Thursday, 27 February 2014
In an effort to stimulate repeat Chinese business, the Honourable Andrew Robb, Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Honourable Scott Morrison, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, recently announced new three-year, multiple-entry visitor visas. Both Chinese business visitors and the tourism sector will benefit from the increased flexibility offered by these visas. We are expecting that this will require more chinese translation services.
According to Mr Robb, "Chinese business visitors will now be eligible to apply for a three-year, multiple-entry visa, increasing the prospect of repeat visits to Australia, which would be warmly welcomed by our tourism sector."
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
It could be good news for the 100,000-plus overseas immigrants moving to Queensland each year: Premier Campbell Newman is leading an initiative to fast-track visa applicants, and is discussing several strategies with federal Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.
The proposal specifically targets individuals who would be willing to work in the regional areas of Queensland such as Townsville, Rockhampton, and Cairns, instead of in the more populous areas of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. This is a long-term plan – looking as far ahead as 2043 – to encourage immigrants to reside in rural areas. There is an additional aim to attract more overseas students; reports indicate that in 30 years, potentially 95% of students in Queensland will be bilingual.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Caterpillar, a major manufacturer of mining, construction, energy, and transportation equipment such as engines, gas turbines, semis, tractors, motor graders, emergency generators, and related equipment, this week announced its fiscal results for 2013 and outlook for 2014. While Caterpillar’s 2013 revenues were disappointing, declining 16% over the course of the year, the company’s outlook for 2014 is optimistic.
Monday, 24 February 2014
The staff at Translationz appreciate hearing recognition stories about our colleagues in the translation and interpreter industry. The man known as “Father of Modern Malay” Abdullah Abdul Kadir has been celebrated by having an area in Kuala Lumpur “the Masjid” renamed to Jalan Munshi Abdullah.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Let's face it, even the most eloquent speakers are sometimes at a loss for words. While most of us cherish having opportunities to meet and connect with new people, we all get tongue-tied at times. This article provides great tips for conversation starters. Questions such as, "Where are you from?" (with the option to follow up with, "What would your life be like if you still lived there?" or "What's keeping you busy these days?") are great ways to keep a conversation flowing. The next time you are experiencing that sensation of being at a loss for words, why not try posing one of these questions, or check out other suggestions here: