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Dear friends,

The Congress in Buenos Aires was indeed an eye-opener for many of us. Logistically, this is the first time many of us have been to South America. It gave us not only an opportunity to know something about the country, but also to get to know our members in this region a lot better, at least those members in South America, who attended and made us feel so welcome.

With the help of our South American colleagues and a few Capirinhya (a refreshing local drink of lime with rum or vodka), we really felt at home. The pre-tour, which was arranged to see Rio, Paraty and the Iguassu Falls, not only enabled the delegates to see the country but enhanced the bonding of all who attended the tour. The Iguassu Falls was so majestic, both from the Brazilian side as well as the Argentinian side, that it reminded me of what small creatures we are in comparison to God's immense creations.

The Board met in Rio and several decisions were reached. It was noticeable from our records that much time and effort was spent by the International office to collect outstanding dues. Actions need to be taken to ensure prompt payments for members to enjoy the benefits of the membership of the Association. Hence, the Board is mandating drastic actions pertaining to the collection of such outstanding dues.

We are still pleased to be recognized as the world's largest non-hybrid association but this can only be maintained through constant addition, especially of good members. We also realized the need for education, the dissemination of information and for speakers, who can be arranged to provide talks on specific topics if required.

It was an eventful Congress. Those members attending were brought to focus and comment on the Strategic Plans, which had been debated and drafted by the International Board. Delegates were grouped together and given a section of the draft plans for further input and brainstorming on how they want the organisation to move forward and what other issues need to be incorporated in the revised plans.

It was an encouraging discussion as members harnessed their capabilities and offered various suggestions which the Board will take into consideration. The revised Strategic Plans have now been drafted and circulated to the Board for approval and once that is approved, will be uploaded to the website for the membership at large.

Concerns over the development in the Pacific Rim countries prompted a second Board meeting in Buenos Aires at the end of the Congress with Ricky Wong , the Chair of AGN Asia Pacific in attendance. Several issues were raised and both Ricky and our Chinese firm, China Regal shall be setting up a separate entity with English speaking personnel to service the rest of the world membership.

There were, of course, technical programs as well as “stress-reduction” talks and everyone had fun one way or another. Our Argentine firms of Estudio Eduardo Schmilovich and Elizade, Casares & Asociados were both given the opportunities to inform members of their respective firms' attributes.

A visit to Brazil and Argentina will not be complete without the samba and Argentine tango. We had doses of both and some even had the chance to dance with the professionals; especially our Russian member in Rio (samba); other members at the Gala dinner in Buenos Aires did some neat tango.

By the time you receive this issue, I will have attended the West Asia and Africa region's meeting in Syria, Damascus in November. There is still much to be done for the smaller regions. For now, we are pleased that the websites of almost all the regions are up and functioning.

I personally urge each one of you to try to attend either the regional meeting or the International meeting. (Please read through the Strategic Plan once this is uploaded). Personal involvement is the only way you can truly get to know the Association.

Meanwhile, I wish you all a more fruitful, blessed year ahead.

Esther Tan
Chair – AGN International
GEP Associates
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
esther@gep.com.my

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