Opening Remark Speaker

Ms. Maureen Siu, Director of Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Canada

Ms. Maureen Siu joined the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in 1991 as a member of the Administrative Officer Grade.  Before taking up the Director post in Toronto Office in March 2008, she had served in different capacities in different offices, including Civil Service Bureau, as the head of the Civil Service Training & Development Institute; the Commerce, Industry & Trade Bureau; the Financial Secretary’s Office; the Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau; and the Home Affairs Department.  Prior to that, she was an entrepreneur in the restaurant business in Massachusetts, and a director of a social service center in New York City.  She received her Master of Public and Private Management from the Yale University and her B.A. cum laude in sociology from the University of Massachusetts.

Keynote Speakers

CG Doreen Steidle, Consul General of the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong

CG Doreen Steidle (BA, Honours [Political Science and History], York University, 1977) entered the public service as a foreign service officer with the Department of Manpower and Immigration in 1977 and has served abroad in Sydney, Washington, Seoul, Manila and Damascus.  In Ottawa, she has held a number of positions, including Director General of the Selection Branch at Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Director General of the Corporate Finance, Planning and Systems Bureau at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).  In 2000, she was appointed High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore.  She served as CEO of Passport Canada from 2003 to 2006 and in 2006, she was named DFAIT's Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services.  She has four children.
 

Ms. Margaret Fong, Deputy Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Ms Margaret Fong is the Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in charge of promotion. HKTDC is the statutory organisation responsible for promoting and developing Hong Kong's external trade. Ms Fong has worked in a variety of public service posts, beginning her career as an Administrative Officer with the Hong Kong SAR Government. From 1997 to 1999, she served as Deputy Director-General in the Washington DC Economic & Trade Office of the Hong Kong Government. She was Deputy Secretary for Transport from 1999 to 2004, Director-General of the Washington Economic and Trade Office from 2004 to 2006, and Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, from 2006 to 2008, representing the Hong Kong SAR Government in the United States.  Most recently before joining the HKTDC, Ms Fong was the Commissioner for Tourism from November 2008 to the end of 2009. She is a graduate of the University of Hong Kong.

Mr. Philippe Lacamp, Head of Sustainable Development of John Swire & Sons

Mr. Philippe Lacamp joined the Swire Group in 1992. He has had a broad range of corporate experience within the group and currently heads up Sustainable Development for Swire Pacific and John Swire & Sons, covering a range of industries including shipping and marine services, property development, aviation, beverages and agri-business. The main focus of the role is to reduce the group’s overall environmental impact, while coordinating industry leadership positions for group divisions and business units concerning specific environmental issues.  Immediately prior to this role, Philippe had been seconded to Cathay Pacific Airways and established and ran the aviation group’s Corporate Risk Management department. While with Cathay Pacific, he held a number of overseas senior management positions, the highlight of which was as VP Canada between 2004-8. In this position he oversaw all Canadian operations for the airline, growing the airline’s presence and commitment to connect Canada to Hong Kong via its current gateway cities of Toronto and Vancouver. Country Management positions also included France, a portfolio that included Spain and Portugal, as well as time looking after the operations in Sri Lanka and Maldives. 

 

Mr. Nathaniel Miller, 2011 RBC Olympian (Placed 11th at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games)

Mr. Nathaniel Miller, RBC Olympian, is a Member of Canada’s water polo team. Bronze medals at the Pan American Games. MVP at Commonwealth Games. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Nathaniel got his first taste of Olympic competition, but his career highlight came earlier when the Canadian water polo team qualified for the Games for the first time.  As the current technical director for Alberta Water Polo, Nathaniel wants to stay involved with the sport even after he retires. “I love coaching and I can see myself involved in the administrative side of things,” he says. “Water polo will always be a part of my life in some way.”

 

Speakers

Mr. John Abbott, Executive Advisor (Financial Advisory Services) of Deloitte & Touche LLP

Mr. John Abbott is an independent executive advisor, focusing on consulting to company’s engaged in the Energy sector.  In 1990 John moved to Calgary to manage the Burns Fry Investment Banking office and the BMO Nesbitt Burns office following the acquisition of Burns Fry by Bank of Montreal in 1994. For the past 20 years, John has been involved in numerous M&A, equity and debt financing transactions for oil & gas, pipeline and power generation and distribution companies.  In 2004, in addition to client coverage responsibilities in Calgary, John initiated coverage of Chinese energy companies and has developed very good relationships with the State-owned companies and the Chinese National Energy Administration.  John brings 30 years of financial industry experience, most recently serving as a Managing Director of the BMO Capital Markets Energy Group.

Mr. Bob Armstrong, President of Armstrong Trade & Logistics Advisory Services Inc., and National Chair of HKCBA

Mr. Bob Armstrong, C.I.T.P, is President of Armstrong Trade and Logistics Advisory Services Inc. (ATLAS).  Bob was appointed President of Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) since 2007. Bob has over 35 years of experience in the fields of Global Supply Chain, International Trade, Cross Border Logistics and Customs Regulations and procedures.  Bob Armstrong also served as President and CEO for the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters Inc. for nine years and as President of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) for nine years.  In 2005, Mr. Armstrong was awarded the prestigious McMillan Binch Mendelsohn Canadian Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Canada and to Canada's advancement in International Trade.

Mr. Nathan Armstrong, Director & President of Motive Industries Inc.

Mr. Nathan Armstrong, President of Motive Industries, has over sixteen years of transportation design engineering experience, in both aerospace and automotive sectors. Prior to establishing Motive in 2004, Nathan worked for Boeing and Arrowhead Products on the International Space Station, Delta Rockets, and Joint Strike Fighter programs. In 1996 Nathan moved to automotive engineering working for Metalcrafters and Aria Group in Southern California where he managed the engineering and construction of a vast array of vehicle projects including over 30 production vehicles, over 100 concept vehicles, and close to 1000 clay models, interior models and scale models.  Nathan also co-founded Project Eve, a nationwide Canadian consortium of technology companies, research centers and schools coming together to combine technologies and resources to develop Canada’s own line of advanced Electric Vehicles. He also co-founded The Super Designer Project with AACTI to promote the use of advanced design and engineering tools in Colleges throughout Alberta. As the President and a Director of Motive, Nathan brings his wealth of knowledge, creativity and experience which provides a solid foundation and guidance for the future of Motive.
 

Mr. Scott Bandura, Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Mr. Scott Bandura is a partner in the Audit and Assurance practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP working in the Calgary office. He has deep technical experience in Canadian GAAP, International Financial Reporting Standards and US GAAP.  Scott began working in our Calgary office in September 2009 and was admitted into the partnership in 2010. While working in Calgary, Scott has focused on all aspects of IFRS for oil and gas companies and has been integral to developing PwC’s position on various accounting matters related to the oil and gas sector and income trusts. He has written several discussion papers within the oil and gas industry and at the CICA IFRS Discussion Group.  Scott is a member of the global IAS 39 Energy Committee, Global IFRS Financial Instruments Topic Team and is also a member (and secretary) of the Global IFRS Corporate Treasury Technical Committee and hedging committee.  Scott is also a contributor and reviewer of PwC’s Global IFRS Manual of Accounting, which sets out PwC’s position on the application of IFRS and is available to PwC staff and clients throughout the world.  Scott received both his BMath and MAcc from the University of Waterloo. He is also a Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant (Illinois), and a Licensed Public Accountant (Ontario).
 

Mr. Chris Best, Managing Director of Rohmann Shipping

Mr. Chris Best is an International Project Freight Forwarder with over 20 years of experience in the shipping business. The Head Office for Conceptum Logistics is in Hamburg Germany and has over 20 offices worldwide with 750 employees and several qualified agents.  Chris has a broad base of international project knowledge with all major industries which today allows him to participate in group discussions daily and advice on project cargo movements inbound & outbound Worldwide.  Chris was a Member of the International Trade Committee for Calgary Economic Development 2005 - 2008.

Ms. Joanna Chang, Instructor of Corporate Mandarin

Ms. Joanna Chang is an award-winning Corporate Mandarin instructor and experienced cross-cultural communication consultant. Prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she facilitated an Olympic themed Mandarin course with the University of Calgary, RBC Financial Group, and the Chinese Language Council International of China.  The course was repeated seven times at Bankers Hall over a two year period.  Her latest public class was offered during the China Month of the Global Business Centre in 2010. Joanna’s teaching and consulting clients have included industries such as banking, telecommunications, oil and gas corporations, and governments. Her unique approach of weaving cross-cultural methodology into language learning has been well received by business people who realize the globalization of the world market and want to expand their businesses. Joanna is a long time member of HKCBA and an active community volunteer. She is also a life-time member of the Beijing-based International Society for Chinese Language Teaching.  Joanna was honoured with an Innovative Teaching Award at their 2008 conference and an Innovative Paper Award at the 2010 conference.
 

Mr. Alex Cheung, Managing Partner of CLW Partners LLP

Mr. Alex Cheung is the Managing Partner of the accounting firm CLW Partners LLP in Calgary, Canada. The firm has clients who are among the top ten largest Canadian oil and gas companies. CLW Partners LLP also has an associated office in Hong Kong.  He works in the accounting and auditing areas for over 27 years in Canada, China and Hong Kong. His experience included accounting, tax, internal audits, vendor cost audits and public company audits.  With his bilingual ability and international experience, Alex is very active in international accounting and auditing work in Canada, China and Hong Kong.  Alex also volunteers in various community events and is currently a director of HKCBA Calgary. He has been a radio program host in a Calgary Chinese radio channel FM94.7 every week since 1994 to talk about the Canadian accounting and tax topics. 

Mr. Matthew DeBlock, Director (China Office) of DeBlock Consulting Ltd.

Mr. Matthew DeBlock, as Director China Office of the Nanjing Office, helps businesses to build bridges to the Chinese markets. In 2005, Matthew moved to China to study at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Matthew’s specialty is providing guidance on business customs along with interpretation and translation services. He understands the Chinese business environment and is familiar with key business, IT and financial concepts. Matthew has provided interpretive and negotiation services to western businesses since 2007. In addition to his ability to communicate key business and technical concepts fluently he also provides advice on the business culture and helps businesses build the relationships needed to succeed in China.

 

Mr. Larry Gale, Director, Marketing & Sales of Brewster Inc.

Mr. Larry Gale, with over 27 years of experience in the tourism industry, has spent 17 of those years as the Director of Marketing & Sales with Brewster Travel Canada. With expertise in travel planning, transportation, hospitality and attractions, Brewster Travel Canada is the premier provider of authentic travel experiences in Western Canada.  Larry has made many trips to Mainland China, with the first one being in 1997 at the initial signing of Canada’s application for ADS. His leadership role in marketing Canada as a travel destination in Mainland China has given Brewster the opportunity to establish many firsts. This has included launching the first Canadian travel brochure and website (both in mandarin), hosting the first incentive group to Canada and more recently signing an agreement with China’s largest online travel company; Ctrip.

Ms. Kristina Koehler, China Director of Klako Group

Ms. Kristina Koehler was born and raised in Hong Kong, she has attained a wealth of Hong Kong and China experience, having studied the language, culture and environment which ultimately led her to relocating to Shanghai in early 2004 to open the Shanghai and Beijing offices of Klako Group. Deep understanding of the traditions and business environment has allowed Kristina to gain considerable expertise in China Company law, accounting and tax principles and the general operational requirements needed to be maintained by Foreign Invested Enterprises in Hong Kong and China. Kristina is responsible for advising and assisting foreign companies to enter the Hong Kong and China market, not only consulting on the best market entry strategies and providing outsourcing solutions, such as accounting, tax filing, legal maintenance requirements, etc, but also acting as an independent advisor to make sure that the companies are in compliance in all aspects of their operations.

Mr. Manford Kwan, President & Chief Executive Officer of ASAT Solutions Inc.

Mr. Manford Kwan is founder and President & CEO of ASAT Solutions Inc. (incorporated in year 2000), a company providing Automation Solutions and Technologies (ASAT) for Electrical Utilities and Industrial customers, specializing in substation server platforms, IED integration, and substation automation applications.  Manford held various senior positions with GE Energy Canada from 1986 - 2000, (formerly Harris/Westronic) including Project Management, Director of Sales and Marketing (based in Australia) and General Manager of Global Sales.  For over 20 plus years, Manford's career has been focused on the SCADA market including EMS/DMS/RTU and Substation Automation projects.  Manford holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering from the University of Calgary. He is a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) and a Member of the IEEE.

Ms. Caren Lombard, Senior Financial Manager (Regional Underwriting West) of Export Development Canada

Ms. Caren Lombard joined Export Development Canada (EDC) in February 2009 as a Senior Financing Manager for the Commercial Markets Financing team in Western Canada. As part of the Regional Underwriting initiative, she was the first EDC Financing Manager to be based in Western Canada. EDC’s Commercial Markets Financing team provides a variety of financing solutions to Canadian mid-market exporters.  Based in Vancouver, Ms. Lombard was a Manager in the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Subordinated Financing Group from 2001 to 2006. In this role she financed mid-market companies in Western Canada with growth capital. Originally from South Africa, her professional experience in South Africa includes accounting and financing at a large financial institution and an international accounting firm.  Ms. Lombard qualified as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa; she is a CFA Charterholderand holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Mr. Michael Mabey, President and CTO of ATI-Composites Canada Inc.  

Mr. Michael Mabey has over 20 years experience developing, patenting and commercializing innovative green building products. Mike's latest company, ATI-Composites Canada, has developed a nanotechnology-based inorganic binder technology that is light-weight, high-strength, fast-setting and offers superior fire protection.  This award-winning cement-like binder is also very environmentally-friendly. Not only does it produce 75% less CO₂ emissions compared to widely-ued Portland cement but, instead of requiring clean sand and fresh water, it is very effective in using a variety of waste streams such as agricultural waste fibres (such as flax straw and rice hulls), fly ash or mine tailings. It can even make building products from desert or beach sand and salt water!  ATI's initial green building products include high performance fire resistant partition walls and board stock, insulating blocks and a ready-to-use premix for custom applications. ATI's technology won 1^st place in the 2010 Canadian Clean-15 Competition. 

 

Mr. Barry Macdonald, Immediate Past Chair of the Federation of Hong Kong Kong Business Associations Worldwide; and Partner of PwC 

Mr. Barry Macdonald is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a partner with PwC Canada in Vancouver. He has over 29 years of extensive experience in advising North American and Asian clients on transfer pricing and international tax planning. In particular, Barry provides advice to Hong Kong and China companies on their investments in North America to minimize their global taxes.  From 1990 to 1997, Barry practised with PwC Hong Kong and was admitted into partnership in 1993, while in Hong Kong. He was the Hong Kong’s firm only partner born and raised in North America.  Barry was also the president (1994/95) and chairman (1995/96) of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. He was a founding governor of the Canadian International School in Hong Kong and a member of the Hong Kong Chief Secretary’s International Business Advisory Committee.  Barry is immediate past Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide. Barry is past National Chair of HKCBA and past President of the HKCBA Vancouver. Barry was a member of Simon Fraser University’s Board of Governors from 2005 to 2008, and he is a board member of Arts Umbrella in Vancouver. In 2005, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC awarded Barry a Fellowship (FCA) for distinguished service to the profession and community. Barry qualified as a Hong Kong Certified Public Accountant in 1993. Barry was also a member of the Premier of British Columbia’s Olympic Advisory Group.
 

Mr. David I. Matheson, Q.C., Honourary Advisor of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide

Mr. David I. Matheson, Q.C., now conducts his own legal practice and business development activities independent of McMillan LLP after many years as a partner of the firm. He continues at the Toronto office of McMillan LLP to do business development for the firm.  His personal business development consulting organization is Matheson Global Advisory Group.  The Group consists of a network of leading global business development advisors who introduce and connect companies on a global basis.  He has extensive experience in a wide range of national and international business, investment, corporate governance, public policy, natural resources and tax areas.  He has served as counsel to and as a director for many Canadian and international public and private corporations.  He currently serves as a director and chairman of the audit and governance committees of Newfoundland Capital Corporation Limited.  He has for over 35 years contributed extensively to the fostering of trade and investment with and for the People’s Republic of China, doing so particularly through Hong Kong.  He is an honorary advisor to the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide and is an honorary life member and past chairman of The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association.
 

Mr. Frank Monteiro, Assistant Vice President of VISTRA (Hong Kong) Limited

Mr. Frank Monteiro is the Assistant Vice President, Business Development, for VISTRA (Hong Kong) Limited. He is based inToronto. VISTRA is a global trust and corporate services company.  Frank’s mandate for VISTRA (HK) in Canada is to assist and advise Canadian companies on the correct structures and execution of setting up their businesses in Hong Kong and China.  He has been called upon by large corporations to consult with their senior executives who are relocating to Hong Kong, advising them on the culture there.  He is a Past President of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association inToronto and maintains a seat on the Board there.  Frank was born and raised in Hong Kong.  

 

Mr. Douglas H Moore, Managing Director and Head of RBC Capital Markets Asia for RBC Capital Markets

Mr. Douglas H Moore is Managing Director and Head of RBC Capital Markets Asia for RBC Capital Markets. He is responsible for the bank's business strategy inAsia.  Doug has more than 20 years of business and financial experience in Asia on both the buy and sell side, including strong investment management expertise with prominent Asian corporations, and in building a substantial financial services business for Credit Suisse in Hong Kong. He has extensive experience in finance, management, high technology and strategic planning.

Mr. Byron Neiles, Vice President (Major Projects) of Enbridge Inc.

Mr. Byron Neiles was appointed to his current role in October 2010 and is responsible for ensuring that Major Projects (MP) delivers Enbridge’s capital program safely, on time and on budget while providing project management services to all business units.  Major Projects includes the proposed Northern Gateway Project, a new twin pipeline system running from nearEdmonton,Alberta, to a new marine terminal inKitimat,British Columbiato export petroleum and import condensate. The project represents a strategic effort by oil and gas producers to diversify their export market beyond theUnited Statesand take advantage of rapidly growing demand inChinaand other Asian markets. Among the financial backers isChina’s state-owned Sinopec Corp.  Byron was Vice President, Engineering, Procurement & Construction and Project Services since October 2009; and he first joined Major Projects in April 2008 with responsibility for project support functions including the Project Management Office, Regulatory Affairs, Planning & Reporting, Environment, Land & Right of Way and Public, Government & Aboriginal Affairs.  He is also a volunteer with Trout Unlimited and was co-founder of Leadership Calgary, Chairman of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Arts Partners, and has raised funds for a number of other health and community-based organizations.

Ms. Shirley Ong, Consul and Trade Commissioner of Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong

Ms. Shirley Ong entered the public service as a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002 and has served abroad in Beijing, Shanghai and is now currently posted at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong. In Ottawa, her previous assignments included working as a Desk Officer in the Southeast Asia Division and as an Economic Policy Analyst in the Economic Relations and Summits Division (APEC). Prior to joining the Government, she worked as management consultant in Toronto.  She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and East Asian Studies) from McGill University and a Masters of Science (Economic History) from the London School of Economics.

Mr. Richard Peters, Partner of McMillan LLP

Mr. Richard Peters has practiced corporate and commercial law with an emphasis on securities law and mergers and acquisitions since 1990.  Richard has represented national and international clients in the airline, banking, energy, information technology, investment, pipeline, real estate development, securities, software and telecommunications industries in a broad range of transactions.  Richard regularly advises board of directors, special committees and shareholders on matters of corporate governance. He is a frequent commentator on a variety of legal subjects and a past lecturer for the Law Society of Alberta Bar Admission Course.

Mr. Todd Peterson, Director of Alliances of WestJet

Mr. Todd Peterson, as WestJet’s Director of Alliances, is responsible for setting and implementing WestJet’s global alliance strategy.  This includes key relationships in the Hong Kong market with Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Dragon Air.

Dr. David Robson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tethys Petroleum Limited

Dr. David Robson's career has been primarily in operating oil and gas companies. Tethys Petroleum Limited was formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of CanArgo Energy Corporation founded by Dr David Robson in 1997 where he served as Chairman and CEO until bringing Tethys Petroleum public. He was CEO and one of the founders of the London Stock Exchange listed company JKX Oil & Gas plc and prior to this he was employed in technical and commercial positions in Britoil plc, Hamilton Oil and Mobil.  Dr Robson has spoken at numerous International conferences on fSU oil, gas and energy.
 

Mr. Bill Sembo, Vice Chairman of RBC Capital Markets

Mr. Bill Sembo, Vice Chairman of RBC Capital Markets, is responsible for senior client relationships and advice to both Canadian and international companies and governments.  He is a senior partner of RBC Capital Markets’ Energy practice servicing the petroleum and energy-related industries globally and is a member of the firm's Global Banking Operating Committee.  Bill has been employed with RBC Capital Markets since 1986.  He has broad investment banking, corporate credit and mergers and acquisitions experience.  Education includes post-graduate economic studies and a B.A. in economics from the University of Calgary.  Bill has acted for a number of corporations as a director or consultant.  Currently Bill is a Member of the Board of Directors of OMERS Energy Inc., CEDA International Corporation and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chair of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine's Advisory Board and is also a Member of the Governing Committee of the Province of Alberta’s Access to the Future Fund, a Member of the Province of Alberta’s Oil and Gas Economics Advisory Council and a guest faculty member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. 
 

Mr. Greg Stringham, Vice-President, Markets & Oil Sands of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

Mr. Greg Stringham has had a broad exposure to the energy industry in his career thus far. He joined Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) in 1995 and assumed his current role as Vice President of Markets and Oil Sands in January 1998. His responsibilities at CAPP include oil and gas markets, pipelines and oil sands issues in both the US and Canada.  This role at CAPP builds on several years’ experience with the Alberta Department of Energy where he dealt with a broad spectrum of energy policy in natural gas, oil and oil sands from royalties to megaprojects. Prior to government, Greg held several positions at Syncrude Canada Ltd. in areas ranging from research to project development.  Greg holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration, and he is a professional engineer.  The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. 
 

Mr. Michael H. Taylor, Partner of McMillan LLP

Mr. Michael Taylor is a key partner in the Securities Practice Group in McMillan's Vancouver office.  He advises a broad range of technology, industrial and resource companies that are traded in Canada on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchanges, in the United States on the NYSE Amex Exchange and the OTC Bulletin Board, and in Hong Kong on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Mainboard. Mike's China Practice experience includes:  
- Underwriter's Canadian counsel to major US investment bank in connection with listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange of China International Gold in 2010
- Underwriter's counsel in TSX-V listing and concurrent $30 million financing of Asia - Bio Chem in June 2008 and subsequent $10 million financing in January 2011
- Underwriter's counsel in TSX-V listing and concurrent $7.5 million financing of Changfeng Energy in January 2008 
 

Mr. Peter Tertzakian, Chief Energy Economist of ARC Financial Corporation

Mr. Peter Tertzakian is Chief Energy Economist of ARC Financial Corporation and
bestselling author of A Thousand Barrels a Second: The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy Dependent World.  Passionate about the history and direction of energy in society, Tertzakian blends three decades
of experience in geophysics, economics, technology and finance to constantly analyze energy trends. Over the years his prescient advice to corporate leaders, policy makers and students has earned him many accolades for his work, including an asteroid in his name.  Always questioning the consensus view, Tertzakian writes a weekly journal, is often quoted or seen in the media (including an appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), and is a sought after speaker at events around the world. His new book, The End of Energy Obesity: Breaking Today's Energy Addiction for a Prosperous and Secure Tomorrow, is now available in bookstores around the world.
 

Mr. Joseph Volk, Market Development Director of Travel Alberta

Mr. Joseph Volk is the Market Development Director of Travel Alberta.  Joseph primarily works with Travel Alberta's overseas market development directors and receptive tour wholesalers in developing and aligning tourism programs to Alberta.  Prior to his current position, he worked for CN and Via Rail Canada for 35 years as Director International Sales & Marketing (Via Rail), Regional Director Western Services (Via Rail), Director Marketing Western Services (Via Rail).

Mr. Richard Watson, Managing Director of ATC (Hong Kong) Limited

Mr. Richard Watson is Managing Director of ATC (Hong Kong) Limited, the Hong Kong regional office of Amsterdam Trust Corporation (ATC) which was established in 1893. ATC focuses on four key competencies: corporate services, private clients, capital markets and funds administration, and employs more than 400 staff in 17 offices around the world.  In June 1997, shortly after the return of Hong Kong to China, Richard moved from Sydney, Australia to work in Hong Kong. Having worked in and around South East Asia for some 20 years, he is now a Hong Kong permanent resident.  Richard has degrees in science, marketing (international trade) and business administration, is a trust and estate practitioner, and now spends most of his time assisting entrepreneurs and foreign companies to set up their Asian operations.

Mr. Randy Williams, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary

Mr. Randy Williams is President & CEO of Tourism Calgary.  Having spent more than four decades in Canada’s travel and tourism industry, Randy has an extensive and varied background, including 25 years experience in hotel management, human resource development and education, tourism planning and destination marketing. Throughout his career, he has been regarded as an agent of positive change, and has demonstrated a commitment to professional development within the sector.  Actively involved in a number of tourism and educational institutions, Randy is the Chair of the Canadian Sustainable Tourism Advisory Council (CSTAC), and a graduate of George Washington University’s Tourism Destination Management Program.  Randy is a Certified Hotel Administrator and was general manager of six hotels with 28 years of hotel experience.

Moderators 

Mr. Lonnie Benson, Chair of Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) Calgary Chapter

Mr. Lonnie Benson is the Chair of SCL Calgary Chapter and additionally sits on the National Board of Directors of that organization, and a Senior Relationship Manager; Manufacturing, Logistics& Wholesaling with RBC Royal Bank Commercial Financial Services in Calgary.  In that role, he works with a portfolio of some of the Bank’s more valued clients in that market.  In a career with RBC that started in 1981, Lonnie has worked with commercial clients across many industry sectors and brings a strong level of experience and advice to his role.  Lonnie attended the University of Saskatchewan, is an active musician and enjoys hiking in the mountains.  His wife Louise is also a career “Royal Banker” and together they have two grown children and two grandchildren. 

Mr. Len Bykowski, President & CEO of VRM Management Solutions

Mr. Len Bykowski currently operates his own consulting company (VRM Management Solutions) with a focus on biorefining, bioenergy and industrial bio-product investments. He is a proven and entrepreneurial senior business executive with more than 35 years of success in building businesses, strategic alliances, domestic and international operations.  Past experiences include President and CEO of BioProducts Alberta, President BC Wine Institute and President and CEO of Money’s Mushrooms; a market leader for fresh and mushroom related value added food products. During Len’s tenure at Money’s, annual sales grew from $48 to $250 million and the company employed 3000 employees in 14 locations throughout North America.  Most recently Len was a catalyst and a key facilitator for the development of the Drayton Valley Bio-Mile. He currently works with communities, forestry companies, agriculture, technology providers, investors, researchers and government in facilitating the development of similar bioindustrial projects and building alliances.  Len has chaired and served on several industry boards.

Mr. Richard Gotfried, Vice President of Trico Homes; and Director & Past President of Skal International Calgary

Mr. Richard Gotfried is Vice President Corporate and Community Relations for award-winning Calgary-based builder Trico Homes and an Advisor to the Trico Charitable Foundation.  He is a Past President and Governor of the Calgary section of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association and immediate Past-President and current Director of Membership and Communications for Skal International Calgary.  Richard’s background includes residency and extensive travel in Africa, Europe and Asia highlighted by a 20+ year career in the international tourism and airline industry, most recently with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways.  In his role as Cathay’s Regional Sales & Marketing Manager for Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba, Richard was deeply involved with the major Asian markets, with a primary focus on Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and the Indian sub-continent.  He continues his involvement in international tourism in his role as a Director of Erawan Travel Ventures.  Richard, whose father spent 33 years as a resident of Shanghai, China, is a proud born and raised Calgarian with deep roots and family connections in and a keen personal affinity for Asia, while his extensive involvement with Calgary’s Chinese community spans 3 decades.

Dr. Sebastian Gault, Publisher of Energy Bridge Magazine

Dr. Sebastian Gault, PhD is the publisher of Calgary-based Energy Bridge, the only Chinese-language oil & gas magazine of a major petroleum-exporting nation. Sebastian has extensive publishing experience within the energy business and is erstwhile editor-in-chief of Alberta Oil Magazine. Sebastian previously held an assistant professorship in Chinese Studies at his alma mater, Bonn University (Germany), where he earned his doctorate (summa cum laude).

Mr. Gary Slipp, Global Business Centre Manager of Calgary Economic Development

Mr. Gary Slipp joined Calgary Economic Development (CED) in 2009 as the Global Business Centre Manager. Gary creates and implements programming to focus on the expansion of international trade and development activities for small and medium size businesses in Calgary and Southern Alberta. Gary not only works with local business but also works closely with international business to assist them with exploring opportunities in Calgary by providing them with the tools and information they need to successfully relocate, or set up in Calgary.  Gary brings over 20 years of business development and general management experience to CED. A graduate of NAIT’s Automation Engineering program, Gary worked extensively in western Canada’s energy sector before taking a 10-year assignment in the United Arab Emirates and then Cairo, Egypt, where he was responsible for establishing engineering, sales, service and training facilities. While stationed in the Middle East, Gary was an active member of the Canada-Arab Business Council and worked closely with the Canadian Embassy to sponsor and advise Canadian companies and their employees.  Gary is a senior member of the International Society of Automation as well as a member of the Calgary Petroleum Club.

Mr. Craig Lindsay, President of Otis Gold Corp.; and President of HKCBA Vancouver

Mr. Craig Lindsay has in excess of 20 years experience in corporate finance, investment banking and business development in both North America and Asia. He is currently the President of Otis Gold Corp. and also the Managing Director of Arbutus Grove Capital Corp., a private company offering corporate finance and merchant banking services. Mr. Lindsay was a Founder and President of Magnum Uranium Corp. until its merger with Energy Fuels Inc.(TSX: EFR in June 2009). As well, Mr. Lindsay was a Vice President in the Corporate Finance and Investment Banking Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.  Mr. Lindsay was Founder of Malaspina Capital Ltd., a junior capital pool company, and was responsible for indentifying its merger with Miranda Mining Corp (a Mexican-based gold producer that was subsequently acquired by Wheaton River Minerals).
 

Ms. Alexandria Sham, Insurance Advisor of RBC Insurance; and President of HKCBA Calgary

Ms. Alexandria Sham has been with the HKCBA since 2003 and is currently the President of HKCBA Calgary. With the strength and experience of RBC Financial Group behind her, she has access to the complete range of financial and investment services.  A career of 15 years in the financial services industry, which included working at RBC Financial Group since 1992, has prepared Alex for this role. Her professional experience is enhanced by a post-secondary education, which includes a degree in Commerce. She is committed to continually building upon her expertise so that she can provide her clients with the most up-to- date tools and research the industry offers.