Sada-e-Watan Sydney
sadaewatan@gmail.com
Dr. Frank
Alafaci, President of ABSC Inc
Connect & Cheers: An Evening of
Business and Diplomacy at The Langham, Sydney
Sydney, NSW (Sada-e-Watan news desk)— The Australian Business Summit Council
Inc. (ABSC Inc.) hosted its much-anticipated “Connect & Cheers. An Evening
of Business and Diplomacy” at The Langham Hotel on 7th August 2025, bringing
together over 100 distinguished guests from the worlds of government, business,
and community leadership. The gathering was an elegant fusion of cultural
exchange, international networking, and economic diplomacy, set against the
backdrop of one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues.
The evening was
presided over by Dr. Frank Alafaci, President of
ABSC Inc., who welcomed the diverse assembly with warmth and
humour, describing the occasion as “the most productive excuse to enjoy a
cocktail this side of Sydney Harbour.”
Dr. Alafaci
highlighted the event’s purpose: to create a more informal yet purposeful space
for members of the diplomatic and professional communities to connect
meaningfully.
The guest list
was a testament to the night’s multicultural significance, with attendees
including ambassadors, senior diplomats, trade officials, and business leaders
from across the globe.
Among
the many VIPs acknowledged were: His Excellency Mr. Ali Saad M.H. Al-Hajri,
Ambassador of the State of Qatar; Mr. Saston Machigere, Deputy Ambassador,
Embassy of Zimbabwe; Mr. Milan Vagner, Minister/Counsellor, Embassy of the
Czech Republic and Dr. Alejandro Rivera Becerra, Counsellor for Economic
Affairs, Embassy of Mexico.
Consuls
General from countries including the Russian Federation, Italy, Romania,
Thailand, and New Zealand also attended, as well as Deputy Consuls General from
China, Thailand, and Egypt.
Officials
from the United States, France, Argentina, Greece, Malaysia, Turkey, Botswana,
Qatar and South Korea brought further international depth to the event.
Honorary
Consuls from Uganda, Nepal, and El Salvador were also in attendance, along with
local government leaders Councillor Sylvia Alafaci and Councillor Mas Meuross
from the City of Canada Bay.
Mr. Michael
Azzi, President of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, was among the notable
business figures present, his attendance underscoring the strong links between
Sydney’s multicultural business community and the global diplomatic network.
Other
distinguished guests included: Dr. Joseph Rizk AM, CEO/Managing Director, Arab
Bank Australia Ltd; Mr. Michael Rizk OAM, Head of Trade Relations, Australian
Lebanese Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Richard Yuan, Chairman, Australia China
Entrepreneurs Club; Mr. John Jiang, President, Australian Dongbei Chinese
Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Patricia Jenkings, President, United Nations
Association of Australia (NSW Division).
In his address,
Dr. Alafaci spoke of the vision behind the event — one that emerged from
conversations with diplomats and professionals who saw the need for more
accessible, relationship-driven gatherings.
“Consuls
General often receive formal invitations and headlines,” he said, “but it is
the wider diplomatic and professional community that deserves more
opportunities to engage informally — thoughtfully, purposefully, and without
the weight of protocol.”
The evening was
designed as more than a reception; it was, as Dr. Alafaci called it, “a gentle
diplomatic revolution” — one where soft jazz, fine canapés, and open
conversations laid the groundwork for future collaborations.
Dr Frank Alafaci & Councillor Sylvia Alafaci (City of Canada
Bay)
Dr. Alafaci
also took the opportunity to outline ABSC Inc.’s mission. As Australia’s
premier multisector international trade council, ABSC Inc. connects businesses,
diplomats, policymakers, investors, and thought leaders, from expos to
boardrooms, forums to ballrooms. The council also publishes EKONOMOS, an
international business affairs magazine featuring contributions from
ambassadors, global executives, and innovators. He expressed gratitude to the
business guests who purchased tickets to attend, recognising their commitment
to strengthening ties between diplomacy and commerce.
The Langham’s
refined atmosphere provided the perfect stage for a night that was equal parts
professional networking and cultural celebration. Attendees were encouraged to
step outside familiar circles, strike up new conversations, and explore
opportunities for collaboration.
The event’s
format allowed for both high-level discussions and personal exchanges,
reinforcing the value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital
world. For many, the evening was a reminder that international partnerships
often begin not in formal boardrooms, but in warm, relaxed settings where
mutual respect and curiosity take centre stage.
As the evening
drew to a close, there was a shared sentiment that “Connect & Cheers”
should become a recurring fixture on Sydney’s business and diplomatic calendar.
With its blend of cultural diversity, professional ambition, and personal
connection, the event successfully demonstrated that diplomacy and business can
— and should — intersect in dynamic, human-centred ways.
By uniting such
a broad spectrum of leaders — from ambassadors to entrepreneurs, trade
officials to community representatives — ABSC Inc. reaffirmed its role as a
catalyst for cooperation in an ever-changing global environment.
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD with H.E Mr. Ali Saad All-Hajri (Ambassador
of Qatar)
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD with Mr Yu Jie (Deputy Consul General of
the People’s
Republic of China) and Ms
Min Sun (Consul, People's Republic of China)
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD with Mr Naruchai Ninnad (Consul General of
Thailand) & Mr Chatchawal Horayangkura
(Deputy Consul General of Thailand) & Ms Usanee Thinkohkaew
(Director, Thailand Board of Investment)
