Sada-e-Watan Sydney
sadaewatan@gmail.com
Dr Frank
Alafaci PhD (ABSC Inc. President)
ABSC Inc.
Hosts Annual Gala Dinner and Launches EKONOMOS Issue 7, 2026
(Sada-e-Watan Sydney News) The Australian Business Summit
Council Inc. (ABSC Inc.) hosted its Annual Gala Dinner and the Official Launch
of EKONOMOS Issue 7 at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, Drummoyne, New South Wales
on 29th May 2026 with an impressive gathering of almost 300
diplomatic representatives, business leaders and community stakeholders from
across Australia and around the world.
This distinguished event attracted ambassadors, High
commissioners, deputy High commissioners, chargés d’affaires, consuls-general,
diplomats, business leaders, academics, bankers, legal practitioners,
government representatives, community leaders and members of the media,
highlighting the ABSC Inc.’s growing role as a platform for international
engagement, economic cooperation and cross-cultural collaboration, while
celebrating diplomacy, trade, investment, entrepreneurship and
multiculturalism.
Mr
John Gatfield OAM
Masterfully hosted by the eminent Master of Ceremonies Mr John Gatfield OAM, the evening commenced
with the arrival of VIPs and ordinary guests in an atmosphere of warmth,
professionalism and international goodwill to celebrate another significant
milestone in the growth of the ABSC Inc. at the magnificent five-star venue
overlooking the picturesque Parramatta River waterfront against the inimitable
backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
In welcoming the
attendees, Mr Gatfield acknowledged the remarkable diplomatic presence that had
assembled for the event. Ambassadors representing Indonesia, Egypt, Türkiye,
Colombia, Romania, Angola, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and
Kosovo were in attendance, together with High Commissioners from Pakistan, Sri
Lanka, Ghana, Botswana and Mauritius. Also present were Deputy High
Commissioners from Kenya and Uganda, Chargés d’Affaires from Ethiopia and
Sudan, and Consuls-General representing China, Russia, Japan, the Republic of
Korea, Vietnam, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Poland, the Netherlands, Uruguay
and Vanuatu. Additional diplomatic representatives attended from the United
States of America, France, Greece, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Hungary, the
Slovak Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their collective presence
demonstrated the growing reputation of the ABSC Inc. as an important platform
for international engagement and cooperation.
ABSC Inc. President, Dr Frank Alafaci
Initially, the audience was invited to hear from the ABSC
Inc. President, Dr Frank Alafaci PhD,
who reflected on the extraordinary growth of both the Council and EKONOMOS,
emphasising that the magazine was conceived as far more than a business
magazine but as an intellectual platform through which ambassadors, diplomats,
business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and policymakers could contribute
meaningful insights on trade, investment, innovation, leadership and
international cooperation.
Dr Alafaci noted that economic diplomacy has become one
of the defining forces shaping international relations in the twenty-first
century. Trade and investment, he observed, are no longer simply commercial
activities, but powerful instruments for building partnerships, encouraging
innovation, strengthening stability and fostering long-term cooperation between
nations. He explained that EKONOMOS was established to contribute to these
important conversations by providing a forum where diverse perspectives could
be shared and examined.
The President emphasised the significance of the seventh
issue of EKONOMOS, which features contributions from twenty-seven distinguished
authors in addition to his own contribution. These contributors represent an
impressive range of countries, industries and professional disciplines whose
articles examined topics including global trade and investment trends, economic
diplomacy, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, sustainability,
leadership, governance, education and international engagement, contributing to
a publication that continues to grow in stature, influence and international
relevance.
Mr
Taylor Nugent (Senior Economist, NAB)
A major highlight of the evening was the keynote address
delivered by Mr Taylor Nugent, Senior
Economist with the National Australia Bank. Widely regarded as one of
Australia’s leading young economic commentators, Mr Nugent provided guests with
an insightful analysis of the economic conditions shaping Australia and the
global economy.
Drawing upon his extensive research and professional
experience, Mr Nugent examined inflationary pressures, business confidence,
labour market trends, consumer activity, trade dynamics and broader
macroeconomic developments. His presentation offered valuable perspectives on
the challenges and opportunities confronting businesses in an increasingly
complex and uncertain global environment, generating considerable interest and
discussion throughout the remainder of the evening.
Mr Simon Kim
(Tenor, Opera Australia
Adding a rich cultural dimension to the evening were two
outstanding performances by internationally acclaimed tenor Mr Simon Kim. Born in South Korea and trained
in both his native land and Europe, Mr Kim has enjoyed a distinguished
international career and has performed leading roles with Opera Australia and
major opera companies around the world.
His performances captivated the attendees with a
selection of magnificent Italian operatic works and traditional repertoire,
delivered with exceptional vocal power, artistry and emotion, serving as a
reminder of the important role that culture and the arts play in fostering
understanding and connection between people from different backgrounds and
ethnicities.
One of the most significant moments of the evening
occurred when Dr Alafaci formally launched the seventh issue of EKONOMOS which
represents the ABSC Inc.’s continuing commitment to promoting informed
discussion and strategic thinking on matters relating to business, trade,
investment, diplomacy and international cooperation.
Issue 7 is arguably the most internationally diverse
edition of the magazine published to date as its article contributors include
ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomatic representatives, business
executives, academics, entrepreneurs, consultants and thought leaders from
around the globe. Collectively, their articles provide valuable insights into
contemporary economic and geopolitical issue, whilst highlighting opportunities
for future cooperation and growth.
The official launch was followed by the EKONOMOS
Contributors Recognition Ceremony where hard copies of the magazine and
commemorative crystal plaques were presented to the article contributors and
their representatives in recognition of their valued support and participation,
ranging from Angola, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Uganda, Malaysia, Sri Lanka,
Ethiopia, and Botswana to the Netherlands, together with an outstanding group
of business leaders, academics and professionals who had contributed articles
to the publication.
Moreover, the evening continued with the
EKONOMOS Sponsors Recognition Ceremony, during which the ABSC Inc. formally
acknowledged the organisations whose generous support made both the publication
and the Annual Gala Dinner possible, with special recognition given to Alliance
Project Group, Arab Bank Australia Limited, EZGrants,
Symphonic Management Consulting, Serenade Leather, Blue River Wines, DRS ABCD
First Aid Training and TradeWindow whose
representatives were also invited to the stage to receive hard copies of the
magazine and commemorative crystal plaques in appreciation of their financial
contribution and support.
In acknowledging the sponsors, Dr Alafaci noted that
sponsorship represents far more than financial assistance. Rather, it reflects
confidence in the ABSC inc.’s mission and a shared commitment to promoting
international engagement, dialogue, collaboration and partnership between
business, government, academia, diplomacy and the wider community.
Following the awards presentations, the EKONOMOS article
contributors, sponsors, diplomats and dignitaries gathered on stage for the
official commemorative photograph, creating a lasting record of an evening that
celebrated diplomacy, business excellence and international cooperation.
The formal proceedings concluded with closing remarks
from Mr John Gatfield OAM who reflected upon the success of the evening,
observing that the event had been far more than an Annual Gala Dinner. It had
been a celebration of international friendship, multiculturalism, diplomacy,
business collaboration and the enduring importance of dialogue between peoples
and countries.
Mr Gatfield thanked Dr Frank Alafaci, Councillor Sylvia Alafaci, the ABSC Inc.
Board of Directors, committee members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters
whose dedication had made the event possible, as well as the many diplomatic
representatives who had honoured the Council with their presence and encouraged
the attendees to continue the conversations and relationships initiated
throughout the evening.
As guests departed Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, there was
a strong sense that the 2026 ABSC Inc. Annual Gala Dinner and Official Launch
of EKONOMOS Issue 7 had been one of the most successful events in the Council’s
history. The exceptional diplomatic representation, the high calibre of
speakers, the outstanding musical performances, and the recognition of
contributors and sponsors all combined to create an evening of distinction and
significance.
Most
importantly, the event reinforced the ABSC Inc.’s central belief that
meaningful relationships, constructive dialogue and international cooperation
remain essential foundations for economic prosperity, peace and mutual
understanding in an increasingly interconnected world, celebrating not only the
successful launch of EKONOMOS Issue 7 but also strengthening the many
friendships, partnerships and professional relationships that will continue to
advance international engagement and cooperation in the years ahead.
