The second annual Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum was a collaborative project by the ten Irish business groups in the region (Australia (2), Bahrain, China (3), Japan, Korea, Singapore & Thailand) held on the eve of the annual Asian Gaelic Games, Friday, 10 October 2008.

This year's event brought together Irish professionals from around the Asia Pacific Region, including people like Liam Casey, 2007 Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Liam O' Keefe, Founder & Chairman of PCS Group, the largest property services company in Thailand; Colm McCarthy, President Asia-Pacific of Bank of America; Ron Bolger, a member of the Irish Government's Asia Strategy Group and Margaret Ward, Foreign Editor of RTE.

This first ever collaboration of the Irish business groups in the region continues to gather momentum & the event in Penang provided a very special opportunity to network with the Irish business community in Asia. It was also a chance to learn first hand about doing business in the world’s fastest growing region.

Ní neart go cur le chéile - Togetherness is Strength.

Testimonials

	I recently attended the forum with Irish Chamber colleagues from Thailand and found it a most interesting concept to bring Irish businessmen in Asia together. For too long we have worked in our adopted countries, alone and without a networking circle with other Irish business associations in Asia.   The Forum in Penang has put a new perspective on Irish doing business in Asia. The contacts made there will prove invaluable when considering doing business in other countries in Asia. I would hope to see the Forum plan for next year and possibly consider other venues such as Thailand. The GAA Asian games attracts such a huge number of your Irish living and working in Asia. I would like to see a future keynote speaker from a more hands on level , share his experience of working with a local labour force. Looking forward to next year's event. Liam O'Keeffe Chairman, PCS Group ,Thailand Director, Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok
	Business is all about people dealing with people and the APIBF is the prime event in Asia where Irish business people from across the region have an opportunity to network with their peers. In its work on behalf of Irish companies in Asia, Enterprise Ireland draws on the assistance and resources of Irish business people in the region. The APIBF is an invaluable source of new business contacts and leads across the region. The APIBF provides an excellent platform for Irish business people in the region to promote their services. Michael Garvey Director ASEAN Region, Enterprise Ireland
	There are many opportunities for Irish people and Irish companies in Asia & to capitalize on these opportunities we need to develop strong Irish communities across the region. The Asia GAA games and business event is one of the major annual events on the calendar it is a great opportunity to network with other Irish people in the region. Liam Casey CEO, PCH international

Members Documents

Login to download the APIBF Documents for this forum, including:

• Participants Feedback
• Presentation Paul Hourihane
• Presentation Micheal Collins
• Presentation Liam O Keeffe
• Presentation Deirdre Hunt

Press Coverage

Irish firms see eastern promise in Malaysia : Clifford Coonan, Irish Times
A lively business forum looks set to kindle Irish interest in Asia, writes Clifford Coonan in Penang
With its palm trees, beautiful beaches and balmy climate, the tropical island of Penang in Malaysia feels a long way from the industrial estates and technology parks of Ireland.

Asian tigers have not lost their roar : Clifford Coonan, Irish Times
Irish entrepreneurs in Asia are conscious of the coming downturn, but they are generally cautiously optimistic, writes Clifford Coonan in Kuala Lumpur