US Consul General announced as guest speaker for next Critical Horizons seminar - 6 July 2009
South West residents are invited to hear from the United States Consul General, Kenneth Chern, when he visits Bunbury this month.
He will speak at a free public lecture at Edith Cowan University at 2.30pm on Thursday July 23.
The topic of the event will be Australia, USA, China and the South West of Western Australia: The Future.
South West Development Commission chief executive Don Punch encouraged people to attend the seminar, which is part of the Critical Horizons series.
“Critical Horizons examines emerging global trends and how they might affect regional communities,” he said.
“Past seminars have been well received with carbon futures, China and water as themes. We are fortunate to have Dr Chern speaking at the next seminar.”
Dr Chern took up his duties as United States Consul General in Perth in 2007. With a focus on East Asian and Pacific affairs, he has also been posted to Beijing, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila and Cebu.
In earlier Washington assignments, he worked at the State Department’s China Desk, the Japan Desk, and the Australia/New Zealand Desk.
He served in the White House as Director of Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, helping to organise the first APEC leaders meeting in Seattle.
He has won three individual Superior Honor Awards for his work in counterterrorism, human rights, and public diplomacy, and has been cited in several group awards. He has an extensive background in political affairs, and is experienced in trade, science and technology issues.
The event is free but people are asked to register their interest in attending for catering purposes. To RSVP to the event, please visit www.criticalhorizons.com.au or phone 9792 2000.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer