Harrison White
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AusCham) has elected Kenneth Tang as its new president on Wednesday after members instated a board of 10 at its Annual General Meeting last week.
Kenneth Tang will replace outgoing president Ashley Irving who had held the position for three years.
The board elected Ashley Irving and Paul Dodd a co-Vice Presidents, and Paul Adair as treasurer. The remaining board members are; Jonathan Baxter, John Black, Glenn Miller, Chris Robinson, Michael Robinson and Geetha Yoga.
Newly elected AusCham President Kenneth Tang
Tang was born in Cambodia and educated in Sydney, Australia then worked in Hong Kong for over ten years before moving to Cambodian in 2018 and is now the Managing Director at Dynamic Technologies.
Dynamic Technologies was founded in 2019, and is a member of the Dynamic Group, focusing on Innovative Technology Solutions. The Dynamic Group has more than 25 years of experience, constantly adapting, growing, and evolving to meet new industry needs and challenges.
Speaking to Cambodia Investment Review Tang said that he would build off the good work of his predecessor Ashely Irving, adding, that 2022 will be a major year for Australia and Cambodia relations.
“I am looking forward to continuing growing AusCham’s membership as well as increasing engagement between the local business community and the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh,” Tang said.
“2022 will be a major year for both events and new initiatives – mainly the 2022 ASEAN conference and the 70th year since Australia and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 1952,” he added.
Outgoing President Ashley Irving told Cambodia Investment Review it had been a privilege to be the AusCham president over the past three years and welcomed the opportunity for an Australian Cambodian to take over the role.
“Next year will be very busy for the Kingdom, the Australian Embassy, and the chamber. With Kenneth’s strong connection to both the local business community and embassy; this will provide an extra benefit to members,” Irving said.
“In addition, with my new role as co-Vice President I hope to assist the transition and assist Kenneth with his new duties whenever needed,” Irving added.
In addition, AusCham’s business manager Julie Littlejohn will also be stepping down from the role this year with plans of returning to England next year.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Chamber and am pleased to note that the new committee will continue to build and on the chamber’s success and growth,” Littlejohn said.
“I will be following the chamber’s progress in 2022, which is important for Cambodia as the ASEAN chair,” she added.
Australia and Cambodia look to strengthen ties in 2022
Both Australia’s business and diplomatic community are preparing for an eventful 2022 after last month Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne made a formal visit to Cambodia.
The foreign minister met with top Cambodian officials as part of a regional trip including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. During the visit, Australia announced support to Cambodia and its nearest neighbors through its A$232 million Mekong-Australia Partnership.
The program is designed to respond to shared regional challenges. Australia will work closely with Mekong partners to align its projects with their priorities and will fund new activities and expand on existing projects that are working well.
In addition, Australia has been assisting Cambodia to improve its agri-food sector detailing a new Agri-food Investments Desk collaboration with the Council for the Development of Cambodia and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries last month.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia and Cambodia bilateral trade is growing quickly with two-way goods trade with Cambodia in 2020 valued at $432.4 million, up 21.6 percent on 2019.
Australian total goods exports to Cambodia in 2020 were valued at $121.4 million, up 43.5 percent on 2019. Australia’s existing commercial interests are focused in education services, food and beverage, financial services, mining and resources, hospitality and garment sourcing.
