Korea-Australia network launched

By Kang Hyun-kyung

The Australian Embassy on Thursday launched an official network showcasing Koreans who have lived in Australia, traveled to Australia, or Australians who have lived in Korea.

The Korean Australian Alumni was established in 2009.

“We wanted to find a way for people to connect with others in Korea via Australia,” Brendan Berne, deputy head of mission of the embassy, said in the opening remarks,

“These connections go beyond just university studies for the thousands of English and vocational students, or those who have lived or grown up in Australia.”

The Australian embassy staff, officials from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and scholars attended the official launch of the K-Aussie network celebration at the embassy.

"Our KAA meetings were usually annual gala dinners and cultural exchanges, but I look forward to the new K-Aussie events," stated Kim Jie-seon, the executive director of Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Cha Moon-joong, vice president at Korea Development Institute and the former senior advisor to South Korea’s deputy prime minister and minister of strategy and finance, has been appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the K-Aussie network.

Through this network, members will have access to opportunities, such as internships at the embassy, blog writing jobs, and other activities regarding the Korean-Australian relationship.