Martin Walsh, senior trade commissioner of the Australian Trade Commission and one of the sponsors of the event Julie Whang of Cotters Fish and Chips pose after Walsh’s performance at the SMS Art Center Friday. / Korea Times

By John Redmond

The AustCham 2011 Chairman’s Night, under the theme “KorOz Superstar,” was held at SMS Art Center in Shinsa-dong on Oct. 7. It had a huge turnout and provided some much needed entertainment.

Kicking off at 7 p.m. the evening featured a concert by Stacey Evans and the CEO band before moving onto a talent show, a solo performance and an award ceremony.

The concert was a chance to showcase prominent businessmen of international firms performing a range of rock n roll classics, complete with saxophone solos and performances by veteran Korean rock musicians to a very appreciative audience.

Apart from a night of networking the event was also described as the “Australia Korea 50 Years of Friendship,” acknowledging 50 years of strong bilateral and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The talent show was an open competition featuring the singing and musical talents of prominent CEOs from Korean and Australian companies, university professors and local and expat musicians.

Martin Walsh, Australian senior trade commissioner from the Australian Trade Commission, performed the Ben E. King classic “Stand By Me.”

The rounds were split into three sets, with three acts per set with each act performing only one song. The voting was done via text message.

The entertainment also included a raffle with prizes donated by sponsors.