CREATING effective human interaction and operative network connections by establishing significant engagements are the elements that bring about success to business partnerships and international relations.
This is the way Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) Executive Director Stephanie Fabian continues to lead and foster relationships among Filipino, Australian and Kiwi businesses in the Philippines.
Fabian said that with the growing development and advancement of technology that have helped humans connect virtually on various levels, these set aside what could be established if they were to interact personally.
“In my years of experience helping businesses, I have always emphasized on creating value, especially on human interaction,” the ANZCham chief pointed out in an exclusive interview with Envoys&Expats.
She implied that with the ever-advancing state of online activity among individuals, it has also made them flexible in terms of conducting work, but cautioned that, “We still can never underestimate the impact of working together face-to-face.”
Fabian knows this all too well as she leads a premier business organization that promotes trade, investments and commercial relations. At the same time, she spearheads the facilitation of business relationships among companies in the Philippines that are under ANZCham.
Across these firms, actual interfacing is an absolute must, for instance, in understanding the wants and needs of the member-organizations’ manpower and labor pool.
“We hold a lot of networking opportunities and events to help our members connect and promote their goods and services,” Fabian revealed.
Making things better
THINGS were a lot different for Fabian two years back. The self-described “trailing spouse” of a service-delivery general manager of a multinational professional services company found herself relocating to Manila after taking a maternity leave for her second child.
Having gained seniority and experience in supporting and promoting businesses in her native Australia, she stumbled upon an opportunity to serve her compatriots and “Kiwi brothers” in overseeing their country’s chamber of commerce based in the Philippines.
The executive director asserted that it was experience and enthusiasm that brought her into ANZCham’s fold. She currently ensures the implementation of its mandate of advocating and supporting its members’ respective specific business, trade or investment issues in the local scene.
She explained that member-organizations filter specific concerns raised in their conduct of trade in the Philippines, then devise means to make the local business climate easier for everybody.
“We ask among ourselves, ‘How can we make this better?’ Or, ‘What else can we do?’” then Fabian continued, “Through all these, I’m always on the lookout for means to grow businesses, as well as add value for their employees and shareholders.”
Speaking of issues, Fabian also described the ANZCham’s workings with the Joint Foreign Chamber (JFC) (where peers from the Japanese, Korean, American, Canadian and European chambers collaborate in establishing and achieving sustainable advocacy work).
According to her, the JFC supports intentions behind the tax reform in the Philippines, as she explained that business investors should find balance to it: “Tax reform, in my perspective, is a continuing [effort] that every country should do.”
Traffic and infrastructure
FABIAN shared a natural reaction of fellow Australians about the vehicular gridlock in the Metro, and its effects on human and business activities here.
“I [tell them] how people are willing to commute for so many hours. They think that’s crazy,” the ANZCham executive said, as she let out a chuckle.
The Australian expat suddenly switched to a serious tone: “From a quality-of-life perspective however, I think [that] the traffic situation is totally unsustainable.”
Referencing the Philippine government’s massive infrastructure undertaking, she hopes that “Build, Build, Build” will positively transform the local economy, and that it comes to completion soon to address transportation and economic issues.
Fabian explained that from a business perspective, traffic is a big issue. Being stuck for hours on the road causes people to be less efficient, especially when it prevents the generation of returns for businesses.
Notwithstanding this phenomenon that causes widespread productivity delays in the National Capital Region, she cited the 7-percent economic growth that the country has managed to muster.
“No doubt, this is an emerging economy. Other countries would be killing [just to achieve even] half of it.”
What’s great with Fabian is, despite the inconveniences experienced by enterprises here, she still makes pronouncements hinged on inclusivity and oneness among the members of society she currently resides with: “Imagine if ‘Build, Build, Build’ is completed. We’d be bigger now.”
Advantage: Filipinos
POINTING out flexibility as a global trait, the Australian singled out the Filipino work force’s edge in promoting relations that enhance business linkages among the peoples of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.
Fabian acknowledged the Filipinos’ facility of “understanding” Australian and Kiwi accents in their exchanges within the chamber.
“[It’s] the key attraction for Australian and Kiwi businesses to come,” she proclaimed.
The current ANZCham leader noticed the Filipinos’ command of the English language that proves to be an edge among Southeast Asian nationals.
She explained how Filipinos are “naturally emphatic as well as patient,” and capable of handling conversations because of their strong English language proficiency and gentle nature rooted in their culture.
Higher hopes for PHL
DECLARING her short wish list for the country, Fabian said she has high hopes for more productive business engagements through the successful implementation of Build, Build, Build; not to mention, a more time-efficient commute for Filipinos.
She also touched on improving the quality of life in the Philippines, especially for the marginalized.
“The continued alleviation of poverty, I think, is the best [thing] that this country could endeavor, and that happens through education,” the ANZCham executive director concluded.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano