There’s only one thing Melbourne native Scott Tanner loves as much as his home city – his job. For a sit-down with the chief of Victoria’s local bank, Deborah Joy Peter takes a number and cashes in on the opportunity.
Bank of Melbourne chief executive, Scott Tanner, might have started out in the financial services sector around the mid-1980s as a computer engineer with a RMIT degree in applied science mathematics, but the long-time Executive MBA holder has gone on to become more than just a buttoned-down, business-as-usual banking specialist who crosses his Ts, dots his Is, crunches the numbers, and spits out forecasted figures.
HUMAN CAPITAL
Needless to say, three decades of having dabbled in the field coupled with a deep-seated fascination with finance has taught the Australian banker that the most treasured exchange in any transaction is the rolling up of one’s sleeves and getting involved. Such chutzpah is exactly the engine that powers the corporate juggernaut’s drive to lead the aforementioned people-centric brand as ‘the bank for Melbourne’.
Tanner’s illustrious career is testament of his commitment to his organisation, its people, and the community. It was experience, adopting a hands-on approach, and dedication towards a heartfelt vocation which transformed the great thinker into an exceptional doer. “I’ve always been interested in finance, in particular, the role that it plays in shaping the global economy and the impact the local financial services industry has on our lives,” he tells Essenze.
Deborah Gray has travelled the world extensively working and enjoying a long career in media, entertainment and corporate communications. An author who has appeared on the NBC today show, a radio personality, a journalist and a business facilitator.
I have been very fortunate to have worked in big business and to learn from some very successful and entrepreneurial clients. A number of years ago I was offered a position as a National Marketing Manager in a big company and a mentor gave me the best advice that I always apply to any new project.
“Does it make sense to you? Does it stack up? If it does not make sense, don’t do it.” Sounds simple really, but so often we do not apply this approach and ignore our instincts and common sense.
Along the way I married a film producer and moved to Los Angeles for seven years and when that relationship soured I really wanted to return home to family and friends and raise my son Geoffrey here in Melbourne. That turned out to be a smart decision as I met my soul mate and best friend and one of the most successful structural engineers in Australia, Paul Webber.
“Australia is home but I really enjoy new challenges and having lived and worked in the United States I was looking to find a new project that really excited me over there.”
CHTNetwork was founded in 2008 by CH’NG Huck Theng as a professional network that focuses on lifestyle branding, publications and prestigious events. The Network brings together a wide spectrum of clients, associates and friends to create a close-knit network of creativity and excellence known as “The CHT Community”. It is an exclusive community of beautiful people, excellent products and discerning clients.
Over the years, CHTNetwork has built a reputation of professionalism, credibility and integrity in its publications, impressive events and notable awards ceremonies. It is now one of the most sought after communications, marketing and event specialists in Malaysia and abroad.
Blazing a path in branding and lavish events, CHTNetwork established its two iconic global awards – the CHT Awards and Pinnacle International Excellence (PIE) Awards. These awards are the marks of excellence bestowed on leading brands, captains of industries and top corporations that are the talk of town since its introduction.
Ever mindful of the fact that social welfare is an important component of any society, the CHTNetwork introduced a series of corporate social responsibility programmes. At the forefront of its programmes are charity auctions and art sales in aid of less fortunate children and education. These programmes also provided a platform for local talents to promote and showcase their skills.
BEYOND MALAYSIA’S SHORES
Year 2015 is the start of another milestone for CHTNetwork. The network is now building a strong presence in Australia, first with the launch of Essenze Australia and then the launch of its event space – SpACE@Collins, a posh venue for many signature CHTNetwork events in times to come. It will mark the beginning of a new era of glitzy events and the introduction of outstanding brands through its luxury lifestyle magazine. Surely, Australia will feel the buzz and excitement of a widespread network that brings people and industries together through memorable events.
Who is CHT?
CH’NG Huck Theng is a businessman to many but essentially, he is the man who brings people together through art and an extensive network of lifestyle brands, influential publications and beautiful people. A man of many talents, and hats for that matter, CHT is the heart and brains of his network in which he nurtured close friendships, introduced talents to the world and created inspiring events.
CHTNetwork was invited to cover the launch of Rado HyperChrome collection in Shanghai, China 2012
A world renowned artist and sculptor with a host of awards under his belt, he is also a publisher, art collector, curator and the founder of One East Museum. The museum is a testament of his artistic and creative talent along with his eye for superb quality. Well known for being the man behind glittering affairs and the launcher of great brands, it is no mean feat to hold as many accomplishments as he has.
On top of his professional accomplishments, CH’NG is currently the President of the oldest art society in the country, the Penang Art Society. He has earned numerous awards and recognition in business and art including McMillan Woods Global Awards, Nokia & Le Prestige ‘Malaysian Top 40 Under 40’, the Asia Art Award in Seoul, Korea, the shortlisted winner of London International Creative Competition (LICC), to name a few. His masterpieces are displayed in renowned art institutions and museums the world over including the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris, Hong Kong University Museum & Art, Singapore Art Museum, National Art Gallery Malaysia and Shanghai Art Museum.
CHT was involved in the Malaysian-French Delegates discussions on arts and culture exchange programmes at Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA) in Paris, 2009
He is also the first Malaysian artist whose artwork was minted on coins – the “Anak Malaysia Limited Edition Silver Coins” – in commemoration of Malaysia’s 57th year of independence by Public Gold Group (Malaysia) and Royal East Pty Ltd (Australia) in 2014. Prior to this, his sculpture “Hand in Hand We Make A Better World” was selected by the Prime Minister of Malaysia as a national gift to China while another sculpture, “Salam”, was selected by the Malaysian Government as national gifts to Cities of London, UK and Melbourne, Australia.
As his string of achievements can attest, there is no stopping CH’NG from forging on to leave his mark and legacy of a community and network where all good things in life meet.
Just as CH’NG is known to say… “the best is yet to come!”
EZ AUSTRALIA.NEWS 