Australia’s economic development will forever be defined by its capability to succeed on a global scale. The domestic companies that are most likely to see incremental business growth within the coming decades are those that are not only doing business internationally, but that are also further developing their strategic skill set which allow them to master doing business across cultures. Cross-cultural core competence is at the crux of today’s sustainable competitive advantage. Understanding the importance of culture and recognizing the role it plays in the lives of potential customers in foreign markets is vital. It means the difference between the success and failure of any overseas venture. This event marks the inaugural event of the ACYPI Arts and Culture series. Dr Geoff Raby, Chairman and CEO of Geoff Raby and Associates, a Beijing-based business advisory firm, will present on how individuals and organisations of different cultures perceive and interact with each other; how to identify common culture values; and how young professionals in Western Australia can become cross-cultural leaders within the newly globalised market. Date: Monday 10 November Time: 5.30pm for a 6pm start, 7.30pm finish Location: Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Level 15, Woodside Plaza, 240 St Georges Terrace, Perth Dr Geoff Raby Dr Geoff Raby was the Australian Ambassador to China 2006-2011. Following his completion of his Ambassadorial term, he decided to leave the government and continue to make contribution to the friendly cooperation and exchanges between Australian and China in his new capacities. He took up several independent directorship positions on the boards of several ASX-listed businesses, including world's 4th largest iron ore supplier Fortescue Metal Group (FMG), gold and copper miner OceanaGold and coal mining group Yancoal Australia, wholly owned by Yankuang Group from China's Shandong province. Dr Raby is the Chairman of another ASX listed IT solution business, Smartrans, a leading provider of Australia's control system for road traffic and newspaper/publication delivery. Dr Raby is also Co-Chair of leading law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s China practice and a Vice Chairman of Australia' largest investment bank and fund manager, Macquarie Group (Greater China). At the same time, Dr Raby is the Chairman/CEO of his own advisory firm, Geoff Raby & Associates. Additionally, Dr Raby is a member of the Advance Global Advisory Board. In recognition of his contributions to advancing the relations between Australia and China, Dr Raby is honoured with the title of Friendship Ambassador to Shandong Province and has been made an honorary citizen of Chengdu City. Dr Raby was a Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) from November 2002 to November 2006. He has held a number of senior positions in DFAT, including First Assistant Secretary, International Organisations and Legal Division (2001-2002), Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation, Geneva (1998-2001) and First Assistant Secretary, Trade Negotiations Division (1995-1998). This event is sponsored by Corrs Chambers Westgarth.