Global Victorians’ Symposium
Melbourne December 19, 2008

Co-hosted by the Victorian Government and Advance, the inaugural Global Victorians’ Symposium brought together over 56 leading Victorian expatriates, repatriates and Victorian Government representatives to develop strategies for Victoria's continued growth and stability. The event was the first of its kind for an Australian State Government. The Symposium provided a platform for participants to discuss and develop fresh ideas that could be reviewed by Government and Victorians overseas in the coming years, as Advance, Invest Victoria and Victorians Abroad continue to position Victoria in the international economy. Making Melbourne University one of the top five educational institutions in the world was the key proposal to come out of the symposium.
 
With participants representing a range of fields - business, finance, science and technology, sustainable development, education, research and the arts – the Global Victorians’ Symposium provided a variety of useful perspectives on key topics for Victoria. The Symposium was opened with an address by Victorian Premier John Brumby and featured a compelling keynote speech from Robert Thomson, Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal, who talked about the risks and opportunities for Victoria from a global financial perspective.
 
Peter Arkell Swann Global’s Managing Director, China was delighted to be invited to join the symposium. A passionate Victorian and Melbourne Football Club supporter, he welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this historic event. “It was a great chance to mix with some of Australia’s brightest minds to discuss the implications of the global economic crisis and make a contribution to help better position Victoria in the international economy” he said.

Sam Lovick, Chief Economist CSL Ltd;

Peter Arkell, Managing Director, China Swann Global;

Paul Glasson, General Manager, Satori Investments.