Brisbane’s best multicultural entrepreneurs have been crowned at The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards.
The Awards’ three categories attracted almost 40 nominees from 15 different cultural backgrounds.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the event highlights the success stories of diverse business leaders across the city and the suburbs.
“Brisbane is a culturally diverse city with more than one third of our residents having been born overseas,” he said.
“Our multicultural business community continues to contribute to our evolving city, with thousands of businesses setting up shop across the city every year.
“The three winners from this year’s event have shown persistence, tenacity and innovation in their various fields, resulting in great success both locally and nationally.”
Mr Alen ChiKong Ho and Mrs Irene Swee Han Ho of Chilik Agencies received the award for the Multicultural Business Person of the Year.
The Lord Mayor said Mr and Mrs Ho have shown the power of perseverance throughout 35 years of operating their business in Brisbane.
“They have gone from running a small bean sprout growing venture in a rented house in Fortitude Valley, to seeing Chilik Agencies become one of the most trusted providers of fresh food to outlets and supermarkets across Australia,” he said.
Ms Mengting (Nike) Zhao of PEER Consulting Engineers was awarded for the Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year.
Mr Kyung tae (Tenny) Kim of Littles Lawyers was announced as the Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said proceeds from the event will go towards the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program.
“Since launching the program in 2008, more than 600 scholarships have been awarded to keep this stream of multicultural talent flowing in Brisbane,” he said.
“The program provides aspiring business leaders with training and further education to expand their business capabilities and continue the legacy of a strong multicultural business sector in Brisbane.”
