AustCham Celebrates 35th Anniversary and Community Awards
HONG KONG, June 9, 2023 --- The Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australia’s largest and most vibrant overseas chambers, celebrated 35 years in Hong Kong today, with an Anniversary Dinner and Community Awards.
Members and guests from the Australian and Hong Kong business communities, together with representatives from the Australian and Hong Kong governments, gathered at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel to celebrate 35 Years since the of establishment of the Chamber in Hong Kong and to recognise extraordinary Australians in the 2023 Community Awards. The celebration event was delayed to this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Anniversary Dinner and Community Awards recognised the service and contributions of AustCham and its members to Hong Kong. For 35 years AustCham and its members have playing a critical role in strengthening connections between Hong Kong and Australia and building a vibrant international business network in Hong Kong.
Initially set up to serve the critical mass of Australian expats in the city, the Chamber first opened its doors in 1987, and evolved from a regular business lunch club to a fully-fledged Chamber of Commerce. Now, three and a half decades later, the Chamber’s remit and membership has grown to include hundreds of Australian businesses in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong and regional investors providing capital and investment into Australia as well as connectivity between Australia, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area.
In a message to the Chamber, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr John Lee, stated, “I am delighted to congratulate the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on its 35th anniversary. AustCham has long promoted business cooperation between our two economies and played a vital role in expanding our flourishing ties. I am confident that AustCham’s role in boosting business and investment prospects will become even more significant in the coming years.”
Australia’s Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau, Elizabeth Ward echoed the importance of the Chamber, saying, “AustCham has established a reputation as one of the preeminent chambers in Hong Kong, promoting the Australia-Hong Kong business community and advocating for Australia’s trade and investment interests in this dynamic and international city. AustCham members have contributed immensely to the contemporary character of Hong Kong, the Australia-Hong Kong relationship, and the prosperity of the broader region. Thank you AustCham, and congratulations on your first 35 years.”
AustCham Deputy Chairs, Angela Mackay and Fiona Nott, thanked Consul General, Elizabeth Ward and her predecessors, as well as the support, advice and cooperation of the Consulate over the past 35 years, and the Australian government’s commitment to the growth of the business community in Hong Kong. ‘’The long presence of the Chamber in Hong Kong is testament to the sense of belonging the Australian community has in Hong Kong. The resilience and optimism of our members demonstrates our strong belief in a bright future for Hong Kong-Australia relations and binds us together. We look forward to supporting our members in the years ahead and continuing to promote Australia’s economic engagement in the region.”
AustCham Community Awards – 2023 Winners Announced
AustCham Hong Kong is pleased to celebrate the winners of the 2023 AustCham Community Awards who were revealed at the Anniversary Dinner in Hong Kong. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of members in three categories. Winners presented on the night were:
Sustainability, Social Impact and Governance Award (Award Sponsor: Sino Group) – Winner: Ovolo Hotels
Ovolo Hotels is an independent hospitality brand with a growing collection of boutique lifestyle hotels & service apartments across Hong Kong & Australia. Ovolo has committed to setting new standards across its environmental, social, and governance goals through its Do Good. Feel Good. Sustainability initiatives
Women in Leadership Award – Winner: Kate Falconer, Chief Operating Officer, Crossroads
Kate Falconer moved to Hong Kong in 1998 to serve as a full-time volunteer with the charity, Crossroads Foundation. 25 years later, Kate is still selflessly serving in leadership, supporting communities internationally as well as nurturing the development of local charities and people in need.
Business Innovation and Professional Services Award – Winner: Leighton Asia
Leighton Asia is a leading international construction company. Established in 1975, headquartered in Hong Kong, Leighton Asia delivers a portfolio of high-profile infrastructure projects throughout Asia. Leighton Asia has a commitment to embracing ground-breaking technologies such as BIM, drone survey, AR, and reality capture, and a dedication to fostering Australia-Hong Kong connections.
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