The WACCC/Woodside Energy Community Partnership Programme
The Chamber is proud recipient of the Woodside Energy Community Partnership Programme for 2008.
Details of Partnership Programme
Multiculturalism represents a core value of the Australian social and political system. In this respect, the Chinese population numbering 100,000 in WA represents an important minority group. Achieving effective integration of the Chinese community requires a sustained education programme aimed at other segments of the Western Australian population, particularly young people to gain understanding and empathy towards the Chinese community.
Proposed partnership
East Meets West - The New Silk Road
A programme of cultural immersion for Australian youths to better understand the culture and value systems of the Chinese minority in WA.
Objectives:
- To create understanding and empathy among the young people of Australia for the cultural values and behavioural norms of the Chinese people
- To develop a strong sense of racial tolerance and harmony among Western Australian youths
- To facilitate effective integration of the Chinese community into the Western Australian community
Expected Outcomes & Impacts of Proposed Partnership
Among the target audience which is the youth of Western Australia :
- A fostering of greater interest, appreciation and understanding for relevant aspects of Chinese culture
- An appreciation of language nuances in work and social environments, despite communication in the same English language
- An exposure to doing business the 'Chinese' way and an understanding of the variables that can impact the success or failure of business dealings
- An exposure to Chinese corporate workplace culture and value systems particularly in the area of relationship and business attitudes through work attachments in Chinese companies
- An encouragement and incentive to learn to speak the Mandarin language through opportunities for social interaction with Chinese youths and the organisation of a 'Speak Mandarin' competition
Impacts as they relate to Woodside Energy's corporate citizenship aims
A two-way education programme which provides youth development for Chinese as well as non-Chinese youths to integrate better through social interaction programmes as well as structured education and immersion programmes.
Provides non-Chinese youths the opportunity to understand the conduct of business within the context of a Chinese business environment. This will have the twin impact of achieving:
- Greater social cohesion in the longer term
- Preparing youths for business development with Western Australia's largest trading partner namely that of the People's Republic of China
Principle beneficiaries
The young people of WA are the principal beneficiaries.
Seminars
- On Chinese Culture and Value Systems
- On Conducting Business the Chinese Way
- Social functions- "tea-drinking" in a Chinese Pavilion
- Student attachments in Chinese organisations
- 'Speak Mandarin' competition
Student Attachments in Chinese Organisations
This programme offers an opportunity for non Chinese to be immersed in a Chinese managed organisation. Participants are exposed to a Chinese management style involving conflict resolution, sales and marketing techniques and other aspects of managing a business - the Chinese way.
Speak Mandarin Competition
This competition will be organised in conjunction with the Consulate General of the People's Republic in Perth, the Chinese Language Teacher's Association, the Confucius Institute and the WA Chinese Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Department of Education.