President's message
Thank you to all members who have renewed their annual membership since July 1. Your membership is important to us as we continue the work that AJS-NSW has been doing for 55 years: to build and strengthen the multi-faceted relationship between Japan and Australia, through activities in business, social and cultural spheres.
Your membership fees are primarily used for maintenance of our membership, events and website platform, which is essential for the smooth running of our organization by a team of volunteer Board members. They also support the Student Awards provided to high-achieving students at seven universities in the Sydney region.
We are always seeking ways to provide new value to members. Our events provide preferential pricing for members, and we are planning some member-only events. If you have ideas for events, or you or your company would like to host an event on an Australia/Japan-related topic, please get in touch (email) or talk to one of our Board members.
Since the last newsletter, we had a host of successful and well-attended events: the Austrade Update in June, the Tanabata-themed Shaberanaito with JETAA, and an Afternoon of Japanese Gardens hosted by member Ken Lamb, both in July. We also had a Zoom Culture talk on Japanese Customs. Pictures of these events can be found on our Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram social media.
And with all the excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, AJS-NSW co-hosted (with the Australia Japan Businesswomen’s Network in Sydney) an event to watch the Sweden v Nadeshiko Japan game. Over 70 people attended and while the result meant that Japan did not progress, it was a wonderful opportunity for the wider community to enjoy the game (both highs and lows!). Again, pictures available on our social media.
Due to unforeseen circumstances we have postponed a planned Japan-Australia Diversity & Inclusion business event, but our September – October events pipeline includes a talk from a home-grown software company experiencing remarkable world-wide growth, including in Japan, and a Joint careers event with JETAA. Details to be announced soon.
August and September also see a great many Japan-related events in Sydney and NSW, ranging from the annual Japan Matsuri in Chatswood, the Cowra Sakura Matsuri and Japanaroo events, plus the regular Japan Update from ANU. See below. Look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Anita Byrnes, President
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August 2023 Newsletter