend on scratching the itch until I bleed.

At this point in time I am interning with Advance, which allows me to work and play in New York and keep in touch with Australia. I will return to Australia after living in the USA for two months to complete my degree and hopefully return to pursue a career in communications and advertising. I firmly believe I belong in New York City, despite my emotional ties to Australia. By interning with an Australian company with Australians, for Australians and by Australians has awakened the possibility that I can have both New York and Australia in my life. Surely that’s I’m not being too greedy to want this!

For those of you who would like one point of advice from a young traveler: never let your feet stop itching! Work hard to go places, immerse yourself when you arrive and gain as much knowledge as you possibly can from your experience – let’s become a generation of wise, knowledgeable, global citizens.

3-Feb-12 12:00 PM

Free uni for artful dodgers

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

An anomaly in HECS means graduates who live overseas can indefinitely sidestep their repayments to the taxpayer.

Read more on the Sydney Morning Herald website - http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/free-uni-for-artful-dodgers-20120120-1qa3l.html

3-Feb-12 12:00 PM

Member Postcard - David Joshua Ford

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

David is an Australian photographer, film and television director. He has studied in Canada, and is now freelancing his craft in New York City.

Where did you grow up in Australia?

I grew up in Canberra with a very middle-of-the-road suburban childhood. Sydney was exotic, in the way New York would be in later years.

Where are you currently living?

New York, New York!

What prompted you to move overseas and how long have you been away for?

One of my goals for my twenties has been to live and work overseas for at least two years. It's partly just for the life experience, but mainly because there are loads of job opportunities not present in Sydney. I came via Thailand and California and have been in NYC for two months now.

What is your current position/role?

Freelance! I've been running my own creative business in Sydney for the last six years in film, television and photography. Coming to New York I have to build up all those contacts again, somewhat from scratch. However, I've found people always try to help me out and connect me with the industry people they know.

Do you have any suggestions for other Australian professionals wanting to follow a similar path?

If you are in a creative profession, I suggest building a good portfolio of work and presenting it well on your website. People don't ask (or even care) about your education. They are listening for your experience, connections, ideas, confidence and pro-activeness. And have a few months cash saved up to kick start your time!

What is the one thing you always show to visitors from home?

Jazz in West Village and improv in East Village! I'd been to New York twice before and can't handle another Empire State or Times Square visit. Central Park is always good and most museums actually accept a tip/donation rather than paying full fare ;)

Describe your adopted hometown/current city in three words..

Multicultural, squished, endless.

Is there anything you miss about Australia?

After a few recent Skype sessions with friends wearing singlets and shorts, definitely the beach. The cold and snow is novel, but nothing beats sand, burning asphalt, salty waves and fresh air.

Why did you join Advance and what is the best thing about being a member?

I've found Aussie expats immensely helpful in settling in to a new city. Perhaps because we understand what it feels like as an outsider thrown into the concrete jungle alone. Hence, I have more Australian friends than American (I'm working on changing that!) through friend-of-friend introductions.

Advance is a great way to stay connected to people and events from your mother country whilst abroad.

25-Jan-12 1:00 PM

Advance Asia Update - January 2012

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

1. Welcome!

2. There's a Buzz in Asia

3. China Beckons!

4. There's Always a Place for Talent

5. Mentors to Guide Australian Students

6. Pearls of Wisdom

7. Australia in the Asian Century

8. Innovation - 20 Questions

9. Australian Expertise Meets Asia

10. Join Advance / Invite a Friend

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WELCOME!

This Asia Update and Advance are dedicated to championing Australian-sparked innovation and thought leadership. If you like what you see, please spread the word and introduce your friends.

In this issue, meet three successful Australians who offer their insights about the importance of creativity and innovation in business, opportunities for Australian entrepreneurs in China, and informed employment trends for both employees and job-seekers in Asia. [More...]

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THERE'S A BUZZ IN ASIA
Advance member Cath Carver, the Hong Kong-based Global Head of Capital Markets with ANZ, was acknowledged as one of Advance’s “Leading 50 Women” at the Advance Women’s Leadership Summit in Sydney in March 2011. Here, she explains the importance of creativity and innovation in business, and offers advice to Australians working – or planning to work – in Asia. [More...]

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CHINA BECKONS!

This year sees Advance delivering our 50 for the Future Innovation Program. This new program has a singular goal - to elevate and inspire Australia's innovation and entrepreneurial community and to connect them with Australia's and our most successful overseas' entrepreneurs. The program extends to Silicon Valley in the first half of this year, then extends to China later this year. [More...]

Click here for more information about Austrade's services

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THERE'S ALWAYS A PLACE FOR TALENT

What trends should employers and job-seekers in Asia be aware of? Advance member Gina McLellan, the Managing Director, Recruitment and Contracting, Asia, of recruitment firm Talent2, offers her insights. [More...]

Learn more about Talent2

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MENTORS TO GUIDE AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS

Advance aims to nurture and support the next generation of leaders, to connect Australians globally and to share their knowledge and experience with Australians back home. One of the ways Advance supports this is via the Advance Global Australian Mentorship Programme, which pairs undergraduates of Australian universities with a 2012 Advance Global Australian Award Winner. [More...]

Find out more about the Awards and the Mentoriship Programme

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PEARLS OF WISDOM

Advance members in Hong Kong enjoyed the wise words of two leading Australian women, and had the opportunity to learn about pearls, at an Advance event held at the Central showroom of Australian South Sea pearl company Paspaley on 6 December. [More...]

Learn more about Paspaley

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AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY

In October, Australian Prime Minister The Hon. Julia Gillard commissioned a “White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century”.

Announcing the project, she commented: “The shift of economic and strategic weight to Asia has never been more profound for Australia’s interests than it is now. The White Paper will provide a national blueprint for Australia at a time of transformative economic growth and change in Asia. It will help Australia navigate the Asian Century.” [More...]

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INNOVATION - 20 QUESTIONS

Where does your organisation stand along the “innovation journey”? Whether you’re a company selling products or services, a government department or a university, you can still be innovating and implementing new ideas that will make you stand out from the pack and become a leader. [More...]

Take the 20 question innovation quiz

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AUSTRALIAN EXPERTISE MEETS ASIA

Advance congratulates the winners of the 2011 Australia China Alumni Association Awards.

The awards, sponsored by CPA Australia, recognise the achievements of graduates of Australian universities who are currently based in China. The 2011 winners were announced at a gala dinner in Beijing in November. [More...]

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JOIN ADVANCE / INVITE A FRIEND
An Advance member is connected to a global community of Australians, will receive invitations to networking events, has access to innovative online content and helps people connect with other Australian leaders in the region. Membership also provides an opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences with other members abroad and with those who have returned home. [More...]

Join Advance Now

Invite a Friend

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Written/edited by Hong Kong-based Advance member Kay Ross

18-Jan-12 5:00 PM

Australian Expertise Meets Asia

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Advance congratulates the winners of the 2011 Australia China Alumni Association Awards.

The top award, the CPA Australia China Alumni of the Year Award, went to Mr Simon Chung, the Global Chief Operating Officer of ChinaSoft International Limited.

The winners in other categories were:

· Young Australia China Alumni of the Year: Mr Steven Chen (Chen Zhaowei), Staffing Director of Baidu Inc.

· Banking and Finance: Dr Chi Man Cartier Lam, Deputy Chief Executive of the Bank of East Asia (China).

· Research and Innovation: Dr Wang Shuguang, Associate Professor and Director (Research) at the Institute of Sociology, Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences; an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology, The University of Newcastle, Australia, and a UNICEF HIV Consultant in China. Australia China Alumni Award: Assoc. Prof. Zhou Yun, Director, International Cooperation, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science

· Entrepreneurship: Mr. Michael (Mic) Mittasch, CEO/Owner/Executive Director, Mitchells Equipment (Hebei) Co. Ltd. and Mitchells Holdings Asia Pte. Ltd.

· ICT and New Media: Mr George Tuan, CEO and Chairman, Adsit Media Technology Co. China.

· Corporate Achievement: Mr Ian Lee, President & Chief Operating Officer Omnicom Media Group, China.

· Women in Leadership: Mrs Ong-Koh Wee Nah, General Manager, Frasers Centrepoint.

A promising partnership

Advance and the Australia China Alumni Association are currently in the process of developing a long-term co-operative agreement for the mutual benefit of both organisations. The signing of the agreement is expected to take place in February, shortly after Chinese New Year.

17-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Innovation - 20 Questions

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Innovation pays off

A study by the consulting firm Arthur D. Little found that innovative firms enjoyed a 1% boost to their profit margins and that top innovators had over twice the sales of new products and services. And a global CEO survey conducted by IBM studied over 1,000 companies and found that of the three most significant sources of new ideas for companies, two were from outside the organisation.

Greater collaboration with other organisations can provide new sources of ideas and new routes to market, and can also spread and decrease the risk of innovation. While collaboration sounds desirable, many of the CEOs surveyed said that collaborating and partnering is “theoretically easy” but “practically hard to do”. Successful collaboration requires organisations to first develop the necessary skills by successfully completing the first four phases on the innovation journey.

The innovation quiz

Will your organisation thrive or just survive? Take the 20-question Innovation Quiz to identify how innovative your company is and what you can do to improve.

17-Jan-12 3:00 PM

China Beckons!

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:15:00 GMT

The program is being developed in partnership with the Australian Government, so we thought to invite Alan Morrell, Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Beijing, to speak here about the business opportunities available in China for Australian entrepreneurs.

Alan offers his insights about opportunities and challenges for Australians who want to enter the China market, and gives tips about how to turn ideas into a commercial reality.

Some very successful Australian companies are doing great things in China, reported Alan. “There are large-scale operations such as the Big 4 banks, Toll Logistics, Worley Parsons and Westrac, and other companies doing terrific things in the areas of architecture, the environment and mining services."

They share some common characteristics, he said. “They’ve all built their businesses assiduously; known what it is they’re good at; been prepared to adjust their business model for China conditions and, most importantly, been prepared to make a commitment to being in the China market.”

Challenges and opportunities

However, foreign companies and businesspeople face huge challenges in China, he warned. “The country’s bureaucratic, legal and financial systems are complex, and navigating your way through them can be time-consuming. And China is a dynamic, constantly changing environment, so it takes a lot of energy to stay on top of what’s happening. There’s also the issue of scale – increasingly, you need more than just a good idea, enthusiasm and slick marketing; you need the resources and commitment to compete with Chinese AND other international competitors. Throw in the language and cultural issues, and it’s not easy.”

Opportunities do abound, though, for determined entrepreneurs. “Some general areas of opportunity include sectors aligned with Chinese priorities, such as environmental technologies, agriculture and green buildings. But the area of huge future growth is in services. Capital requirements can be lower, and there are many sub-sectors and niches that suit Australian capabilities, including franchising, training & support, health services, and the food & beverage industry.”

Let’s make a deal

Chinese people, in general, have overwhelmingly positive perceptions of Australia and Australians, according to Alan. “We’re viewed as pragmatic, innovative and straightforward. The increasing contact through Chinese students in Australia, immigration and of course the business relationships are helping to update Chinese views of Australia. In a business sense, Australians are seen as good to deal with, and forming a business relationship with an Australian company is seen as an attractive idea.”

Alan offered this advice to Australian companies and entrepreneurs wanting to expand into China: “You SHOULD understand what it is that you offer the market (so many don’t), know what you want to achieve, and be prepared to be flexible and to negotiate on most things while holding fast to core issues and principles. You should also find the right local partner, and take advice from a range of sources to stay grounded in reality!”

He continued: “You SHOULDN’T look for short cuts, rely overly on personal relationships as the answer to everything, or get involved in bribery. You also shouldn’t just look at what you can get out of your China venture – in my experience, you have to put something in before you reap a reward here.”

How can Austrade help?

Austrade has a network of 12 offices across mainland China, with excellent connections to provincial Governments, local contacts and other Australian companies in the market. “We provide a range of services that can help Australian companies to research the market, identify potential business partners, conduct trade missions, make sense of the bureaucratic procedures, set up offices and much more,” said Alan.

For more information about Austrade's services, click here

.......

ABOUT ALAN MORRELL

Alan Morrell is Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Beijing. He manages the North China network of Austrade offices, with locations in Beijing, Shenyang, Qingdao and Xian. Alan is a graduate of Murdoch University, and first visited China as a keen backpacker in 1988.

17-Jan-12 2:15 PM

Mentors to Guide Australian Students

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

The program helps students find direction in their studies and refine their career goals by facilitating beneficial one-on-one relationships between students and global Australian professionals. Mentors work with undergraduates over a 12-month period, sharing their own professional experiences and knowledge to support students with/in their development goals.

•     Advanced Manufacturing
•     Biotechnology
•     Clean Technology
•     Creative Industries
•     Financial Services
•     Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
•     Social Innovation

Each category winner will be invited to be a mentor to an undergraduate of an Australian university for one year. The mentorship programme will cover:

· Job/Life Skills – mentors help students develop the skills they need to get a job and succeed in the workplace, i.e. how to prepare a resume, manage time and resolve workplace conflicts.

· Academic Success – the mentor is a positive influence on a student’s academic success, i.e. by nurturing ideas and assisting the student to overcome any academic challenges.

· Character, Social and Leadership Development – building a relationship between the mentee and the mentor, who can serve as a role model and life coach.

About the Mentorship Programme

The Mentorship Programme is designed to provide students with the foundation skills necessary for their future success within their chosen career.

The Programme’s objective is to develop a community of prospective future professionals and leaders who have a better understanding of travelling into a career path that has been crafted from working with a mentoring professional. This will give each mentee an edge on his or her professional career, and will inspire, motivate and enlighten Australia’s next generation of leaders.

Mentoring meetings will be e-mentoring sessions (via Skype and emails). Sessions will be one hour every six weeks for a period of one year. After this mentoring period, the “mentor-match” will no longer be supervised by Advance.

Jillian Alexics, Advance’s Director Asia and overseer of the Programme, said: “We are confident that the Advance Global Australian Mentorship Programme will help mentees to gain the clarity and self-awareness they need to be truly innovative leaders, and that the mentors will find that contributing their time and expertise is a rewarding way to help and nurture the next generation of leaders.”

Eligibility

Applicants must be undergraduates of recognised Australian tertiary institutions, and must be at least 18 years old as at 1 January, 2012. They must submit an online application form and explain why they feel they should be selected as a mentee.

Applications open on 13 February, 2012, and close on 29 March, 2012.

For more information about how to apply to be a mentored student, please email us at awards@advance.org.

17-Jan-12 2:00 PM

There's Always a Place for Talent

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Gina and her team have identified trends on both the client side (employers) and the candidate side (job-seekers).

On the client side, she reported: “Clients are trying to manage in an unpredictable and fragile economy. This market volatility is the new norm, so they’re looking for help to find flexible and workable solutions. One big trend is that they’re more inclined to hire staff on a contract, temporary or contingent basis rather than recruiting full-time, permanent employees.”

Another major trend is that companies are looking to make the best use of their resources across the whole region. “It’s about making the most of what they already have, by developing their people and expanding their skills.”

Outsourcing of business processes (such as HR, payroll, I.T., recruitment and learning) is an increasingly common choice for companies, according to Gina. “Companies might not want a fully functioning team inside their business, so they outsource it. They’re identifying which bits of their business they want to own and control, and which bits they want to find external partnerships and expertise for.”

On the candidate side, Gina reported that job-seekers are now more willing to accept short-term contracts rather than full-time jobs. “Gen Y people, for example, are interested in short-term projects instead of wedding themselves to one company for life. On the other end of the spectrum, people who’ve had long and substantial careers don’t necessarily want to do the 9-5 thing anymore, and are willing to take on interim management assignments. So the way people engage with organisations has changed.”

She added that both parties in the recruitment equation need to manage expectations. “The relationship between employers and employees has changed, due to changes in people’s attitudes towards work. If either party oversells and then doesn’t deliver on expectations, that’s when it gets challenging. But there’s always a place for talent.”

Business is social

Gina commented that for both companies and job-seekers, the explosive growth of social media offers many challenges and opportunities. “Our clients and candidates are asking: How do we use it? How do we market ourselves and manage our brand using social media? Which sites should we be using? What are people saying about us on social media sites?”

Maintain your sense of humour

Gina offered this tip for Australians working in Asia: “Maintain a great sense of humour and embrace what you’re experiencing. After all, you didn’t come here to live in another Australia.”

For well educated Australian professionals seeking employment in Asia, the news is good. “Australian talent is very well received in Asia, and all industries are open. Our down-to-earth nature, our entrepreneurial spirit and our ability to see the lighter side of life all fit well with the Asian psyche,” said Gina.

Taking the pulse of the market

Talent2 recently conducted a market research survey, the “Talent2 APAC Market Pulse Survey”, involving 748 senior business executives across Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Key findings of the survey included:

Market volatility and skills shortages are now part of the business DNA in Asia Pacific (APAC).
91% of business executives across the region are concerned about an imminent recession, with some markets still experiencing volatile market conditions.
Many businesses have come to accept market volatility as the new business norm, with a large proportion feeling more prepared to respond to unstable market conditions.
Most senior business executives across the region believe in the benefits of a contingent and flexible workforce, yet the majority are still sticking to more traditional employment models. Only 12% of the APAC workforce is made up of contingent workers, compared to 22% globally.
As many as 22% of senior business executives in China complain of their employees having unrealistic expectations for high salary increases, well above the APAC average of 13%.
Most businesses in APAC (65%) have experienced problems in recruiting due to skill shortages in the past year.
Middle-management roles are the most in demand, with 79% of businesses citing the greatest shortage in this area.

……..

ABOUT GINA MCLELLAN

Gina McLellan is the Managing Director, Recruitment and Contracting, Asia, of Talent2, “the leading HR Business Process Outsourcing organisation in the Asia Pacific region”. She grew up in a small county town of 3,000 people in Queensland, studied architecture at university in Brisbane, practised architecture for several years, and then worked in sales in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the recruitment industry. She moved to Hong Kong in 2006, worked in Singapore in 2008-2009, then returned to Hong Kong in 2010. Gina was recognised in Who’s Who of Australian Women 2005-2010. She is a member of Advance and a strong supporter of Advance in Hong Kong.

17-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Australia in the Asian Century

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

In October, Australian Prime Minister The Hon. Julia Gillard commissioned a “White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century”.

Announcing the project, she commented: “The shift of economic and strategic weight to Asia has never been more profound for Australia’s interests than it is now. The White Paper will provide a national blueprint for Australia at a time of transformative economic growth and change in Asia. It will help Australia navigate the Asian Century.”

The White Paper will examine:

- the current and likely future course of economic, political and strategic change in Asia, encompassing China, India and the key ASEAN countries, as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea;

- the economic, business, social and cultural opportunities and challenges of the Asian Century for Australia;

- a series of actions to be taken over the next five years and further policy initiatives over the next 5-10 years.

An advisory panel, bringing together leaders from business, academia and government, will provide guidance to a whole-of-government taskforce that will develop analysis and proposals for consideration by the Government.

Australia in the Asian Century white paper – Advance member consultation

Public submissions to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper are now open! As part of the announcement, the White Paper Advisory Panel last month released an issues paper identifying broad issues and questions to encourage debate about how Asia’s rise is changing the world in which we live.

Advance Asia members and other members with experience and an interest in the region are invited to visit www.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/submissions for more information on the submission process or to submit their views.

To respond to specific requests for input, Advance will also be working with regional industry representatives to prepare specific input into the process. The Government is seeking input on issues including Australia's reputation in Asia, Australia’s role in the region, linking and engagement, and ideas on how to improve business innovation.

The taskforce is due to report to Cabinet in the first half of 2012, with the White Paper to be released in mid-2012.

17-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Pearls of Wisdom

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

About 20 women (and a few brave men) listened intently as Annie Meyer, CEO and Director of Transtar International Freight, and Anjali Rao, an award-winning journalist, a former CNN anchor and an Advance “Leading 50” woman, shared amusing anecdotes about their achievements, inspirations and entrepreneurial ventures, and the joys and challenges of carving a successful niche in Hong Kong. Both speakers were adorned by stunning Paspaley pearl necklaces.

Annie said: “For me, living and working in Hong Kong has been a wonderful experience. I’ve loved getting involved in understanding the culture, and I’m sure the experience has made me a better person. I’ve made many lifelong friends here, and I’m confident that with Advance’s support tonight, I will make many more.”

Anjali shared: “One of the great things about Hong Kong is the acceptance. I have always felt accepted here, no matter what I look or sound like. Differences are embraced to the point that they’re not even differences anymore, and I greatly value that.”

After the speeches, female guests tried on pieces of Paspaley jewellery, and staff-members gave informative presentations about the five virtues of pearls: colour, size, shape, complexion and lustre.

Annie and Anjali commented afterwards that what they enjoyed most about the evening was the opportunity to mix with other women in an informal, social manner – unlike most business networking events.

17-Jan-12 2:00 PM

Welcome! - Advance Asia Update January 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

This Asia Update and Advance are dedicated to championing Australian-sparked innovation and thought leadership. If you like what you see, please spread the word and introduce your friends.

We also announce the Advance Global Australian Mentorship Programme, share some tips from the Australian Institute for Commercialisation about your company’s “innovation journey”, and report on the successful Advance “Pearls of Wisdom” event at the Paspaley Boutique in Central, Hong Kong.

As always, we welcome your comments, questions and suggestions – please email me at hongkong@advance.org

Finally, all of us at Advance would like to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!

Jillian Alexics
Director, Asia

17-Jan-12 1:00 PM

There's a Buzz in Asia

Jillian Alexics - noemail@https://advance.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Advance member Cath Carver, the Hong Kong-based Global Head of Capital Markets with ANZ, was acknowledged as one of Advance’s “Leading 50 Women” at the Advance Women’s Leadership Summit in Sydney in March 2011. Here, she explains the importance of creativity and innovation in business, and offers advice to Australians working – or planning to work – in Asia.

In the banking industry these days, there are more and more competitors, and customers’ expectations are constantly growing, so innovation is more important than ever before. In fact, it’s essential for survival, reported Cath. “Becoming more innovative pays financial dividends, and is recognised and valued as a sustainable strategic advantage for ANZ.”

However, there are major obstacles to innovation, especially in large organisations, she warned. “Bureaucratic and hierarchical workplace cultures are the enemy of innovation, whereas innovation is supported when new ideas are valued and failure is accepted as part of the learning process. For any organisation, successful innovation requires a deep understanding and knowledge of customers’ needs; a continuous source of challenging and innovative ideas; a culture that fosters creative thinking; the skills necessary to deliver innovation; leadership, commitment and accountability, and a clear strategic approach.”

A shared mindset

So how does ANZ encourage and nurture creativity and innovation within the organisation? Highlighting just a few of the ways, Cath commented that the bank:

- has established Group Innovation, a dedicated team that focuses on identifying and delivering innovative solutions;

- has been a key sponsor of the “Creative Innovation” event for the past two years;

- recognises and awards teams and individuals via its “Group’s CEO Recognition Program” and its “Institutional Excellence Awards”.

In his speech at the “Creative Innovation” event in 2010, ANZ’s CEO Mike Smith said that for the bank to create the environment and leaders that would result in successful innovation, it needed to have a shared mindset about the ambition and direction of the organisation, a shared logic about the nature of cross-divisional opportunities, a shared discipline about how to collaborate and create new knowledge, and a shared language for all this across the organisation.

With so many opportunities for innovation, it can be difficult to decide which ideas to pursue. Cath explained: “At ANZ, we believe that for an innovation to be successful, we must be able to answer yes to all four of the following questions:

1. Does the idea fit with our strategy?

2. Will customers buy it?

3. Can we make money out of it?

4. Can we deliver it well?”

No glass ceilings

As the busy leader of a team of people focused on creativity and innovation, Cath finds she has to nurture her own creativity. “I always make sure I have time in my day to think and reflect on my priorities, which helps me focus and find a fresh perspective. I also like to exercise every day, whether it’s just running on the treadmill or practising yoga – this helps me to relax, which in turn unlocks my creative zone. Spending time with my children also helps.”

In her own career, Cath acknowledges the people who have inspired and supported her. “My parents have been a great inspiration to me, as they gave me the confidence to value myself and to believe there are no glass ceilings. In the workplace, I’ve had some great mentors over the years. Mostly, I’m inspired by leaders who operate with integrity and innovation, take risks and believe in themselves and what they do.”

Cath also believes in giving back and mentoring the next generation of leaders, so she is an enthusiastic member of Chief Executive Women, an organisation comprising over 200 of Australia’s leading business women.

Understand your environment

In recognition of her leadership in business, Cath is one of a select few expatriate Australians in Asia who have been interviewed for Advance’s “Future360” video series. In her interview, she commented: “There’s a buzz in Asia. You’re seeing this huge middle class emerge… There’s so many opportunities that come from that, so being in the nerve centre here in North-East Asia is amazing.”

She conceded, though, that climbing the ranks of corporate leadership in Asia is challenging for women. “The Asian market, more than any other, puts an emphasis on building relationships. And there’s no doubt that Asia as an emerging market is still steeped in the tradition of men in business. Men do have the upper hand in harnessing these relationships because it’s still the accepted norm, but this is rapidly changing as more and more women attain senior positions in Asian companies.”

Cath offered this tip to any Australian professional – male or female – taking up a position in Asia: “Don’t underestimate the challenge! Even if you’ve lived abroad in other countries, Asia really is unique and you cannot underestimate the power of culture, which is so important in business dealings. Take the time to understand your environment, and be prepared to change your management style.”

Of course she also encouraged expatriate Australian professionals to join Advance. “Advance allows us to network with other Australians working abroad and to leverage our shared experiences.”

……..

ABOUT CATH CARVER

Cath Carver is the Global Head of Capital Markets with ANZ. Based in Hong Kong and leading a global team, she is responsible for the provision of debt capital markets solutions to ANZ’s Institutional and Financial Institution borrower base across 14 countries. Cath previously worked with Westpac and Macquarie Bank. She’s a graduate of Curtin University in Western Australia, and has been an expatriate in Asia since September 2010.

17-Jan-12 1:00 PM

Advance Global Update January 2012

Denisse Chao Villarreal - noemail@https://advance.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

advance.org

If you are new to the action, then welcome. This global update and advance.org is dedicated to championing Australian sparked innovation and thought leadership. If you like what you see, please introduce friends [here]. .................................................................................................................. 1. CEO Message - Advance Turns 10 2. Advance TV is Live! 3. Advance Innovation is Open for Business 4. Advance France Gets Social 5. Australia in the Asian Century White Paper 6. What's Hot - KarmaWell 7. Washington DC Art Exhibition - Are We There Yet? 8. Jobs Board 9. Member Benefit 10. The Buzz ................................................................................................................... ADVANCE TURNS 10 Advance has been working at the intersection of ideas and people for a number of years, and 2012 marks out 10th anniversary. We started over a dinner table conversation and have become a global force of connections, energy and opportunities for the one million strong Australian expatriate community. [More...] .......................................................................................................................................................... ADVANCE TV IS LIVE! Advance TV is our new interactive media channel. Advance TV offers regular global video conferences, webinars and real-time web-based interviews. Get inspired by the rock stars of Australian innovation and receive valuable advice from the quiet achievers who are defining the world we live in tomorrow. Check out Future360 Check out HOW2 Check out 30 Second Business Secrets Check out Leaders2U Offer feedback - tell us what content you want! ................................................................................................................... ADVANCE INNOVATION IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS Following its successful launch in Sydney and Melbourne last year, the Advance Innovation program moves up a gear! Interested startups are invited to attend Advance Pitch Workshops in Sydney and Melbourne in late February. Chosen companies will then have a chance to be mentored by some of Australia’s most successful overseas-based entrepreneurs ahead of the Advance Innovation Summit in May. Follow us on Twitter/Facebook to keep up to date with all of the latest information. Learn more about our Pitch Workshops and apply to pitch Find out more about the Advance Innovation Program See what you missed at our November launch events! .......................................................................................................................................................... ADVANCE FRANCE GETS SOCIAL Is social media a fad, to be feared or the future? Seven experts working with social media across different domains addressed the theme at Advance’s annual speaker event in Paris, in the presence of outgoing Australian Ambassador to France, David Ritchie. [More...] .......................................................................................................................................................... AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY WHITE PAPER - ADVANCE MEMBER CONSULTATION Public submissions to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper are now open! As part of the announcement, the White Paper Advisory Panel last month released an issues paper identifying broad issues and questions to encourage debate about how Asia’s rise is changing the world in which we live.[More...] .......................................................................................................................................................... WHAT'S HOT - KARMAWELL KarmaWell turns daily shopping into cash for nonprofits, and we are excited to share their innovative fundraising program. *You already shop online, now make it count for something!* Click on the link below and then just shop over 700 awesome retailers and automatically earn cash supporting your favorite cause, including Advance! It’s safe, it’s easy and it’s free! Check out KarmaWell .................................................................................................................... WASHINGTON DC ART EXHIBITION - ARE WE THERE YET? Salty snacks and space travel...with some biting wit is what artistic duo Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro will serve up to US audiences this winter. From December 3, 2011 to March 11, 2012, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC will present Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro: Are We There Yet? [More...] Meet this month's Roaming Writer - Justine Topfer .................................................................................................................... JOBS BOARD Have you had a chance to view this month’s postings? There are opportunities listed in London, NSW and Melbourne: Director IT Infrastructure Services, Telstra Ltd - Melbourne Senior Representative, NSW Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services - London CNC Operators, Fitters and Fabrication/Welders - NSW ................................................................................................................... MEMBER BENEFIT With over 20 years experience as an Organisational Effectiveness Consultant, Charlotte Kells, from Kells Associates, has helped clients improve business results through organisational development, leadership coaching, strategic planning, team facilitation / problem solving, and custom training. She and her seasoned colleagues can help you with the challenges you are facing now! [More...] Advance members will receive a one hour free consultation and a 15% discount on your first consulting engagement. To take advantage of this offer email ckells@kellsassociates.com .................................................................................................................... THE BUZZ Our snapshot of Australian stories around the globe. 50 For The Future Advance Innovation Program launches in Melbourne and Sydney www.ipitch.com.au - Innovative Australian entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to showcase their startups in the international arena, thanks to 50 for the Future. The World Economy: The Magic of Diasporas www.economist.com - Immigrant networks are a rare bright spark in the world economy. Rich countrues should welcome them. Drug Test www.newyorker.com - Can one self-made woman reform health care for India, and the world?	UPCOMING EVENTS Chennai Wed 25 January Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce Workshop --- Hong Kong Thu 19 January AustCham Luncheon with NSW Deputy Premier --- Los Angeles Thu 12 January Cappello Capital Corp. Australia US Investor Conference Thu 26 January Australia Day Word of Mouth --- New York Thu 19 January G'Day USA Green Building Solutions Forum --- Paris Thu 26 January Australia Day Event --- San Francisco Thu 12 January Australian National University Innovation Showcase --- Tokyo Wed 18 January CSR Asia - Asian Sustainability 2012 Forum --- VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS Stay connected --- THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS Advance receives funding support from the Australian Government

12-Jan-12 5:00 PM

Advance input into the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:45:00 GMT

Public submissions to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper are now open! As part of the announcement, the White Paper Advisory Panel last month released an issues paper identifying broad issues and questions to encourage debate about how Asia’s rise is changing the world in which we live.

Advance Asia members or other members with experience/interest in the region are invited to visit asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au for more information on the submission process or to submit their views.

To respond to specific requests for input, Advance will also be working with regional industry representatives to prepare specific input into the process. The Government is seeking our input on issues including: Australia's reputation in Asia, Australia's role in the region, linking and engagement, and ideas on how to improve business innovation.

6-Jan-12 6:45 PM

Member Profile: Minori Lee

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

What opportunity led you to leave Australia? I moved to New York from Perth in 2010 when I started my Master of Public Administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Was this opportunity only available outside Australia? While Australia is at the forefront of many great research institutions in terms of sustainability that I definitely looked into, Columbia and also the city of New York itself presented a network that I felt no Australian context could rival.

What is the most exciting aspect of the work you are doing? I’m currently interning at the Donna Karan Company LLC’s Corporate Social Responsibility division in addition to my studies, and the most exciting aspect is definitely being able to learn where the rubber meets the road and how the work I do effects change in the supply chain. For instance, I am currently working on how we can make our supply chain 'greener' in terms of resources consumed including water, chemicals and waste, as well as revising our supply chain policies to include environmental considerations as a requirement of business. I am also analysing the impacts of new legislation (such as California's human trafficking disclosure requirements, and the European Union's chemical testing protocols) on our operations and how to integrate them.

At SIPA, the most exciting aspect is the inspiring people I am fortunate enough to interact with every day – from amazing professors to my highly diverse cohort, every day is a learning experience whether in the classroom or not.

What is the most interesting and innovative aspect of the work you are doing? I am currently leading research projects for the Donna Karan Company LLC’s sustainability drive, as this is an imbalanced part of their operations, while operating within the constraints of our parent company LVMH. For me, being able to create ideas about how to integrate environmental best practices into a ‘blank slate’ is both challenging in terms of incorporating the many business constraints, but also a great learning experience to come up with customised, unique solutions

What do you miss most about Australia? My family, and as a WA girl, the best beaches in the world!

21-Dec-11 6:00 PM

Public submissions to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper now open

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

The Prime Minister has now invited public submissions to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper. This has been accompanied by the Advisory Panel’s release of an issues paper which identifies broad issues and questions to encourage debate about how Asia’s rise is changing the world in which we live. Details of the submission process and the Issues Paper can be found on the White Paper website at asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au.

The Australian Government has commissioned the White Paper to consider the likely economic and strategic changes in the region and what more can be done to position Australia for the Asian Century. Specifically, the paper will include:

the current and likely future course of economic, political and strategic change in Asia, encompassing China, India, the key ASEAN countries as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea;
the domestic economic and social opportunities and challenges of the Asian Century for Australia;
opportunities for a significant deepening of our engagement with Asia across the board, including in the economy, science and technology collaboration, clean energy, education, business-to-business and people-to-people links and culture;
the political and strategic implications of the Asian Century for Australia; and
the role of effective economic and political regional and global cooperation.

The White Paper is scheduled to be finalised in mid-2012 and will set out a strategic framework to guide Australia’s navigation of the Asian Century. It will also set out a series of actions that will be taken over the next five years and further policy initiatives to be developed over the next 10 to 15 years.

The White Paper will be a collaborative process, reflecting a public dialogue and intensive stakeholder engagement. Input from the community, business, government and academic organisations will be crucial. For more information please visit asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au.

19-Dec-11 12:00 PM

Member Benefit - Kells Associates

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Personal, Team, Organisational Effectiveness

Strategy Planning Sessions

Executive Coaching

Team Building

Leadership / Staff Development

Charlotte Kells, M.Ed., M.S., Principal of Kells Associates, specialises in Executive and Team Effectiveness and Employee Engagement during the best of times and the toughest of times. She and her seasoned colleagues can help you with the challenges you are facing now!

With over 20 years experience as an Organisational Effectiveness Consultant, Charlotte has helped clients improve business results through organisational development, leadership coaching, strategic planning, team facilitation / problem solving, and custom training. For ten years, she served as a faculty member at the Creative Problem Solving Institute in Buffalo, NY working in their Facilitating Creative Leadership Program. During those years, she taught multi-cultural leadership groups the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving model, tools and techniques for planning and creative thinking, and the skills to create high performance, innovative teams.

Advance members will receive a one hour free consultation and a 15% discount on your first consulting engagement. To take advantage of this offer email ckells@kellsassociates.com

For more information go to www.kellsassociates.com

8-Dec-11 5:00 PM

CEO Message - Advance Turns 10

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Advance has been working at the intersection of ideas and people for a number of years, and 2012 marks our 10th anniversary. We started over a dinner table conversation and have become a global force of connections, energy and opportunities for the one million strong Australian expatriate community.

The talents of Australia's professionals are recognised around the world and this is yielding dividends for their own careers as well as for Australia. For a land on the other side of the world to have a million ‘ambassadors’ in business, science, the arts and beyond is an extraordinary asset with the capacity to make a difference for Australians, Australian companies and Australia around the globe.

In the coming months, as a celebration of our 10th anniversary year and the evolution of our global Australian community, we will commence to unveil the new Advance. A virtual meeting place devoted to the exchange of knowledge, connections, ideas and 'giving back' to:

Inspire and empower other Australians to succeed
Build entrepreneurial Australian companies
Grow global career opportunities for Australia’s expatriate community
Create opportunities to be a 'brain resource' for Australia.

At Advance we live to push boundaries and our programs celebrate and profile those who do it daily. Keep your eye on advance.org and upcoming emails about our exciting developments and how you too can be involved.

This month we launch Advance TV, our new interactive media channel. Advance TV offers regular global video conferences, webinars and real-time web-based interviews. Get inspired by the rock stars of Australian innovation and receive valuable advice from the quiet achievers who are defining the world we live in tomorrow. Check out Advance TV

Advance Innovation is open for business with over 200 entrepreneurs, innovators and investors taking part in our launch events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane last year. The program is designed to equip the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs and companies with the means to successfully navigate the realities of a global marketplace. Find out more here.

We kick off 2012 with the inaugural Advance Global Australian Awards in Australia in April, a celebration of our future leaders and innovators around the world. Find out more here.

Here is to pushing new frontiers, to continue to innovate, to never playing it safe and to making a difference.

Best wishes for 2012

Serafina Maiorano

6-Dec-11 5:00 PM