Highlights
ACBC WA initiates 2025 Honorary Awards to honour service in Australia-China relations
Three award categories reflect contributions across diplomacy, business, and entrepreneurship
Open to both members and non-members to foster broader collaboration in the WA-China corridor
The Australia China Business Council (ACBC) Western Australia branch has commenced the nomination process for its 2025 Honorary Awards Program. This initiative focuses on recognising individuals who have demonstrated commitment to the enhancement of the Western Australia-China relationship, which aligns with key interests represented in the ASX 200 index, particularly companies operating in resources, trade, and international cooperation.
Three distinct award categories form the structure of the program, each reflecting diverse contributions to business and diplomatic efforts between Western Australia and China. This recognition aligns with ongoing engagements within sectors linked to the ASX 200, including mining, energy, agriculture, and education—sectors represented by companies such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX:BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO), and Fortescue Ltd (ASX:FMG), which maintain significant export relationships with China.
Award Category One: Advancing the WA-China Relationship
The first category, titled ‘Outstanding and Sustained Service to the Western Australia-China Relationship,’ is designed to honour individuals who have played an instrumental role in fostering this international partnership. This category is open to both members and non-members of ACBC WA, ensuring that those outside the council but with substantial contributions can be recognised. Engagements that support this category often intersect with export industries and academic cooperation, areas that have been critical for growth and collaboration between the two regions.
Award Category Two: Contributing to ACBC WA’s Mission
The second focus area recognises ‘Outstanding and Sustained Service to ACBC WA.’ This award highlights the efforts of individuals residing in Western Australia who have been active members of the ACBC. The recognition is directed at those who have significantly advanced the objectives of the council, particularly in policy advocacy, event coordination, and network building within business communities. Notable ACBC members have long facilitated corporate diplomacy that supports bilateral trade structures and creates value for industries represented in domestic equity indices.
Award Category Three: WA-China Entrepreneur Award
Entrepreneurial contributions are acknowledged under the third category, known as ‘The WA-China Entrepreneur Award.’ This recognition is aimed at individuals whose business and leadership activities have directly reinforced business relations between Western Australia and China. Entrepreneurial activity in this domain may include innovations in clean energy, digital platforms, food exports, and cross-border logistics—fields closely associated with the operational scope of listed companies such as Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX:TWE) and A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M), which derive significant business activity from Chinese markets.
Open Nominations Encouraging Broader Participation
The nomination process encourages inclusive participation and is open to individuals regardless of their formal membership status with ACBC WA, with the exception of the second category, which is exclusive to current or retired ACBC members residing in the state. The broad scope of eligibility is expected to enhance engagement from various segments of the business, diplomatic, and academic communities.
Nominations will be assessed by ACBC WA based on criteria of sustained service, impact, and alignment with the council’s mission. The recognition serves not only as an accolade for individuals but also as a symbolic reinforcement of the importance of ongoing collaboration between Western Australia and China.
The awards contribute to strengthening ties across industry and community sectors, ultimately reinforcing international trade connections supported by companies in the ASX 200. As Western Australia continues to position itself as a critical partner in Asia-Pacific economic strategies, initiatives such as the ACBC WA Honorary Awards play a vital role in honouring those who shape and sustain these connections.