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
On November 21, the SACC Swedish Business in Australia Awards took the spotlight, uniting the Swedish-Australian business community in a prestigious celebration of excellence. The event recognised organisations that have shown exceptional commitment to advancing sustainability, driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, initiating and strengthening partnerships and collaboration, creating a meaningful social impact and recognising the achievements of individual business professionals.
This annual gathering highlighted the achievements of businesses that continue to set new benchmarks in their respective fields, embodying the core values of Swedish-Australian collaboration. The Swedish Christmas inspired event, co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, took place at the prestigious Heritage Ballroom at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, offering an elegant and festive atmosphere for the evening’s proceedings.
The event commenced with a beautiful Lucia performance by the Swedish School in Sydney. Attendees were then welcomed by Jan Gardberg, President of SACC, followed by the Guest of Honour speech by HE Pontus Melander, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. A highlight of the evening was the Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, with an array of delicacies, providing a true Jultomten journey through the Swedish Christmas traditions.
The event showcased the finalists and winners of the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. Celebrating the achievements of inspirational companies both newcomers and well stablished businesses showcasing successful collaborations between Sweden and Australia. Organisations and professionals were recognised for their significant contributions to shaping the business landscape and setting new standards of excellence.
The 2024 SACC Swedish Business Awards were presented in the following categories:
We invited companies, enterprises, business executives, young professionals and entrepreneurs with strong ties to Sweden to submit nominations. Additionally, organisations and individuals were encouraged to nominate specific projects, such as sustainability focused projects, products or services, innovative campaigns, or impactful initiatives.
The judging panel, comprised of esteemed industry experts and leaders, carefully reviewed each nomination to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process. The impressive range of submissions made the selection process particularly challenging for the judges. After a detailed and careful screening of all nominations, the winners were determined and announced at the event. Each category reflected the outstanding accomplishments and dedication of individuals and organisations committed to driving excellence in their respective fields. The final results celebrated not only the winners but also the remarkable contributions of all nominees, showcasing the strength of Swedish-Australian business ties.
The 2024 results within the seven categories were announced at the awards event as follows.
This award was 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 2024 was granted to Amokabel with Hitachi Energy and Piab Group as runner ups.
Motivation: Amokabel, with innovative Swedish engineering tailored to the Australian Government’s demands and unique environment, developed a Covered Conductor Solution to eliminate the risk of power line-initiated bushfires and significantly enhance network resilience. By refurbishing existing infrastructure, it embraces circularity, supports local manufacturing, and drives Australia’s renewable energy transition, aligning with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
This innovation saves lives, reduces bushfire emissions, and delivers safe, affordable power to communities. Designed for Australia’s unique challenges, it strengthens the reliability of the electricity network and addresses climate risks, making Amokabel a deserving candidate for this award.
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. With many Swedish organisations excelling in this field, selecting a winner in this category was challenging for the jury, given the exceptional calibre of the finalists: ABB, Arjo, and Flick Anticimex.
The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2024 went to Arjo.
Motivation: Leading the way in reducing healthcare waste and advancing sustainability, Arjo operates Australia’s first TGA-certified, ISO-accredited facility for reprocessing single-use non invasive medical devices, addressing the sector’s annual 168,000 tonnes of waste. Arjo’s chemical-free pasteurisation technology enables safe reuse of medical products, reducing landfill waste without added costs for hospitals. With biodegradable materials, recycled packaging, and optimised transport, Arjo demonstrates a holistic commitment to sustainability. Recognising Arjo with this award highlights its innovation and inspires broader adoption of sustainable practices in Australia’s healthcare industry.
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. There were three shortlisted companies within this category AstraZeneca, Berkeley Communications and Nordman Design.
The 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by AstraZeneca.
Motivation: AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca ANZ, through its A.Catalyst Innovation Hub and BRIDGE Program, empowers Australian healthcare startups by connecting them with over 350 global experts and fostering collaboration with universities and institutions. Supporting over 30 startups in diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health, and training 200 biotech entrepreneurs through the BRIDGE Program, AstraZeneca drives innovation, economic growth, and job creation.
With its Swedish heritage and commitment to cross-border collaboration, AstraZeneca strengthens ties between Sweden and Australia, making it a deserving recipient of the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.
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 the Partnership and Collaboration Award went to Ericsson.
Motivation: Ericsson in partnership with Telstra delivered a transformative telecommunications upgrade to King Island, featuring the world’s longest over-water microwave link. Using Ericsson’s MINI-LINK technology, the project increased network capacity and availability tenfold, significantly enhancing connectivity for residents, businesses, and educational institutions on the island.
This achievement showcases the power of cross-continental collaboration between Swedish and Australian engineers, demonstrating innovative problem-solving in harsh environments. The project aligns with government initiatives to enhance regional connectivity, highlighting Ericsson’s commitment to leveraging technology for good and advancing sustainable development in Australia.
This award 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 granted to IKEA Australia.
Motivation: IKEA’s commitment to refugee and asylum seeker employment through its Australian Refugee Workforce Inclusion program represents a meaningful and sustainable model of social impact.
The initiative benefits not only the participants, who gain financial independence and a sense of social belonging but also IKEA’s business. It has helped reduce staff turnover, improve workplace diversity, and create a new talent pipeline across various roles. Furthermore, IKEA’s initiative aims to reshape the narrative around refugees through advocacy and positive storytelling. This initiative stands as a beacon of social impact, demonstrating the powerful intersection between ethical responsibility and business success.
Business Professional of the Year Award
This award honours individuals who embody exceptional business acumen, strategic foresight, and inspiring leadership. It celebrates executives or entrepreneurs who have achieved significant success in their careers, whether within an organisation or through running their own business.
These professionals exemplify the core values of SACC, serving as role models for the next generation with their dedication to innovation, transformation, and sustainable progress.
The winner of the Business Professional of the Year Award went to Povel Torudd, Managing Director, Berkeley Communications
Motivation: Through transformative leadership, Povel has revolutionised business storytelling in Australia. Under his guidance, Berkeley Communications has rapidly emerged as a key player in the competitive PR industry, championing an innovative approach that prioritizes engagement and quality over visibility.
Beyond his professional success, Povel’s mentoring, pro bono work, and support for local start-ups highlight his dedication to nurturing future communicators. His commitment to diversity, mental health, and employee well-being reflects a forward-thinking approach, making a profound impact on both grassroots and professional communities.
His unique blend of strategic vision and passion sets him apart, making him truly deserving of this award.
Young Professional of the Year Award
Recognising the tremendous talent in the young professional business community, this award honours up and coming leaders (up to 35 years) who impress with their ability to make an impact, build strategic success and inspire others with their business acumen to raise the Swedish profile in Australia.
The winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award went to Joshua Di Paola, Solutions Architect, Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure
Motivation: Joshua’s outstanding contributions to Hexagon highlight his professionalism, innovation, and resilience in high stakes environments. His ability to bridge technical and non technical stakeholders and adapt to challenging circumstances has delivered critical solutions for life and death organisations like police, ambulance and firefighters.
A dedicated team player, Josh’s commitment to understanding client needs and delivering effective solutions has yielded exceptional results. His hunger to learn and success in implementing Swedish technology to enhance safety for Australians make him highly deserving of this award.
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce would like to thank members and everyone engaged in the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards.
A special thank you goes to the dedicated judging panel and all the companies who participated in the awards.
Download the Summary of the Swedish Business Award Winners 2024 here.
For more information please contact:
A Night to Remember: Swedish Business in Australia Awards & Christmas Dinner 2024 at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
On November 21, the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce and co-host Embassy of Sweden in Canberra celebrated the 2024 Swedish Business in Australia Awards and Christmas Dinner.
The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and the Swedish-Australian business community to honour excellence, foster connections, and reflect on a year of remarkable achievements.
Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere filled with a beautiful Lucia performance by the Swedish School in Sydney, a keynote by HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia and a Swedish “Julbord” including all traditional Swedish Christmas delicacies. A perfect start to the holiday season!
This event highlighted the power of partnership, innovation, and shared goals. It was a reminder of how the Swedish-Australian business community continues to thrive and contribute with a positive impact here in Australia.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us, thank you to our sponsors Gold: ABB, Hitachi Energy Silver: Hexagon AB Bronze: AstraZeneca, Tetra Pak, Treotham Automation Pty Ltd and all those who made the evening a success. Here’s to another year of excellence and collaboration!
Click on link or images below to see the presentation of sponsors and images from the event: 2024 SACC AWARDS AND CHRISTMAS DINNER IMAGES AND SPONSORS
Warm Regards,
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
SwedishBusinessAwards Sustainability Innovation Entrepreneurship SwedishAustralianPartnership SACCevents TeamSwedenAus
We are excited to present the latest edition of the SACC newsletter with exciting updates from the Chamber of Commerce and our members.
We thank you for your continued support and participation in the SACC and hope you enjoy reading this edition SWEDELINK!
Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=30
We are excited to present the latest edition of the SACC newsletter with exciting updates from the Chamber of Commerce and our members.
We thank you for your continued support and participation in the SACC and hope you enjoy reading this edition SWEDELINK!
Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=29
We are thrilled to present the latest edition of the SACC newsletter, packed with exciting updates, insights, and highlights from the Chamber of Commerce and our esteemed members. We had a busy first quarter of 2024, marked by a series of engaging events hosted across all SACC chapters. From informative online events incl. CEO talk to in-person workshops and networking events.
We thank you for your continued support and participation in the SACC and hope you enjoy reading this edition SWEDELINK!
Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=28
WW vessel, the Swedish Flagged M/V FIDELIO alongside at WW’s MIRRAT Terminal in Melbourne
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is the global leader in integrated vehicle transportation and logistics, supporting our customers across their supply chain, all the way from the factory to the end-consumer. Our ambition is to lead the way in transforming shipping and logistics. With 9,500+ employees and 81 nationalities working in 28 different countries, we aim to consistently be the customers’ preferred integrated logistics partner. Together, we are building resilient, connected, data-driven, decarbonized solutions fit for the future.
Benefiting from over 160 years of heritage and history (with more than 125 years of history in Australia), Wallenius Wilhelmsen includes several brands, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions, EUKOR, ARC, Armacup and Keen, and today has operations in three key segments: Shipping services, Logistics services and Government services. Our head office is located in Oslo, Norway. The company was initially created in 1999 as a result of the merger between Sweden’s Wallenius Lines and Norway’s Wilhelmsen Lines which created Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. In 2017 this became WalleniusWilhelmsen ASA and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. We provide a comprehensive land-based logistics network through eight terminals, 11 inland distribution networks and more than 66 service and processing centres located around the world. In addition, we work in-house at many manufacturers’ plants preparing vehicles for the end consumers. At sea, we have more than 125 vessels on 15 trade routes, serving six continents. The RoRo vessels in our fleet typically have a higher-than-average number of hoistable decks and a stronger ramp capacity than our rivals. This provides enhanced flexibility allowing us to carry multiplex cargo answering the needs of a variety of customers. By fleet size, we are the world’s largest operator of pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs).2023 was a very strong year for Wallenius Wilhelmsen. Capacity constraints in the car carrier markets have led to solid earnings for the shipping services segment and we have consistently renewed multi-year contracts at rates reflecting the current market. Contract renewals have focused on integrating offerings across ocean and land-based services, combined with decarbonization initiatives such as the use of biofuel. Furthermore, we have seen very solid growth and margin improvements in the logistics and government segments.
The Oceania inbound Trade is one of the key global trade lanes for WW. Historically this trade has relied on imports from the Americas and Europe, however as sourcing points continue to shift, North Asia, driven by the increase in exports from China, is fast emerging as a key sourcing region for our region. Here we see a growing number of European and American Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) shift their production to China, and most importantly we see China’s rise to now be the largest exporter of electric vehicles worldwide.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is well positioned to satisfy the growing demand in this trade, offering integrated logistics solutions in both China and Australia, and shipping services through its group company ARMACUP.
Through our land-based and shipping services activities, Wallenius Wilhelmsen provides services to several major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) from Sweden, ranging from automobile manufacturers to mining and construction plant equipment manufacturers.
WW’s Equipment Processing Centre located in Laverton, Victoria. One of 5 EPC’s around the country.
Contact details:
Matthew Jackson, Senior Manager, Mining, Construction and Break Bulk Oceania, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean
What an eventful year we had with the SACC!
In this final edition of the SWEDELINK Newsletter for 2023 we summarise the year, present the winners of the Swedish Business in Australia Awards and images from the festive Swedish Christmas Dinner on 23 November in Sydney. We also highlight New SACC Company Members and our Chapter events and activities across Australia.
Thank you to all members, board and committee members, chapters, fellow chambers, friends and partners within the business community.
We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the New Year!
Read the newsletter with links here or click on image below: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/?na=view&id=27
Clearitt is game-changing Fintech. Founded upon the principles of fairness and integrity. We exist to evolve and level the playing field of business finance, and channel power back to SMEs. Bringing clarity and ease to payment processing, helping to free up time, cash flow and capital. Removing barriers so businesses can focus on what they do best.
See the introduction in pdf format here: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Introduction-of-Clearitt.pdf
Contact details:
Richard Johnsson, Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Email: richard@clearitt.com
Andreas Grosund, Chief Operating Officer
Email: andreas@clearitt.com
Web: clearitt.com
Mentimeter is an audience engagement platform (AEP) that makes it easier to listen and to be heard by transforming passive audiences into active contributors. Mentimeter is fundamentally changing the culture of presentations, lectures, and workshops in business and education from talking to listening. Whether on-site, remote, or hybrid, Mentimeter creates a unique, transparent, and engaging experience for everyone.
Since launching in 2012, Mentimeter has grown from a group of four founders to a 250+ person company with two offices on two different continents. In this time, more than 280 million people have gathered opinions, questions, and thoughts through our platform. The platform is used by 95% of Fortune 500 companies.
Mentimeter was founded with the ambition to fundamentally change corporate and education culture from talking to listening. By engaging every voice in the room, Mentimeter allows organizations to harness their full potential, enabling informed decision-making. Whether in-person or remote, Mentimeter helps to transform passive audiences into active contributors through engagement tools, including polls, comments or reactions, to boost inclusivity, productivity and engagement to help organizations achieve optimal business and learning outcomes. In just two years, Mentimeter has seen 178% sales growth with a more than 400% increase in enterprise customers.
Mentimeter changes traditional linear communication to engaging interaction with tools developed for the three different stages of a presentation and meeting, namely prepare, engage, and follow up. According to Mentimeter’s new study on meeting participation and engagement, people want more ways to engage. In fact, 71% of meeting participants want anonymous ways to engage in meetings; a core value proposition of Mentimeter.
Contact details:
Ashleigh McFarland, Director APAC
Email: ashleigh.mcfarland@mentimeter.com
