The underlying philosophy of MCA Club Australia Inc. (Malaysian Chinese Association Club Australia Incorporated) is to connect all Malaysians from all walks of life in Australia. Beyond the borders of our home country, MCACA provides the foundations of a truly Malaysian community. Its incarnation as a non-profit and non-political organisation is to provide assistance and networking among Malaysians residing in Australia. It wishes to play the role of bridging the gap between Malaysia and Australia through MCACA.
MCACA aims to provide a platform for building social, business, commercial and corporate networks; a chance to enhance investment, community and cultural ties through governmental, non-governmental and commercial organisations. MCACA looks forward to providing members with exposure to the corporate sector, with the view to create potential career opportunities.
The Malaysian community in Australia is a vibrant one, and we hope to keep the Malaysian spirit high and flying. So come and join MCACA, widen your horizons,and be part of the Malaysian family here, your home away from home.
Development of MCACA Inc.
The idea of an internationally based welfare chapter of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) was conceived before, but had been in dormancy since the early 90s. Under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Wei Ming CHAN, the founder and current president of the MCA Club Australia Inc. (MCACA), along with the generous support of MCA patrons, the seed of MCACA was planted in 2004. With Sydney as its base, the committee consists of mainly young professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, analysts and university students who volunteer their time towards the running of MCACA.
MCACA was launched on 9th April 2005, in Sydney, by the Honourable Dato’ Dr. CHUA Soi Lek, MCA Vice-President and Minister of Health Malaysia. The Honourable Henry TSANG, Parliamentary Secretary of New South Wales (NSW) Parliament represented the NSW Premier, the Honourable Bob CARR in welcoming the establishment of MCACA and extends the Australian government’s support towards the Malaysian community in Australia.
The cause of MCACA has not gone unnoticed. As a non-profit organisation, MCACA relies on sponsorship from corporate entities, non-profit organisations, governmental and non-governmental bodies. It has so far received generous support from Lim Kok Wing University, Sports Toto Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia Airlines, Proton Cars Australia, University of Technology Sydney and The Star Newspaper.
MCACA looks forward to receiving more support in contributing towards scholarships, community cause and the recruitment of caring youths for the Malaysian community, in hope to encourage Malaysians abroad in sharing and adding value to the less fortunate Malaysians.
The MCA Club Australia Inc. (MCACA) is still in its infancy, with state committees in Melbourne and Sydney, MCACA wishes to expand its base to include other states in Australia, as well as obtain a stronger membership within the next 2 years, with a current membership of approximately 500 members. These members include both individuals from academic and professional circles.
MCACA focuses on community welfare which extends to providing its members with whatever aid or assistance within its capacity. The welfare of its members is a high priority. MCACA promotes professional and social events to encourage its members to become well rounded individuals. Thanks to affiliations with local bodies such as business councils, professional associations and corporate networks.
MCACA is able to provide its members with access to their events. Such events include corporate functions, public speaking, various personal skills trainings and business networking. MCACA also informs its members of various forums and events that would be of interest to them; events such as forums on globalization, Australia’s Free Trade agreements with ASEAN countries and knowledge management seminars.
MCACA has recently established a link with Global Malaysians Network (GMN). The GMN is an initiative by the Asian Centre for Media Studies and is supported by The Star. It is aimed at enabling Malaysians to network and tap into the resources of their countrymen worldwide. Malaysians, their family members and expatriates who have worked or are currently working in the country can participate in the network.
“Such collaboration would meet our common goal and mission, as well as further advance networking opportunities between Malaysia and Australia,” MCACA Inc. president, Chan Wei Ming said during his visit to Menara Star in June 2005.
“The Good Quarter” is a publication initiated independently by MCACA, published quarterly and its mission is to provide a distinctive Asian perspective on the people and developments shaping business, politics, education, tourism, life-style, social and cultural life in the region of Malaysia, Australia and China. Its first publication is expected to be released in 2006 and this latest development of MCACA aims to reflect an intellectual and informative side of highly educated members.
In light of the challenges faced by Malaysian students, MCACA is initiating the MCACA Ambassador Program. The aim of the program is to help Malaysian students and enrich their education experience in Australia. The initiative is run by Malaysians consists of young professionals, recent graduates and final year students. MCACA offers the students an Ambassador, preferably with a similar background, to discuss topics such as transition from Malaysia to Australia tertiary education environment and cultural differences.
The program is especially designed to help acclimatize new students to Australia and to campus life, as well as to develop communication, public relations and leadership skills of the Ambassadors. The program also helps to raise the Malaysian community spirit in Australia.
MCACA hopes to grow and establish itself as an association that truly cares for the Malaysian community with the support of its members, dedication of the hardworking committee, and generous support of our sponsors.
MCACA looks forward to strengthening all levels of ties between Malaysia and Australia.
About MCACA Inc.