The document provides information about the Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum (APIBF), including:
1) The APIBF creates synergies between growing GAA and business networks in Asia Pacific by bringing Irish businesspeople and GAA clubs together annually.
2) Recent APIBF events have been held in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Ireland to facilitate business and cultural connections.
3) The June 2011 APIBF conference at Croke Park featured presentations on opportunities in Asia, lessons from Irish companies in Asia, and workshops on key industry sectors.
4) Plans were discussed to strengthen the APIBF structure and support spin-off events in Asia to further business and cultural ties between Ireland and the Asia Pacific region
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Apibf Diirectory
1. asia
pacific
iRELaND
Published with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland www.dfa.ie
business forum directory
2011 – 2012
2. introduction
>> ConTEnTs
meSSage
InTRoDuCTIon
the aSia pacific irelanD
18
BuSineSS forum explaineD 4
gaa in aSia
FoRuM REPoRT
13
from Dick Spring
S
patron, aSia pacific irelanD BuSineSS forum,
key meSSageS from the lateSt anD non-executive vice-chairman, fexco
apiBf forum event in hong kong 14
GRouPs AnD MEMBERs
Beijing 18 Since being approached to get involved in
the inaugural aSia pacific ireland buSineSS
Shanghai 22 forum (apibf) in Singapore in 2007, I have been
pleased to lend whatever modest support I could to what I feel
hong kong 26 is a timely and imaginative initiative to bring together Irish
malaySia 32 businesspeople based in Asia on the occasion of the annual
32
Asian Gaelic Games.
Singapore 36 Building on the successful APIBF in Singapore and
subsequent events in Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong, the
japan 38 annual APIBF has evolved into the most important gathering
South korea 44 of Irish buinesspeople based in Asia Pacific and the Gulf. Our
unique event at Croke Park hosted by Christy Cooney and
vietnam 48 the GAA makes excellent use of the APIBF as a platform to
support Irish business and fits well with the GAA’s special role
auStralia 50 in Irish society. I would hope that, like the event in Asia held
thailanD 52 on the eve of the Asian Gaelic Games, it will become an annual
fixture in the GAA calendar.
IRIsh GovERnMEnT AGEnCy ConTACTs 55 I am also pleased to have been able to see at first hand the
vital role that the APIBF members have played in helping the
EMBAssIEs, ConsulATEs AnD embassies and state agencies in their efforts to expand Irish
52
honoRARy Consuls 58 trade with the Asia Pacific and Gulf regions.
I believe that the future offers great potential and I know
inDia 60
that those involved in leading the APIBF – based in Asia and
eu aSean BuSineSS council 61 Ireland – are ambitious about improving the links with the
Irish business sector and the ‘take aways’ of the APIBF events.
DuBai anD oman 62 Finally, one of the features of the APIBF has been the quiet,
low key but effective way in which it has drawn together a
the farmleigh fellowShip – ucc/ntu 63
broad range of people based across the dynamic Asian region.
The event at Croke Park is once again very much a collective
effort with co-founder Peter Ryan being joined by group chair
Rob Agnew; Conor O’Mara and Padraig Walsh (Hong Kong);
Micheál Collins and Paraic McGrath (Singapore); Kieran
Brennan (Vietnam); Paul Scales (Thailand); and Martin
Murray (Ireland).
The APIBF Business Directory, an initiative of the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce, was published on behalf Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in
of the APIBF by Whitespace Publishing Group making the APIBF a reality in Asia and Ireland, and in putting
Edited by Martin Murray and Peter Ryan, supported by Matthew Connolly together this valuable directory which will be a resource for
anyone interested in pursuing business in the Asia Pacific and
With the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland www.dfa.ie Gulf regions.
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 3
3. apibf apibf
What is T
he Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum
?
(APIBF) is the first event of its type in the
world focused on building connections between
and with the GAA clubs and business groups based in
the Asia Pacific and Gulf regions.
the asia Pacific ireland The concept was introduced by Peter Ryan, who has
been involved with the GAA in Asia since 1997 and was
a founder member of the GAA’s Asian County Board.
Business forum Ryan was also closely involved with the Irish business
groups in Japan, Korea and Singapore.
Ryan recognised the potential synergies between
and prestige of the day-long event. His participation
made the task of approaching others to attend and
The Asia Pacific Ireland the growing GAA and business networks in the region
and, at his instigation in 2007, the first APIBF was
speak a lot more manageable for the organisers.
Since that time, the APIBF has grown in substance
Business Forum creates organised in Singapore on the eve of the annual Asian
Gaelic Games.
and has become a feature of the annual Asian Gaelic
Games. It has been hosted successively in Penang,
synergies between the The inaugural APIBF was only possible due to the Malaysia (2008), Bangkok, Thailand (2009) and Hong
growing GAA and extraordinary effort of a range of people including
members of the Irish Business Association of Singa-
Kong, China (2010). The legendary Micheál Ó Muirc-
heartaigh has been a regular feature at the APIBF
business networks in pore (Colin MacDonald, all at McCraic, Moira Lynam,
Micheál and Sherry Collins and Declan McFadden),
and Asian Gaelic Games. Margaret Ward (RTE) and
Clifford Coonan (The Irish Times) continue to be active
the region the Hong Kong Ireland Business Forum (Rob Agnew), supporters
Matthew Connolly in Tokyo, Angela Keane, Catherine On each occasion, in addition to the core APIBF
Toolan and Margaret Ward in Beijing, Mick Shannon, team, the input of a small number of people has been
Noel Lennon, Pat Gibbons (UCD), Barry O’ Brien instrumental to making the events a success – Jose-
(RCSI), embassies in the region, Enterprise Ireland phine Evans and Brendan Lyons in 2008, Jerome Kelly,
Linkedin Group:
(Michael Garvey, KB Lim) and the Asian County Board Liam O’Keeffe and Paul Scales in 2009, Pádraig Walsh,
The ApiBF is active on Linkedin with over 500 members
of the GAA (Paraic McGrath). Conor and Susan O’Mara, Bill Condon, Paul Costigan
who share information, knowledge and contacts on
developments in Asia-ireland business. Membership is The early commitment by Dick Spring, FEXCO and and Rob Agnew in 2010.
free and open to all. Sign up today. former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Among the outcomes of the 2010 APIBF event in
travel to Singapore to attend enhanced the credibility Hong Kong was a commitment to reach out to the Irish
4 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 5
4. a collaboration between
apibf
www.gaa.ie www.apibf.com
New Asian Realities for Irish Business
Kindly supported by
www.ulsterbank.ie www.enterprise-ireland.com www.pchintl.com
‘ní neart go cur le chéile – no strength
without unity’ C
business community to improve the awareness of Asia Details of the new APIBF structure will be formally M
and to forge connections with the Irish business groups announced at the fifth annual Asia Pacific Ireland Busi-
Y
working in the region. ness Forum, which will be hosted by the Irish Chamber
The GAA was hugely enthusiastic about the concept of Commerce, Korea in Seoul on Friday, 14 October. CM
and the GAA President Christy Cooney was familiar The APIBF 2011 will be held on the eve of the 16th
with the APIBF work through his participation at the annual Asian Gaelic Games, which will take place in MY
Time: 12.00-20.00 | Friday, 17 June 2011 | Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
APIBF 2010 in Hong Kong. Suwon, South Korea on 15 and 16 October, hosted by CY
The APIBF Conference at Croke Park on 17 June has the Seoul Gaels Gaelic Football Club.
been organised on a voluntary basis by a group chaired The APIBF has been run to date entirely by CMY
by Rob Agnew (Hong Kong) together with Conor O’ voluntary effort with the generous support of a range Keynote Address by The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D
K
Mara and Padraig Walsh (also Hong Kong), Micheál of sponsors, in particular PCH International and
Collins and Paraic McGrath (Singapore), Kieran Bren- Enterprise Ireland. The Irish embassies in the region A unique high value event, providing delegates with key benefits:
nan (Vietnam), Paul Scales (Thailand) and Martin have also been very helpful. Business & Finance provided
Murray and Peter Ryan (Ireland). Ronan King (HKBF), valuable support for the event in 2009 and 2010. • The authority of real practical knowledge • Break - out sessions in key opportunity
Peter Finnegan (IEA), Stephen Nolan (Green IFSC), Thanks especially are due to Liam Casey for his from industry speakers sectors including Technology, Financial Services
Gary Palmer (IFIA) and Dr Tom Hardiman (Chester ongoing interest and support. Particular thanks are due and Green Finance, Pharma & Life
• Sharing of direct personal experiences of
Beatty Library) also provided advice and support. to the Irish business groups in Asia Pacific and the Gulf, Sciences, Education Services,Food & Tourism
hard lessons learned at the coalface
Following the event in Croke Park, the core APIBF along with the GAA clubs and Asian County Board,
• Specialist briefing on opportunities with the Asian
team will co-ordinate with all stakeholders to finalise which have enthusiastically adopted and supported this • Key practical steps that distinguish
between success and failure in Asia Development Bank;
the details of a robust structure for the APIBF going initiative from the outset.
forward, which will include the integration of a closer Buíochas also to all at Croke Park, especially Christy • How to win clients in Asian markets and to • Access to representatives from Irish business
link with Irish-based business groups, including those Cooney (and his predecessor Nickey Brennan), Peter expand business with existing clients groups in Asia
which are partners for the 17 June event. McKenna, Pat Daly, Alan Milton, Aine Gibney, Joan
One tangible outcome of this exercise will be a Cooney, Dermot Power, Gene Duffy, Sheamus Howlin
structure to ensure that support is available for some and Joe McDonagh.
of the APIBF spin-off events which have been added to Míle buíochas to Dick Spring for his support and
the business calendar in Asia – events this year have encouragement on this initiative since 2007. His en-
included an event in Ho Chi Minh ahead of the South thusiastic participation has been a feature of all of the
East Asian Gaelic Games, and another in Shanghai events since that time.
ahead of the All China Gaelic Games. Ní neart go cur le chéile – no strength without unity.
in association with
6 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory
5. Agenda Clár
Croke Park Convention Centre from 12.00-20.00 on Friday, 17 June.
11.00-11.30 Tour of Croke Park Third Session
12.00-13.00 Registration and Pre - Event Networking
16.30 – 17.30 Expert led workshops in key opportunity sectors including Technology, Financial
Services, Pharma & Life Sciences, Education Services, Food & Tourism
Welcome and Official Opening of Conference
Fourth Session
13.00 -13.10 Forum Context by Dr T.P. Hardiman, Chairman Chester Beatty
In preparation for 14 October 2011 APIBF Forum in Korea
13.10- 13.20 Fáilte –Welcome Address by Mr. Christy Cooney, Uachtarán, GAA
17.35- 18.15 Opportunities Now for Irish Companies in Dynamic South Korea
13.20–13.30 Opening Remarks, by Mr Dick Spring APIBF Patron and Former Tanaiste and Minister for
Foreign Affairs
Speakers H.E. Mr. Eamonn McKee, Ambassador of Ireland to Korea
13.30-14.00 Keynote Address by The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D Mr. Tom Coyner, President, Soft Landing Korea
Mr. Peter Underwood, Korea Expert
14.00-14.05 Forum Outline by Conference Chair, Ms. Margaret Ward RTE C
Joining Q&A Panel Mr. Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland
M
Mr. Mark Fielding, Chief Executive, ISME
Format is expert presentations followed by interactive Q&A session
Y
18.15 – 18.25 Summary Concludions by Rapporteur Mr. Martin Murray, APIBF
CM
First Session
MY
18.30 APIBF Delegate Networking Reception
14.05-14.45 The Asian Century - Current Business Opportunities for Ireland
CY
Speakers Mr. Terry Woods, Procurement, Asian Development Bank Note : A charity draw will take place for child victims of recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan
CMY
Mr. Leo Goodstadt, China Expert and former Adviser to Governor Patten
MC, Mr. Micheál O Muircheartaigh
Mr. John McGrane, Head of Product and Service Sales,Ulster Bank K
Toast by H.E. Mr. Chang Yeob Kim, Ambassador of Korea to Ireland
Joining Q&A Panel Ms. Imelda Reynolds, President, Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Remarks by Kevin O’Rourke SSC, Professor Emeritius, Kyunghee University, Korea.
Mr. Colin Lawlor, Vice President Irish Exporters Association
14.45-15.05 Tea & Coffee Networking break
20.00 APIBF Concludes (until 14 October 2011, in Seoul, Korea)
Second Session
15.05 -16.05 Critical lessons from Successful Irish Companies in Asia
Speakers Mr. Liam Casey, President and Founder, PCH
Mr. Sean O’Driscoll, Chief Executive, Glen Dimplex
Mr. Tony Murphy,Chief Operating Officer, Daon
Mr. Padraig McManus, Chief Executive, Electricity Supply Board
Mr. Kevin Sherry, Head of International Sales and Partnering, Enterprise Ireland
Joining Q&A Panel Mr. Danny McCoy, Director General, IBEC
16.05- 16.10 Accessing Irish Business Networks in Asia
Mr. Conor o’ Mara, Chairman, Hong Kong Ireland Chamber of Commerce
16.10 – 16.30 Networking break/ relocate to workshops
Details are indicative only and programme is subject to further change. Details are indicative only and programme is subject to further change.
6. Workshops
Workshop: Financial Services Workshop: Education Services Workshop: Technology Workshop: Food Business
Understanding the Opportunities
Convenor Convener Convenor
Rob Agnew, Managing Director, Matrix Services Paraic McGrath, Chairman AGB GAA/Farmleigh Director Conor O’ Mara, Managing Director & Head of Convenor
Technology Specialist Sales Asia, Jefferies Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Special
Speakers Speakers International Projects ARAMARK
Hank Morris, Senior Advisor to Triple A Partners and Mike Feerick, CEO Alison - www.alison.com – will
an Asian financial services veteran from Korea present ALISON & talk about the 200,000 students Speakers Speakers
Gary Palmer, CEO of Irish Funds Industry Association registered in the Asia/Mid-East area. Robert Leslie, Owner and CIO, Global Business Bord Bia representative (To be confirmed)
David Swan, COO of RBS Aviation Capital Register Ltd; Mentor to Enterprise Ireland Companies Andrew Brennan, Smurfit School/Bord Bia Fellow
Dr Michael Murphy, President U.C.C – will outline
& Mike Hayes, Partner, KPMG Gerard Corcoran, Senior Solution Manager, (Korea)
details of the University’s engagements in Asia, the
2010 launch of the www.dbc.intuition.com site as well Enterprise Business Unit, Huawei Technologies
Also in attendance will be Joe Breslin, Manager of as the Farmleigh Fellowship. Kraken Yu, CEO Cornerstone Research International, This session will focus on a broad market overview
Financial Services International Division at Enterprise
Pat Daly, Director Games GAA – "Coach 10 - the Board Member Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum, of the Asian food environment and identification of
Ireland C
Commercial Connection" Dublin Chamber of Commerce some of the major trends and emerging
Coach to the power of 10 is a project with strong M Brendan O’Regan, CEO Zenith Technologies opportunities in supplying food products to Asia.
This session will focus on identifying opportunities potential synergies within the business world. Pat will We will also identify some of the challenges, issues
for Irish businesses in the dynamic Asian financial talk on this and on the initiatives the GAA & AGB have Y
and barriers to entry in Asia in the context of the
services industries and presenting real world undertaken to grow awareness of our National sports & This session will focus on the critical success food industry.
CM
experiences of doing business in Asia. culture in Asia. factors that must be addressed for Irish tech
companies to succeed in Asia, the issues that they A short case study on an Irish Company with an
Philip Curtis, Head of Admissions Royal College of MY
To illustrate the theme will present on a sector where may face in doing so and the wealth of interest in market opportunities in Asia but with
Surgeons in Ireland - will talk about the International
Ireland Inc. has made a success of Asia (aviation CY opportunities presented by Asia, the globe’s fastest limited resources to develop an appropriate entry
side of the college including their schools in Dubai and
financing), a ‘greenfield’ sector for the industry (green growing region and the world leader in the vast strategy will be used to develop some of the key
Penang (site of the Asian GAA Games and APIBF in
financing and renewable investing) and a sector
CMY majority of technology sub-sectors. Our presenters outcomes of the workshop.
2008).
where Ireland in developing its approach and span companies operating in hardware, software, IT
K
reputation (asset management and funds servicing). Brian O’Reilly, South East Asia Education Consultant – services and Internet across Japan, China, HK, Key outcomes from the workshop will be presented
will give a brief overview of education in the region and India and other parts of Asia. The format will be a at the conclusion of the session in Croke Park. A
Each of the speakers will present for 10 minutes in particular will discuss his experiences in Vietnam over 10 minute presentation by each speaker, followed brief summary of the workshop will be uploaded to
which will leave plenty of time for an interactive the past ten years. by 20 minutes of Q&A. www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June.
discussion and questions from the delegates. Ciara Hickey, Farmleigh Fellow – will brief participants
Key points from the workshop will be presented at
on the benefits from engaging with the programme and
Key outcomes from the workshop will be presented the concluding session and a brief report on the
the Networking opportunities it has offered.
at the conclusion of the session in Croke Park. A workshop, prepared by the Convenor, will be
brief summary of the workshop will be uploaded to uploaded to www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June.
www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June. The format will be an 8 minute presentation by each
speaker, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. Key points
from the workshop will be presented at the conclusion
of the session in Croke Park. A brief report on the
workshop, prepared by the Convener, will be uploaded
to www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June.
Details are indicative only and programme is subject to further change. Details are indicative only and programme is subject to further change.
7. gaa
Five yeArs oF
Workshop: Pharma / Life Sciences
Convenor
Peter Finnegan, Life Sciences Ireland, Irish
Workshop: Tourism
Convenor
Paul Hayden, CEO, Dublin Tourism
AsiAn–GAA support
T
Exporters Association
Speakers he Asian Gulf Board (then the Asian County
Speakers Simon Gregory, Director of Markets, Tourism Ireland Board) of the GAA convened for the first time
Dr Prabhu Kulkarnh, Since 2003, Prabhu has his
Siobhan Burns, Director, Adams and Butler
in April 2006 in Shenzhen, China. There were
own Renewable Energy business with fully owned seven people present in Peter Watson’s apartment
subsidiary companies in India and UK. Mauro Biondi, Director, Emerald Cultural Institute including Paraic McGrath and Peter Ryan, who are
still involved with the AGB.
Prabhu is India Director of the Irish Exporters
Association/ Asia Pacific Trade Forum and the Director
Since that initial meeting the AGB has grown
This session will focus on critical factors in targeting
of the Institute of International trade of Ireland. the high value Asian tourism sectors. The speakers
to a fully registered organisation within the GAA
will discuss practical and cultural lessons learned in structure. There are nine executive members with 27
Tom Mulqueen, VP Nutrition Pfizer driving a successful client base from the region. clubs and just short of 800 players fully registered.
There will be a strongly interactive Q & A session to Clubs are based in the Gulf and Arabian region,
share insights. North and South East Asia and India. The number
This session will focus on the practicalities of is made up of over 40pc ladies, with a total of 14 na-
trading in the Asia-Pacific Region in the Life Key outcomes from the workshop will be presented tionalities represented including Chinese, Japanese, >> the AGb hAs A number oF youth
Sciences, with the opportunity to engage directly at the concluding session. A brief summary on the
with experienced professionals who have worked in
Indian, Irish, English, Welsh, Scottish, American, Ca- initiAtives onGoinG with over 250 kids
workshop, prepared by the Convenor, will be
the region. There will be an interactive Q & A uploaded to www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June
nadian, Australian, French, Vietnamese, Malaysian, plAyinG GAelic FootbAll in sinGApore,
session to enable the sharing of industry-specific New Zealand and Thai. honG konG, hAnoi, dubAi And kuAlu
and cultural insights. The Asian Gulf Board is responsible for the or- lumpur, And hopes to increAse this
ganisation of the annual Asian Gaelic Games with the over the next Few yeArs
Key outcomes from the workshop will be presented 15th version recently taking place in Hong Kong. A
at the concluding session. A brief summary of the number of other tournaments are run in the region
workshop, prepared by the Convenor, will be
annually including the All China, South East Asian, Angela Keane have made immense contributions to
uploaded to www.apibf.com on Monday, 20 June
North Asian and the Gulf Games. The AGB has been the development of the games in the region.
supported by the Irish business groups, St Patrick’s For more information visit www.asiancountyboard.
social groups, agencies and embassies in the region. com or join the Asian County Board group on LinkedIn
The AGB now has four key partnerships with ESBI, and make sure to check out all of our club logos on the
Guinness, Kerry Group and PCH International. club wall at the GAA Museum in Croke Park.
These relationships help the AGB to support games
development in different countries, as well as the current boArd members, includinG
supporting the regional events each year, and the their clubs, Are As Follows:
partners’ contribution is widely appreciated and ac-
knowledged. The AGB is also guided by the officers Chairman: Paraic McGrath – Singapore Gaelic Lions
serving on the overseas committee of the GAA under Secretary: Emily Ward – Japan GAA
the chairmanship of Joe McDonagh. This committee Treasurer: Noel Lennon – Shanghai
oversees the board’s activities and guides it in its Ladies officer: Blathnaid McNamara –
ongoing affairs. Singapore Gaelic Lions
The AGB is very grateful to the founding officers South East Asia officer: Pat Gorham –
of the Asian County Board and all of those club Orang Eire Kuala Lumpur
officers who have given and continue to give wholly North East Asia officer: Kevin Tobin – Seoul Gaels
voluntarily their time and expertise. People like Gulf officer: Paddy Darcy – Dubai Celts
Michael Shannon, Peter Goff, Helen Fridell and Ireland liaison: Peter Ryan – Teach Mealog Sraid Singe
Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 13
Details are indicative only and programme is subject to further change.
8. report report
Enthusiasm
& optimism
atthE annual forum
The opportunity that exists
for Irish businesses in Asia
was palpable at the latest
T
Asia Pacific Ireland Business
Forum in Hong Kong
The besT way To Tap inTo The
irish business neTwork in asia
is To aTTend The annual asia
pacific ireland business forum
(apibf). lasT year The evenT
was held in hong kong in
conjuncTion wiTh The asian
gaelic games.
With an audience of 150 delegates, the
event was made up of formal presentations,
panel discussions and focused industry
sector workshops.
The mood of the APIBF last year was
overwhelmingly of optimism, but not blind
optimism or foolish hope with no grounding
in reality.
14 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 15
9. report report
One speaker noted that, on average, global GDP
growth through to 2016 will be at 4pc per annum,
and two-thirds of this growth will occur in emerging
and developing countries.
The opportunity for Ireland is to provide the sup-
port required to improve the productivity gains in
emerging Asian economies.
Further cause for optimism, if actioned sensibly, is
the prospect that Ireland can be a harbour for Asian
outbound investment to Europe. Irish businesses in
the asset leasing, financial services and technology
sectors could soon find themselves the objects of
interest from Asian investors.
The mission of any annual conference is to have
delegates leaving it with a spring in their step look-
ing forward to the future.
The APIBF is the annual conference of Ireland
Inc in Asia, and the enthusiasm of the participants –
from the podium to the delegates to the workshops
– was infectious.
Asia is experiencing an extraordinary period
of transformation, and the current circumstances ‘irish businesses in the asset leasing,
in Ireland, if anything, gave urgency to the Asia strat-
egy of the Irish Government. financial services and technology sectors
In an energetic address this year, John Bruton,
chairman of the International Financial Services could soon find themselves the objects
Centre, stressed that the international leading posi-
tion of Ireland in fund administration was of interest
in all countries with developing financial services
of interest from asian investors’
sectors, and could be used as a lever to increase
Ireland’s profile and leading edge and as a magnet to theory, particularly during Matthew Connolly of Eire plan based on self-help principles to foster growth, pharma, and education, though opportunities
draw investment flows to Ireland. Systems’ presentation. He highlighted the role of the collaboration and business in those sectors. also exist in clean and green tech, and applying
Opportunity in Asia was a recurring theme during APIBF as a grassroots project for self-empowerment So what does it all mean? What can we distil from intellectual capital in consultancy services.
the day’s proceedings. It sprang most prominently of Irish businesses that will become a touchstone for the day’s proceedings? The core messages seem to l There is a tried and tested network of Irish
from the podium during the panel discussion where businesses globally looking to Asia. be: business support groups that can make market
ambassadors from the Irish diplomatic missions in The tendency to self-deprecating modesty in the entry to Asia more readily understandable, and
India, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines Irish character is often a positive; but in business, to l Asia will be the epicentre of future business that is increasingly active, self-determining,
spoke about the business opportunities available in recognise and shine a light on success is a necessary opportunity in the world. and co-ordinated.
the emerging economies of Asia. and noble act. l Engagement with Asia is no longer merely a de- l The next challenge will be for Ireland to posi-
Of all the sessions during the event, this panel The Business & Finance Asia-Pacific Ireland sire, but a practical necessity, and that message tion itself to attract outbound investment from
provoked the most discussion about untapped po- Business Awards 2010 fulfilled this role by honour- has been listened to by the Irish Government. Asia to Europe – with key sectors to benefit in
tential for Irish business and opportunities. It was a ing luminaries who have already seen the light that l There are Irish success stories throughout Asia Ireland being asset financing, financial services
reflection of the diversity and range of opportunities shines so brightly in Asia. Those honoured – Tom that light the path that others must follow. That and technology.
across Asia. Perhaps a point to follow up in future Hardiman, Glanbia and Catherine Toolan – repre- path leads not only to Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong
events will be to explore in more depth, and give sent the best of Irish business in every way. Kong and Singapore, but also to the emerging We can all look forward to next year when there
more time to, the opportunities that are available in The afternoon sessions involved focus groups on economies of Asia. will be so much more to report on and plan for as
the emerging economies. financial services, technology, food and education, l The key sectors for Ireland in Asia will contin- Asia represents the best bet for development and
Practical insights accompanied the lofty heights of and arising out of those sessions, there is an action ue to be financial services, technology, food and growth for Irish businesses.
16 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 17
10. beijing beijing
Meet the people behind Irish Network China
who all share a common passion and have lived
in China for several years
Bo nding
in Beijing
T
he Irish Network China (INC) is a not-for- responsible for managing the food service for athletes
profit organisation whose aim is to promote and media at the 2008 Olympic Games.
and encourage exchange and understanding Three years in China (she previously studied at
of business, cultural and sporting ties between the Tsinghua University, Beijing in 1999) Toolan spends
Irish and Chinese communities in Beijing. her spare time playing Gaelic football with Beijing’s
The INC is driven by a shared passion – Ireland – successful ladies’ GAA team, travelling in Asia and
and strives to help people of all nationalities feel at generally living life to the full.
home in China. INC stalwart Angela Keane serves as ‘general
Fiona Mc Cormack is currently the chairperson of factotum’ on the Irish Ball committee, lending a hand
the INC and has been a committee member for five as and when required. Born in Co Kerry, her career
years. She moved to Beijing in 2003 from her home has been in media advertising in London where she
town of Dublin. She works as an international school worked for The Times, and in Singapore where she
teacher at primary level and is an active member worked for Dow Jones.
of Beijing GAA. She is glad to help anyone with any Keane moved to China five years ago, having set up
queries about living, working or looking for schools her own coaching and facilitation business. Outside
in Beijing. of work, she is an active member of the ladies’ Gaelic
From Co Mayo, Mark Godfrey looks after the INC’s football team.
More information can be found here website and media affairs. He has been in China for Colin Saunders is responsible for driving the
www.irishnetworkchina.com or by five years, working as a business journalist and re- sponsorship efforts of the Irish Ball and has sat on
emailing contact@irishnetworkchina.com searching a PhD on China’s presence in Central Asia. the committee of the INC for the past year.
Also from the West of Ireland – Co Sligo – Cath- He moved to Beijing two years ago and in that time
erine Toolan works with ARAMARK and is executive has worked in the PR and marketing industries, while
director of the Olympic Catering Services Project, also helping to promote Irish art in China.
18 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 19
11. beijing members beijing members
o’Brien, daniel
Edelman
Executive
Tel 134 0104 9360
Email daniel.obrien@hertford.oxon.
org
o’riordain, sean
Irish Embassy Beijing
Diplomat
Tel 6532 2691
Email sean.oriordain@dfa.ie
Parsons, PatriCk
OPC
CEO
Email Pparsons.asia@gmail.com
Phelan, Glenn
Perfect World
CEO
Tel 134 3979 6359
Email glenn@perfectworldasia.com
Quinlan, James t
Barry, Gerard
CRH, CFO
Glynn, John
CRH China
lonG, karl
Irish Bar Entertainment Asia
Puhua Clinic Beijing
Manager/Doctor ‘The speakers at the
Tel 86 134 3670 5793
Email gbarry@crh.com
Executive
Tel 134 3670 5790
MD
Tel 139 1058 0687
Email jtquinlan@gmail.com
monthly dinners have
come from across all kinds
Email jglynn@crh.com Email long.karl2@gmail.com saunders, Colin
Coonan, Clifford SmartTrans
Irish Times Godfrey, mark mCalinden, karl Executive
Correspondent
Tel 186 1019 3168
International News Inc
Industries Reporter
Institute of Environmental & Public
Affairs
Tel 136 0119 0783
Email colinpfjsaunders@gmail.com
of business sectors and
Email clifford.coonan@gmail.com Tel 139 1013 7447
Email mark.philipgodfrey@gmail.com
Tel 130 5102 6720
Email karl.mcalinden@ipe.org.cn stirlinG, dunCan have included the head of
deutsche Bank China’
dillon, Corrine SORE Ltd
Discover Mandarin Gould, ronan mCCormaCk, fiona Executive
Owner Mondiale Assistance Educator Tel 134 0104 3300
Email cdillon@discovermandarin.com China Sales Director Tel 139 1014 5409 Email duncan@sore.ie
Tel 8535 5588 Email mccormack.fiona@gmail.com
dixon, Colin Email ronan.gould@mondial- toolan, PadraiC
Tenbridge assistance.com.cn mCGrath, miCk Oxford Aviation Winters, enda Zhan, Qi
Partner Tel 135 2260 5314 BD Director Asia Irish Embassy Beijing CRH China
Tel 010 8588 6702 Grimes, Gavin Email mickjmcgrath@gmail.com Tel 010 8048 6340 Tel 137 1853 0734 Analyst
Email colin.dixon@tenbridge.com WeLocalise Email Padraictoolan@yahoo.co.uk Email enda.winters@dfa.ie Tel 6505 1988
GM China moroney, ray Email qzhan@crhchina.com
forBes, Graham Tel 134 6631 3043 Owner Williams, Chris WooCk, PatriCk r
Gold Eagle Industrial Co Email gavin.grimes@welocalize.com Tel 135 0116 6943 EuroChef China ETT Investments
GM Email ray@moroneyandassociates. GM GM
Tel 139 0120 4064 com Tel 138 1048 8569 Tel 186 0426 1893
Email matrisxsecurity@vip.sina.com Email chriswilliams@eurochefchina. Email Patrick.woock@ettinvestments.
com com
20 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 21
12. shanghai shanghai
Shanghai T
SurpriSeS
he Ireland China Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai provides networking opportunities
for Irish businesses and businesspeople, and has a strong relationship with the
international Chambers of Commerce and Irish State bodies in Shanghai. Along with
other Irish groups in Shanghai, the Ireland China Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai works
together with the Irish Consulate to ensure the success of Ireland Week in Shanghai.
The highlight of the 2010 Ireland Week was the St Patrick’s Day Parade on 13 March, which
saw thousands of Irish, Chinese and international marchers and spectators take to the streets
in what is a unique honour for the Irish community.
The parade, sponsored by the Ireland EXPO Pavilion, was led by Dr Sha Hai Lin,
The success of Ireland Week Shanghai’s Municipal People’s Government Deputy Secretary; Irish Government Minister
each year in Shanghai is one of the Michael Finneran TD; and Haibao, the World Expo 2010 mascot.
The Ireland China Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai also has a dedicated LinkedIn Group.
priorities of the Ireland China Its objective is to provide information-sharing opportunities relating to the Irish business
community in Shanghai. Membership is open to anyone who is Irish or anyone who has an
Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai association with or interest in Irish business in Shanghai.
For more information on the Ireland
China Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai
go to www.irishchamberchina.com.
22 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 23
13. shanghai members shanghai members
dowlInG, tony
Ogilvy & Mather Greater China
Chief Financial Officer
Tel 86 10 85206618 (Beijing)
Tel 86 10 24051887 (Shanghai)
Email tony.dowling@ogilvy.com
duBSKy, roBert
Primark/Penneys
Tel 86 21 5240 2603
Email rdubsky@primark.co.uk
duFFy, GAry
Excelsys Technologies Ltd.
Managing Director
Tel 353 21 4354716
Email garyduffy@excelsys.com
hAllAhAn, GreG
Pacific Strategies & Assessments
Group
Regional Business Development
Director
Tel 86 21 6149 8274
Email greg.hallahan@psagroup.com KeAne, GAvIn mulA, KAder ryAn, JAmeS
China Retail and Sourcing Consultant Atheros ESL Express Group Inc.
hoFFmAn, BevIn Email chinairishman@hotmail.com Email kader.mula@yahoo.com Email james@eslexpress.com
Allied Pickfords Shanghai
Customer Services and Marketing KellAGhAn, roBert murphy, ClIonA SCAnlon, CAtrIonA
Manager China Email rkellaghan@gmail.com PepsiCo Noppen Co., Ltd.
Tel 86 21 633320088 ext 118 Tel 86 21 23058051 Email catscan2004@gmail.com
Email bevin.hoffman@alliedpickfords. Kennedy, BreIFFInI Email cliona.murphy@mac.com
com.cn Bord Bia, Irish Food Board ShAw, tIm
Asia Manager murphy, BrIAn Keeler Ltd
Allen, GrAeme Cole, John Tel 86 21 62798829 Borets Weatherford Regional Manager – China & Asia
Flying Fox Gastro Pub Southreach Ltd Email breiffini.kennedy@bordbia.ie Tel 86 21 5774 ext 344 Pacific
Tel 86 21 50309807 Email john.cole@southreach.com Email brian.murphy@borets- Email shaw.tim@gmail.com
Email flyingfoxshanghai@gmail.com lennon, GerAld weatherford.com
Condon, lIAm Kerry Group SwAn, dereK
Linkedin Group:
BeAtty, neAl Bayer Vital GmbH General Manager o’KeAne, AlAn PM Group
ireland China Chamber
Control Risks Tel 49 214 3051116 Tel 86 21 54265333 ext 5405 DORTEK Hygienic Door Systems Email derek.swam@pmg.ie;
of Commerce, Shanghai
Email neal.beatty@control-risks.com Email liam.condon@bayer.com the objective of the Ireland Email gerald.lennon@kerry.com Managing Director derek.swan@mwgroup.net
China Chamber of Commerce, Tel 607 8616 233
BehAn, Ken CrAnwell, roSS Shanghai linkedIn Group is to mCGIBney, GreGory Email alan.okeane@dortek.com wAldron, BrendAn
Interliner Agencies Ltd Independent E-Learning Consultant provide information-sharing Airbus New Tigers Consultancy
Tel 353 1 7060060 Email rosscranwell@gmail.com opportunities relating to the Email greg_lisaradley@hotmail.com roBInSon, FerGuS Email bwaldron@newtigers.com
Email kenbehan1@gmail.com Irish business community in Magna Mirrors Manufacturing
douGherty, mIChAel S. Shanghai. membership is open moloney, dAn Consultant Zhou yI, dAvId
Chen, ChArlIe Shanghai Community International to anyone who is Irish or Aker Solutions China Email fergus.robinson@gmail.com H&Y Law Firm
FangChen Technologies Co. Ltd. School (SCIS) anyone who has an association President Partner
General Manager Tel 86 21 6261 4338 with or interest in Irish Tel 86 21 5081 8811 ryAn, ultAn Tel 86 21 5879 6866
Email Chhta79@hotmail.com Email mdougherty@scischina.org business in Shanghai. Email dan.moloney Email Ulten@yahoo.com Email davidzhou@handylawfirm.com
@akersolutions.com
24 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 25
14. hong kong hong kong
a the
t
heart
of hong kong
T
he Irish Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong (ICC) is a
networking group for Irish businesspeople living in Hong
Kong, and those with an interest in Irish business.
It provides its members with the chance to further Irish busi-
ness interests in Hong Kong, and with an opportunity to meet
Irish Government and business leaders that visit Hong Kong.
Membership is made up of both individuals and corporations,
and the chamber seeks to promote closer ties between Ireland and
Hong Kong through regular events.
The ICC also represents the Irish business community on a
broader level through membership of the European Union Cham-
ber of Commerce, and of the International Business Committee
– the forum through which the Government of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region meets with the international busi-
ness community to discuss key issues and legislation.
The chamber has around 125 members, the majority of whom
are of Irish origin, with most of the remainder from Hong Kong,
the UK and the US.
Its events attract a broader constituency and are regularly
attended by some of the leading Irish, European and Chinese
businesspeople in Hong Kong. They typically focus on entrepre-
neurship, investment, finance or economic issues and attract high
profile speakers. The ICC runs social and sports-related events as
well, such as the flagship annual Rugby Sevens event.
The chamber also promotes events hosted by other organisa-
tions – such as sister Irish chambers in Asia and fellow European
chambers of commerce – with which it shares common aims and
objectives.
Over the past two years, the ICC has significantly expanded its
activities and membership and increased its focus on better serv-
ing its members and their interests.
In the next two years, it hopes to substantially increase its
membership, in particular by attracting younger members.
More information can be found at www.irishchamber.hk
Events run by the Irish Chamber of Commerce of
Hong Kong typically focus on entrepreneurship,
investment, finance or economic issues
26 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 27
15. hong kong members hong kong members
Cheung, Wing yun de Cuirteis, sean
(azelea) MEC, Regional Director
AIA, Financial Planner Tel +852 9722 6863
Tel +852 2881 3333
delaney, ronan
Clarke, neil Ove Arup & Partners
Sounds Good Ltd Associate Director
Managing Director Tel +852 2268 3257
Tel +852 9490 4427 Email ronan.delaney@arup.
Email soundsgoodhk@ com
hotmail.com
doherty, MiChael
Collins, MiCheal Eclipse Management Ltd
Kraken Media Owner
Director Tel +852 2544 7615
Tel +65 6333 4909 Email info@eclipse.com.hk
Email micheal.collins@
kraken-media.com duMigan, david
FranCis
ColWell, Paul Henderson Land
Towers Watson Development Co., Ltd
Investment Consultant General Manager, Project
Tel +852 6019 2513 Management Department
Email paul.colwell@ Tel +852 2908 8750
towerswatson.com Email david.dumigan@hld.
individual borrett, Paul Email giles@baf.msmail. com
members seaMus cuhk.edu.hk Condon, bill
Tda Interiors Ltd Venture Management edMiston, Paul
agneW, robert Managing Director byrne, gerard Group, Partner Delta Perceptions Hong
Matrix Services Ltd Tel + 852 2543 8889 Barclays Tel +852 3691 8533 Kong, Director
Managing Director Email paul.borrett@ COO Email billcondon@vmg. Tel +852 2961 4284
Tel +852 8100 8528 tdainteriors.com Email gerard.byrne@ com.hk Email paul@delta-
Email robertagnew@ barcap.com perceptions.hk
matrixserviceslimited.com brady, orla Coughlan, ann
Altus Page Kirkland Carroll, ian Bupa (Asia) Ltd elliCott, Walter
agneW, derMot Director The Candle Company Ltd Managing Director MacDonald & Company
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Tel +852 2891 9917 Director Tel +852 2517 5175 Director
Partner Email orla.brady@ Tel +852 3589 6528 Email annc@bupa.com.hk Tel +852 2248 3000
Tel +852 2852 1600 altusgroup.com.hk Email ian@candles.hk
CroWe, WilliaM Foy, sean gleeson, Maureen godFrey, anne-Marie healy, suzanne
alexander, Peter bredin, alan Casey, liaM KPMG, Partner Source Solutions Asia Simmons & Simmons Bingham McCutchen LLP ClearTech Engineered
KPMG Willis Group PCH International Ltd Tel +852 2522 6022 Director Associate Partner Solutions, Director
Senior Manager Finance Director, Asia CEO Email william.crowe@ Tel +852 2805 2249 Tel +852 2583 8236 Tel +852 3182 1705 Tel +353 4545 6890
Tel +852 2140 2858 Tel +852 2827 0111 Tel +86 755 2598 8866 kpmg.com Email spowell@sourcesolu- Email maureen.gleeson@ Email anne-marie. Email shealy@cleartech.ie
Email peter.alexander@ Email alan.bredin@willis. Email liam@ tions.org simmons-simmons.com godfrey@bingham.com
kpmg.com com pchchinasolutions.com d’arCy, shane JaCob, Mervyn
Altus Page Kirkland FreeMan, rob glynn, stePhen haughey, daraCh PriceWaterhouseCoopers
behan, anthony brennand, giles Casey, diCk Global President Goldman Sachs Asia LLC Morgan Stanley Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Partner
The Communication Group The Chinese University Sustainable Sourcing Tel +852 2891 9917 Executive Director Managing Director International, Principal Tel +852 2289 2700
Ltd, Managing Director of Hong Kong, Managing Director Email shane.darcy@ Tel +852 6907 6979 Email stephen.glynn@ Tel +852 2852 1600 Email mervyn.jacob@
Tel +852 2895 5972 Professor Department Tel +852 2521 5299 altusgroup.com.hk Email Rob.Freeman@ morganstanley.com Email darhaughey@ hk.pwc.com
Email tcgroup@netvigator. of Management Email dcasey@ gs.com deloitte.com.hk
com Tel +852 2609 7898 sustsourcing.com
28 Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum Directory 29