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Annual Report 2005-06Australia-Malaysia Institute

Australia -MalaysiaInstitute


Commonwealth of Australia

ISBN 1 920959 97 1

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney General’s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at http://www.ag.gov.au/cca

AMI Secretariat

Australia-Malaysia Institute South-East Asia Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

R G Casey Building John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221

Phone: 02 6261 1333 Fax: 02 6261 1304 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.dfat.gov.au/ami

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4 June 2007

The Hon Alexander Downer MP Minister for Foreign Affairs Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Minister

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Australia-Malaysia Institute, I am pleased to submit the Institute’s annual report for the period 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006.

Yours sincerely

Michael Abbott QC Chairman of the Executive Committee



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Chairman’s Review 4

Institute’s Overview 6

Establishment 6

Key objectives 6

AMI structure 6

Executive Committee 7

Programs 8

Media Program 8

Young Leaders Program 10

Muslim Exchange Program 11

Education and Science Program 13

Cultural Understanding Program 15

Public Affairs Program 18

Administrative Overview 20

Meetings 20

Remuneration 20

Staffing 20

Finances 20

Working with the Public 21

Fostering Partnerships with Sponsors 21

Contact Details 21

Appendix A: Financial Information 2005-06 22

T A b l e o f c o n T e n T S

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The Australia-Malaysia Institute (AMI) has completed its first year of existence. Announced during the visit to Australia by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in April 2005, the Institute constitutes a natural progression in the bilateral relationship. The establishment of the AMI not only reflected the long-standing links between Australia and Malaysia in defence, security, business, education and culture, but also emphasised the new direction of the bilateral relationship since the election of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The establishment of the AMI is a further acknowledgement that by supporting existing links and promoting new ones we can build a strong relationship for the future.

The AMI was designed to assist the Government in its efforts to enhance this relationship and to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between Australia and Malaysia. The key objective of the AMI is to strengthen Australia’s people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia. The fact that both the Australian and Malaysian Foreign Ministers have officiated at AMI events underscores the AMI’s relevance to the bilateral relationship.

To achieve its objectives, the AMI’s Executive Committee has developed a Strategic Plan which focuses on media exchanges, Muslim exchanges, activities to bring together future leaders in both countries, as well as cooperation in the fields of art, culture, education and science.

Over the 2005-06 financial year, the Institute organised three media visits to Australia and co-sponsored a visit to Malaysia by eight Australian journalists organised by the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre. One of the visits focused on promoting awareness in Malaysia

of Australian science and technology. While these visits have already resulted in a variety of articles in Malaysian and Australian newspapers, the most valuable outcome of such visits has been the development of a long-term interest in and a positive attitude to Australia among representatives of the Malaysian media and vice versa.

The AMI also organised bilateral visits by both young Australian and young Malaysian Muslim leaders, as well as a visit to Malaysia by a group of young leaders from Australia. The visits under these programs allowed young leaders to discover for themselves the multicultural and multi-religious societies of Australia and Malaysia and to develop networks for future cooperation.

The AMI has now established Australia-Malaysia Fellowships, under the Education and Science Program, as another activity to promote increased knowledge and understanding between the two countries. This will be achieved by assisting Australian and Malaysian researchers to further their knowledge in selected areas of Australian and Malaysian studies and by promoting cooperative research. We were very encouraged by the high level of interest in the Fellowships scheme both in Australia and Malaysia.

The AMI also co-sponsored a successful Australia-Malaysia Forum which took place in Melbourne and was organised by Monash University and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute of Malaysia (ASLI). Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar delivered a keynote address at the Forum. The Forum provided an excellent opportunity to bring together Australian and Malaysian academics and business representatives.

c h A I r M A n ’ S r e v I e w

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Michael Abbott

In the area of arts and culture, the AMI sponsored a number of Malaysian-related aspects of the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia which was curated and displayed in Adelaide and subsequently in Canberra from November 2005 to May 2006. The AMI held its official launch at the National Gallery, with the exhibition as a backdrop, on 28 March 2006. The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address at the launch. The exhibition and the launch received positive publicity both in Australia and Malaysia. Because one aspect of the role of the AMI is to promote the diversity of Australian culture to Malaysians, the AMI also sponsored performances by an acclaimed Aboriginal dance group and by a duo of Australian classical guitarists in Malaysia.

I believe that the AMI has already added a new dimension to the bilateral relationship and that we can look to the future with confidence. This year we will work to build on our current activities, with a view to further enhancing mutual understanding between our two countries.

I want to thank the organisations and individuals whose cooperation was instrumental to the success of the AMI’s initial programs. Firstly, I would like to thank the members of my Executive Committee who contributed much time and effort to provide program ideas, make arrangements and participate in elements of AMI visits. Secondly, I would like to thank the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia for the period in question, James Wise, and his staff

at the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for assisting with the Malaysian side of AMI activities, including selecting Malaysian participants, organising programs for visits to Malaysia and fostering AMI cultural activities in Malaysia, and looking after the Executive Committee during our visit to Malaysia. Thirdly, I want to thank Ms Elena Balogh and those who have assisted her in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in providing support for AMI activities. Finally, I want to thank Dato’ Salim Hashim, Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia, and his staff for engaging with all Malaysian delegations visiting Australia under AMI programs, and for sharing ideas for further cooperation.

Michael Abbott Qc Chairman

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EstablishmentThe AMI’s establishment was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Alexander Downer MP, on 7 April 2005 in conjunction with the visit to Australia by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Australia-Malaysia Institute was established for an initial period of three years, at the end of which it will be reviewed and, if appropriate, confirmed.

I n S T I T U T e ’ S o v e r v I e wObjectivesThe Institute’s main objective is to develop strategies to promote and enhance the bilateral relationship further through:

• Increasing knowledge and promoting understanding between the people and institutions of Australia and Malaysia

• Enhancing people-to-people links

• Supporting Australia’s broader diplomatic objectives in Malaysia.

AMI structureThe Institute’s Executive Committee comprises eight prominent Australians drawn from business, academia and the media plus an ex-officio senior officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. All members of the Executive Committee have a long-standing and active interest in Malaysia.

The Australia-Malaysia Institute is supported by a Secretariat which is located in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra.

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, HE Dato’ Salim Hashim, Malaysian High Commissioner and Michael Abbott QC, AMI Chairman, at the AMI launch at the National Gallery of Australia

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Executive Committee

chairman of the executive committee

• Michael Abbott QC, Barrister

Members of the executive committee as at 30 June 2006

• Paul Mcclintock, Director, McClintock Associates

• Professor Anthony Milner, Basham Professor of Asian History, Faculty of Asian Studies, Australian National University

• bob cotton, Visiting Fellow, Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government, Australian National University and former Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia

• Dr wendy Smith, Director, Centre for Malaysian Studies, Monash University

• Professor hock lim Tan, Professor of Paediatric Surgery, University of Adelaide

• Kerry Adby, Managing Director, Copernican Securities Pty Ltd

• Gillian bird, Deputy Secretary, representing Michael L’Estrange, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Paul Mcclintock

Michael Abbott

Professor Anthony Milner

bob cotton

Dr wendy Smith Professor hock lim Tan

Kerry Adby

Gillian bird

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P r o G r A M S

Media Program

The Australia-Malaysia Institute is working to achieve its key objectives through six programs of activities which comprise the Institute’s Strategic Plan: Media Program, Young Leaders’ Program, Muslim Exchange Program, Education and Science Program, Cultural Understanding Program, and Public Relations Program. Some activities cut across more than one program. For example, a visit by Malaysian journalists in May 2006 which focused on education and science advanced objectives of the Media Program and the Education and Science Program; the Institute’s support for the

“Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia contributed to the Cultural Understanding Program, Muslim Exchange Program, Public Affairs and Media Programs. The delegation of Muslim Leaders from Malaysia, which visited Australia under the Muslim Exchange Program, included two young Malay Muslim representatives of UMNO (United Malay National Organisation) Youth, thus contributing to achieving objectives of both the Young Leaders’ and Muslim Exchange Programs.

obJecTIveS STrATeGY AchIeveMenTS

To achieve a well-informed image of Australia in Malaysia

To encourage well-informed Malaysian media interest in Australia and well-informed Australian media interest in Malaysia

Promote increased exposure to Australia in Malaysia and to Malaysia in Australia through media, in particular, the Malay language media

Encourage professional networking and linkages between professional media bodies in both countries

Encourage increased knowledge about Australia among representatives of the Malaysian media

Promote Australia’s scientific and technological sophistication, educational excellence, economic entrepreneurship and cultural diversity

Increase the numbers of Australian media representatives with Malaysian expertise

Visit by two Malaysian journalists to cover the opening of the Crescent Moon Exhibition (November 2005)

Visit by a Malaysian radio station (TraxxFM) manager to Radio Australia (Melbourne) to establish a joint broadcasting program (December 2005)

Visit by five Malaysian journalists to Australia (April 2006)

Visit to Malaysia by eight Australian journalists, organised by the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre in cooperation with the AMI ( June 2006)

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Media visits from Malaysia

Two Malaysian journalists representing The Star and Utusan Malaysia visited Australia in November 2005 for the opening of the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South East Asia and a familiarisation program.

A group of five Malaysian journalists representing major English and Malay language newspapers (The Star, New Straits Times, The Sun, Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia) visited Australia from 25 March to 4 April 2006. The program for the visit focused on promoting Australia’s relations with Malaysia, issues of good governance and transparency, cultural diversity and religious tolerance.

The journalists explored the issues of good governance and transparency with the Australia New Zealand School of Government, Melbourne City Council, Office of the Commonwealth Games Coordination, and the Australia Electoral Commission. In Sydney, the journalists met with the Royal Lifesaving Association (Arabic Community Project), a prominent Muslim leader and President of the Lakemba Sports Club Dr Jamal Rifi, Geraldine Doogue of “Compass” (ABC TV) and Phil Williams of SBS (Policy). In Canberra, the visitors attended the launch of the Australia-Malaysia Institute at the National Gallery and the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia and met the Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon Alexander Downer MP.

A number of positive articles were published in Malaysia by the journalists following the visit.

Media visit to Malaysia

A delegation of Australian journalists visited Malaysia from 5 to 10 June 2006 under the Asia Pacific Journalism Centre with support from the Australia-Malaysia Institute (AMI). The delegation included eight print and broadcast journalists from the political, environmental, health and foreign affairs desks of The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Asia Pacific TV, Radio Australia, Channel Ten News, The Advertiser, and SBS.

The delegation completed a wide-ranging program with good exposure to Malaysian opinion makers, prominent think-tanks and social, political and economic commentators. The delegation met with senior representatives from the South-East Asia Regional Centre for Counter Terrorism (SEARCCT), Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM), Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) and participated in a dialogue with senior editors from local daily newspapers.

The journalists were able to deepen their understanding of Malaysia’s political, economic, social and religious landscape through discussions with senior officers from the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), National Economic Action Council, International Movement for a JUST World and Sisters in Islam.

The delegation also travelled to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, where they met representatives of Kelantan’s incumbent and opposition parties.

Malaysian journalists meet with The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, at Parliament House

Malaysian journalists discuss GST implemetation with Professor Alan Fels AO, Dean, Australia New Zealand School of Government

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Young leaders visit to Malaysia

A delegation of seven Australian young leaders visited Malaysia from 5 to 10 June under the Australia-Malaysia Institute’s Young Leaders Program. The seven members of the delegation were selected from a broad range of political, public and private sector organisations.

Young Leaders Program


To promote increased understanding among current and future leaders and opinion makers in both countries

Expose young Australians and Malaysians with proven leadership potential to each other’s political, economic and social systems

Encourage direct and continuing dialogue between current and future leaders and opinion makers in both countries

Visit to Malaysia by a group of Australian Young Leaders in June 2006

A group of Australian young leaders meet with Hj Nik Mustapha Hassan, Deputy Director-General, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia

The visit brought together future leaders and opinion makers of Australia and Malaysia to strengthen people-to-people and institutional ties. The Australian young leaders and their Malaysian counterparts shared perspectives on the political, economic, intellectual and social dimensions of their respective countries.

cooperation in radio broadcasting (radio Australia and TraxxfM, Malaysia)

The Institute supported Radio Australia’s efforts to establish a twinning arrangement between Radio Australia’s English department and Malaysian popular music and chat network TraxxFM, with a subsequent placement of a Muslim broadcaster from Radio Television

Malaysia in Radio Australia for a period of three weeks to report on the Muslim community in Australia and interfaith issues.

The first part of the project was a staff exchange with TraxxFM which took place in December 2005. TraxxFM Controller Philomena Granapragasam visited Australia for an attachment with Radio Australia.

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Muslim Exchange Program


To promote greater understanding of the religions in each other’s country and the role of those religions in our respective societies

Introduce selected religious leaders from Malaysia and Australia to the religious and social aspects of both countries

Promote Australia’s image as a religiously tolerant multicultural society

Support and promote activities which showcase the Islamic heritage of Malaysia and South-East Asia

Visit to Australia by a group of five young Malaysian Muslim leaders (April 2006)

Visit to Malaysia by a group of six young Australian Muslim leaders ( June 2006)

AMI support of Malaysia-related aspects of the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia (as part of the Cultural Understanding Program)

visit to Australia by Malaysian Muslim leaders

The inaugural visit to Australia under the Australia-Malaysia Institute’s Muslim Exchange Program by a group of five Malaysian Muslim leaders took place from 23 to 30 April 2006. The group was led by the Deputy Director-General of the Institute of Islamic Understanding and included representatives of the Department of Islamic Development ( JAKIM), UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) Youth and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia).

The visitors met with representatives of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils in Sydney and the Islamic Council of Victoria and visited the Malek Fahd Islamic School in Sydney. The delegation also met with participants in the Regional Interfaith Dialogue representing different religions, with Father Riley’s Youth Off The Streets, a non-denominational organisation which founded an orphanage for Muslim children in Aceh, and with the presenter of the ABC TV program Compass, Geraldine Doogue.

The delegation had a wide-ranging program, including meetings with Malaysian young leaders and opinion makers, political parties, government officials, captains of industry, prominent think-tanks and social, political and economic commentators. The delegation had good discussions on trade and investment, governance and human rights issues. The delegation also travelled to Penang, where they met with Australian, Malaysian and other Five

Power Defence Arrangements officers based at Butterworth and visited one of Malaysia’s largest high-technology design and manufacturing facilities.

As a result of the visit, linkages were created between the delegates and institutions they represented and representatives of Malaysian political parties, NGOs and institutions in the public and private sectors.

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In Canberra, the visitors were briefed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Australia’s bilateral relationship with Malaysia, and had a meeting with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. They also met with Australian academics to discuss modern Australia and its complex linkages with the Muslim world, and explored challenges of serving multicultural communities in discussions with Federal Member of Parliament Maria Vamvakinou and the Multicultural Unit of the Victoria Police.

visit to Malaysia by Australian young Muslim leaders

A delegation of six prominent Australian Muslim leaders visited Malaysia from 19 to 23 June 2006. The visit exposed the delegation to prominent Malaysian opinion makers, think-tanks and social, political and economic commentators. During the visit, the delegation met with senior representatives of Malaysian government agencies dealing with Islam, the Department of Islamic Development ( JAKIM)

and the Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM). They also met with representatives of the main political parties, including UMNO, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA, the main Chinese-based party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition).

The delegation also had discussions with a range of NGOs, including the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM), Sisters in Islam, the Bar Council of Malaysia, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and meetings with scholars Professor Shamsul Amri Baharuddin and Eddin Khoo.

The delegation also travelled to the state of Terengganu, where they met with the State Economic Planning Unit and representatives of the ruling parties of the State Government of Terengganu. The delegation was briefed by the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia, Kusza Campus (Terengganu’s Islamic university) on its curriculum and was given a tour of the campus.

Australian Young Leaders in Penang

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Education and Science Program

Australia-Malaysia fellowships

The Australia-Malaysia Institute has established an Australia-Malaysia Fellowships (AMF) scheme to increase awareness among academics about Australia-Malaysia relations, and to promote cooperation between leading researchers of the two countries.

The Australia-Malaysia Fellowships scheme consists of three separate but interconnecting categories:

• Australian Studies fellowships for Malaysian academics and post graduate researchers who wish to further their expertise in Australia-related topics, mainly in the fields of humanities and economics

• Malaysian Studies fellowships for Australian academics and post graduate researchers who wish to research topics in Malaysian Studies

• excellence in research fellowships, designed to give an opportunity for Malaysian scholars to collaborate in research with Australian academics who are distinguished in the international arena

Four fellowships were awarded in the first AMF round in 2005-06.

category 1: Australian Studies

Recipient: Badrul Redzuan Abu Hassan Home Institution: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Host Institution: National Centre for Australian Studies (NCAS), Monash University Project: Cinematique-Intent: Visual Culture and the Discourse of Multiculturalism in Malaysian and Australian Cinemas.

category 2: Malaysian Studies

Recipient: Dr Cynthia Joseph Home Institution: Faculty of Education, Monash University Host Institution: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya Project: Malaysian Youth Identities: Ethnicities, Education and Globalisation.


To support the broader objective of increasing awareness about Australia in Malaysia

To help consolidate Australia’s reputation as a provider of quality education

Promote Australia’s image as a source of sophisticated scientific research and technology

Participate in science and education-related activities where such participation supports the Institute’s key objectives

Establishment of the Australia-Malaysia Fellowships scheme

Media visit to Australia with focus on science and technology (May 2006)

Facilitation of Malaysian participation at the AusBiotech 05 Conference

Facilitation of Australian participation in a biotechnology conference in Malaysia

Visit by Dr Zakaria Haji Ahmad, Executive Director, HELP University College

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category 3: research excellence

Recipient: Dr Alex Chong Home institution: School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Host Institution: Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania Project: Utilization of molecular techniques in aquaculture: Developmental expression of essential nutrition related genes in striped trumpet larva.

Recipient: Associate Professor Lilia Halim Home institution: Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Host Institution: Science and Mathematics Education Centre, Curtin University of Technology Project: Becoming an expert teacher: the development of pedagogical content knowledge of pre-service science teachers in Malaysia and Australia.

Quantum, and Dr David Mills who has been active in solar energy applications since 1975. The group visited the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and CSIRO facilities in North Ryde, including the Division of Molecular and Health Technology, and Food Science Australia. In Melbourne, the journalists visited the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (focusing on diabetes and malaria research) and the Australian Stem Cell Centre at Monash University.

In Canberra, the journalists visited the Australian Academy of Science and met with staff of the National Youth Science Forum and Biotechnology Australia. One of Forum’s executive members, Dr Lyn Hinds, Invasive Animal Team Leader at CSIRO Entomology, organised for the journalists to speak to experts about Australian insects and cane toads. The journalists also met the Manager of International Recruitment at the Australian National University to discuss opportunities for Malaysian students in Australia.

Joseph Masilamany, Senior Journalist, The Sun, checks what his weight would be on other planets at the Tidbinbilla Tracking Station near Canberra.

Malaysian journalists examine a space exploration display at the Tidbinbilla Tracking Station

visit to Australia by four Malaysian journalists with a focus on science and technology

A group of four Malaysian journalists representing major English and Malay-language newspapers (The Star, The Sun, Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia) visited Australia from 14 to 23 May 2006.

The group visited the Australian Technology Park in Sydney and met with Karina Kelly, former presenter of the TV science program

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International Symposium on Molecular farming in Plants: prospects for the Asia Pacific: Australian participation

The symposium was held in Malaysia from 13 to 15 June 2006 in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, and the International Islamic Universiti Malaysia (IIUM). The symposium featured leading scientists in this field from various countries such as Australia, USA, South Africa, Spain and Germany as keynote speakers.

The symposium focused on issues such as current technology, downstream processing, regulatory, safety and ethical issues, business models for commercialization, and the need for proper legal frameworks and outreach programs to raise awareness. The AMI sponsored Dr. Dwayne Kirk, Strategy Leader, Cooperative Research Centre for Molecular Farming at Monash University, as one of the keynote speakers. Dr Kirk presented a paper on commercial feasibility of plant-made vaccines and chaired a session on “Novel Products and Safety Issues”.

Cultural Understanding Program


To further enhance mutual appreciation in Australia and Malaysia of the quality, sophistication and diversity of each other’s arts and culture

Support activities showcasing the quality and richness of Australia’s arts and culture in Malaysia, and of Malaysia’s arts and culture in Australia

Support for Malaysia-related aspects of the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia

Performances in Kuala Lumpur by Yolgnu Aboriginal Dance Group

Concert in Kuala Lumpur by Australian classical guitarists Slava & Leonard Grigoryan

Children’s Book Conference in Sydney: Malaysian participation

The visit resulted in positive and diverse coverage of Australia in both English and Malay language print media.

AUSbiotech 2005: Malaysian participation

The AMI facilitated participation by Ms Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Program Director, Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC) at the AUSBiotech Conference in Perth from 2 to 24 November 2005.

The conference brought together companies, research institutes, international guests, scientists, policy makers, governments, business and legal professionals, service providers, biotechnology stakeholders and other interested parties to discuss recent developments in a broad spectrum of bioindustries in Australia and globally.

AUSBiotech 05 provided Ms Arujanan with exposure to the biotechnology industry in Australia and an opportunity to meet various biotechnology stakeholders outside Malaysia, and resulted in fruitful collaboration with Australian colleagues from both the public and private sector in communications and public awareness programs.

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“crescent Moon” exhibition of Islamic Art and civilisation of South-east Asia

The exhibition opened in Adelaide on 9 November 2005 and was the first exhibition showcasing Islamic art of South-East Asia in Australia. The exhibition had a significant Malaysian component, with 40 out of 170 exhibits coming from Malaysian cultural institutions and private collections, including the exhibition’s centrepiece, carved wooden doors from a royal palace in Sarawak. The Australia-Malaysia Institute supported aspects of the exhibition including an invitation to Professor Othman Yatim of the University of Malaya to present at a seminar on Islamic art and the translation of three chapters of the exhibition’s catalogue into the Malay language.

The exhibition provided a unique opportunity to introduce the Australian public to the beauty and sophistication of Islamic art from the region. The Australia-Malaysia Institute also facilitated a visit to Australia by two journalists from Malaysian newspapers to cover the opening of the exhibition.

The Yolgnu Aboriginal Dance Group

The Yolgnu Aboriginal Dance Group from North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory performed at Sutra House, an outdoor dance venue in Kuala Lumpur managed by one of Malaysia’s premier classical dancers, Ramli Ibrahim, on the 13th, 14th and 15th November 2005.

The performances on all three nights were well attended with over 500 members of the public in the audience. Prominent guests from the arts/media/business communities and 80 guests from the neighbouring Orang Asli (Malaysian Indigenous) community were invited by the Sutra Dance Theatre and the Australian High Commission to the private opening night performance. Performances opened with an introductory briefing given by Dr Aaron Corn, an Australian Post Doctoral Fellow working with the Aboriginal people (the Yolgnu) of North-East Arnhem Land.

Apart from the performances at Sutra Dance Theatre, the group also gave a public performance at the Crown Princess Hotel. Members of the public were invited to try out the didgeridoo.

Cultural performance by a group of Malaysian students at the AMI launch

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Slava and leonard Grigoryan charity concert in Kuala lumpur

Australian classical guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan performed at a sell-out concert at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre on 11 April 2006. Proceeds from the concert were given to PRIDE Foundation, a Malaysian organisation that aims to increase breast cancer awareness. The organisation was established in honour of the Prime Minister of Malaysia’s late wife, Datin Paduka Sri Endon Mahmood, and is now headed by Datin Azrene Abdullah. The concert was attended by over 500 people, including the High Commissioner HE Mr James Wise, Datin Azrene and her husband Datuk Kamal Abdullah Badawi, the CEO of the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, as well as members of the official Australian Parliamentary delegation which was visiting Malaysia at the time.

Slava and Leonard also held a Master Class for music students during their visit to Kuala Lumpur which was very well attended.

The concert attracted considerable media coverage including a very positive review in The Star newspaper.

Member of the AMI Executive Committee Professor Anthony Milner discusses Islamic art of South-East Asia with Nick Tait OBE, Global Foundation, and Tom Harley, President Corporate Development, BHP Billiton, at the Crescent Moon Exhibition

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AMI launch

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, launched the Institute at an official launch ceremony at the National Gallery of Australia on 28 March 2006. The launch was held in conjunction with the “Crescent Moon” Exhibition of Islamic Art and Civilisation of South-East Asia which the AMI supported. The launch was well attended by Australian parliamentarians, business representatives, academics, art critics, diplomats and visiting dignitaries from Malaysia, and helped to raise the Institute’s profile both in Australia and Malaysia.

Five Malaysian journalists, who were visiting Australia at the time under the Institute’s Media Program, also attended the ceremony. Their presence ensured the launch received good press coverage in Malaysia.


To promote the Institute’s role in increasing mutual awareness in Australia and Malaysia

Contribute to the promotion of the bilateral relationship

Hold public events

Support relevant publications and visits

Support and participate in relevant seminars and conferences

AMI launch

Australia-Malaysia Forum

AMI logo competition

Public Affairs Program

The Hon Alexander Downer MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivers an opening address at the AMI launch

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Australia-Malaysia forum

The Australia-Malaysia Institute co-sponsored, together with the Monash Asia Institute and Malaysia’s Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), an Australia-Malaysia Forum which took place in Melbourne on 1 June 2006. Bob Cotton, member of the AMI Executive Committee and former High Commissioner to Malaysia, opened the Forum.

The Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Syed Hamid Albar, delivered the keynote address. He urged Australia and Malaysia to focus on mutual long-term interests to strengthen the long-standing and positive relationship between the two countries. He called on both nations to build on the strong ties forged over the past 50 years and emphasised the ongoing defence links, as well as the expanding trade relationship between Australia and Malaysia.

Other speakers at the Forum included ASLI’s CEO and Director Dato’ Dr Michael Yeoh, ASEAN Association for Planning and Housing President Datuk Eddy Chen Lok Loi and Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins. The Chairman of the Australian Parliament’s Australia-Malaysia Parliamentary Group, The Hon Michael Johnson MP, was co-chair of the event.



AMI logo competition

The Australia-Malaysia Institute held a public competition in Australia and Malaysia in 2005 for its official logo. The Institute’s Executive Committee wanted the Institute to be recognised by a distinctive logo which would encompass the Institute’s objectives of bringing the people of Australia and Malaysia closer together.

The winning logo by Adam Brown of Tasmania was chosen out of a total of seventy five competing designs. The logo displays an arrangement depicting a crescent moon and the Southern Cross against a square backdrop.

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Meetings

The Executive Committee is required to meet at least twice a year.

It met three times in 2005-06

• 12 August 2005

• 10 November 2005

• 28 March 2006

Information

Information on the Australia-Malaysia Institute, including its programs, can be found on its website www.dfat.gov.au/ami

remuneration

Members of the AMI Executive Committee receive a “Category 2” daily fee for AMI business at rates determined under the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 for part-time holders of public offices. Members are also entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred on AMI business.

A D M I n I S T r A T I v e r e v I e w

Staffing

The Executive Committee is supported by the Secretariat which is located at:

Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore Section South-East Asia (North) Branch South-East Asia Division (SED) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The principal functions of the AMI Secretariat are to make recommendations to the Executive Committee on program priorities, expenditure and other matters, to provide administrative support and to implement the Committee’s recommendations as approved by the First Assistant Secretary, South-East Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

finances

The AMI is not a legal entity and cannot enter into contracts, incur debts or spend funds. The AMI makes recommendations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the expenditure of funds allocated to the Institute. AMI funds, which are part of DFAT internal resources, are administered by South-East Asia Division of DFAT. Annual funding for 2005-06 was $300,000. Appendix A contains the financial information relating to AMI activities for 2005-06.

The Australian National Audit Office examines the financial affairs of the Australia-Malaysia Institute as part of the examination of the accounts of DFAT.

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freedom of Information

The Institute received no applications under the Freedom for Information Act 1982 in 2005-06.

working with the Public

The Australia-Malaysia Institute seeks to work with organisations and individuals in Australia and Malaysia to achieve its objectives. The Institute is interested to hear from the public about new and innovative ideas to advance AMI programs, particularly ideas which offer prospects of establishing lasting people-to-people and institutional links. Please forward your ideas to the AMI Secretariat.

fostering Partnerships with Sponsors

The Australia-Malaysia Institute is keen to enter into strategic alliances and partnerships with potential sponsors, including those in the private sector, to enhance its programs. Sponsors are invited to communicate their ideas and proposals for cooperative projects to strengthen Australia’s people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia to the AMI Secretariat. In 2005-06, the AMI did not receive sponsorship.

contact Details

Australia-Malaysia Institute Secretariat South-East Asia Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade RG Casey Building John McEwen Crescent BARTON ACT 0221

Telephone: (02) 6261 1333 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2342 email: [email protected]

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A P P e n D I x A

Australia-Malaysia Institute financial Information 2005-06

AcTIvITIeS/exPenSeS coST

Media ProgramVisit to Australia by two Malaysian journalists (November 2005) $6,690.91Radio Australia cooperation in radio broadcasting with Malaysia (3 projects) $10,400.00Media visit to Australia (March 2006) $25,488.89Visit to Malaysia organised by Asia-Pacific Journalism Centre ( June 2006) $10,000.00Sub-total $52,579.80

Young leaders’ ProgramVisit to Malaysia ( June 2006) $31,042.52Sub-total $31,042.52

Muslim exchange ProgramVisit to Australia (April 2006) $26,333.77Visit to Malaysia ( June 2006) $22,322.58Sub-total $48,656.35

education and Science ProgramAustralia-Malaysia Fellowships $50,729.13Media visit to Australia (Science and Technology focus) $21,789.86Malaysian participation at the AUSbiotech conference $4,910.86Australian participation at a biotechnology conference in Malaysia $1,758.79Visit to Australia by Professor Zakaria $2,615.14Sub-total $81,803.78

cultural Understanding ProgramCrescent Moon Exhibition $8,182.26Performances by Aboriginal dancers in Kuala Lumpur $2,938.16Concert by Australian Classical Guitarists in Kuala Lumpur $6,986.86Malaysian participation in a Children’s Book Conference in Australia $2,886.99Sub-total $20,994.27

Public relations Program AMI logo competition $1,000.00AMI launch $11,033.48Australia-Malaysia Forum $5,000.00Sub-total $17,033.48

Total expenditure for programs $252,110.20

PROGRAMS

23

AcTIvITIeS/exPenSeS coSTMeetings $22,416.13Executive Committee members sitting fees $6,422.00Chairman’s expenses (excl. meetings) $2,303.96General Administration (incl. travel, communications, stationery and miscellaneous expenses)

$4,963.43

Total Administration $36,105.52

Total expenditure (Programs and Administration) $288,215.72

budget allocation $300,000.00

ADMINISTRATION

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