I am Howard Ong, community volunteer and advocate.
I will see you at The Bridge.
Want to go for walk when it is raining? Here’s an option.
The young generation is our future.
Thank you to all my young friends who took the time to chat with me. Your energy and perspectives reminded me why I advocate and why I volunteer – to build a brighter Australia for you!
WA and Asia: a business partnership that complements each other.
In August, I attended the WA-Asia Business Forum, hosted by the Western Australia Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
My key takeaways:
- Western Australia contributes 45% of Australia’s exports, with Asia taking 86% of WA’s goods in 2025.
- Australia’s share of the world’s investment stock has fallen by a third since 2010.
Australia is a net importer of capital, but investors don’t like uncertainty. To stay competitive, we need reliable, low-cost energy and a competitive tax regime. Otherwise, the risk isn’t just capital leaving, it’s missing out altogether.
As the Chinese proverb goes: Like paddling upstream, if you’re not advancing, then you’re falling back.
“Melon-Gate”
Has Mr Albanese been disrespectful to the Japanese PM and women in general?
You be the judge.
For some background, read on –
In January this year, Australia updated it’s biosecurity rules to allow fresh melons to be imported from Japan. The crown melons are highly prized luxury items and sell for USD300 a pair. The gifts were a sign of great respect in Japanese culture.
Former Japanese ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami wrote, “Prime Minister, please enjoy Japan’s sweet and juicy melons without thinking about a woman’s anatomy, and instead focus on what our two countries must do together.”
Meanwhile, in an official statement, Japan has said the melons were legally obtained in Australia.
For a more vibrant and caring community,
