Faculty appoints Riady Chair in Asian Business and Economics

The Faculty of Business and Economics has made a clear statement about its strategic intentions in the Asian region by appointing a renowned Asian business expert to the inaugural James Riady Chair in Asian Business and Economics.

At the annual Melbourne Foundation for Business & Economic dinner last night the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Paul Kofman announced that Professor Jane Lu has been appointed as the first holder of the James Riady Chair in Asian Business and Economics.

Professor Lu will play a leadership role in developing Asian-focused teaching and engagement activities

Professor Lu brings to the role an outstanding track record of research in international business strategy. Her applied work on Japanese Foreign Direct Investment in China, Joint Ventures of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and Venture Capital and Business Group Affiliations in the Asian region is internationally regarded.

The James Riady Chair in Asian Business and Economics is funded through a generous donation by Dr James Riady, an alumnus of the Faculty of Business and Economics, with the objective of supporting teaching and research that drives a deeper understanding of doing business in the Asian region.

?As Australian companies continue to enter and engage with emerging markets in Asia, it?s vital that they understand the region?s practices. The James Riady Chair provides the platform to sharpen our understanding and expand our knowledge of doing business in a region that is intertwined with Australia?s future. I am excited about spearheading this initiative at one of the world?s leading business and economics schools? stated Professor Lu.

As Chair Professor Lu intends to communicate her research outcomes through a range of public engagement activities including lectures, seminars and conferences, that will assist in enhancing understanding of doing business in Asia. In addition Professor Lu will also play a leadership role in developing Asian-focused teaching and engagement activities.

?The James Riady Chair sits at the heart of our dedicated Asian Business and Economics Centre within the Faculty, and the appointment of Professor Lu ensures we have a candidate with the deep expertise and knowledge to build on our existing links to deliver invaluable research and powerful insights into this region? Professor Paul Kofman, Dean of the Faculty

Currently at the National University of Singapore?s Business School, Professor Lu will commence as Chair in 2013.

Also at the Melbourne Foundation for Business & Economics dinner the 2013 winners of the alumni of distinction awards were announced.

Anthony Goldbloom (BCom Honours 2006), CEO and founder of Kaggle won the Rising Star Award for Young Alumni. Sally MacDonald (BCom 1990), CEO of Oroton Group, won the the International Award for her outstanding achievement and leadership in international business.

Khun Mechai Viravaidya (BCom 1964), Founder and Chair of the Population and Community Development Association,?won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tremendous contributions to sustainable population growth utilising social enterprise. And finally, Max Corden (BCom Honours 1950, MCom 1953), Professor of Economics, received the Contribution to Faculty and University Award for his internationally recognised research and teaching in international trade economics.

Source: http://benews.unimelb.edu.au/2013/faculty-appoints-riady-chair-in-asian-business-and-economics/

miracle andy whitfield kennedy demi moore roy oswalt kevin martin 2012 senior bowl