회장 취임

REMARKS BY CONSUL GENERAL PARK AT RECEPTION TO MARK ELECTION OF NEW KOREAN SOCIETY PRESIDENT

FRIDAY 27^TH JULY 2007

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Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is my pleasure to say a few words congratulating Mr Seung’s inauguration as the new president of the Korean Society.  My thanks go to the Korean Society for organizing this reception and to the Australian guests for their attendance and support.

 

I attended the General Meeting of the Korean Society last week and made a speech about what the Consulate General (as a representative of the Korean Government) expects to see in the coming years with the Korean Society.

 

I will not repeat my speech since many here tonight have already heard it in Korean.  However, for the Australian audience and for those who did not attend that meeting, I would like to summarize a few key points.

 

The election of a new president and Mr Seung’s assumption of the presidency and Ms. Park’s assumption of the vice-presidency mark a new chapter in the life of the Korean Society and the Korean community in Sydney.  Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the Korean community has grown enormously as has the Korean Society.

 

Today, the Korean Society faces many challenges.  As the population grows, inevitably this prompts a demand for political voices and the facilitation and integration into Australian society becomes important.  To include the next generation into Korean Society activities is also necessary.

 

The challenges the Korean Society faces today needs, I suppose, some qualitative as well as substantive changes, or in another word ‘reform’.  These reforms include changes to its operations, the inclusion of the younger generation in decision making and a renewed focus on political participation.

 

It is a big burden for the shoulders of new president.  However, I understand that Mr Seung’s pledge already covers all of the changes needed and I am confident he has the necessary support and fortitude to see his vision through.

 

Today, I see here many Australian friends and dignitaries.  If I can say one thing to them, it is to please support our new presidency. Please support Korean community members to become important and responsible Australian citizens and the Korean Society to become a proactive and responsible community organisation.

 

Also encourage them to have more cooperative relations with your organisation.  They are eager to cooperate, eager to make friends and eager to give more information about Korean community activities. 

 

I would like to congratulate Mr Seung and the Korean Society once again on a successful election.  This is an exciting time for the Korean community and under Mr Sueng’s stewardship I am sure the organisation will continue to grow in relevance. Thank you.