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ACPPRC Chinese New Year Banquet 2014
On the 14th of February 2014, ACPPRC organised a Chinese New Year Banquet to celebrate the year of the Horse. It is Lantern Festival and Valentine's Day. In the Chinese Calendar this date has the same meaning as “Valentine". Quite fortuitous indeed. More than 300 distinguished guests from all walks of life were invited to attend the banquet.
 

Mr William Chiu, Chairman of ACPPRC, made a welcome speech and gave a festival blessing to all guests.

After the welcome speech, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, made a special announment that UWS will be presenting William Chiu with the award of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters, at the Graduation Ceremony at UWS Parramatta campus on 12 April 2014.

After the red roses presentation ceremony to celebrate the Valentine's day, the following six officials are invited to delivered their wonderful speeches:
The Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, Representative of the Federal Government;
The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Representative of the Federal Opposition Leader;
H.E. Rao Hongwei, Representative of the Ambassador H.E. Ma Zhaoxu;
The Hon. Barry O’Farrell MP, Premier of New South Wales;
H.E. Li Huaxin, Consul-General (Ambassadorial rank) of the PRC in Sydney;
The Hon. John Robertson MP, replica watches the Leader of the NSW Opposition.

After the photographic session, Mr. Xiangmo Huang, Senior Honorary Chairman of ACPPRC, presented a vote of thanks, followed by joyful entertainment programs.

The M.C. of the banquet is Prof. Qun Shao and Ms Rebecca Ren.

 

Other distinguished guests that attended the banquet were as below:
The Hon. Senator Sam Dastyari, Senator for New South Wales
The Hon. Bob Carr, Former Foreign Minister of Australia, and Mrs. Carr
The Hon. Donald Harwin MLC, President of the Legislative Council of NSW
The Hon. Greg Smith SC MP, NSW Attorney General and Minister for Justice
The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, NSW Minister for Transport
The Hon.Victor Dominello MP, NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, Speaker of NSW Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Daryl Maguire MP, Government Whip, Chairman of Asia Pacific Friendship Group.
Mr. Charles Casuscelli RFD, MP, Member for Strathfield
Dr. Geoffrey Lee MP, Member for Parramatta.
Mr. Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley
Mr. Stephen Bromhead MP, Member for Myall Lakes, NSW
Ms. Tang Ying, Deputy Consul-General of the PRC in Sydney
Mr. Tong Xuejun, Deputy Consul-General of the PRC in Sydney
......

 
Special Announcement from Professor Peter Shergold AC
Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney
on 14 Feburary 2014
 

My name is Peter Shergold and I am the Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney.

It is my great pleasure to be here with you this evening – such a festive occasion to celebrate Chinese New Year 2014 – The Year of the Horse, and of course, Patek Philippe Replica Watches Valentine’s Day!

I would like to share with you a very special announcement.

The University of Western Sydney is extremely fortunate to have Mr William Chiu as a great friend and supporter.

Just some of William’s extraordinary achievements and services to the community include his work with the “Eyes on China” project, which since 2003 has sent medical teams to perform thousands of free cataract operations in remote Chinese provinces. Working through the Australia Council for the Peaceful Promotion of the Reunification of China, William has actively raised awareness and conducted gala fund raising activities involving all levels of government for this wonderful work.

William is also the State Patron of the NSW branch of the Australia China Business Council and has been a member of the NSW Government Asia Business Advisory Council also since 2003.

His efforts in the trade sector have greatly assisted in identifying business opportunities and promoting trade relations between Australia and China. He is also an active fundraiser, convening campaigns to raise money for disasters including the Southern China floods, the Sichuan Earthquake and the Taiwan Typhoon.

For many years, William has worked tirelessly to promote the friendly relations and co-operation between Australia and China.  He is also a staunch supporter and promoter for world peace and China’s peaceful reunification.

In 2010, he received the NSW Premier’s Chinese Community Service award – the Quong Tart Lifetime Achievement Award in Community Service for providing outstanding volunteer service over an extended period of time.

The University of Western Sydney is extraordinarily lucky that William’s interests have fortuitously aligned with the University’s long-term interest in China and China studies. He has created many opportunities for the University’s students to engage with Chinese language and culture through a variety of programs, which include:

The William Chui Academic Achievement Awards, which have inspired UWS graduates to continue with their engagement with Chinese language and culture;

The Student Exchange Program, which has enabled students to study for a semester in two of the top universities in China, with six scholarships awarded in 2013;

The highly successful Asian Studies Association of Australia conference, which assisted inter-cultural dialogue and understanding;

The translation of two Chinese novels into English, which informed the success of the China Australia Literary Forum in Beijing in April 2013 and has placed the University in a strong position to discuss future exchanges and publishing possibilities with our Chinese partners, and;

The creation of a number of research internships, the first of which occurred in the Autumn 2012, with two new research internships created in 2013 and more in 2014.

All of the beneficiaries of William’s support have gained life-changing experiences. His initiatives have placed the University of Western Sydney at the forefront in encouraging and enacting a thorough and deep engagement with China and Chinese culture.

Because of William’s outstanding contribution to the University of Western Sydney and its students, it is my pleasure to announce that UWS will be presenting William with the award of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters, at the Graduation Ceremony at our Parramatta campus on 12 April 2014.

William is already the holder of two masters degrees - in Chemistry and Commerce, so already a very accomplished academic.

Thank you William. I am very much looking forward to presenting you with your Honorary Doctorate.