NEW SMALL BUSINESS MEMBER: Carbon Yachts

Carbon Yachts is a family-owned Australian dealership redefining luxury yachting through innovation and sustainability.

The company specialises in carbon-fibre vessels and curates a portfolio of cutting-edge European brands that blend performance, design, and environmental responsibility. With showrooms in Sydney and the Gold Coast, as well as offices in Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Melbourne, Perth, and Auckland, Carbon Yachts offers comprehensive sales and aftercare services via its in-house service division, Vesseltec.

Among the Swedish brands represented by Carbon Yachts are Candela, Awake, and Shogun Yachts:

Candela – Candela is leading the world in electric hydrofoiling technology, dramatically reducing energy consumption and emissions on the water. Their C-8 daycruiser has become the best-selling electric boat globally, while the P-12 shuttle represents a commercial breakthrough. This all-electric ferry flies above the water to deliver unmatched efficiency and comfort

Awake Boards – Awake crafts high-performance electric surfboards and eFoils that combine sleek Scandinavian design with thrilling acceleration and intelligent modular systems. Designed for premium recreation, the boards offer a silent, emission-free ride that’s as visually refined as it is fun to use.

Shogun Yachts – Shogun builds ultra-light carbon sailing yachts engineered for short-handed performance cruising. Models like the Shogun 43 and Shogun 50 offer a rare blend of racing DNA, cruising comfort, and striking Scandinavian aesthetics—all optimised for speed, responsiveness, and ease of use.

Links
Contact
Chris Hrones
0420519612

Saab’s Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre officially open

 Saab Australia has officially opened its expanded Australian headquarters and state-of-the-art Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre (SCSCC) in Mawson Lakes, South Australia.

Saab and its partners will use the facility to undertake software development, systems integration, testing and prototyping – strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

The SCSCC is a national asset supported by a $22.6 million grant under the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative. It will be a fundamental input to the development of a sustainable combat systems industry that enables the timely development and deployment of capability to respond to emerging threats.

It is the latest in a series of significant investments made by Saab in Australia to support the ongoing development of defence capabilities and technology.

“Saab has been a leader in Australian combat systems capability for more than three decades and we have made this long-term investment in partnership with the Commonwealth to drive that into the future,” said Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough CSC.

In the bottom photo, His Excellency Pontus Melander, Swedish Ambassador to Australia is seated third from the left. Jan Eldeblad, Swedish Defence Attaché to Australia is seated on the far left. 

“The Collaboration Centre will be a hub for Saab, our industry and research partners, and Defence, to develop and integrate combat system capabilities at speed to meet the ADF’s operational requirements.

“A core component of ongoing sovereign combat systems capability development is the AusCMS – Australia’s sovereign combat management system.”

The sovereign AusCMS enables the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to independently adapt their capabilities through the adoption of evolving and disruptive technologies to meet the continually changing and challenging operational context. AusCMS is a common capability across the RAN surface fleet and will form the Australian Interface for the combat system on the upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and Hunter-class frigates.

The opening of the SCSCC follows Saab’s recent expansion in Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. Saab employs more than 1,000 Australians delivering capabilities across the maritime, land, air, space, cyber and civil security domains.

Health experts call for faster access to medicines for Australians

AstraZeneca continues to advocate for earlier, faster and fairer access to medicines for Australian patients

Australian patients wait, on average, 466 days between a potentially life-changing medicine receiving approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and that medicine being reimbursed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

This length of time is significantly longer than the average time for the same process across all 20 OECD countries, which is 384 days. Australia’s average waiting period is months longer compared to Sweden, which ranks 8 out of 20 at 325 days. Other OECD countries such as Japan (102 days), Germany (136 days), Great Britain (156 days), also have faster listing times. For some, the wait is much longer. For example, a AstraZeneca cancer medicine was recently PBS listed 2,339 days after it was deemed safe and effective to use by the TGA, which was in August 2018.

To address the significant time delay that patients face in Australia, AstraZeneca is continuing to advocate for the government to introduce a bridging funding mechanism for medicines. Bridging funding could provide interim government funding to ‘bridge’ the gap between TGA registration and PBS reimbursement for medicines where there is a high unmet need and where patients cannot afford the time for the medicine to be listed on the PBS.

This would ensure patients could get faster access to treatment options, expected to provide improvement to their health outcomes over existing and often older therapies. This fund would help patients gain earlier access to medicines that may save or significantly extend their life.

In November 2024, the Bridging Funding Coalition – a group of 20 patient advocates, clinicians, medical researchers and pharmaceutical industry representatives (pictured) – launched a website and consensus statement across national media to call on the Government to ensure Australian patients get faster access to medicines by committing to establishing bridging funding for medicines.

Broad support for bridging funding continues to gain significant momentum among health, policy and patient experts. At the same time, there is growing urgency across the health sector to address the reform needed for patients in Australia’s health technology assessment system – the process by which medicines are valued and subsidised to Australians.

The Bridging Funding Coalition will continue advocating for bridging funding for medicines, while simultaneously developing a framework for bridging funding that could be accepted by the next government.

For more information or to learn more about the Bridging Funding Coalition, please contact:

Penny George, Director Corporate Affairs, AstraZeneca on penny.george@astrazeneca.com

Polestar 4 Wins Luxury Car of the Year Under $10,000

Sweden’s Polestar 4 crowned Drive’s Luxury Car of the Year under $100K, redefining premium driving through design, innovation, and sustainability

An exciting achievement for Sweden’s very own Polestar 4, which earlier this year became the first electric car to be crowned Drive Luxury Car of the Year under $100,000. 
The car won out against some of the best-selling luxury cars in Australia thanks to its innovative exterior design, Swedish-engineered performance chassis, and its spacious interior incorporating sustainable materials that don’t compromise on quality.
Drive.com.au judges said Polestar 4 “redefines what a luxury car can be”.
Polestar Australia Managing Director, Scott Maynard, says “Polestar 4 blends luxury, sustainability, and performance to create an experience that will make even the most conservative luxury buyers take notice.
“The fact it’s being celebrated not just among electric vehicles, but among some of the best-known, best-selling luxury cars in Australia reflects that.”
Polestar 4 has been a key driver for Polestar in Australia, which has seen deliveries grow by more than 10 per cent so far in 2025.
Stay tuned for more Polestar love in a big Car of the Year announcement that’s coming soon.

Berkeley Communications doubles down on establishing PR portfolio of Swedish thought leadership brands

Offers 10% discount on all PR & content services to SACC members on agreements signed before 30 July 2025

The best practice approach to business PR in Australia is changing fast and the brands that focus on quality brand storytelling over self-congratulatory PR puff, will be the 2025 winners.

The good news for Swedish companies and SACC members in Australia is that – despite the current AI topic dominance – there is appetite among Australian media audiences for fresh perspectives on innovation, sustainability and business thought leadership. All synonymous with brand Sweden.

Povel Torudd (top left), Berkley Communications running a storytelling workshop in Brisbane (top right), and Povel Torudd winning Business Professional of the Year at the 2024 SACC Business Awards

And this is why Berkeley Communications is offering 10% off all fee-based PR and content services to all SACC members before the end of July 2025.

“We often see opportunities for Swedish companies to share thought leadership in Australia about many of the business areas that we’re known to excel in globally. But there’s never been a PR agency in Australia that offers a single touchpoint for Australian journalists to reach multiple Swedish business thought leaders and it’s time to change that now”, said Povel Torudd, MD of Berkeley Communications.

“Being Swedish founded and Australian-staffed means we understand and can represent the Swedish mindset in Australia, on behalf of all our Swedish partner brands, with credibility and authority. Providing a short cut for journalists on deadline or looking for story inspiration.” he continued.

And short cuts are needed. Fewer traditional media titles and fewer journalists means more competition and higher demands on business PR programs to succeed. Recent data from ACMA shows the Australian journalist community has decreased by 19% in the past decade. Medianet’s 2025 journalist survey shows that 67% of all media releases are ignored due to lack of relevance or news value.

Which means that doubling down on quality business storytelling is the best way for brands to cut through and increase engagement with all audiences. And for that to happen, PR needs to be a strategic part of your brand content eco-system that amplifies every win.

Contact Povel Torudd directly on povel.torudd@berkeleypr.com or +61 405 205 918 to activate the 10% discount offer on all PR/content fees.

Berkeley Communications was a finalist in two of the SACC Business Award categories in 2024 and its Managing Director, Povel Torudd, won the Business Person of the Year award due to his commitment to evolving the business storytelling discipline in Australia.

Celebrating Innovation and Swedish-Australian Collaboration at the Grand Opening of the Axis Experience Center

Axis Communications opens new Sydney Experience Center

Axis Communications - Wikipedia

Last week, the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce was delighted to attend the official opening of the new Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Macquarie Park, Sydney – an area often referred to as the city’s “Silicon Valley” due to its concentration of cutting-edge tech companies.

The event brought together members of the Swedish business community, local government, and industry leaders to celebrate the launch of this state-of-the-art facility dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge network video and security solutions.

City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown, Regional Director for Oceania Wai King Wong and Deputy Swedish Ambassador Nils Hedberg Grimlund celebrate the Grand Opening

The ceremony featured speeches from Wai King Wong, Regional Director for Oceania at Axis Communications, who also took part in the ribbon-cutting alongside Mayor of Ryde Trenton Brown and Swedish Deputy Ambassador Nils Hedberg Grimlund.

Guests were treated to welcome drinks and canapés, all while exploring the new centre that underscores Axis’ commitment to technological leadership and sustainable development.

The event was a strong reflection of the ongoing collaboration between Sweden and Australia, particularly in advancing smart, secure, and connected environments.

“We are proud to open our Sydney Axis Experience Centre today and bring this world-class innovation space to one of Australia’s fastest growing technology hubs.  This centre reflects our ongoing investment in the region and our belief that innovation thrives when people come together to collaborate, test ideas, and explore what’s possible” said Wai King Wong.

SACC congratulates Axis Communications on this exciting milestone and looks forward to continuing to support and promote Swedish innovation in Australia.

Announcement: Global Business Climate Survey – Australia included for 2025!

Global Business Climate Survey – Australia included for 2025!

The Global Business Climate Survey, jointly conducted by Business Sweden, the Swedish Chambers of Commerce International (SCI), and Sweden’s embassies and consulates, provides valuable insights into the business environment for Swedish companies worldwide. Covering 24 markets across Europe, APAC, MEA, and the Americas, the survey examines market conditions, challenges, and opportunities for Swedish businesses operating abroad.

First launched in 2020, the survey captures the perspectives of Swedish business leaders across different industries. In 2024, more than 1,700 C-level executives participated, responding to 18 standardised questions about business conditions in their key markets. The collected data offers a comprehensive overview and insights into economic trends, business success factors, local conditions and sustainability efforts. Read the Global Business Climate Survey 2024 here.

Australia included in the Business Climate Survey 2025

For the first time, Australia is included in the Global Business Climate Survey, providing deeper insights into the local business climate for Swedish companies and allowing businesses to benchmark local conditions against international trends.

In collaboration with Team Sweden, the Business Climate Survey in Australia assesses the opportunities and challenges Swedish companies face in the region. It serves as a key tool for gathering insights into market conditions, business trends, and economic developments, helping companies navigate an evolving landscape.

Swedish company representatives in Australia have been sent details about the survey, including the survey link. By completing the survey and sharing insights, we will:

✔ Gain knowledge on how other Swedish firms perceive the Australian market
✔ Ensure that Team Sweden in Australia can support you in the best possible way
✔ Help position Sweden and Swedish companies globally

Your participation is crucial in shaping a clear picture of the Swedish business climate in Australia and beyond. We look forward to your contribution and to sharing valuable insights that will support our business community.

LINK TO THE SURVEY (12 minutes to complete): https://response.questback.com/businessswedenab/mfxerxkgdy

Please answer this survey no later than 24 February 2025, THANK YOU!

Survey Launch Event

A launch event is planned in Australia for June/July 2025, where key findings will be presented, market trends discussed, and industry experts will share their perspectives on the future outlook for Swedish businesses in Australia.

Stay tuned for further updates and contact us if you would like more information about the survey sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.

The Swedish Chambers APAC & ME: A Platform for Collaboration and Opportunities

The Swedish Chambers APAC & ME: A Platform for Collaboration and Opportunities

The Swedish Chambers of Commerce across the Asia-Pacific & Middle East (APAC & ME) region exemplify the power of collaboration. Meeting monthly, the Chambers foster innovation, share expertise and explore joint initiatives to provide extended value and enhanced networking opportunities for Chamber members across APAC.

Member Benefits

The Swedish Chambers APAC & ME network offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Extended and diverse networks: Diverse networking opportunities build meaningful connections across industries and countries in APAC & ME. Connect with professionals and businesses across APAC & ME and globally.
  • Cross-Chamber events: Opportunity to take part in joint initiatives, such as the virtual CEO Talk Series* and to attend local APAC & ME Chamber events at member rates when visiting other APAC & ME countries.
  • Expertise exchange: Gain insights and knowledge from industry leaders and peers in a collaborative environment. Access a platform for collaborations and exchanges that support business growth.
  • Introductions and referrals: The network connects members with tailored introductions and trusted referrals, opening doors to meaningful collaboration and new opportunities across the region.

These benefits empower members to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected market.

*CEO Talk Series – these virtual events provide a platform for industry leaders to share insights and engage with a diverse audience across the region.

A Global Connection

The Swedish Chambers APAC & ME are part of Swedish Chambers International (SCI), a global network of about 45 Chambers worldwide, headquartered in Stockholm. This affiliation provides APAC & ME members with access to international connections and further cross-border collaboration opportunities, extending the reach beyond the region.

Future Focused Collaboration

The Swedish Chambers APAC & ME continue to explore ways to add value for their members, combining regional expertise with global reach. This collaboration reflects the innovative spirit of Swedish businesses and their commitment to knowledge exchange, growth, and sustainability. For members, this collaboration offers enhanced business opportunities and a supportive international community, setting a benchmark for how regional and global networks can create lasting value.

Contact Us

Discover how you can benefit from the Swedish Chambers APAC & ME collaboration by reaching out to your local Chamber:

For more information on the Swedish Chambers APAC and ME please contact sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.

SWEDELINK NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2024-2025

HEJ! 

The summer edition of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) newsletter is here! Packed with exciting updates, event highlights and member news.

We thank you for your continued support and participation in the SACC and hope you enjoy reading this edition SWEDELINK!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=32

Announcement: The Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit Returns in 2025!

We are pleased to announce that the Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit is set to take place 18-19 September 2025 in Melbourne, providing a platform to explore Swedish-Australian collaboration in innovation, technology and design.

In collaboration with universities, industry and Team Sweden partners, including the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden the SACC Innovation Summit serves as an important platform to:

  • Showcase Swedish-Australian innovation, technology and design together with partner companies.
  • Present successful cooperation, knowledge exchange and creative business development between our two nations.
  • Foster long-term partnerships between industry and academia while inspiring new initiatives in sustainability, digitalisation, AI and emerging technologies.

A key focus of the Innovation Summit is university collaboration, which plays a crucial role in bridging academic research and industry application. For the 2025 Innovation Summit the SACC is in discussions with the University of Melbourne as a main partner, with plans to engage other Melbourne based universities. Collaboration with universities ensure access to cutting-edge research, support knowledge exchange and nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders. By strengthening ties between academia, industry and government, we can collectively address sustainability challenges while driving impactful, research-backed solutions.

Building on the success of the 2022 Swedish Australian Innovation Technology and Design Summit held at the University of Technology Sydney, the 2025 event offers exciting opportunities for universities, companies and organisations to showcase their innovation highlights, engage with students and business leaders and lead thought-provoking discussions to inspire collaboration.

Mark your calendar: 18-19 September 2025, Melbourne and stay tuned for more information, including registration details, speaker announcements and event highlights. 

Please find details about the 2022 Innovation Summit here.

Contact the SACC for further information here sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.