March 2023 Report
AustCham Korea
Welcome to AustCham Korea, the peak body representing Australian and Korean business interests
Western Australia Government Hosts WA Critical Minerals “Meet the Minister” Networking Dinner Function With?AustCham Korea
On Tuesday, March 14, the?Government of Western Australia?office in Korea, along with the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, hosted the Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Corrective Services; Industrial Relations, the Hon.?Bill Johnston, for a Networking Dinner Function.
Emceed by the Chamber’s Chair, Mr?Ross Gregory, the exclusive event was attended by over 60 guests, including the Australian Deputy Ambassador,?Dr Alexandra Siddall, AustCham Korea’s Gold & Silver Sponsors, government representatives and VIP guests.
This mission to South Korea by Minister Johnston was part of a broader multi-leg ambition to promote Western Australia’s globally-recognised critical minerals and energy sectors in not only South Korea but Canada, the United States and Japan.
With a strong list of representatives from across the WA-Korea bilateral relationship in attendance, AustCham Korea would like to extend its congratulations to the Government of Western Australia team for an incredibly successful event. The Chamber looks forward to seeing the growth of business-to-business and people-to-people links that come from this event.
Read more about the Minister's visit and see more pictures from the event here .
The Australian Chamber of Commerce Hosts Business+ Forum With KOTRA
On Wednesday, March 29, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) and KOTRA, supported by 16 other foreign chambers of commerce in Korea, hosted the first Business+ Forum of 2023, titled, 'How to Plan for Risk on the Korean Peninsula'.
Given the abstract nature of the geopolitical threat posed on the peninsula, and decades of somewhat stability, many organisations lack contingency plans for worst-case scenarios.
With inter-Korean tensions escalating in recent weeks, guest speakers Chad O'Carroll (CEO, Korea Risk Group) and Andrei Lankov (Director, Korea Risk Group) provided an overview of the importance of risk management and contingency planning for those working in South Korea. A Q&A session then took place post-presentation, moderated by Jacco Zwetsloot (Host, NK News Podcast).
Korea Risk Group
Korea Risk Group is a specialist information and analysis firm committed to delivering qualified research, leading risk indicators and analysis to clients around the globe. Founded in 2011, KRG specialises in matters directly and indirectly impacting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly referred to as North Korea.
See more photos from the event here .
AustCham Korea Launches New Networking Event MIX AT SIX at the ANdAZ Seoul Gangnam
On Thursday, March 30, AustCham Korea hosted their newest networking event, MIX AT SIX, sponsored by Yoon & Yang LLC.
Hosted at the trendy ANDAZ Seoul Gangnam, the MIX AT SIX – ‘Aperitivo Paradisio Happy Hour’ provided attendees with a fantastic opportunity to relax, network and enjoy some of the best in food and beverage.
AustCham Korea would like to thank the ANDAZ Seoul Gangnam team, especially General Manager Robert Hamer, and Sponsor, Yoon & Yang, for their support in organising such a fantastic evening, and look forward to future events together.
See more pictures here .
AustCham Korea Meets With Tasmanian Department of State Growth
On Friday, March 3, AustCham Korea had the opportunity to meet with the Department of State Growth (Tas) ahead of the Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff’s visit to South Korea.
During the discussion, Lara Hendriks, Executive Director for Trade, and Cameron Shield, Acting Director for International Connections and Events, highlighted that this trade mission was focusing on showcasing Tasmania’s world-class defence industry. For this, the Tasmanian Government joined forces with Tasmanian defence industry manufacturers to promote opportunities in the state to the Republic of Korea.
The trade mission, led by the Premier, provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with trusted partners, Hanwha Group, over the course of two days.
Premier Rockliff said this was another important opportunity to canvas new business for Tasmanian industry and build an awareness of the state’s growing capabilities across defence, aerospace and renewable energy. The delegation also met with the Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Catherine Raper, to “further deepen [Tasmania’s] knowledge of opportunities to partner with Korea.”
The Chamber looks forward to exploring future opportunities with the Tasmanian Government in 2023.
InterBattery 2023 Conference in Seoul
On Wednesday, March 15, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) supported Team Australia at InterBattery 2023, the largest battery exhibition in Korea, held at COEX.
Team Australia was out in full force, enhancing Australia’s profile as a stable partner to secure battery minerals supply chains and introduce Australian battery minerals projects and business collaboration opportunities to the Korean market.
There, the Chamber had the opportunity to attend the ‘Australia’s Critical Minerals and Future Battery Supply Chains’ seminar, hosted by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and sponsored by Investment NSW, Northern Territory Government, Trade and Investment Queensland and Government of Western Australia. The Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Corrective Services; Industrial Relations, the Hon. Bill Johnston, gave opening remarks.
Here, there were speeches from key speakers of the Critical Minerals Facilitation Office, the above sponsors, Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre, Worley,?Lumea, Ardea Resources Ltd, FYI Resources Limited and Avenira Limited.
AustCham Korea would like to thank Austrade for the invitation and congratulate Team Australia on an excellent showcase of Australian opportunities in the battery minerals market.
See more photos here .
AustCham Engages with the Community for Meal Service Initiative
On Friday, March 10, AustCham Korea hosted a special CSR activity: Community Meal Service Initiative. This activity was aimed to provide an opportunity for the business community to give back by coming together and assisting the Seoul Senior Welfare Center (???????? – ?????????) with the preparation and service of meals to disadvantaged community members.
On the day, members from Woodside Energy, IFM Investors and the AustCham Korea Secretariat gave their time to help with running the Soup Kitchen, with jobs ranging from serving food, to dish-washing and cleaning tables. Participants agreed it was challenging but highly rewarding.
This community reach-out was part of AustCham Korea’s broader CSR efforts, with the local focus reflecting the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to nurturing interpersonal Korea-Australia relations.
AustCham Korea would like to extend our special thanks to Harry Lee from the CSR Sub-Committee for his time and effort put into helping organise the event.
See more photos here .
AustCham Korea Hosts 2023 AGM
On Monday, March 13, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) held its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Australia Centre, Australian Embassy.
The event opened with welcome remarks by the Australian Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Catherine Raper, and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Julie Quinn.
Updating attendees on the Chamber’s progress, AustCham Korea’s Executive Director, Rowan Petz, provided a snapshot of 2022, reviewing many of the 60+ events and engagements the Chamber hosted over the year. Following the report, Treasurer Kelly Ki Jeong Lee , CFA updated Members on the Chamber’s financial positioning and provided an interim forecast for the year ahead. A special resolution to amend the Chamber’s Constitution was also presented to Members at the AGM, which received overwhelming support.
In wrapping up the event, AustCham Korea’s Chair, Ross Gregory, thanked the Chamber’s Patron, Ambassador Raper, along with Members and Sponsors, and the Board and Secretariat for all their support.
AustCham Secretariat Visits JLL Office in Seoul
Recently, the AustCham Korea Secretariat had a chance to visit the JLL office, located in Yeouido, Seoul.
JLL's office was created with a clear focus on their Future of Work principles. The office adopts adaptive work modes that are squarely aimed at disrupting the widely held notions of how and where people choose to work. JLL's office evolved from a singular vision that places productivity and well-being of its people at its core.
The JLL office at ONE IFC has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification in the Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) category. An ambitious programme of sustainability and wellness measures were consistent with the design - air quality sensors, intelligent lighting control systems, recycling, and the elimination of single-use plastics were a fundamental part of the project delivery.
This office has also received the WELL pre-certification by IWBI (International WELL Building Institute), which will be the first WELL certified project for office building type. WELL is focused exclusively on the ways that buildings and communities can improve comfort, drive better choices, and enhance health and wellness.
The Chamber would like to thank JLL for the tour of such a groundbreaking office space.
[Webinar] ESG - Global Trends and Implications for Business in Korea
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) is proud to present a special webinar with ERM Korea and POSCO Holdings. Titled 'ESG - Global Trends and Implications for Business in Korea', this webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 via Zoom.
Companies are increasingly recognising the importance of ESG issues and incorporating ESG considerations into their strategies and operations. This is driven by a range of factors, including regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations and the growing recognition of the business benefits of sustainability and responsible business practices.
领英推荐
With two-way investment only set to expand between Australia and Korea, investors are increasingly using ESG criteria to evaluate companies and make investment decisions. There is growing recognition that companies with strong ESG practices are often better positioned to manage risks and capitalise on opportunities, whilst also having a stronger likelihood of being able to deliver sustainable long-term financial performance.
Joined by Mark Watson, Country Managing Partner at ERM Korea, Seung-hyun Cho, Senior Vice President at POSCO Holdings, and moderated by Helen Oh, Trade and Investment Commissioner and Counsellor (Commercial) at Austrade, the Webinar details are as follows:
[Webinar] Elevating HR Capabilities to be a True Business Partner
Join AustCham Korea member and Founder of ELSYUNG CONSULTING, Elsie Yung, to explore how you can elevate your HR capabilities to be a true business partner.
Human Resources is no longer just a support function in organisations. Instead, it has evolved into a strategic business partner that plays a crucial role in driving organisational success. This webinar will focus on elevating HR capabilities to be a true business partner by discussing the key skills and competencies that HR professionals need to have in order to effectively support the organisation's goals and objectives. With the right mindset and skillset, HR professionals can contribute significantly to the success of their organisations and help drive sustainable growth and innovation.
Topics covered will include:
Webinar details:
2023 ANZA Charity Ball
The 2023 ANZA Korea Charity Ball, QUEEN OF THE NIGHT, is coming up next week, on Saturday, April 15. Hosted at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the charity gala will feature an Australian and New Zealand-inspired course dinner, wine, cocktails, live entertainment and major fundraising fun!
The theme, QUEEN OF THE NIGHT, is inspired by the bright & bold energy of the iconic 90’s Australian movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and draws upon broader themes of diversity and self-expression.
Attendees will have the chance to participate in a lucky draw and auctions, for a chance to win some big-ticket prizes. All proceeds will be donated to local non-government-funded Korean charities.
A fantastic line-up of entertainment has been prepared, including live music, a drag show and DJ tunes – playing songs of Priscilla, SIA, and many other iconic Australian and New Zealand classics.
Mott MacDonald Joins as Gold Sponsor
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) is delighted to welcome Mott MacDonald to the Chamber as a Gold Sponsor.
Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy. Locally, and around the world, the Mott MacDonald team continues to support the development of projects across Mott MacDonald’s sectors – from advisory, energy, and the built environment, to transport and water.
A key focus in Korea is to support the wind, solar, hydropower, thermal and hydrogen schemes as the country rapidly expands its renewable sector. Mott MacDonald’s local experts work closely with their clients and global network of specialists as they implement leading-edge solutions, whilst also driving to achieve high quality and sustainable outcomes.
Read more about Mott MacDonald here .
Tasmanian Government Joins as Gold Sponsor
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) is delighted to welcome Tasmanian Government to the Chamber as a Gold Sponsor.
In a statement released 23 March 2023, the Premier of Tasmania and Minister for Trade, Jeremy Rockliff, announced Tasmania’s plan to increase trade with the Republic of Korea post a Trade and Investment Mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan earlier in March. The Premier said the mission was a success and is already delivering results for Tasmanian businesses.
Premier Rockliff further announced, “The Government will also be expanding our international business development network by partnering with the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea to deliver market intelligence, support business to business engagement and advocacy for Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses. This will take out network to five countries being the USA, Japan, Singapore, China and Korea.”
AustCham Korea is delighted to be working on future engagement with the Tasmanian Government.
Read more about the Trade and Investment Mission here .
Qantas Joins as Silver Sponsor
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) is delighted to welcome Qantas to the Chamber as our newest Silver Sponsor.
Since November 2 of 2022, Jetstar Airways has been flying three times a week between Sydney and Seoul with the Boeing 787. Since last December 10, 2022, Qantas has also been flying four Sydney to Seoul flights a week with the Airbus A330. These flights signify connecting Australia’s gateway of Sydney and South Korea’s capital Seoul for the first time in nearly 15 years.
Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, Qantas has grown to be Australia’s largest domestic and international airline. Registered originally as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited (QANTAS), Qantas is widely regarded as the world’s leading long distance airline and one of the strongest brands in Australia. Qantas has built a reputation for excellence in safety, operational reliability, engineering and maintenance, and customer service.
If you’re a regular flyer with Qantas, or would like to start your Qantas journey, check out the Qantas Frequent Flyer program here .
JLL Joins as Corporate Member
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) would like to welcome JLL as our newest member.
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for their clients, people and communities. JLL’s services cover Capital Markets, Project Development Services (PDS), Valuation, Advisory, Research, Leasing, Property Asset Management and Integrated Facilities Management.
JLL is a Fortune 500 company with an annual revenue of $20.9 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 103,000 as of December 31, 2022. Property and integrated facility management managed 4.6 billion square feet worldwide in 2022 $286 billion of client transactions in capital markets services, 42,600 leasing transactions for landlord & tenant clients, 34,900+ projects delivered by project development services globally, representing 1,030 million square feet of space worldwide in 2022.
Mott MacDonald Launches New Office in Seoul
On Wednesday, March 22,?AustCham Korea’s newest Gold Sponsor, Mott MacDonald, launched their new office in Seoul, South Korea. The opening of this new office symbolises Mott MacDonald’s commitment to expansion in the Korean market.
Locally, and around the world, the Mott MacDonald team continues to support the development of projects across Mott MacDonald’s sectors – from advisory, energy, and the built environment, to transport and water.
A key focus in Korea is to support the wind, solar, hydropower, thermal and hydrogen schemes as the country rapidly expands its renewable sector. Mott MacDonald’s local experts work closely with their clients and global network of specialists as they implement leading-edge solutions, whilst also driving to achieve high quality and sustainable outcomes.
AustCham Korea would like to congratulate Mott MacDonald on their new office, and successful office launch, and looks forward to working together in 2023.
Maersk Korea Ranked One of Top 100 Best Places to Work in Korea
Congratulations to AustCham Korea member, A.P. Moller - Maersk, for being ranked 14 among the Top 100 Best Places to Work in Korea.
The team also received three special award categories, including, “Best Workplace for working moms”, “Best Workplace for millennials” and “Best Workplace for seniors”. Maersk employees Jongbeom (JB) Choi and Jiyeon Shin also won the Innovative Leader and Proud Working Mom Awards, respectively.
The Chamber would like to especially congratulate AustCham Korea Board Member and Maersk Korea Representative Director, Adam Farmer, for winning the award for most Respected CEO. It's always exciting to see Australians leading workplaces to be truly diverse, open and enjoyable places to work.
Congratulations to Maersk for the achievement.