The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce was delighted and honoured to be part of the Sydney events on 14 and 15 February in conjunction with the high-level official visit led by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, HRH Prince Daniel and HE Johan Forsell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
The first event was held at the Government House hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson.
On the 15th of February Business Sweden organised an excellent Sustainable Mining Summit, showcasing our long legacy of bi-lateral trade. It was great to see how advanced Sweden and Australia are on the path to a net zero mining industry and the vast collaboration opportunities between our two countries.
The Summit was followed by a beautiful reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art hosted by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. Thank you Embassy of Sweden in Canberra and Business Sweden, the SACC is proud of being to be part of Team Sweden Australia and our joint collaboration to strengthen and grow business relations between Sweden and Australia.
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1676942600027.jpg450800Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2023-02-15 21:38:302023-03-27 18:45:57Swedish high-level delegation in Sydney 14-15 February 2023
In conjunction with the official visit to Australia, Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden hosted the Sweden-Australia Sustainable Mining Summit on February 15th. The summit provided a platform for discussing the sustainable future of the mining industry and its importance for the green transition. The focus of the summit was the Swedish offering within the industry and opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Sweden. Numerous Swedish and Australian companies attended the summit, including Ericsson, Volvo, Scania, ABB, SAAB, Alfa Laval, Sandvik, Epiroc, Hitachi Energy, Treotham, Thingwave and Minalyze.
We also had the great pleasure to welcome Sweden’s largest mining company, LKAB, to Australia. With their state-of-the-art mining related projects in northern Sweden, they were able to inspire and explain how they look upon sustainable mining and their initiatives going forward. Furthermore, Team Sweden had a fantastic partnership with NSW Government, European Australian Business Council and Austmine preparing for the event, which was very much appreciated.
The Australian and Swedish mining industries complement each other, with Swedish technology providers being able to support the Australian mining industry to decarbonize their operations. The Sustainable Mining Summit initiated Business Sweden’s focus on collaboration between the Australian and Swedish mining industries, with several upcoming activities planned throughout the year.
Additionally, Business Sweden will continue to support Swedish companies in expanding to Oceania and assist established Swedish companies in the region. One of the key projects that Team Sweden will work on is the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones initiative, which the Swedish government has identified as a strategic opportunity for Swedish companies. Business Sweden, together with the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, will collaborate with Swedish companies to analyze how Sweden can play a role in NSW’s ambitious plan to decarbonize their energy sector.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we in 2022-2023 welcomed 10 new Honorary Members of the SACC Board.
Our Honorary Board Members are also Advisory Board Members with focus to give advice and support within their area of expertise or network. Honorary Board Members don’t have to attend board meetings but they are in the loop with important information and can be invited to board meetings individually.
The SACC is honoured to have such high-caliber members of the Australian and Swedish business and educational network on our board and we are excited about our future collaboration.
Presenting all Honorary Board Members here:
HE Pontus Melander
Ambassador of Sweden to Australia New Zealand and the South Sea Islands
Mr. Pontus Melander is since October 10, 2022, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. Before coming to Australia, he served as Deputy Head of the Security Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Sweden’s Ambassador to Iraq. Previously, he was Ambassador at large at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador at Swedish Armed Forces between 2008 and 2010. Over the years, Mr. Melander has held various positions abroad, including at the Embassy of Sweden to Canada, the Embassy of Sweden to the United States and the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union in Brussels. At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, he has held positions as Ambassador and Energy Coordinator and Ambassador and Chief Coordinator for Export Support to the Defense Industry. In addition, he has worked at the Office of the European Correspondent, Department for European Affairs and the Trade Department. Mr. Melander received his Master of Science in Politics, Economy and International Law at the University of Lund 1989. He has also received higher management training in the Swedish Armed Forces and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Melander is married and has four children.
James Letherbarrow
Honorary Consul General of Sweden (NSW)
James is an extensively experienced and goal-oriented CFO and Operations professional with more than 20 years of experience in finance and operational management. He has worked within the Media, Digital, Telecommunications and Banking sectors. James is currently the CFO & Director of Operations at Enigma Communication. Enigma is an Advertising, Media, Public Relations and Branding Agency which is in the business of delivering clients an unfair share by solving business issues creatively and intelligently. With longstanding family ties to Sweden, James resides in Sydney and has been the Honorary Consul General of Sweden (NSW) since January 2018. LinkedIn: James Letherbarrow
Martin Ekberg
Swedish Trade and Invest Commissioner to Australia, New Zeeland and the Pacific Islands
During the last two decades, Martin has been assisting Swedish multinationals achieving organic and inorganic growth. He is an experienced advisor in the field of international business development focusing on growth strategies, M&A, and transformational programs across a wide variety of industries. Before joining Business Sweden Martin was part of Accenture Europe’s Strategy and M&A service line. LinkedIn: Martin Ekberg
Jason Collins
Chief Executive Officer, European Australian Business Council Chair, European Business Organisations Worldwide (EBO)
Jason Collins was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the European Australian Business Council (EABC) in 2007. As CEO, Jason leads a team responsible for the delivery of the Council’s business advocacy and policy programmes, membership and institutional relations with government agencies, chambers, industry groups, and other stakeholders. He is also the Chair of European Business Organisations (EBO Worldwide), a peak association headquartered in Brussels of European chambers of commerce and business councils in over fifty countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and in Europe. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Sydney. Jason is a non-executive director and chair of the governance, nomination & remuneration committee of Business Events Sydney; a member of Screen Producers Australia’s export advisory council; Chair of the Australia Youth Trust; and a former Chair of the Australasian Sponsorship Marketing Association. He also serves on the advisory boards of various Australian and Europe-based government, research centres and industry bodies, including the UTS Business School Dean’s Industry Advisory Board, and is a regular commentator on trade and investment issues at business events and in the media. Linkedin: Jason Collins
Liv Berg
Honorary Solicitor of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Senior Legal Counsel for Baby Bunting
Liv is a Senior Legal Counsel for Baby Bunting where she passionately assists the business with all legal matters. Liv provides critical legal support across the business, including with an increasing number of strategic initiatives as well as on day-to-day issues and ASX and head office related matters. Prior to joining Baby Bunting, Liv was working as a Director in the PwC Deals practice with a focus on the development of the firm’s integrated X-Los offering in the Australian transactions market working especially with PwC’s private equity clients. Liv’s background is in corporate law, having particular expertise in private and public M&A transactions and joint ventures. During her time at PwC Legal and before that Baker McKenzie, she has advised a number of private and public companies and private equity clients on Australian and offshore acquisitions and divestments as well as joint ventures, equity capital markets transactions, restructures and general commercial work. LinkedIn: Liv Berg
Petra Andrén
Head of Innovation Districts, Greater Cities Commission, NSW Government
Petra is a global business executive, innovation leader, experienced board member and tech investor with >25 years experience traversing international markets and advanced technology sectors. Petra has deep expertise in navigating the complexities of taking IP-rich technologies to market, supporting and scaling high growth technology ventures, and building high impact innovation ecosystems. Having held executive roles driving innovation for global corporations, research org, start-ups, VC and government, Petra brings a unique skill set to the innovation space. Currently, Petra leads the Greater Cities Commission’s work on Innovation Districts and clusters across NSW, accelerating the move towards a knowledge based economy. Most recently, Petra managed the Life sciences investments for Minderoo & Tattarang, Australia’s largest private investment group, developing an investment mandate for a new $250m funding vehicle. Prior to this, she was the CEO and creator of Australia’s first deep tech incubator, Cicada Innovations. LinkedIn: Petra Andrén
Rickard Gardell
Pacific Equity Partners – Managing Director – Buyout and Secure Assets, Capital Solutions, Gateway, Founding Partner
Rickard is a founder of Pacific Equity Partners and a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Prior to founding PEP, Rickard was a Director of Bain & Company and had 14 years of consulting experience in Europe, Asia and Australasia. Rickard received a Bachelor of Science from the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) (1981-84) where he was awarded Carl Liljevalchs Scholar and IMP Scholar. As IMP scholar, he attended the MBA program at McGill University for half of his last year.
Regina Summer
Director Strategic Partnerships at Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP)
Regina Summer has more than 20 years of experience working in the Swedish innovation eco-system from both an academic, a business and a public agency perspective. Her previous position was Chief Strategy Officer International Collaborations at Vinnova and prior to that she was the head of unit Green growth and innovation at the Swedish Agency for regional and economic growth. She is also the founder of Sweden Innovation Days and the coordinator for Vinnovas participation at COP27. Today she is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP). SISP is the Swedish industry association for Sweden’s incubators and science parks. LinkedIn: Regina Summer
Dr Nicole T Garofano
Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark Environmental Foundation
Dr Nicole Garofano is the Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark. In her role, Nicole is leading the ongoing strategic development of the Australian Circular Economy (ACE) Hub. For more than 15 years, Nicole has worked in environmental education and action with a focus on waste management and more recently, circular economy. She has designed and managed community-based initiatives to increase sorting, collection and processing of a range of packaging materials, including plastic. Nicole has a PhD from research focused on the plastic food and beverage packaging value chain, identifying both local and global innovation to improve chain activities and outcomes. She is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Packaging. LinkedIn: Dr Nicole T Garofano
Kieran Schneemann
Sustainability Lead, Special Counsel to AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand
Kieran has a unique range of relevant work experience over 30 years, working at senior levels of Government, initially in the Federal Public Service and then as Chief of Staff to senior Cabinet Ministers, in the Federal Government. His experience has been augmented by senior executive positions in strategic consulting, Medicines Australia, Pharmacy Guild and Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies. His most recent position at AstraZeneca is Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability Lead. He was also a member of the Executive Management Team. Kieran’s experience spans across government and corporate affairs, strategy, campaigns, market access, communications, patient advocacy, business development and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Kieran has also direct experience in the Charity and Not for Profit Sectors serving on the Boards of Canteen and the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance. LinkedIn: Kieran Schneemann
Professor Glenn Wightwick
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Professor Glenn Wightwick is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) where he has responsibility for the university’s entrepreneurship, enterprise learning, industry engagement and precinct strategy. Prior to this, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research for 3.5 years. He spent 27 years working at IBM in Australia, the USA and China in a variety of technical and leadership roles in systems engineering, development and research. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW and a Senior Fellow of the IEEE. He is Co-Chair of 2SER, a community radio station jointly owned by UTS and Macquarie University and is on the board of the Sydney Quantum Academy and SCECGS Redlands. LinkedIn: Glenn Wightwick
Ajit Singh, FCPA, FIPA, CMA
Vice President – Group Tax, APAC & VP Company Control Asia Oceania at Volvo Group
Ajit was born and educated in Fiji, with an Accounting and Economics degree. Ajit immigrated to Australia in 1989, and has held various senior finance and related positions in a variety of industries. In 2002 Ajit joined Volvo Group in Australia Pty Ltd, managing various corporate functions, including tax, transfer pricing, legal & compliance, statutory compliance and corporate governance. Ajit Singh currently holds the position of Vice President, Accounting & Company Control, Asia Oceania within the Volvo Group. He is also a Director of Volvo Group Australia and Volvo Treasury Australia Pty Ltd. Ajit is married with two children and lives in Brisbane. LinkedIn: Ajit Singh
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Honorary-Members-SACC-presentation-slide.jpg9141582Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2023-02-10 12:58:562023-03-28 13:24:35Presenting new Honorary Board Members of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Axelent is a complete supplier of safety for production, warehouses, and properties. Our mission is that all employees should have a safe working environment. Today, we are one of the largest suppliers of safety solutions for the industry and our head office is located in Hillerstorp, Sweden, where all our products are developed and manufactured. The Axelent AB Group consists of 10 wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA, but we also distribute our products through about 30 agents around the world.
Over three decades, Axelent has grown to become one of the world’s leading companies in safety solutions. A six-person team in the small town of Hillerstorp in Sweden has now grown to 350 strong teams with sales spread across the globe. The Axelent spirit, with its focus on dedication, business sense, high ethical standards and empathy, is a common thread that permeates all of our local offices. All product development, production, warehousing and packaging takes place in Hillerstorp, Sweden. We have always taken great pride in developing innovative products; user-friendly and easy to assemble. Most of our production is automated in order to cope with high volumes and fast delivery times.
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Axelent-image-2.jpg8381188Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2023-02-10 09:04:462023-03-28 14:27:13NEW SMALL BUSINESS MEMBER – Axelent
The world around us is changing – and quickly. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat rather a living reality, which impacts us all – our shared home, the planet and our lives in ways we could never imagine. To preserve a livable planet we need to transform into a net-zero future. At the same time, digitalisation and new technology is changing how industries operate at high speed. All of this means both challenges we have never experienced before as well as many new opportunities.
We are proud to present Jesper Brodin, CEO, Ingka Group IKEA, as our guest at the next Swedish Chambers APAC CEO Series 2023. In this exclusive session, Jesper will share how the Ingka Group IKEA tackle the biggest transformation in IKEA history, how they approach the global challenges the world is facing today and how they are committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable business model for the industry.
6:10 pm Conversation with Jesper facilitated by Camilla Bullock, Board Director, Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
7:00 pm End of event
When: Tuesday 14 March, 6.00 – 7.00 pm (AEDT)
Where: Zoom – an email will be sent with instructions to join online prior to the event
SACC/YP Members: $15, Non-Members: $25
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
JESPER BRODIN
Jesper Brodin is the President and CEO of Ingka Group, IKEA. Ingka Group, formerly know as IKEA Group, is one of the world’s largest home furnishing retailer and owns and operates more than 400 IKEA stores in 32 markets (FY21) under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group was founded by Ingvar Kamprad and is a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise systems and in addition to operate IKEA Retail, the company consists of Ingka Centres and Ingka Investments. Jesper started his IKEA career in 1995 as the Purchase manager in Pakistan, IKEA Group. During the years he has held different roles such as assistant to Ingvar Kamprad and Anders Dahlvig, CEO at the time, Business area manager Kitchen and Dining as well as his recent role as Managing Director for Range & Supply, Inter IKEA Group. He has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. Jesper is married to Lena and they have three children. His passion is music and the sea.
Work experience:
2017 CEO, Ingka Group, IKEA
2016 IKEA Range & Supply Manager, MD IKEA of Sweden, Inter IKEA Group
2013 IKEA Range & Supply Manager, MD IKEA of Sweden, IKEA Group
2011 IKEA Supply Manager, IKEA of Sweden, IKEA Group
2008 Regional Purchase Manager China, IKEA Group
2002 Business Area Manager Kitchen and Dining, IKEA of Sweden, IKEA Group
1999 Assistant to Ingvar Kamprad and Anders Dahlvig, CEO at the time, IKEA Group
1997 Regional Purchase manager South East Asia, IKEA Group
1995 Purchase manager in Pakistan, IKEA Group
CAMILLA BULLOCK
Camilla is the CEO and co-founder of Emerging Payments Association Asia. She has a long career in the financial technology industry and often talks about coming home when she started her work in the payments industry. Payments is the part of the financial service’s that touch people’s lives every day, and through EPA Asia work lives can be improved. The payments industry offered her an opportunity to combine her passion for fintech and humanitarian questions.She is loving her role where she can combine intellect, creativity with enthusiasm and energy to connect people, create opportunities and ideas from the apparently abstract connections she sees between situations, businesses, problems and people. When she was twelve months into setting up EPA Asia she was approached and asked the question why there were so few women involved in the program. She was taken by surprise. Running fast and creating on the go, she had forgotten to reflect if the people they engaged were male or female. She there and then set the goal of reaching a 50% gender balance in the association.Project Meet-Her started as a series of lunch events with the goal to involve female thought leaders in the EPA Asia agenda. COVID-19 forced EPA Asia to adopt the program, it has evolved and is now an online event series that will result in a book – Meet Her – She knows Payments.
THIS VIRTUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CEO-TALK-JESPER-BRODIN-SACC-BANNER.jpg6181332Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2023-02-09 14:55:362023-03-09 10:59:24Conversation with Jesper Brodin CEO INGKA Group IKEA – Swedish Chambers APAC Virtual Event 14 March
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR – MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
End of the Year News from SACC, with podcasts from the Innovation Summit, Embassy and member updates plus upcoming events including the Nordic Open Golf Day 3 March 2023!
1st robotic production line for house wall panels by Randek
Melbourne-based modular builder commits to the future of offsite construction with advanced robotic manufacturing equipment.
One of Australia’s leading and most progressive prefabricated modular builders, Modscape, have unveiled their plans for their new division, Modbotics, a fully automated robotic production line for building elements.
“Modscape has been working with leading Swedish based manufacturing Robotic company, Randek, since February 2019 on developing an advanced suite of robotic lines – purpose-made for the manufacture and completion of wall panels,” explained Jan Gyrn, Modscape CEO.
“The robots will manufacture open and closed walls, passive house walls, floor and roof cassettes – with tolerances to a fraction of a degree and millimetre.”
Modscape is investing in Randek’s 3rd generation ‘ZeroLabor 3.0’ system, and it has been designed to be scalable and flexible to accommodate changing requirements.
Randek’s ZeroLabor 3.0 due for installation at Modscape.
Working alongside Modscape employees, the Modbotics robotic production line, according to company sources, “will transform modular and prefabricated construction – enhancing the time, cost, quality and safety aspects of every project delivered.”
At the core of the new robotic manufacturing line are modern methods of construction (MMC), and according to industry research, the new line will be 50% faster to manufacture prefabricated elements, improve sustainability credentials, and produce 70% less landfill than conventional construction.
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ZeroLabor-Line_.jpg600900Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2022-12-22 03:37:152022-12-22 03:37:15SACC Member – Randek is working with one of Australia’s leading prefabricated modular builders
Save the Date – EuroMix Networking Events in Feb 2023 Here are your opportunities to mingle with members and guests of the European Chambers in February 2023!
MELBOURNE:
Date: Thursday 16 February 2023
Location: Hophaus Bar, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Euromix-Feb-2023-banner-2.jpg5481206Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2022-12-22 01:40:122022-12-22 01:41:22EuroMix Feb 2023 – Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Join this virtual event on – Hydrogen – What is hydrogen? Why hydrogen? How is it produced and the difference between blue and green hydrogen? In this session, we will have a panel with experts in renewable energy from the industry and academia who will identify key issues and hurdles such as:
Energy management (applications and how this is integrated)
Balance of plant, how transformed to electrify, impact on the network and digitalization
Welcome to the Nordic Chambers for the Nordic Open Golf Day 2023 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
We are excited to present this annual joint Nordic event for the 7th 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!). There will be some fantastic prizes lined up for winning teams and individual players and we will run the Nordic Putting Comp (introduced in 2022) for lunch only 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 (all prices are incl. GST)
Green Fee
Complimentary range balls
The Nordic Open Golf Day participation kit (with some sponsor surprises)
Bacon & Egg roll with tea/coffee (in the morning)
Golf Cart (2ppl /cart)
Drink Cart at the course (drinks/snacks to be purchased by players)
“19th hole Celebration” Lunch at the Clubhouse.
The Cost for Lunch only Participants: Members: $75, Non-Members: $95
Participation in the Nordic Putting Comp
Complimentary driving range balls for practicing
Lunch
Schedule:
07:00 am – 07:45 am – Registration & Breakfast
08:00 am – Shotgun start for 18 holes, Stableford (scoring via MPG application)
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/NOGD-2023-save-the-date-.jpg9061434Camilla Jenningshttp://swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/logo.pngCamilla Jennings2022-12-22 01:30:532022-12-22 01:43:02Nordic Open Golf Day 3 March 2023 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
Swedish high-level delegation in Sydney 14-15 February 2023
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce was delighted and honoured to be part of the Sydney events on 14 and 15 February in conjunction with the high-level official visit led by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, HRH Prince Daniel and HE Johan Forsell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
The first event was held at the Government House hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson.
On the 15th of February Business Sweden organised an excellent Sustainable Mining Summit, showcasing our long legacy of bi-lateral trade. It was great to see how advanced Sweden and Australia are on the path to a net zero mining industry and the vast collaboration opportunities between our two countries.
The Summit was followed by a beautiful reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art hosted by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. Thank you Embassy of Sweden in Canberra and Business Sweden, the SACC is proud of being to be part of Team Sweden Australia and our joint collaboration to strengthen and grow business relations between Sweden and Australia.
Business Sweden – Sweden-Australia Sustainable Mining Summit 15 February 2023
We also had the great pleasure to welcome Sweden’s largest mining company, LKAB, to Australia. With their state-of-the-art mining related projects in northern Sweden, they were able to inspire and explain how they look upon sustainable mining and their initiatives going forward. Furthermore, Team Sweden had a fantastic partnership with NSW Government, European Australian Business Council and Austmine preparing for the event, which was very much appreciated.
The Australian and Swedish mining industries complement each other, with Swedish technology providers being able to support the Australian mining industry to decarbonize their operations. The Sustainable Mining Summit initiated Business Sweden’s focus on collaboration between the Australian and Swedish mining industries, with several upcoming activities planned throughout the year.
Additionally, Business Sweden will continue to support Swedish companies in expanding to Oceania and assist established Swedish companies in the region. One of the key projects that Team Sweden will work on is the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones initiative, which the Swedish government has identified as a strategic opportunity for Swedish companies. Business Sweden, together with the Embassy of Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, will collaborate with Swedish companies to analyze how Sweden can play a role in NSW’s ambitious plan to decarbonize their energy sector.
www.business-sweden.com
Presenting new Honorary Board Members of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we in 2022-2023 welcomed 10 new Honorary Members of the SACC Board.
Our Honorary Board Members are also Advisory Board Members with focus to give advice and support within their area of expertise or network. Honorary Board Members don’t have to attend board meetings but they are in the loop with important information and can be invited to board meetings individually.
The SACC is honoured to have such high-caliber members of the Australian and Swedish business and educational network on our board and we are excited about our future collaboration.
Presenting all Honorary Board Members here:
HE Pontus Melander
Ambassador of Sweden to Australia New Zealand and the South Sea Islands
Mr. Pontus Melander is since October 10, 2022, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. Before coming to Australia, he served as Deputy Head of the Security Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Between 2017 and 2019, he served as Sweden’s Ambassador to Iraq. Previously, he was Ambassador at large at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ambassador at Swedish Armed Forces between 2008 and 2010. Over the years, Mr. Melander has held various positions abroad, including at the Embassy of Sweden to Canada, the Embassy of Sweden to the United States and the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the European Union in Brussels. At the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, he has held positions as Ambassador and Energy Coordinator and Ambassador and Chief Coordinator for Export Support to the Defense Industry. In addition, he has worked at the Office of the European Correspondent, Department for European Affairs and the Trade Department. Mr. Melander received his Master of Science in Politics, Economy and International Law at the University of Lund 1989. He has also received higher management training in the Swedish Armed Forces and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Mr. Melander is married and has four children.
James Letherbarrow
Honorary Consul General of Sweden (NSW)
James is an extensively experienced and goal-oriented CFO and Operations professional with more than 20 years of experience in finance and operational management. He has worked within the Media, Digital, Telecommunications and Banking sectors. James is currently the CFO & Director of Operations at Enigma Communication. Enigma is an Advertising, Media, Public Relations and Branding Agency which is in the business of delivering clients an unfair share by solving business issues creatively and intelligently. With longstanding family ties to Sweden, James resides in Sydney and has been the Honorary Consul General of Sweden (NSW) since January 2018. LinkedIn: James Letherbarrow
Martin Ekberg
Swedish Trade and Invest Commissioner to Australia, New Zeeland and the Pacific Islands
During the last two decades, Martin has been assisting Swedish multinationals achieving organic and inorganic growth. He is an experienced advisor in the field of international business development focusing on growth strategies, M&A, and transformational programs across a wide variety of industries. Before joining Business Sweden Martin was part of Accenture Europe’s Strategy and M&A service line. LinkedIn: Martin Ekberg
Jason Collins
Chief Executive Officer, European Australian Business Council Chair, European Business Organisations Worldwide (EBO)
Jason Collins was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the European Australian Business Council (EABC) in 2007. As CEO, Jason leads a team responsible for the delivery of the Council’s business advocacy and policy programmes, membership and institutional relations with government agencies, chambers, industry groups, and other stakeholders. He is also the Chair of European Business Organisations (EBO Worldwide), a peak association headquartered in Brussels of European chambers of commerce and business councils in over fifty countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and in Europe. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Sydney. Jason is a non-executive director and chair of the governance, nomination & remuneration committee of Business Events Sydney; a member of Screen Producers Australia’s export advisory council; Chair of the Australia Youth Trust; and a former Chair of the Australasian Sponsorship Marketing Association. He also serves on the advisory boards of various Australian and Europe-based government, research centres and industry bodies, including the UTS Business School Dean’s Industry Advisory Board, and is a regular commentator on trade and investment issues at business events and in the media. Linkedin: Jason Collins
Liv Berg
Honorary Solicitor of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Senior Legal Counsel for Baby Bunting
Liv is a Senior Legal Counsel for Baby Bunting where she passionately assists the business with all legal matters. Liv provides critical legal support across the business, including with an increasing number of strategic initiatives as well as on day-to-day issues and ASX and head office related matters. Prior to joining Baby Bunting, Liv was working as a Director in the PwC Deals practice with a focus on the development of the firm’s integrated X-Los offering in the Australian transactions market working especially with PwC’s private equity clients. Liv’s background is in corporate law, having particular expertise in private and public M&A transactions and joint ventures. During her time at PwC Legal and before that Baker McKenzie, she has advised a number of private and public companies and private equity clients on Australian and offshore acquisitions and divestments as well as joint ventures, equity capital markets transactions, restructures and general commercial work. LinkedIn: Liv Berg
Petra Andrén
Head of Innovation Districts, Greater Cities Commission, NSW Government
Petra is a global business executive, innovation leader, experienced board member and tech investor with >25 years experience traversing international markets and advanced technology sectors. Petra has deep expertise in navigating the complexities of taking IP-rich technologies to market, supporting and scaling high growth technology ventures, and building high impact innovation ecosystems. Having held executive roles driving innovation for global corporations, research org, start-ups, VC and government, Petra brings a unique skill set to the innovation space. Currently, Petra leads the Greater Cities Commission’s work on Innovation Districts and clusters across NSW, accelerating the move towards a knowledge based economy. Most recently, Petra managed the Life sciences investments for Minderoo & Tattarang, Australia’s largest private investment group, developing an investment mandate for a new $250m funding vehicle. Prior to this, she was the CEO and creator of Australia’s first deep tech incubator, Cicada Innovations. LinkedIn: Petra Andrén
Rickard Gardell
Pacific Equity Partners – Managing Director – Buyout and Secure Assets, Capital Solutions, Gateway, Founding Partner
Rickard is a founder of Pacific Equity Partners and a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Prior to founding PEP, Rickard was a Director of Bain & Company and had 14 years of consulting experience in Europe, Asia and Australasia. Rickard received a Bachelor of Science from the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) (1981-84) where he was awarded Carl Liljevalchs Scholar and IMP Scholar. As IMP scholar, he attended the MBA program at McGill University for half of his last year.
Regina Summer
Director Strategic Partnerships at Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP)
Regina Summer has more than 20 years of experience working in the Swedish innovation eco-system from both an academic, a business and a public agency perspective. Her previous position was Chief Strategy Officer International Collaborations at Vinnova and prior to that she was the head of unit Green growth and innovation at the Swedish Agency for regional and economic growth. She is also the founder of Sweden Innovation Days and the coordinator for Vinnovas participation at COP27. Today she is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP). SISP is the Swedish industry association for Sweden’s incubators and science parks. LinkedIn: Regina Summer
Dr Nicole T Garofano
Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark Environmental Foundation
Dr Nicole Garofano is the Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark. In her role, Nicole is leading the ongoing strategic development of the Australian Circular Economy (ACE) Hub. For more than 15 years, Nicole has worked in environmental education and action with a focus on waste management and more recently, circular economy. She has designed and managed community-based initiatives to increase sorting, collection and processing of a range of packaging materials, including plastic. Nicole has a PhD from research focused on the plastic food and beverage packaging value chain, identifying both local and global innovation to improve chain activities and outcomes. She is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Packaging. LinkedIn: Dr Nicole T Garofano
Kieran Schneemann
Sustainability Lead, Special Counsel to AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand
Kieran has a unique range of relevant work experience over 30 years, working at senior levels of Government, initially in the Federal Public Service and then as Chief of Staff to senior Cabinet Ministers, in the Federal Government. His experience has been augmented by senior executive positions in strategic consulting, Medicines Australia, Pharmacy Guild and Multinational Pharmaceutical Companies. His most recent position at AstraZeneca is Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability Lead. He was also a member of the Executive Management Team. Kieran’s experience spans across government and corporate affairs, strategy, campaigns, market access, communications, patient advocacy, business development and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Kieran has also direct experience in the Charity and Not for Profit Sectors serving on the Boards of Canteen and the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance. LinkedIn: Kieran Schneemann
Professor Glenn Wightwick
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Professor Glenn Wightwick is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) where he has responsibility for the university’s entrepreneurship, enterprise learning, industry engagement and precinct strategy. Prior to this, he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research for 3.5 years. He spent 27 years working at IBM in Australia, the USA and China in a variety of technical and leadership roles in systems engineering, development and research. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW and a Senior Fellow of the IEEE. He is Co-Chair of 2SER, a community radio station jointly owned by UTS and Macquarie University and is on the board of the Sydney Quantum Academy and SCECGS Redlands. LinkedIn: Glenn Wightwick
Ajit Singh, FCPA, FIPA, CMA
Vice President – Group Tax, APAC & VP Company Control Asia Oceania at Volvo Group
Ajit was born and educated in Fiji, with an Accounting and Economics degree. Ajit immigrated to Australia in 1989, and has held various senior finance and related positions in a variety of industries. In 2002 Ajit joined Volvo Group in Australia Pty Ltd, managing various corporate functions, including tax, transfer pricing, legal & compliance, statutory compliance and corporate governance. Ajit Singh currently holds the position of Vice President, Accounting & Company Control, Asia Oceania within the Volvo Group. He is also a Director of Volvo Group Australia and Volvo Treasury Australia Pty Ltd. Ajit is married with two children and lives in Brisbane. LinkedIn: Ajit Singh
NEW SMALL BUSINESS MEMBER – Axelent
Axelent is a complete supplier of safety for production, warehouses, and properties. Our mission is that all employees should have a safe working environment. Today, we are one of the largest suppliers of safety solutions for the industry and our head office is located in Hillerstorp, Sweden, where all our products are developed and manufactured. The Axelent AB Group consists of 10 wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, Australia and the USA, but we also distribute our products through about 30 agents around the world.
Over three decades, Axelent has grown to become one of the world’s leading companies in safety solutions. A six-person team in the small town of Hillerstorp in Sweden has now grown to 350 strong teams with sales spread across the globe. The Axelent spirit, with its focus on dedication, business sense, high ethical standards and empathy, is a common thread that permeates all of our local offices. All product development, production, warehousing and packaging takes place in Hillerstorp, Sweden. We have always taken great pride in developing innovative products; user-friendly and easy to assemble. Most of our production is automated in order to cope with high volumes and fast delivery times.
Conversation with Jesper Brodin CEO INGKA Group IKEA – Swedish Chambers APAC Virtual Event 14 March
The world around us is changing – and quickly. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat rather a living reality, which impacts us all – our shared home, the planet and our lives in ways we could never imagine. To preserve a livable planet we need to transform into a net-zero future. At the same time, digitalisation and new technology is changing how industries operate at high speed. All of this means both challenges we have never experienced before as well as many new opportunities.
We are proud to present Jesper Brodin, CEO, Ingka Group IKEA, as our guest at the next Swedish Chambers APAC CEO Series 2023. In this exclusive session, Jesper will share how the Ingka Group IKEA tackle the biggest transformation in IKEA history, how they approach the global challenges the world is facing today and how they are committed to leading the way towards a more sustainable business model for the industry.
The conversation with Jesper Brodin will be led by Camilla Bullock, Board Director, Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and CEO, Emerging Payments Association Asia.
AGENDA:
When: Tuesday 14 March, 6.00 – 7.00 pm (AEDT)
Where: Zoom – an email will be sent with instructions to join online prior to the event
SACC/YP Members: $15, Non-Members: $25
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Jesper Brodin is the President and CEO of Ingka Group, IKEA. Ingka Group, formerly know as IKEA Group, is one of the world’s largest home furnishing retailer and owns and operates more than 400 IKEA stores in 32 markets (FY21) under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group was founded by Ingvar Kamprad and is a strategic partner in the IKEA franchise systems and in addition to operate IKEA Retail, the company consists of Ingka Centres and Ingka Investments. Jesper started his IKEA career in 1995 as the Purchase manager in Pakistan, IKEA Group. During the years he has held different roles such as assistant to Ingvar Kamprad and Anders Dahlvig, CEO at the time, Business area manager Kitchen and Dining as well as his recent role as Managing Director for Range & Supply, Inter IKEA Group. He has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. Jesper is married to Lena and they have three children. His passion is music and the sea.
Work experience:
CAMILLA BULLOCK
Camilla is the CEO and co-founder of Emerging Payments Association Asia. She has a long career in the financial technology industry and often talks about coming home when she started her work in the payments industry. Payments is the part of the financial service’s that touch people’s lives every day, and through EPA Asia work lives can be improved. The payments industry offered her an opportunity to combine her passion for fintech and humanitarian questions. She is loving her role where she can combine intellect, creativity with enthusiasm and energy to connect people, create opportunities and ideas from the apparently abstract connections she sees between situations, businesses, problems and people. When she was twelve months into setting up EPA Asia she was approached and asked the question why there were so few women involved in the program. She was taken by surprise. Running fast and creating on the go, she had forgotten to reflect if the people they engaged were male or female. She there and then set the goal of reaching a 50% gender balance in the association. Project Meet-Her started as a series of lunch events with the goal to involve female thought leaders in the EPA Asia agenda. COVID-19 forced EPA Asia to adopt the program, it has evolved and is now an online event series that will result in a book – Meet Her – She knows Payments.
THIS VIRTUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
SWEDELINK Newsletter Summer 2022/2023
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR – MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
End of the Year News from SACC, with podcasts from the Innovation Summit, Embassy and member updates plus upcoming events including the Nordic Open Golf Day 3 March 2023!
Read more here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=17
SACC Member – Randek is working with one of Australia’s leading prefabricated modular builders
1st robotic production line for house wall panels by Randek
Melbourne-based modular builder commits to the future of offsite construction with advanced robotic manufacturing equipment.
One of Australia’s leading and most progressive prefabricated modular builders, Modscape, have unveiled their plans for their new division, Modbotics, a fully automated robotic production line for building elements.
“Modscape has been working with leading Swedish based manufacturing Robotic company, Randek, since February 2019 on developing an advanced suite of robotic lines – purpose-made for the manufacture and completion of wall panels,” explained Jan Gyrn, Modscape CEO.
“The robots will manufacture open and closed walls, passive house walls, floor and roof cassettes – with tolerances to a fraction of a degree and millimetre.”
Modscape is investing in Randek’s 3rd generation ‘ZeroLabor 3.0’ system, and it has been designed to be scalable and flexible to accommodate changing requirements.
Working alongside Modscape employees, the Modbotics robotic production line, according to company sources, “will transform modular and prefabricated construction – enhancing the time, cost, quality and safety aspects of every project delivered.”
At the core of the new robotic manufacturing line are modern methods of construction (MMC), and according to industry research, the new line will be 50% faster to manufacture prefabricated elements, improve sustainability credentials, and produce 70% less landfill than conventional construction.
Read the full article here:
https://builtoffsite.com.au/news/modular-builder-modscape-announces-revolutionary-robotic-manufacturing-line/
Contact for more information: Jason Reints at jason@blissandreels.com.au
Watch Randek’s ZeroLabor system in action
EuroMix Feb 2023 – Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Save the Date – EuroMix Networking Events in Feb 2023 Here are your opportunities to mingle with members and guests of the European Chambers in February 2023!
MELBOURNE:
Date: Thursday 16 February 2023
Location: Hophaus Bar, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006
Time: 5.00 -7.00 pm AEDT
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/euromix-melbourne-february-2023-tickets-486013197557
PERTH:
Date: Thursday 16 February 2023
Location: Reyes Lounge – 49 King Street, Perth WA 6000
Time: 5.00 -7.00 pm AWST
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/euromix-perth-february-2023-tickets-486111692157
SYDNEY:
Date: Thursday 23 February 2023
Location: Slims Rooftop 49 William Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
Time: 5.00 -7.00 pm AEDT
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/euromix-sydney-february-2023-tickets-486116907757
Why Hydrogen? SACC Sustainability Committee Virtual Event 28 Feb 2023
Join this virtual event on – Hydrogen – What is hydrogen? Why hydrogen? How is it produced and the difference between blue and green hydrogen? In this session, we will have a panel with experts in renewable energy from the industry and academia who will identify key issues and hurdles such as:
The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.
When: 28 February 2023, at 5pm AEDT
SACC/YP Members: Free, Non-Members: $25
Link to register will be available from mid January 2023.
Nordic Open Golf Day 3 March 2023 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
Nordic Open Golf Day
March 3, 2023 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Welcome to the Nordic Chambers for the Nordic Open Golf Day 2023 at the Moore Park Golf Course, Sydney
We are excited to present this annual joint Nordic event for the 7th 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!). There will be some fantastic prizes lined up for winning teams and individual players and we will run the Nordic Putting Comp (introduced in 2022) for lunch only 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 (all prices are incl. GST)
The Cost for Lunch only Participants: Members: $75, Non-Members: $95
Schedule:
Register here: https://app.glueup.com/event/nordic-open-golf-day-2023-67802
Contact us at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au for more information.