Celebrating Australian Business at the ABAs
AusCham Vietnam’s Annual Business Awards 2023 (the ABAs), held on March 15th 2024, celebrate the best in Australian innovation and enterprise in Vietnam, recognizing both the individuals and businesses that excel across diverse categories.
Gala dinners were held in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza and the Grand Mercure Hanoi respectively, with livestreaming coordinated between the two. MCs Justin Malcolm and Cynthia Mann – both AusCham Directors – ensured proceedings were light-hearted as guests indulged in a 4-course modern Australian-inspired dinner.
Over 200 guests attended, including key dignitaries from the Australian Embassy and Consulate-General. Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski spoke on Australia’s ongoing investment into Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and 50 years of bilateral relations. He also presented the award for ESG Program of the Year to the Norfolk Group.
In Hanoi, on behalf of the Embassy, Acting Deputy Head of Mission, Cherie Russell presented the Businesswoman of the Year award to Van Dang from Savvycom.
Memorable was the heartfelt speech from outgoing AusCham President and CEO of QLM Group, Simon Pugh, who said, “Businesses large and small, who are growing, thriving, and adapting, whose stories bind together to create a strong, resourceful, and supportive AusCham network that finds a way through disruption.”
Last year was the 25th anniversary of AusCham in Vietnam. Moving forward, it will continue its legacy in the advocacy space and via AusHub, facilitating market entry of Australian businesses into Vietnam with palpable industry growth.
Also sharing the stage were family and friends of Chris Donnellan—Saigon’s sadly missed culinary great and mentor to many—as this year, AusCham launched the inaugural ‘Chris Donnellan Young Businessperson of the Year Award’ (Winner, Bliss by Han) in honor of his unexpected passing last year.
Event endorsers were the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Government of Western Australia, Hoàng Hà Label Co., Ltd, Alchemy Wines & Spirits Asia, HMSP International (Vietnam) Joint Stock Company, Lý Gia Viên, NS BlueScope Vietnam, and Wine Australia.
The judging panel included Victor Burrill (Business Executive Network), John Gardner (Optimum Hospitality), Mark Seymour (Asia Summit Consulting), Rachelle Thompson (Baxter) and Betty Tran (Betty Tran Consultants).
Winners of the 2023 AusCham Business Awards are:
Business Excellence – Small Business: Artemis Digital
Business Excellence – Medium Business: Meatworks Butchery
Business Excellence – Large Business: AFG Vietnam
Business Excellence – Corporate: Corsair Marine International
ESG Program of the Year: Norfolk Group for Six Senses Con Dao
Outstanding Employee of the Year Award: Oanh Pham, Intrepid Travel
Businesswoman of the Year Award: Van Dang, Savvycom
Outstanding Leader of the Year Award: Ben Winspear, AFG Group
The Chris Donnellan Young Businessperson of the Year Award: Hannah Nguyen, BLISS by Han
Best Bar or Restaurant North Region: Spice Viet Restaurant at Flower Garden Hotel(TMG)
Best Bar or Restaurant South Region: Ministry of Men at Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Best Hotel or Resort North: Grand Mercure Hanoi
Best Hotel or Resort South: Peninsula Hotel
Best B2C Product or Brand North: Intrepid Travel
Best B2C Product or Brand South: Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery
