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There are many lessons from the past two years – among them the need for us to review and refresh our approach in changed circumstances. To this end, early in the tenure of the new Board, an audit was commissioned of the Charter of the Chamber.

The charter is the governing document or framework in which AusCham functions and was last updated in 2015. The direction to the auditor was to benchmark the charter for best practice against the charters of other chambers in Vietnam and those of other AusCham chambers operating in the APAC region.

The audit was undertaken by John Dick of AustAsean Law. John was a founder of AusCham Vietnam as well as a director of AusCham Singapore at a point in his career. His understanding of the operation of organization such as AusCham has delivered a well-researched, independent review recommending changes to bring the charter in line with best practice of chambers in 2022.


Among the key changes are recommendations relating to the board of directors as well as language used in the charter. These changes would come into effect at the next election. They include;


  • Two year terms for Directors;
  • 6 Directors up for election at any one time – meaning that in next year's election 6 Directors will be elected for 1 year and 6 for 2 years – triggering an alternate election cycle moving forward (note office bearers will continue to be elected every year);
  • Term limits of 3 consecutive terms for any Director;
  • Removal of provision that Chamber President must have served first as a Director before being elected to this role;
  • Clearly defined roles of the Board of Directors and the Executive Director;
  • Adding conflict of interest provisions;
  •  Tidying up conflicting language in the charter.

As the business links between Australia and Vietnam continue to grow in importance promoted by such initiatives as the EEES, AusCham stands to play a key role in advocating for business and the community. This is assisted by a charter that speaks to good governance, best practice and sustainable behaviors of the board of directors.

A special EGM is being called for a vote on the charter change to be held in January. The charter requires a 25% vote of all voting members to initiate a change. As set out in the current AusCham Charter, members with voting rights will receive a presentation of the proposed changes, the current charter and proposed charter on 23 December 2021.

The board of directors unanimously supports the change to the charter. If you have any queries email to president@auschamvn.org. This is your chamber and your involvement is important to the healthy life of the chamber.


Simon Pugh

President AusCham 2021