The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage last night, 23 Nov 2023, as the Swedish-Australian Business community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and collaboration and social impact.
The Swedish Christmas inspired event co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden was held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The evening started with a special Lucia performance by the Swedish school in Sydney followed by greetings from the President of SACC and a Guest of Honour speech by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. The “Julbord” Swedish Christmas Buffet was an evening highlight offering all the delicacies you can expect and sending members and guests on a real traditional Swedish culinary experience.
Inspirational companies, newcomers as well as established, were showcasing successful Sweden–Australia business connections and recognised for their significant contributions that have shaped the landscape and set new standards for excellence. The 2023 awards were presented in the following categories:
- Excellence in Innovation
- Excellence in Sustainability
- Excellence in Entrepreneurship
- Excellence in Partnerships and Collaboration
- Excellence in Social Impact
We welcomed any company/enterprise/young business executive or entrepreneur in Australia with a strong relationship with Sweden to nominate. We also encouraged organisations and individuals to nominate for a specific project for example a sustainability focused product/service, an innovative campaign or change. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed industry experts and leaders, carefully reviewed each nomination to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process. The 2023 award entries were of high and equal quality, which made the process difficult but after a thorough screening of the different nominations, the result within the five categories was decided and announced at the event as follows.
Excellence in Innovation 
This award is open to all Swedish or Swedish-Australian businesses; large or small, newcomer or established. Recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction, improvement and implementation of an innovative solution or idea, a method, technology, process or application, new, existing or long-term.
The Excellence in Innovation Award 2023 was granted to Mentimeter with Husqvarna and Flick Anticimex as runner ups.
Motivation
Mentimeter brings a highly innovative concept to the market which is having a positive impact across industries allowing collaboration, interaction, improved efficiency and better decision making in the business world and beyond.
The program has had a huge impact on how businesses run everyday meetings, workshops and courses. In Australia, Mentimeter has already attracted over 400,000 users from more than 150 organisations. This number continues to rise reflecting the platform’s increasing popularity and the value it provides to a diverse range of users and industries.
Excellence in Sustainability. 
The Sustainability Award recognises organisations that execute initiatives that demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices in planning, and operations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). We encouraged businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to achieve any of the SDG’s, to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and/or provide products and services that have positive environmental outcomes. As many Swedish organisations are advanced in this area it was difficult for the jury to select a winner within this category with the impressive finalists Alimak Group, AstraZeneca and Volvo Group Australia
The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2023 went to Volvo Group Australia.
Motivation: Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has established a strong focus on bringing innovative solutions to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. They have taken a leadership role in collaborating with authorities and politicians and driving changes in order to reach the ambitious sustainability target.
Electrification is key to reaching these goals and VGA has presented electric solutions in all their product areas, trucks and buses. This means a lot more than just replacing vehicles with electric models, it is a complete e-mobility solution including charging, route and range planning and battery monitoring. VGA’s move towards electric vehicles and sustainability focus has raised the Swedish profile in Australia and boosted Sweden’s reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible technology, design and innovation.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship 
This award recognises the efforts and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses (large or small) who are working in the field of entrepreneurship development.
The 2023 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by AstraZeneca.
Motivation
AstraZeneca Australia’s Mentoring and Entrepreneurship programmes are designed to support Australian innovators, start up and scale up companies.
By supporting innovation and start up ecosystems, AstraZeneca not only enhances healthcare outcomes but also drives economic benefits through job creation, skill development, and other economic activities.
Their collaboration with Australian universities and the engagement of their global mentors from the Gothenburg R&D center in Sweden strengthens connections between the two countries and further enhances Sweden’s profile in Australia.
Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration. 
This award recognises achievements associated with partnerships and collaborations that develop, maintain, and grow successful Swedish-Australian collaboration, knowledge exchange, R&D, and creative and sustainable business development.
The winner of this new award for 2023 went to much deserving Tetra Pak.
Motivation
Tetra Pak has proactively addressed recycling solutions across Australian states and councils. They have done this through a strategic partnership with saveBOARD and close collaboration with authorities and councils, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.
Tetra Pak’s dedication to sustainability and their collaboration with saveBOARD align with Swedish values of partnership, collaboration, innovation and sustainability. Through their operations in Australia, they contribute to enhancing Sweden’s reputation in sustainability and innovation.
Excellence in Social Impact 
A new award for 2023, which recognises businesses/organisations/individuals that implement initiatives that have a positive and sustainable impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, systems, developments, ventures and undertakings.
The Excellence in Social Impact Award was secured by AXIS Communications, taking the lead over strong runner up companies Asuria and Sandvik.
Motivation: The introduction of the Coastal Safety Camera Network by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) in collaboration with Axis Communications and BST has formed a deep commitment to improve the safety and well-being of the local community.
A novel and life saving application leveraging a public-private partnership to showcase Swedish technology in an Australian centric setting. The safety camera network initiative addressed a critical community need that will simply save lives and is potentially scalable across Australia to have further impact.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank members and everyone engaged in the 2023 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. A special thank you goes to the dedicated judging panel and all the companies who participated in the awards.
For more information please contact:
sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
www.swedishchamber.com.au
LinkedIn I Facebook
SWEDELINK Newsletter Autumn 2019
SWEDELINK Newsletter Autumn 2019
NEW START UP MEMBER – CLEARITT
See the introduction in pdf format here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Introduction-of-Clearitt.pdf
Contact details:
Richard Johnsson, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Email: richard@clearitt.com
Andreas Grosund, Chief Operating Officer
Email: andreas@clearitt.com
Web: clearitt.com
NEW SMALL BUSINESS MEMBER – MENTIMETER
Mentimeter – Make your meetings count
Since launching in 2012, Mentimeter has grown from a group of four founders to a 250+ person company with two offices on two different continents. In this time, more than 280 million people have gathered opinions, questions, and thoughts through our platform. The platform is used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies.
Mentimeter was founded with the ambition to fundamentally change corporate and education culture from talking to listening. By engaging every voice in the room, Mentimeter allows organizations to harness their full potential, enabling informed decision-making. Whether in-person or remote, Mentimeter helps to transform passive audiences into active contributors through engagement tools, including polls, comments or reactions, to boost inclusivity, productivity and engagement to help organizations achieve optimal business and learning outcomes. In just two years, Mentimeter has seen 178% sales growth with a more than 400% increase in enterprise customers.
Mentimeter changes traditional linear communication to engaging interaction with tools developed for the three different stages of a presentation and meeting, namely prepare, engage, and follow up. According to Mentimeter’s new study on meeting participation and engagement, people want more ways to engage. In fact, 71% of meeting participants want anonymous ways to engage in meetings; a core value proposition of Mentimeter.
Contact details:
Ashleigh McFarland, Director APAC
Email: ashleigh.mcfarland@mentimeter.com
NEW CORPORATE MEMBER – HITACHI ENERGY
Hitachi Energy – Advancing a sustainable energy future for all
It is crucial that we take on the challenge of accelerating the pace of change and this will need our unwavering energy. Developing and deploying our technology and solutions, combined with our expertise, contributes to long-term customer value creation and a real and positive human impact.
Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system. Together with customers and partners, we are shaping collective action to provide the needed technologies, new ways of thinking and new ways of working. By combining advanced digital solutions and services, such as Hitachi Lumada, with our energy platform, that is built on unique domain expertise and experience, we are helping to make the energy system more resilient and secure.
Hitachi Energy serves customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future.
We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
Contact details:
Bernard Norton, Managing Director
Hitachi Energy Australia
Email: bernard.norton@hitachienergy.com
NEW CORPORATE MEMBER – OX2
OX2 – A fully integrated provider of renewable energy solutions at scale
Founded in Sweden in 2004, OX2 develops, constructs, and sells renewable energy solutions at scale in 13 markets around the world, including Australia. They also offer asset management services to wind and solar farms during its operation.
Their project development portfolio consists of in-house developed as well as acquired projects in onshore and offshore wind, solar, and energy storage, in various phases of development.
OX2 acquired Australian renewables developer ESCO Pacific in May 2023, and have been bringing their wealth of expertise in green field project development to Australia ever since. They plan to scale up their operations in Australia through acquisitions in solar and energy storage and hope to expand their operations to onshore wind while exploring opportunities in offshore wind and hydrogen production.
OX2 Australia is based in Melbourne and has more than 30 employees. OX2 is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Main Market since April, 2022 and has more than 475 employees globally.
Contact details:
Rachel Watson, Country Manager Australia
Email: rachel.watson@ox2.com
Web: www.ox2.com.au
The Swedish Business Awards and Christmas Dinner 2023 – What an evening of celebration!
The SACC Swedish Business Awards and Christmas Dinner co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden took place on 23 November 2023 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The event was a success with over 160 people attending from the Swedish-Austraian business community. Members and guests enjoyed the seamlessly blended elegance of the Swedish Business Awards presentation with the warmth of the Swedish Christmas celebration, complete with a traditional “Julbord” Christmas buffet.
A highlight of the evening that captivated the audience was the entrance of the enchanting Lucia procession by the Swedish School in Sydney. With a crown of candles adorning her hair, Lucia and her procession illuminated the venue with notes of beautiful Christmas carols.
The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage celebrating the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and collaboration, and social impact.
The venue was transformed into a winter wonderland, with decorations that captured the essence of a Swedish Christmas. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of camaraderie as guests mingled and shared in the festive cheer.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all who attended, performed, and contributed to the success of this event. Your presence made the evening truly special, and we are thankful for the shared moments of celebration, inspiration, and cultural exchange.
Click on images below to see the presentation of sponsors and images from the event.
THANK YOU!
Warm Regards,
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
www.swedishchamber.com.au
LinkedIn I Facebook
THE SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARD WINNERS 2023
The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage last night, 23 Nov 2023, as the Swedish-Australian Business community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of organisations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership and collaboration and social impact.
The Swedish Christmas inspired event co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden was held at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney. The evening started with a special Lucia performance by the Swedish school in Sydney followed by greetings from the President of SACC and a Guest of Honour speech by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. The “Julbord” Swedish Christmas Buffet was an evening highlight offering all the delicacies you can expect and sending members and guests on a real traditional Swedish culinary experience.
Inspirational companies, newcomers as well as established, were showcasing successful Sweden–Australia business connections and recognised for their significant contributions that have shaped the landscape and set new standards for excellence. The 2023 awards were presented in the following categories:
We welcomed any company/enterprise/young business executive or entrepreneur in Australia with a strong relationship with Sweden to nominate. We also encouraged organisations and individuals to nominate for a specific project for example a sustainability focused product/service, an innovative campaign or change. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed industry experts and leaders, carefully reviewed each nomination to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process. The 2023 award entries were of high and equal quality, which made the process difficult but after a thorough screening of the different nominations, the result within the five categories was decided and announced at the event as follows.
Excellence in Innovation
This award is open to all Swedish or Swedish-Australian businesses; large or small, newcomer or established. Recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction, improvement and implementation of an innovative solution or idea, a method, technology, process or application, new, existing or long-term.
The Excellence in Innovation Award 2023 was granted to Mentimeter with Husqvarna and Flick Anticimex as runner ups.
Motivation
Mentimeter brings a highly innovative concept to the market which is having a positive impact across industries allowing collaboration, interaction, improved efficiency and better decision making in the business world and beyond.
The program has had a huge impact on how businesses run everyday meetings, workshops and courses. In Australia, Mentimeter has already attracted over 400,000 users from more than 150 organisations. This number continues to rise reflecting the platform’s increasing popularity and the value it provides to a diverse range of users and industries.
Excellence in Sustainability.
The Sustainability Award recognises organisations that execute initiatives that demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices in planning, and operations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). We encouraged businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to achieve any of the SDG’s, to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and/or provide products and services that have positive environmental outcomes. As many Swedish organisations are advanced in this area it was difficult for the jury to select a winner within this category with the impressive finalists Alimak Group, AstraZeneca and Volvo Group Australia
The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2023 went to Volvo Group Australia.
Motivation: Volvo Group Australia (VGA) has established a strong focus on bringing innovative solutions to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. They have taken a leadership role in collaborating with authorities and politicians and driving changes in order to reach the ambitious sustainability target.
Electrification is key to reaching these goals and VGA has presented electric solutions in all their product areas, trucks and buses. This means a lot more than just replacing vehicles with electric models, it is a complete e-mobility solution including charging, route and range planning and battery monitoring. VGA’s move towards electric vehicles and sustainability focus has raised the Swedish profile in Australia and boosted Sweden’s reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible technology, design and innovation.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
This award recognises the efforts and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses (large or small) who are working in the field of entrepreneurship development.
The 2023 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by AstraZeneca.
Motivation
AstraZeneca Australia’s Mentoring and Entrepreneurship programmes are designed to support Australian innovators, start up and scale up companies.
By supporting innovation and start up ecosystems, AstraZeneca not only enhances healthcare outcomes but also drives economic benefits through job creation, skill development, and other economic activities.
Their collaboration with Australian universities and the engagement of their global mentors from the Gothenburg R&D center in Sweden strengthens connections between the two countries and further enhances Sweden’s profile in Australia.
Excellence in Partnership & Collaboration.
This award recognises achievements associated with partnerships and collaborations that develop, maintain, and grow successful Swedish-Australian collaboration, knowledge exchange, R&D, and creative and sustainable business development.
The winner of this new award for 2023 went to much deserving Tetra Pak.
Motivation
Tetra Pak has proactively addressed recycling solutions across Australian states and councils. They have done this through a strategic partnership with saveBOARD and close collaboration with authorities and councils, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.
Tetra Pak’s dedication to sustainability and their collaboration with saveBOARD align with Swedish values of partnership, collaboration, innovation and sustainability. Through their operations in Australia, they contribute to enhancing Sweden’s reputation in sustainability and innovation.
Excellence in Social Impact
A new award for 2023, which recognises businesses/organisations/individuals that implement initiatives that have a positive and sustainable impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, systems, developments, ventures and undertakings.
The Excellence in Social Impact Award was secured by AXIS Communications, taking the lead over strong runner up companies Asuria and Sandvik.
Motivation: The introduction of the Coastal Safety Camera Network by Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) in collaboration with Axis Communications and BST has formed a deep commitment to improve the safety and well-being of the local community.
A novel and life saving application leveraging a public-private partnership to showcase Swedish technology in an Australian centric setting. The safety camera network initiative addressed a critical community need that will simply save lives and is potentially scalable across Australia to have further impact.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank members and everyone engaged in the 2023 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. A special thank you goes to the dedicated judging panel and all the companies who participated in the awards.
For more information please contact:
sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
www.swedishchamber.com.au
LinkedIn I Facebook
SACC Perth WA – Swedish Lucia & Christmas Dinner at Moose Claremont 13 Dec
Join us for Lucia Celebration and Julbord!
The Perth WA Chapter of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Swedish Christmas dinner at the Moose Cafe + Restaurant in Claremont. We look forward to welcoming you, to soak up the pre-Christmas ambience with traditional Christmas food, drinks and mingle with members and guests from the SACC Perth WA Chapter.
When: Wednesday 13 Dec at 6.00 – 10.00 pm
Where: Moose Cafe + Restaurant, 40R Bay View Terrace, Claremont WA 6010
Tickets: $95 per person, tickets include 1 x welcome drink, Christmas dinner (Julbord) plus a raffle ticket to win a Christmas Hamper from Moose!
We have limited spots so please make sure you book your tickets early. Drinks at bar prices.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
SACC Perth WA Chapter
CHRISTMAS MINGLE EVENT AT DENMARK HOUSE, Melbourne 8 DEC
Christmas mingle event in Melbourne!
The Melbourne Chapter of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce invites you to a special Christmas mingle event at Denmark House, right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. We look forward to welcoming you to soak up the Nordic Christmas ambience and mingle with representatives from the Swedish-Australian community in Melbourne.
When: Friday 8 Dec, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Where: Denmark House, 3/428 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 300
Tickets: $30 (SACC and YP members), $45 for non-members. Tickets include 1 x drink, canapes and 1 x raffle ticket. Further drinks at bar prices.
Come along and bring your colleagues, friends, family and business associates!
This event is kindly supported by Tetra Pak
Nordic Open Golf Day 1 March 2024 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
Welcome to the Nordic Open Golf Day 2024 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
We are excited to present this annual joint Nordic event for the 8th year. The golf day offers unique opportunities to meet members and business contacts of the Nordic & Estonian Chambers in a relaxed setting. It enables great networking opportunities while offering you a chance to promote your company and services. You don’t have to be a pro player as we will compete in teams of 4 players, with only the best score in each team being counted for every stroke (giving each team 4 chances for every stroke to get it right!). We have some fantastic prizes for the event including a brand new Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, for the lucky/skilled Hole-in-One shot, sponsored by Volvo Car Australia. We will also run the Nordic Putting Comp for golfers and lunch participants. The event has been sold out the last few years so register early to secure your team and place in the comp!
The Cost per Player: Members: $195, Non-Members: $245 or join as a Corporate Team with 4 players for $1,525 and contribute to the prize pot. See Corporate Team details below. (All prices are incl. GST)
The Cost for Lunch only Participants: Members: $75, Non-Members: $95
Corporate Team Sponsorship Package: $1,525.00
Schedule:
RSVP BY: 9 February 2024
For more info on the event and sponsorship contact: sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
EVENT SPONSOR:
EVENT ORGANISERS:
SACC YP – Christmas Lunch in Sydney on Sunday December 17th
Embrace the festive spirit at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Annual Christmas Lunch—an opportunity for Swedes in Sydney to experience a genuine taste of Sweden, especially for those who aren’t able to travel home this holiday season.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration filled with laughter, games, and the warmth of the holiday season.
Event Highlights
Event Details
Let’s create lasting memories together. We look forward to sharing the holiday spirit and a genuine Swedish experience with you.
P.S. For those eager to continue the festivities, please note that both The Golden Sheaf and The Royal Oak Hotel are conveniently located just around the corner.
Warm regards,
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Board