MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 4 September 2003
Top Korean visits Dunedin
One of Korea's most eminent public figures is visiting Dunedin next week to kick off the Seriously Asia regional
programme.
Visiting Korean Ombudsman Dr Wan-Soon Kim is guest speaker at the Seriously Asia-Otago Chamber of Commerce business
meeting on Monday, 8 September.
Seriously Asia is a joint government and private sector initiative aimed at strengthening New Zealand's relationships
with Asia.
Dr Kim, appointed Ombudsman by the President of Korea in 2001, gained his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University
(1969) and has a distinguished academic career. He will speak in Dunedin on: "The rise of China, regional economic
priorities and the emerging architecture of East Asia".
Dr Kim's visit to New Zealand has been arranged by the Asia 2000 Foundation, which is managing Seriously Asia.
Launched by Prime Minister Helen Clark last week, Seriously Asia is bringing together ideas from across New Zealand. The
aim is to identify priority goals and practical action for energising New Zealand's links with the countries of Asia -
both in the business sector and culturally.
Workshops and special events are being held around the country over the next six weeks as a way of sharing ideas from
business and the community. Input is also being invited via the Seriously Asia website: www.seriouslyasia.org.nz.
Priority goals will be identified at a one day Asia Forum at Parliament on November 26.
For further information about Seriously Asia go to: www.seriouslyasia.co.nz
Please note: Dr Kim will be speaking at the Seriously Asia-Otago Chamber of Commerce business meeting 4-5.30pm, Monday 8
September, at the Dunedin Club. The meeting will be chaired by Otago Chamber of Commerce CEO John Christie.
ENDS