Media releases
2014 Australia - China Business Award winners announced in Shanghai
30 May 2014
Shanghai, Friday 30 May, 2014 - The 2014 winners of one of Australia’s most prestigious awards in China, the AustCham Westpac Australia China Business Awards were announced last night at a Gala Awards Ceremony held at the The Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai. The awards, which are now running into their 21st year, are held in recognition of Australia’s most innovative and enterprising companies who have successfully contributed to the thriving Australia China business relationship.
AustCham received a record number of almost 100 applications for this year’s awards, spanning a wide range of industries, reflecting the diversity of Australian businesses operating in Greater China.
Special guests at the awards included the Australian Ambassador to China H.E. Ms Frances Adamson, as well as all Consul-Generals from across Greater China.
Fortescue Metals Group Chairman, Andrew Forrest was crowned with the Individual Award, a new category introduced to recognise those who play a leading role in driving the Australia China Bilateral Relationship.
Andrew Whitford, Westpac's Head of Greater China said Andrew Forrest was a very worthy recipient of the inaugural individual award. “Andrew has played a critical role in strengthening Australian China relations. He has engaged and brought together both Chinese and Australian business leaders to better understand and deepen the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
“Similarly, Westpac has been supporting our customers, driving business prosperity through the China corridor for over 40 years. In that time we have seen some great success stories of Australian companies thriving in China. As a leading Australian bank we understand the importance of celebrating these achievements and this is one way we can recognise the companies that are leading the way in China through their innovations,” Mr Whitford said.
AustCham Westpac ACBA 2014 Winners
Business Excellence Award for Business Services Sponsored by Qantas: Transtar International Freight. A Melbourne-based international logistics company recognised for its tremendous growth - a testament to its meticulously planned and well executed expansion strategy into Asia.
Business Excellence Award for Education & Training Sponsored by Austrade: CPA Australia. One of the world’s largest accounting bodies, CPA Australia, was recognised for delivering excellent professional services and training programmes to its members.
Business Excellence Award for Sustainability & CSR Sponsored by Westpac: Brien Holden Vision Institute. An organisation determined to eliminate avoidable blindness and vision impairment in China.
Business Excellence Award for Construction & Design Sponsored by Huawei: PLACE Design Group. Commended for its commercial and environmentally sustainable planning and design solutions.
Business Excellence Award for Manufacturing Sponsored by Hays: Boral. Awarded for its commitment to providing a safe working environment and exceptionally high safety standards.
Business Excellence Award for Primary Industries Sponsored by Australia China Connections: Lynch Group, the Australian wildflower exporter was highly commended for its presence in China that has led to the education and training of local farmers and their communities.
The Entrepreneurial Award: Motion Global Limited. Recognised for its prescription eyewear and contact lens franchise and supporting people in need with $1.5 million worth of eyewear annually.
The Recognition Award for Great Individual Impact on the Australian China Bilateral Relationship Sponsored by Cheung Kong Infrastructure: Fortescue Metals Group Chairman, Andrew Forrest
About the Awards
The AustCham Westpac Australia China Business Awards, or ACBAs, were first established in 1993 in recognition of the diverse Australian business interests entering Greater China. Having since grown in breadth and scope, the awards recognise the projects and partnerships at the forefront of the Australia China commercial relationship. The awards rotate yearly through each of the cities in the Greater China network and now move to Hong Kong in 2015.
Organised by the Australian Chambers of Commerce in Greater China the Awards initiative has been sponsored by Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia’s First Bank since 2010.
The evenings key note address was given by Professor Brien Holden, the founder of the Brien Holden Vision Institute, a leading lens and vision correction research centre which has developed a number of global education and humanitarian initiatives across the world, including China.
The flourishing Australia China relationship was perhaps best highlighted this year by Australia Week in China, an event which signals Australia's closer trade, investment, tourism and education ties with China. Minister Robb, who led Australia's largest ever trade delegation with over 600 delegates as part of Australia Week, commented at the Finalist’s Breakfast on "how critical it was to acknowledge excellence - to acknowledge these efforts when you succeed in a way that inspires others.” Minister Robb added: "I really have to acknowledge the role of Westpac in the awards; it is a very long standing and a significant contribution which is consistent with the $100m education foundation that was just announced, dedicated to young Australian scholars pursing innovation and research in both Australia and in Asia."