Coming Soon – ARCS Asia!

There has been a lot of talk, and a lot of preparatory action…..finally we are ready to go live with a program for your colleagues in the Asia region! This article brings you up to date with the research and consultation that has been undertaken to understand the needs and create the plans to best meet those needs, and an outline of the implementation plan for ARCS Asia.

Introduction

Almost 400 of our members identify themselves as part of the ARCS Australia Asia Pacific Interest Area – they are working in, or with colleagues scattered in Asia, or they have an interest in developing their careers in this region. This group has also told us of the great need for ARCS’ services in the region – the opportunity to share information, network and to receive training and timely updates on professional issues. The ARCS’ Board has included expanding our services into Asia as part of the strategic plan for some years – to create opportunities for our current members and to provide services for potential members.

ARCS has a great opportunity in Asia because of its maturity as both an Association and as an education provider. Current developments in on-line learning, a sophisticated databases and website, and the Certification program are all key to success in Asia.

Who have we consulted with?

Consultations have been held with the Asia Pacific Interest Area Members, and more particularly the ESC. We also formed an Advisory Panel made up of members who are decision makers for the region - based in Australia and in Asia. This group was able to assist us in targeting key areas and core disciplines to focus on – Asia is a very large region and we cannot deliver everything to everyone all at once! Finally we consulted with executives of similar organisations which had followed a similar path – associations which had developed their services across Asia following different models – this provided us with excellent input on key success factors and unexpected issues they had to deal with.

What will ARCS Asia look like?

ARCS Asia will be a Not For Profit (NFP) Association, established as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Following the advice of accountants and lawyers, Asia will be a separate company to ARCS Australia Ltd (not a branch or subsidiary), but will be closely modelled on the Australian entity and be directly contracted to it to ensure that it conducts its business in a manner that is in keeping with the values and ideals of the Australian entity, and that appropriate fee for service agreements are in place with the Australian entity. ARCS Asia will use the ARCS brand and materials and it is therefore critical to protect the manner in which these are used. International trademark protection for the brand and the logo are underway.

ARCS Asia will have its own Board of Directors drawn from its membership. The initial Board will have representation from ARCS Australia.

Where will ARCS Asia be located?

ARCS Asia will be established in Hong Kong to provide a hub which is central to the region and to the key countries we anticipate serving – Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines. It is a location with transparent systems for establishing Not for Profit Associations, excellent transport links and banking services and one which enables ease of passage for potential customers from north and south Asia and from mainland China. ARCS has no plans to directly tackle the large markets of China, India and Japan.

How will ARCS Asia be funded?

Like ARCS Australia, the Asian entity will be self-funding through membership subscriptions, education activities and advertising and sponsorship. Education activities are already underway in Asia and are maintaining a positive cashflow. The activities undertaken will be directed by the local members to ensure relevance in the market.

Who will be the Members?

Membership will be modelled on the ARCS Australia definitions. Founding members will be our current Overseas Associates located in Asia. Core groups are already beginning to work together in Hong Kong and Singapore. Membership will be driven through a growing database of contacts developed from our Australian members and their colleagues, and through relationships being developed with key CRCs and research institutions in Asia. As in Australia, leadership will come from the members, with initial support from the Australian organisation.

What services will ARCS Asia provide?

ARCS Asia will start by providing membership services, both on-line and face to face – the opportunity to network, share information and run local education programs. These activities will be developed and run by local groups created as geographically and discipline based Interest Areas. Local groups will support ARCS Australia staff by prioritising their requirements and customising training materials. Initial delivery will focus on Clinical Research training for both industry and institution staff and this will require little customisation. Development of customised Regulatory Affairs modules will follow, and we will aim to meet other needs as they are raised and validated.

Who will do the training?

Early training programs will be delivered from the Australian office, with appropriate cost recovery. Employment of an Asian based trainer and a meeting co-ordinator will follow as soon as these costs can be supported locally.

What else will the Australian organisation provide?

The Asian entity will be strongly supported by the Australian organisation, especially in the early years. The infrastructure built to support members in Australia will be utilised for members of the Asian entity – the database, website structure, on-line registrations and financial systems all lend themselves to use by more than one entity. Staff in Australia will support the Asia entity in its early years until it is viable and sustainable to place people in Hong Kong to run the business there. The costs associated with this support will be expensed to the Asia entity.

We have ascertained that ARCS will be eligible to apply for an Export Development Grant as we are exporting our services. This is a 1:1 grant from Austrade payable for certain services provided by the Australian entity – payable only AFTER those costs have been expended. We will apply in July 2010.

Key Goals

  • ARCS has established a training schedule for Hong Kong and Singapore for Q2, 2010 - dates to be published shortly
  • ARCS Asia will be open for membership late in Q1 2010
  • ARCS will deliver clinical research training through the National University of Singapore SAGE program – the Singapore Academy of GxP Excellence starting in May 2010
  • ARCS has commenced negotiations to deliver programs through key CRC groups in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea
  • ARCS will partner with non-profit conference organisers to contribute to Asia based conferences of benefit to our current and potential members

Marisa Petersen
CEO
ARCS Australia