Media releases

Young leaders from China and Australia address global challenges

 

1 June 2015

Westpac today welcomed the commencement China Australia Millennial Project (CAMP) Summit, which brings together the next generation of thought leaders across China and Australia to develop innovative solutions to real world problems.

Over a five-day summit from 1-5 June in Sydney, the CAMP program will see 130 young leaders aged 18-35 form cross-cultural ‘Think Tanks’, tasked with developing creative solutions that address shared issues in both China and Australia. The summit will culminate with delegates pitching a new prototype, product or collaborative research project to panels of angel investors on Friday 5 June; the product of a three month incubation program.

Westpac is one of eight corporate sponsors of the inaugural CAMP program, developed in association with DFAT, the NSW Government and Australian Universities.

Damien MacRae, General Manager Westpac Premium, said CAMP’s objective is to help foster cultural understanding between Australia and China. “Our partnership with CAMP is an opportunity to further connect our two great nations and to talk, learn, understand and embrace the future together.

“The calibre of delegates coming through this program is truly astounding, and it is inspiring to see bright, young talent being recognised in such a unique way. These delegates are the young leaders who will create a blueprint for bilateral relations between Australia and China that will drive change.

“In powering the CAMP initiative, Westpac will be exploring ways to support the ideas that are presented over the five-day CAMP summit, which are at the forefront of transformational trends and thought leadership.

“At Westpac, we recognise the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. We also recognise that innovation is the vital engine of growth for sustained performance in this global digital economy. For this reason, we are excited to be corporate sponsors for the CAMP Think Tank Topics of ‘Digital Disruption’ and ‘Global Talent’,” he said.

Other CAMP Think Tanks span the areas of energy and sustainable living, infrastructure, innovation for the new retirement, entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and innovation in education.

The Chinese Government will fly the winning CAMP delegates to Beijing to compete in August in an international pitch-off for a chance to win RMB 1 million. This is supported through a partnership CAMP has formed with the Chaoyang Municipal government in Beijing.