25th Annual AustCham Westpac Australia-China Business Awards Winners Announced
The 2018 AustCham Westpac Australia-China Business Awards Gala Dinner, held on Thursday 17 May, recognised Australian and Chinese businesses in Greater China across a broad spectrum, from small entrepreneurs through to large publicly listed companies.
Hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the evening presented 12 awards recognising businesses who have demonstrated strong commitment and leadership to Australia-China business. With 500 guests in attendance at Hyatt on the Bund, and keynote speaker Managing Partner of Wagas Shanghai Ltd Ms Jackie Yun delivering a moving keynote address, the night was an unforgettable one. Other notable speakers and presenters included The Honourable Steven Ciobo MP Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment; Australian Ambassador to China Her Excellency Ms Jan Adams AO PSM; and Chief Executive of Westpac Institutional Bank Ms Lyn Cobley.
The winners in each of the award categories were announced amongst much-deserved celebration. The winners of the AustCham Westpac Australia-China Business Awards 2018 are:
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Agriculture, Food & Beverage
Sponsored by the State Government of Victoria
Costa Group Holdings Ltd
Costa, Australia’s leading horticultural company, has developed large-scale berry fruit production in China. Their investment in Yunnan Province is one of the largest made by a foreign-owned company in Chinese agriculture in recent years with large-scale farms using advanced production techniques. The Judges were particularly impressed by Costa’s focus on sustainable production and strong relationships forged with the local minority Dai population.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Agriculture, Food & Beverage
Sponsored by the State Government of Victoria
Total Livestock Genetics
Established in 1989 as a small business running out of the back of a car in South-West Victoria, Total Livestock Genetics is today one of the largest livestock embryo and semen collection centres in Australia. Using their internationally accredited laboratories and export facilities, Total Livestock Genetics leverages their Research & Development speciality in livestock genetics and advanced reproduction technologies to provide integrated agricultural services to their clients in China.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Business Innovation, Creative Industries and the Digital Economy
Sponsored by The University of Sydney Business School
ANZ Global Services and Operations (Chengdu) Company Limited
ANZ Chengdu is the largest Australian Company employer in Western China and the only foreign bank to have established a service center within China. The center has grown in strength and diversity since its establishment, demonstrating a commitment to building presence and expertise in 2nd tier cities. The utilization of capabilities in China and within the fintech hub of Chengdu plays an important role in the innovative digital transformation across the whole ANZ network, managing a range of complex functions across operations, reporting & analytics and technology.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Construction, Infrastructure and Natural Resources
Sponsored by K&L Gates LLP
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport
Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport is Australia’s newest airport, poised to support growth and trade between Australia and China through the provision on international air cargo services hub in the heart of Australia’s premium food producing regions. Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport welcomes a Cathay Pacific 747 Freighter service, operating between Toowoomba and Hong Kong. This privately owned infrastructure has quickly established itself as a facilitator of fresh agri-products between Australia and China.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Consumer Services
Sponsored by Austrade
Swisse Wellness Pty Ltd
Swisse is the market leader in the Australian Vitamins, Herbal and Minerals Supplements market and the number 1 consumer brand in this market segment in China. After operating in Australia for almost 50 years, Swisse officially launched in China in March 2016 with phenomenal results. Swisse’s success in China has stemmed from developing a deep understanding of the Chinese market and consumer; and tailoring its product focus, marketing and sales channels to meet these needs.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Cross-Border Investment
Sponsored by Blackmores
Fortescue Metals Group
Since its formation in 2003, built to service the incredible demand of China’s steel industry, Fortescue Metals Group has developed and constructed some of the most significant iron ore mines in the world. Its first shipment to China was only ten years ago and FMG is now one of the top four iron ore producers in the world. FMG not only supplies 17% of China’s iron ore requirements, it is also deeply engaged with China through procurement, capital financing and community engagement.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Professional and Business Services
Sponsored by Westpac
MinterEllison
Winners of this Award for the 2nd year in a row, MinterEllison have continued to deliver distinctive services over the past 12 months aimed specifically at furthering the Australia-China trade relationship. Their China/Australia practice operates under the one umbrella providing an integrated service that goes beyond being just lawyers. This includes trainings and briefings for State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, National Development and Reform Commission and other Chinese regulatory bodies, a China Strategy Review of the ASX 300 and partnering with the agri-industry’s ASA100.
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Small-To-Medium Enterprises
Sponsored by Australia Post
PC Locs/LocknCharge
From humble beginnings in the founder’s backyard shed, PC Locs/LocknCharge provide solutions to secure, charge and store mobile and computers devices across the entire range of operating systems. With a Head Office in Perth, Western Australia, they have established manufacturing capability in Chongqing and Shenzhen. PC Locs/LocknCharge has grown to be a significant exporter to the world. PC Locs has recently signed a major global contract with one of the world’s largest IT companies, clearly demonstrating their capability and commitment to business excellence.”
Winner of The Business Excellence Award for Sustainability, Diversity and Social Responsibility
Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia
Newton Hall - Caulfield Grammar School - Nanjing Campus
Established in 1998, this year marks the 20th anniversary for Caulfield Grammar School’s Nanjing Campus, which was the first international campus for an Australian school in China. Their programme brings Year 9 and Year 11 students from Australia to China for a five week program. The China program is Caulfield Grammar’s outward expression of their commitment to international friendship and cooperation. It has an enduring effect, forming links between young people and China in a sustainable and impactful manner and equipping students with the skills required for global careers.
Judges Certificate of Commendation
Box Hill Institute
With 17 years operating in China, Box Hill Institute is recognized for their exceptional commitment to transnational education - introducing Australian training excellence and standards to industry-specific vocational education across eight provinces. Responsive to China’s skills and training development needs, Box Hill Institute is an active participant in Central government planning and policy development to build China’s workforce capacity. Their collaborative and strategic approach in developing educational partnerships has enabled them to diversify their operating models and expand their footprint in China.
Judges Certificate of Commendation
CSL Ltd (and subsidiary CSL Behring)
With more than 20 years in the China market, CSL Behring is recognized for their tremendous 25% share in the human albumin market in China and significant investment in acquiring a majority stake in Wuhan Zhong Yuan Rui De Biological Products Co. Ltd. (“Ruide”) for US $352 million in August 2017.
Judges Certificate of Commendation
Port Adelaide Football Club
Following their landmark game in Shanghai in 2017 and their ongoing commitment to the concept, Port Adelaide Football Club is recognized for demonstrating how sport can be used as a business platform between Australia and China, through bringing the Australian Football League to China.
“This prestigious awards program is one of the greatest platforms to showcase innovation, perseverance and success among Australian businesses in Greater China”, Westpac General Manager, Asia Pacific Michael Correa said. “As a sponsor, Westpac is proud to continue its support for businesses who are leading the way in the important Australia – China corridor, at what is a very exciting time in the market with many opportunities to showcase Australia’s brand of innovation and business excellence.”
Congratulations to all ACBA 2018 winners and finalists. Many thanks to all of our generous sponsors for a fantastic event. Click here to access photos from the evening.
About AustCham Shanghai
The Australian Chamber of Commerce Shanghai was founded in 1994 and has grown into a strong networking organisation representing 420 members (330 corporate) benefiting thousands of company employees with 180 events annually.
Visit http://www.austchamshanghai.com
Westpac in China
Westpac has been the official key sponsor of the ACBAs since 2009. Westpac has operated in Asia for over 40 years and was the first Australian bank into China. In addition to its Asian regional headquarters in Singapore, Westpac has branches in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Mumbai and a representative office in Jakarta. Westpac’s goal in China is to both support Australian and New Zealand customers in the region, as well as provide a gateway for Chinese firms and individuals with interests in Australia and New Zealand.
Visit: www.westpac.hk or www.westpacbank.com.cn
