Dear Members,
Welcome to the first online SAGSE newsletter.
Following the retirement of Egon Vetter at the AGM, I was given the honor and responsibility to continue working with the scholarship exchange organization which started here in Melbourne in 1967.
Nearly 50 years on, I believe the founder’s, Fritz von Einem Joosten’s vision and the exchange are still relevant: Everybody is aware and uses the new ways of digitally engaging with our family, friends and colleagues. And whilst we connect with people on social media, obtain an insight into peoples’ views through video platforms and research facts online, the direct conversation and the personal engagement brings so much more: Particularly as this year turns to its end, we come together for Christmas events, in business people fly around the world to shake hands on a business deal and Australia and Germany formed the Australia-Germany Advisory Group which met throughout 2015 to identify opportunities for increased trade and investment, cooperation and cultural and social links as well as scientific collaboration.
This year’s scholarship winners are currently in Germany to build personal links between young people, experience life in a different country and expand their horizon in so many ways. At the same time the committee of dedicated volunteers is building the organization’s digital platform, we are collaborating with the other State organizations and we are working on strengthening our Alumni network.
All of this is not possible without the generous support of our scholarship sponsors, our corporate member companies and schools and our numerous family members. On behalf of SAGSE, I thank you for your support and contribution and wish you a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year.
Martin Schlegel