PAST EVENTS
Highlights
The AMBCQ has been presenting amazing events and forums and hosting incredible guests since 2006. The events we have created are too numerous to recount, but here are some highlights.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS BALL 2023
The Christmas Ball was another spectacular event with entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and our ancient rites and rituals.
60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA (MALAYSIA DAY)
In honour of the 60th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia, we held a reception at Queensland Parliament. The Queensland Parliament was once again lit in the colours of the Malaysia flag.
LAUNCH OF AMBCQ MALAYSIA MONTH AND MERDEKA DAY DRINKS
To launch the first ever AMBCQ Malaysia Month and in honour of Merdeka Day, we arranged for City Hall to be lit in the colours of the Malaysian flag, and held a cocktail reception in King George Square.
THE CORONATION BALL
The AMBCQ collaborated with the Australian Monarchist League to host the Coronation Ball at the Emporium Hotel, honouring the historic Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS BALL 2022
Another wonderful Christmas Ball celebrating the end of a great year. It also marked the 15th anniversary of the AMBCQ and members and supporters celebrated with gusto.
QUEEN'S JUBILEE MIDSUMMER PICNIC
In celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, we held a number of events, including a Midsummer Picnic.
ELON MUSK AND THE TWITTERVERSE
In anticipation of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, we held a forum with renowned commentator Professor James Allan, Garrick Professor of Law at University of Queensland, to discuss the implications for freedom of speech and discourse.
DINNER IN HONOUR OF THE MALAYSIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, H.E. DATO' ROSLAN ABDUL RAHMAN
We welcomed the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brisbane with a dinner and reception at Queensland Parliament.
2021 HIGHLIGHTS
​MEET THE TRADE COMMISSIONER: TOM CALDER, QLD TRADE COMMISSIONER TO ASEAN
During our informative roundtable with Tom Calder, the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for ASEAN, who joined us via live link from Singapore, were received a great update on key ASEAN markets, including Malaysia and Singapore.
CHRISTMAS BALL 2021
Our annual Christmas Ball was a spectacular night of entertainment, debate and networking, all in the hallowed atmosphere of the Premier's Hall, Queensland Parliament. Guests enjoyed a wonderful Christmas buffet and drinks, a spirited business panel discussion, and performances including classical music from the Lorimer family and Lana Zuber, and the spectacle of the pipes and drums.
​20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 (9/11) COMMERATION AND DINNER
The terrorist attacks on the USA on September 11 2001 sent shockwaves around the world, altering the psyche of a generation and reshaping the political and strategic landscape. We joined together to remember those innocent civilians who died not only on September 11 but before and since in terrorist attacks around the world.
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2021
We celebrated the Year of the Ox with an enthusiastic group of members and supporters at renowned Malaysian restaurant Ya Hoo. Starting with Yee Sang, we followed with a delicious banquet, delightful dessert and traditional exchanges.
2020 HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS BALL AT QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT
Beginning with drinks in the foyer and our ritual punch, we had an expert panel of speakers including business leader David Goodwin and former Speaker of Australian Parliament, the Hon. Peter Slipper. After a delicious dinner and dessert, we finished the night with an operatic performance by Glenn Lorimer.
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VJ DAY
In recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, we held a ceremony of remembrance at the Shrine at ANZAC Square. The lament played was by piper Lachie Munro, Kiong Chan read 'Mandalay', and Glenn Lorimer sang 'Advance Australia Fair' and 'God Save the Queen.' Following the ceremony we adjourned to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
BACK TO BUSINESS MINI EVENTS
After the lifting of lockdowns in Brisbane, we held two mini-events to bring people back to the CBD. In keeping with the continuing restrictions, numbers were restricted to ten people, allowing everyone to reconnect and share news and experiences during the lockdown.
MALAYSIA BRIEFING
As Malaysia's Pakatan Harapan coalition Government collapsed, we hosted the Malaysian Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, and we held a dinner at Queensland Parliament to discuss the political, strategic and economic implications for Malaysia. Having lead Malaysia out of 63 years of continuous rule by the previous Government, and having experienced less than two years of rule, the collapse was a shock but we are always hopeful for Malaysia's future.
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS BALL IN QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT
Our first Christmas Ball in Queensland Parliament, it was a evening rich with colour, festivities, delicious food, wonderful performances and stimulating conversation.
LIFE SCIENCES AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ROUNDTABLE IN BRISBANE
In collaboration with MIDA, the AMBCQ hosted a roundtable for professionals in the life sciences and medical technology industry.
LES MIS
Supporting Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium, the AMBCQ attended the production of Les Misérables, followed by a champagne picnic overlooking the Brisbane River.
2018Â HIGHLIGHTS
HOSTING THE QLD TRADE COMMISSIONERS TO ASEAN AND INDONESIA
We hosted two of Queensland's Trade Commissioners - Tom Calder, ASEAN, and Ben Giles, Indonesia - during their visit to Brisbane, discussing regional issues in trade and investment.
GE14 CELEBRATION DINNER
Celebrating the change in Government after almost 63 years of continuous rule in Malaysia. We held a lunch for hundreds of guests, and hosted a dinner with the Lord Mayor of Brisbane.
COMMONWEALTH DAY
The AMBCQ hosted the Commonwealth Day Dinner at Queensland Parliament and brought together people from across the Commonwealth and beyond to celebrate Commonwealth Day, in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games happening on the Gold Coast in 2018.
2017Â HIGHLIGHTS
FINLAND 100
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Finnish independence, we hosted the Finnish Ambassador and the Finnish Honorary Consul.
10TH ANNIVERSARY BALL
The AMBCQ reached the milestone of our 10th year, and to celebrate we held a special 10th Anniversary Annual Ball.
QUEEN'S SAPPHIRE JUBILEE DINNER
The AMBCQ hosted a dinner to celebrate the Queen's Sapphire Jubilee - 65 years of reign. Deputy Mayor of Brisbane Cr Adrian Schrinner joined us and spoke about the Queen's life of service, the Commonwealth, and the pitfalls of confirmation bias.
TRUMP INAUGURATION DINNER
In the historic MacArthur Museum, the AMBCQ hosted a dinner to discuss President Donald Trump's foreign policy goals and the implications for the Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
2016Â HIGHLIGHTS
HEALTH MINISTER LUNCHEON
We hosted the Queensland Health Minister the Hon. Cameron Dick MP with a group of health experts and specialists.
MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY AND CROQUET
At the historic Lady McIlwraith Croquet Club, we hosted an Alice in Wonderland themed garden party with croquet lessons for all.
HOSTING THE GERMAN AMBASSADOR
Along with the Nordic Forum and the International Circle, we hosted the His Excellency the German Ambassador as well as the outgoing Honorary Consul for Germany and the incoming Hon Consul for Germany.
ST GEORGE'S DAY AND BREXIT FORUM
On the eve of the Brexit vote, Senator James McGrath, former advisor to both David Cameron and Boris Johnson, joined us to discuss Brexit - and every one of his predictions for the vote came true.
2015Â HIGHLIGHTS
SOUTH ASIA FORUM
Discussing trade and investment opportunities in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), and leveraging the Malaysia diaspora. Guest panelists included Professor Arun Sharma, QUT Dep VC, and Kim Richards, architectus.
VJ DAY
On the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day, we held a commemoration at Anzac Square, followed by a dinner in the historic MacArthur Museum.
VE DAY - CASABLANCA DINNER
To mark the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe, we held a celebratory dinner with a Casablanca theme, including a belly dancer.
2014Â HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS EVENT WITH MASTERCHEF ADAM LIAW
In collaboration with MaTrade, the AMBCQ hosted Masterchef Adam Liaw for a special Christmas Dinner promoting Malaysian food and ingredients.
DINNER WITH AUSTRADE COMMISSIONER
We hosted Austrade Trade Commissioner to Malaysia Joel Backwell on his visit to Brisbane.
AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ
We held a special BBQ at Mt Coot-tha to celebrate Australia Day with members and supporters.
2013Â HIGHLIGHTS
HOSTING FOREIGN MINISTER SENATOR THE HON. BOB CARR AND PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR FINANCE, THE HON. BERNIE RIPOLL MP
We hosted Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Bob Carr and Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, the Hon. Bernie Ripoll MP. The event included an insightful discussion panel regarding international relations and the rise of China.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA
As Malaysia celebrated 50 years of nationhood, we brought people together back to 1963 with the music and a James Bond theme.
HOSTING THE INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR
A group of AMBCQ and International Circle members and supporters gathered to host the Indonesian Ambassador and his wife on the occasion of their visit to Brisbane.
HOSTING THE FINNISH AMBASSADOR
In collaboration with the Nordic Forum and the International Circle, the AMBCQ helped to host the Finnish Ambassador as he visited Queensland to support the Scandinavian communities.
2012Â HIGHLIGHTS
LUNCH WITH AGRICULTURE CONSUL FOR MALAYSIA, RUDY KHAIRUDDIN
The Malaysian Consul for Agriculture visited Queensland to discuss his portfolio with the AMBCQ.
HOSTING H.E. MILES KUPA, AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO MALAYSIA
On his mid-term return to Australia, H.E. Miles Kupa visited Brisbane to discuss Australia and Malaysia bilateral relations.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS BALL
Supported by Paradigm Infinitum, the AMBCQ collaborated to create the International Business Ball to coincide with Chinese New Year. A special international business discussion panel including commentators Gary Hardgrave and Graham Young featured.
2011Â HIGHLIGHTS
AMBCQ EVENT IN KL
Collaborating with Griffith University, the AMBCQ co-hosted an event in Kuala Lumpur to promote international education.
HOSTING TERESA KOK MP, SELANGOR STATE MINISTER FOR TRADE
During her visit to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the AMBCQ hosted The Hon. Teresa Kok MP, Selangor State Minister for Trade.
DRAGON BOAT
The AMBCQ was part of the organising committee for the inaugural Dragon Boat Festival at Forest Lake. We fielded a team and went on to compete in several regattas over the following years.
2010Â HIGHLIGHTS
ROUNDTABLE WITH MALAYSIAN TRADE MINISTER
In collaboration with MIDA, the AMBCQ co-hosted and co-chaired a business roundtable targeting healthcare, renewable energy and transportation industries.
ANNUAL BALL
During our annual Ball, the AMBCQ honoured mentor Dr Peter Yeoh OAM (since deceased) and his wife Alice Yeoh for their contribution to business and the community.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS BALL
In collaboration with Paradigm Infinitum, the AMBCQ supported this event with guests including Clive Palmer and other business leaders to raise funds for a paralysed firefighter.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
MERDEKA DAY DINNER AND DRINKS
Hosting a nasi padang meal and drinks for members and supporters, on Malaya's Day of independence.
ANNUAL BALL FEATURING MALAYSIA'S TOPÂ JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA IDENTITIES
Our guests for our annual Ball were Stephen Gan, founder of Malaysiakini, R. Nadeswaran, Malaysia's top investigative journalist, Datuk Sri Azman Ujang, Head of Bernama (Malaysia's national news service), and Mohd. Zulkifli, Head of Alt Media and TV presenter.
FIRE AND FLOOD FUNDRAISER
The AMBCQ held a fundraiser to support victims of the Victorian bushfires and the North Queensland floods. Opposition Leader the Hon. Lawrence Springborg MP was a special guest speaker, and over 400 people came together to raise almost $20,000.
2008Â HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS EVENT
Celebrating Christmas with members and supporters.
ANNUAL BALL
Our second annual Ball featured guests including the Hon. John Mickel MP, who has held many portfolios including the Trade Ministry and Speaker of State Parliament.
2007Â HIGHLIGHTS
CHRISTMAS EVENT
Celebrating Christmas with members.
THE FIRST BALL
We held our first Ball in August 2007 and continue to hold an annual Ball each year.
2006
In September 2006, the AMBCQ was founded. It was a revival of a group that had been active during the 1990s but disappeared around 1999/2000. In 2007 the organisation was incorporated and went on to become one of the most active of its kind in Australia.