Connect & Cheers 2: Enhancing Global Ties Through Business and Diplomacy
ABSC Inc. brings together diplomats, business leaders, and community figures for an elegant evening of international connection at the Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD (President, ABSC Inc.) and Councillor Sylvia Alafaci (Secretary, ABSC Inc)
Sydney, NSW — The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC Inc.) reaffirmed its growing role as a bridge between diplomacy and enterprise with the second edition of its cocktail networking series — Connect & Cheers 2: An Evening of Business and Diplomacy — at the five-star Hyatt Regency Sydney on 9th October 2025.
The event brought together 140 VIPs and guests, from ambassadors, consuls general, trade commissioners, civic leaders to senior executives from across Australia’s multicultural business landscape, including H.E. Ambassador Anwar Muktar Mohammed (Embassy of Ethiopia); Mr. Ahmed Abdelatif (Embassy of Sudan); Dr. Vajiv Jafarov (Embassy of Azerbaijan) and Mr. Richard Broinowski AO, former Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, South Korea, and Mexico, with Consuls General Dr. Gianluca Rubagotti (Italy); Mr. Jakov Rogan (Serbia); Mr. Ioan Gheorghe Crisan (Romania); Mr. Qamar Zaman (Pakistan); Mr. Shelley Salehin (Bangladesh); Mr. Armando Fernandez Galte (Paraguay) and Mr. Donald Pelam Yavit (Vanuatu), as well as diplomats from the United States, China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, France, Hungary, South Korea and Argentina, among other nations— reinforcing the ABSC Inc.’s reputation as one of Australia’s most respected diplomatic forums.
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD (President, ABSC Inc)
Also present were Mr. Jerome Fournand (French-Australian Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Richard Ha (Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia), Mr. Sen Khun, (Cambodia Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Michael Azzi (President, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Abdul Khan Ratan (Australia Bangladesh Business Forum), Mr. Henry Liu (Australian Xiang Ao Development Promotion Association Inc.), Mr. Michael Rizk OAM (Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Joe Kattar AM (Dyldam Developments), Mr. Hank Evecek and Ms. Ceylan Ada (MUSIAD Sydney and MUSIAD Women Sydney), Mr. Garry Simonian (Export Council of Australia), Mr. Shakil Ahmad (Pakistan Mission International), Bishop Richard Boateng, Mr. Adewale Onasegun, and Mr. Stephen Osei (Australian Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and Councillor Daniel Han (City of Ryde), Councillor Mas Meuross (City of Canada Bay), Councillor Sylvia Alafaci (City of Canada Bay), and Mr. John Caputo OAM, Emeritus Mayor of Warringah.
ABSC Inc. President Dr. Frank Alafaci set the tone of the evening with his trademark warmth and wit: “We like to say Connect & Cheers is Sydney’s most productive excuse to enjoy a cocktail — and tonight, we intend to prove it again, not just by sharing business cards, but by exchanging ideas, values, and opportunities in a space where a conversation could become the spark for a future partnership”. This dominant ethos resonated strongly throughout the evening where animated discussions filled the room as diplomats, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives explored opportunities across sectors such as green technology, tourism, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, education, and creative industries.
Dr Frank Alafaci PhD (President, ABSC Inc )
Dr. Alafaci addressed the audience about ABSC Inc.’s expanding role as a trusted convener of trade and diplomatic engagement: “For those meeting us for the first time, ABSC Inc. is Australia’s premier multi-sector international trade council. We operate where business, government, and diplomacy intersect — publishing ideas, convening action, and curating relationships that endure.” He also emphasised the council’s two flagship initiatives: EKONOMOS, the acclaimed international business affairs magazine, which continues to feature thought-provoking articles from ambassadors, scholars, and executives shaping the global economic landscape, and the ABSC Connect Global Expo, to be held at ICC Sydney in 2027 — envisioned as Australia’s premier multisector international trade showcase, where nations, companies, and innovators will collaborate on country pavilions, industry showcases, and investor roundtables: “This will be a celebration of innovation, culture, and commerce. We invite every diplomatic mission, trade organisation, and business network here tonight to participate.”
All the VIPS and guests raised their glasses for a final toast led by the ABSC Inc. president: “To diplomacy. To business. To partnerships with purpose. And to friendships forged — once again — over a very fine cocktail.,” encapsulating the spirit of Connect & Cheers 2: professional yet personal, refined yet relaxed — an environment where ideas flow as freely as conversation, and where cross-cultural understanding becomes the foundation of collaboration.
Connect & Cheers 2: An Evening of Business and Diplomacy was more than just another networking event. It was a living showcase of Australia’s diversity, diplomacy, and entrepreneurial energy. Through ABSC Inc.’s tireless efforts, bridges continue to be built between nations, businesses, and communities. The success of the evening reaffirmed the organisation’s growing reputation as a leader in international engagement — and its commitment to ensuring that Australia remains at the heart of global dialogue. As one guest aptly remarked, “You can feel the energy in the room — this is where diplomacy meets real opportunity.”
