Multicultural Business Forum celebrates diverse and dynamic achievements

A significant business forum has recognised the outstanding contribution of multicultural businesses and business people to Victoria’s economic success.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Multicultural Business Forum, held in Melbourne on 4 August and led by VMC Commissioner Bill Papastergiadis OAM, celebrated the diverse and vital contributions of small and medium-sized Victorian multicultural businesses.

Held in partnership with the City of Melbourne, and proudly sponsored by Bank of Sydney, the Multicultural Business Forum featured leading voices in business and government, key business insights, and enthusiastic recognition for diverse business owners and entrepreneurs.

The forum included speeches from: Minister for Small Business and Employment, Natalie Suleyman; VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen; Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece; Nick Richardson, CEO, Melbourne Press Club and Bank of Sydney CEO, Melos Sulicich.

A panel – featuring Bank of Sydney CEO, Melos Sulicich; Multicultural Ministerial Business Council of Victoria Chair, Bihong Wang; and Executive Leader, Nithya Gopu Solomon – discussed the social and economic contribution of multicultural businesses, including their role in promoting local growth opportunities and innovative practices in a global economy.

Multicultural businesses are vital for economic prosperity. As employment plays a significant role in developing a sense of belonging, purpose and identify for migrants and refugees, multicultural businesses also safeguard community harmony and social cohesion in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Commissioner Bill Papastergiadis OAM, VMC Commissioner

“The Multicultural Business Forum brought together diverse business leaders to build deeper connections and learn about opportunities for innovative collaboration.”

“Victoria’s diverse multicultural businesses not only contribute to our economic prosperity, they are also bridges between communities, fostering understanding, respect and harmony.”

Quotes attributable to VMC Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM

"The Victorian Multicultural Commission is proud to support events like the Multicultural Business Forum, which foster critical and vibrant connections and community harmony. "

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece

"The City of Melbourne is pleased to support the Multicultural Business Forum and the role it plays in strengthening economic and cultural bonds."

Quotes attributable to Bank of Sydney CEO, Melos Sulicich

“As employment plays a significant role in developing a sense of belonging, purpose and identify for migrants and refugees, multicultural businesses safeguard community harmony and social cohesion in Victoria.”