Hiroki Iijima is re-elected President of the FCA

September 5, 2019 Liz Lacerda

For the third consecutive year, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) Reporter, Hiroki Iijima, was elected President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association (FCA) – Australia & South Pacific. The Japanese Journalist will lead the organisation for the financial year 2019-2020.

The Board is also formed by Vice-President Sandip Hor, Treasurer Liz Lacerda, Honorary Secretary April Pressler, Mimi Chau, Thorsten Joses, Raj Suri and Laurence Arthur (in Melbourne). John Tulloh, a Founder of the FCA, is the Association’s Public Officer. During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 21, around twenty members discussed expectations and the future of the FCA.

At the meeting, President Hiroki Iijima told attendees that the FCA has a total membership of 70, including four life-time Honorary members as well as new members. Hiroki also said that the Association has reinvigorated its relationship with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), which allows the FCA to use its premises for meetings and events. The President also announced that Tourism Australia renewed FCA’s sponsorship for the financial year 2019-2020.

Amongst the events promoted by the FCA last year are:

September 25, 2018: FCA Briefing with NSW Minister for Primary Industries at NSW Parliament House
October 25, 2018: Former Prime-Minister Kevin Rudd talks to Foreign Correspondents about his new book: “The PM Years”
December 4, 2018: “Investing in Fiji” Program was presented to Foreign Correspondents in Australia
December 8, 2018: FCA Christmas Party at Jazushi; more than 30 people
February 28, 2019: “Luxperience” brings to Australia the latest trends in luxury travelling
March 12, 2019: ABC’s host Kumi Taguchi explores the “Role of Women in Media and Politics” for International Women’s Day
May 25, 2018: Vivid Light Launch party
May 21, 2019: “Sri Lanka Today – From Crisis Recovery to Economy and Tourism”
July 24, 2019: Foreign Correspondents condemn the arrest of a French news team covering a protest in Australia
August 1, 2019: FCA DFAT Canberra Trip
August 12, 2019: Tourism Australia Briefing with Philippa – record numbers attended.