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 IN AUSTRALIA AWARD WINNERS 2023

The SACC Swedish Business Awards took center stage on 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:

  1. Excellence in Innovation
  2. Excellence in Sustainability
  3. Excellence in Entrepreneurship
  4. Excellence in Partnerships and Collaboration
  5. 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

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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 event was further elevated by the esteemed presence of HE Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, Pontus Melander. As the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Melander shared insights into the enduring cultural bonds and collaborative efforts that strengthen the relationship between Sweden and Australia.

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

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Business Luncheon with The Hon. Don Farrell, MP. Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism – Multi Chamber Event, Sydney 22 Nov

The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with over 20 chambers and business councils was delighted to participate at this Business Luncheon with the Hon. Don Farrell, MP. Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism on 22 November 2023 in Sydney.

The networking business luncheon, which included an address by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, provided an opportunity to deepen participants’ understanding of the Australian Government’s trade agenda.

Big thank you to all who attended and special thanks to the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for coordinating it all.

 

 

European Tchin Tchin Networking Evening, Brisbane 16 Nov

The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our friends at FACCI and 8 other European bilateral Chambers of Commerce, was delighted to attend the 9th edition of the popular European Tchin Tchin Networking Evening on Thursday 16 November 2023.

We were privileged to welcome Councillor Krista Adams, Civic Cabinet Chair for Economic Development & The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, who delivered the opening speech.

A Big Thank You from the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce to all European Chambers and especially to the main organisers FACCI – French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry!

Tchin Tchin until next year!

Cruise with the Europeans 2023, Sydney 16 Nov

November 16th we embarked on the European Cruise in Sydney Harbour and what an evening we had!

17 European chambers collaboratively worked together to make sure everyone had a memorable evening as we sailed across the harbour enjoying the sunset behind Sydney’s famous landmarks. With a record of nearly 700 people attending we were set to meet a mix of new and familiar faces to network with. Following the cruise, we joined the on-shore after-party. Great to see so many members and guests there.

Thanks to all European Chambers and especially the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce for coordinating it all!
#cruise #european #chambersofcommerce

 

EABC European Australian Trade & Investment Forum, Sydney 16 Nov

Representatives from the SACC Board were delighted to participate in the EABC’s EU-Australia Trade & Investment Forum on 16 November supported by BDO, the EU Delegation to Australia and Investment NSW.  

Here is a summary of the discussions and presentations:

HE Mr Gabriele Visentin, EU Ambassador to Australia, gave us an update on the outlook for EU-Australia economic relations. While reflecting on the disappointing developments in Osaka, Ambassador Visentin underlined the booming two-way trade flows in recent years and the continued commitment to finalising an EU-Australia FTA as an integral part of EU trade portfolio. Following the Ambassador’s address, EABC CEO Jason Collins emphasised the necessity of continuing pressure and collective efforts to finalise the FTA, highlighting that it is the biggest missing piece of Australia’s trade agreement network. Ambassador Visentin and Jason then discussed the importance of maintain strong advocacy for modernising and expanding the bilateral architecture, both through an FTA and beyond, to remove unnecessary obstacles and establish the frameworks to facilitate the flow of ideas, technology, goods and services, people and investment from which both markets stand to gain. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of facilitating closer business and organisational cooperation to solve common challenges and capitalise on the exciting and vast opportunities we share in strategic sectors.

The second session, moderated by EABC’s Caragh Johnson, focused on specific business opportunities and programmes being driven by Australian federal and state government agencies – including Austrade’s Head of Investment Europe, Middle East & Africa and Head of Critical Minerals, Emma McDonald, followed by the NSW Government’s Dr Shoshana Fogelman, Senior Manager of Ecosystem Development for the Westmead Health & Innovation District, Michelle Cheng, Senior Manager of Innovation District Ecosystem at Tech Central, and Tim Stock, Director of Hydrogen & Clean Energy for the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change.

Emma McDonald provided an insightful update on Australia’s investment environment, the government’s plans for strategic growth sectors (including critical minerals, solar, wind, batteries, Australia’s transmission network and hydrogen industry), and key opportunities for European business and investors.

Dr Shoshana Fogelman provided an overview of the exciting opportunities and support for European businesses and investors to be part of the Westmead Health and Innovation District, with the NSW Government accelerating the development at what is already one of Australia’s largest health and research zones. Innovation ecosystem initiatives include the Western Sydney Startup Hub, the Westmead Biomedical Incubator and Australia’s first commercial-scale Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility.

Michelle Cheng then updated participants on the opportunities and support offered to those interested in being part of Australia’s largest technology and innovation hub, Tech Central. The concentrated hub offers three major nodes of capability focused on Deep Tech (Eveleigh Node), Digital and Creative Tech (Haymarket Node), and Medical and BioTech (Camperdown Node).

Finally, Tim Stock provided an overview of NSW’s Hydrogen Strategy and the efforts the Government is undertaking to unlock the potential for NSW to develop a competitive and thriving green hydrogen industry. He outlined the huge investments and incentives on offer to support industry development and reduce the cost of green hydrogen by over $4 per kg in the next decade.

The SACC expresses a big thank you for the invitation and to EABC for organising such an insightful forum.

Sustainable Food and Beverage – Virtual Event 14 Nov

Can Food Systems Enable Sustainable and Resilient Food Value Chain for Tomorrow?

Food loss and waste (FLW) also account for 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), contributing to an unstable climate and extreme weather events such as droughts and flooding. Prioritizing the reduction of food loss and waste is therefore critical for the transition to sustainable food systems that improve the efficient use of natural resources, lessen their impact on the planet and ensure food security and nutrition.

In this session, we discussed sustainable food and beverage systems problems and solutions from three different approaches by the following industry specialists:

The discussion was facilitated by Linda Nordin, SACC Sustainability Committee and Circular Economy Specialist at SMEC

See speaker presentations here:

ABB presentation

Alfa Laval presentation

Tetra Pak presentation

About the speakers:

Patrick Horner, Global Technology Lead, Waste Evaporation and Zero Liquid Discharge, Alfa Laval

With a background in chemical engineering, Patrick Horner works for Alfa Laval as a technology expert driving innovation in water management globally for circularity and corporate water stewardship. As a process specialist focused on industrial wastewater treatment, Patrick has worked extensively in a range of water intensive industries including Food and Beverage applications. Patrick is also a book author who has been working with and writing about the critical role of water for over 15 years. Originally from Canada, he’s currently based in Copenhagen, Denmark with a role of Global Technology Lead for Alfa Laval’s Zero Liquid Discharge, a new water treatment technology for zero waste.

 

 

Katie Carson, Director Corporate Affairs Food & Climate Policy of Tetra Pak Group

Katie Carson has over 20 years of policy and advocacy experience in the agri-food sector. She joined Tetra Pak in 2022 as Director Corporate Affairs Global Food & Climate Policy. She is responsible for leading the Tetra Pak Food and Climate advocacy agenda, as well as building out the company’s sustainable food systems strategy with a focus on the enabling role of food processing technologies and packaging solutions in the transition to more sustainable food systems.

 

 

John Rieusset, Sector Lead – Food and Beverage, ABB Australia 

ABB (www.abb.com) is a Swiss-Swedish global engineering and technology company. John’s scope of responsibility at ABB includes leading multidisciplinary teams in the supply of robotics, motion, process automation, electrification and digital technologies into the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Australia. A key focus is helping food and beverage manufacturers to achieve their sustainability goals, particularly in terms of maximising energy efficiency and eliminating food waste throughout their operations. John more than two decades of experience working across a broad range of technical, commercial and leadership positions within the technology industry throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. He is based in Melbourne.

 

 

Linda Nordin, Circular Economy Specialist, Senior Associate Engineer, Waste & Resource Recovery

Linda Nordin is a Senior Associate Environmental Engineer at SMEC with 18 years of experience in strategic planning, implementing and operating waste, organic and recycling services for waste service providers as well as Local Councils. She has long experience in planning and implementing actions that divert waste from landfill and delivers towards net zero and a circular economy system to commercial customers. Linda has worked with undertaken feasibility studies around modern technology for Wet and Dry Anaerobic digestion, MRF facilities in remote regions, IVC processing, renewable fuel production incl Hydrogen and vacuum technology using Optic sort.

 

 

This webinar was organised by the SACC Sustainability Committee

Swedish Chambers APAC Virtual CEO Talk 8 Nov – Micael Johansson President and CEO Saab Group

Over the past few years, the global defence industry has undergone significant transformations. Long-standing geopolitical alliances have shifted, new economic powerhouses have risen, and emerging technologies have revolutionised warfare. These factors have not only reshaped the way nations perceive security but also altered the very nature of defence manufacturing and strategy.

In order to keep citizens safe, the defence industry in 2023 is under pressure to keep pace with both rapidly developing technology and evolving shifts on the geopolitical stage. This includes staying ahead in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous solutions, and robotics, while also contending with the ever-growing challenges posed by asymmetric threats, cyber warfare, and the escalating significance of climate change in defence planning. These challenges require highly agile organisations that can quickly adjust to new ways of working and have firmly established innovation as a key success factor.

Swedish Chambers APAC were delighted to welcome Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab Group, as a guest at the Swedish Chambers APAC CEO Series Virtual Event on 8 November. Mr Johansson shared how he sees the role of the defence industry in our society today and outlined key strategic priorities for Saab Group. He also commented on how current geopolitical uncertainties impact the company and what he considers crucial measures to continue to keep our world a safe place.

The conversation with Mr Johansson was led by Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

Speaker: 

Micael Johansson is the President and CEO of the Swedish defence and security company Saab. He is a member of Saab Group Management. Mr Johansson took up his position on October 23, 2019
Mr Johansson brings around 40 years of experience within engineering, sensor systems and defence. He is an experienced leader and has served within many different areas and at many different levels of Saab AB through the years. Most recently, he served as Senior Executive Vice President and Deputy CEO for Saab AB. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President and head of business area Surveillance, comprising Saab’s operations within Radar, Electronic Warfare, Command and Control and Traffic Management systems. Since 2023, he has been Vice Chairman of the Board of ASD – Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe. Mr. Johansson started his career as a systems engineer in 1985. After that, he held various management positions at Saab Avionics (then known as Ericsson Saab Avionics). In 2008, he was appointed President of Saab Avitronics, and in January 2010, he became Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. He is active on a global level within Saab through various positions and boards within Saab, giving him a unique platform for involvement in the business in countries such as the USA, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Mr Johansson holds a BSc+ in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Uppsala, Sweden and various management training, e.g. at IFL Executive Education and Investor Forum Novare.

Founded in 1937, Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission: To help nations keep their people and society safe. The company designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden and with operations on every continent, Saab continuously develops, adapts and improves new technology to meet its customers’ changing needs. In 2022, the company had 19,000 employees and a turnover of SEK 42 bn.

Previous guests at Swedish Chambers APAC CEO Series:

Göran Björkman, President & CEO, Alleima

Jesper Brodin, CEO, Ingka Group

Mats Ramström, President & CEO, Atlas Copco Group

Christian Levin, President & CEO, Scania Group

Jonas Samuelson, CEO, Electrolux AB

 

 

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