News

On Monday, 10 November 2025, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) officially launched the 2026 ABAW Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival at a media release event held at Box Hill Central. The launch brought together representatives from all levels of government, business leaders, and community partners to celebrate the upcoming festival and its vision for cultural connection and community growth.

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) is proud to announce the return of one of Melbourne’s most anticipated cultural events — the 2026 ABAW Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival, to be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026, from 11:00 AM to 11:59 PM.

Stretching along Bank Street, Box Hill and the surrounding carparks, the festival will once again transform the heart of Box Hill into a vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. This year’s theme embraces the spirit of the Year of the Horse — symbolizing energy, perseverance, and forward momentum. Visitors can look forward to an action-packed day featuring:

• Spectacular lion and dragon dance performances, including a grand showcase featuring up to eight lions.
• A full-day multicultural stage program, highlighting community talent, cultural dance, and an evening DJ set to close the celebrations on a high note.
• Over 100 food and market stalls, offering authentic Asian delicacies, handcrafted goods, and family-friendly activities.
• Traditional heritage workshops, including Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting and DIY craft sessions.
• A special cultural showcase presented by ABAW, featuring art groups from Quanzhou, Fujian. The program will include Nanyin classical music, traditional puppet theatre, flower hairpin art (Zan Hua) and Gaojia opera, bringing the essence of Southern Fujian’s intangible cultural heritage to Box Hill’s main stage.
• An interactive “Stamp & Treasure Hunt”, where visitors can collect stamps across the precinct to redeem limited-edition prizes.

Beyond the festivities, the event carries a deeper purpose: to promote multicultural understanding, support local economic development, and celebrate the shared identity of the Australian Chinese community.

“For over a decade, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse has been a driving force in our community, fostering collaboration between business and culture, and bringing people together across generations and backgrounds.” said Gabriel Ng MP, Federal Member for Menzies.

“This festival is more than a calendar date. It’s a platform for social cohesion and community economic development,” said ABAW President Bihong Wang.

“When neighbors meet, eat and celebrate together, trust grows. When local businesses take part — from dumpling houses to tech start-ups — jobs grow. And when young people see their culture celebrated in the heart of their own city, confidence grows. The benefits live well beyond the fireworks.”

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) successfully hosted the AI & Productivity Forum, an in-depth discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping business operations, workforce efficiency, and innovation across industries.

The event provided a practical platform for business owners, educators, and professionals to exchange ideas on how AI can enhance productivity while maintaining human creativity and ethical responsibility. Participants highlighted the rapid benefits of automation in drafting, design, translation, and data analysis, freeing employees to focus on higher-value work and client engagement.

Discussions also addressed key challenges including privacy, data security, governance, and the growing capability gap between large enterprises and small-to-medium businesses. Many attendees emphasized the importance of accessible training, sector-specific playbooks, and plain-language resources to help SMEs adopt AI safely and effectively.

The forum underscored that the future of productivity lies not only in technological advancement but also in collaboration between government, business, and community sectors. By promoting responsible innovation, organizations can harness AI to improve efficiency while ensuring fairness, transparency, and human oversight.

As a non-profit association committed to empowering multicultural businesses and fostering sustainable community development, ABAW continues to build bridges between business, technology, and society. Through initiatives like the AI & Productivity Forum, ABAW aims to support Victorian enterprises in navigating digital transformation with confidence and inclusivity.

The ABAW 2025 QVM Moon Festival celebrated the richness of Asian culture, community, and connection, showcasing vibrant traditions, performances, and culinary delights at the heart of Melbourne. Bringing together families, community members, cultural groups, and local businesses, the Festival created a space where heritage and celebration intersect, inspiring joy and connection across Victoria’s multicultural community.

This landmark celebration highlighted the dedication of community groups, performers, and local businesses in bringing Melbourne’s Asian culture to life. On September 27–28, the Moon Festival, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) in partnership with Melbourne City Council, transformed Queen Victoria Market into a vibrant cultural hub, welcoming visitors from across the city and beyond.

The weekend created an environment that fostered connection, enjoyment, and cultural appreciation. More than a festival, the ABAW Moon Festival is a platform that celebrates the creativity, heritage, and collaboration within Victoria’s multicultural community, ensuring traditions are shared, stories are heard, and the next generation is inspired to engage, learn, and contribute to a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape.

A special thank you to our sponsors: The Glen Asian Grocery, Bupa, and Westpac, whose support made this celebration possible.

The 2025 ABAW Business Excellence Awards showcased the very best of multicultural business leadership, celebrating the vision, innovation, and achievements of Victoria’s Asian business community. Bringing together industry leaders, senior executives, and distinguished community representatives, the Awards shone a spotlight on those driving meaningful impact, inspiring growth, and shaping the future of cross-cultural commerce.

Six months of planning.
Seven expert judges.
Over 100 inspiring nominees.
Twelve award categories.

This landmark celebration highlighted the remarkable dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals and organisations shaping the future of multicultural business. On August 28, the Awards Gala Dinner, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) with support from Business Victoria, was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), concluding successfully under the witness of Victoria’s political and business leaders.

The evening created an environment that fostered recognition, connection, and celebration of excellence. More than an accolade, the ABAW Business Excellence Awards is a platform that brings the tireless efforts of multicultural entrepreneurs to light, ensuring their stories are heard and their contributions recognised, while inspiring the next generation of business leaders to pursue innovation, excellence, and meaningful impact within the community.

The CareConnect 2025 Networking Event, held on June 26th, was an exciting and highly successful gathering, bringing together over 100 passionate professionals from the NDIS, Home Care, Healthcare, and Allied Health sectors! The atmosphere was electric as industry leaders, innovators, and care experts connected to explore new opportunities and shape the future of care services.

We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests from Business Victoria and Manningham Council, whose continued support is pivotal in driving progress within the sector. A special thank you to Alkira and Active Community Group for joining as panellists and sharing their invaluable insights into the evolving care landscape.

A heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, Able Living and Yang He, for making this event possible, and to Business Victoria and Manningham Council for their unwavering support in advancing the care industry.

With inspiring discussions, dynamic networking opportunities, and a strong sense of community, CareConnect 2025 showcased ABAW’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation within the care sector. We are excited to continue hosting events that bring together professionals to drive positive change and strengthen our community.

Stay connected with us for more exciting events and initiatives! Follow ABAW on our website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Following the successful conclusion of the 2025 Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, the Manningham City Council held an official reception to formally express its gratitude to the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW), the principal organiser of the event. The reception recognised ABAW’s outstanding contribution to promoting cultural diversity, strengthening community cohesion, and delivering a vibrant and inclusive celebration for residents throughout the municipality.

The reception was attended by key representatives of the Council, including:

• Cr. Deirdre Diamante, Mayor of Manningham
• Cr. Anna Chen, Councillor
• Cr. Jim Grivas, Councillor
• Cr. Laura Mayne, Councillor
• Mr. Andrew Day, Chief Executive Officer
• Ms. Lee Robson, Director of Community Engagement
• Mr. Andy Waugh, Economic Development Coordinator
• Ms. Vanessa Bove, Manager of Economic & Cultural Activation

In recognition of ABAW’s leadership and dedication, the Council presented the organisation with the “Festival Partnership Appreciation Plaque,” symbolising its sincere appreciation for ABAW’s professionalism and impact on the community.

ABAW remains committed to fostering multicultural engagement and collaborative partnerships, and looks forward to continuing its work with government and community stakeholders to deliver meaningful, high-quality initiatives that benefit the wider public.

The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) hosted its highly anticipated April Networking Event at the Golden Lily in Box Hill, with around 100 attendees from various sectors of the community.

The evening kicked off with warm welcomes to distinguished guests, including Mr. John Mullahy, State MP for Glen Waverley, representing the Minister for Small Business, Ms. Natalie Suleyman, and Mr. Andrew Davenport, Mayor of the City of Whitehorse. The event provided a vibrant atmosphere for networking, allowing attendees to forge meaningful connections, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

It also highlighted ABAW’s commitment to promoting community spirit and fostering business growth within the region. Special thanks were given to Golden Lily for their excellent hospitality, and the event was a success thanks to the continued support from partners, sponsors, and attendees.

Looking ahead, ABAW is excited to continue hosting events that bring together local businesses and encourage community engagement.

For updates on future events and initiatives, ABAW invites you to follow their website and social media channels.

ABAW 2025 Manningham Asian Cultural Festival – A Celebration to Remember!

The inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) with the support of the Manningham Council, has come to a close, and what a celebration it was! Held on 9th of March, the festival was a resounding success, bringing our community together in an unforgettable display of cultural diversity, unity, and joy.

From the vibrant performances that showcased the rich heritage of various Asian cultures to the mouth-watering array of street food, the event buzzed with energy, excitement, and connection. It was a day filled with laughter, music, dance, and the spirit of togetherness, as visitors from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the beauty of our multicultural community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who attended and made this event such a memorable occasion. Your energy and enthusiasm truly brought the festival to life. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors, Aoyida International Express, Bupa, Spark Education, Big Build Eastern Freeway, No.1 Asian Supermarket, John Stonemart, and Lingoace. for their invaluable support. Your generosity helped make this festival a reality, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting the arts, culture, and community.

A special shout-out to our talented performers, dedicated vendors, hardworking volunteers, and the Manningham community for their participation and efforts in ensuring the festival’s success. Without you, this celebration would not have been possible.

We are excited to see the positive impact of this event and look forward to building on this success for future festivals. Stay tuned for more updates, and we can’t wait to see you again next year to celebrate even more cultural richness and community spirit!

Thank you for joining us at the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival 2025 – a true reflection of diversity and unity in our vibrant community.

The ABAW 2025 Box Hill Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

The ABAW 2025 Box Hill Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, proudly supported by our title sponsor Golden Age Group, has left an indelible mark on our community. Held on February 1st, this year’s festival surpassed expectations, drawing a diverse crowd who gathered to revel in cultural richness and festive spirit.

From the electrifying lion dances to the tantalizing aroma of street food, the festival buzzed with energy and camaraderie. It was a true celebration of tradition and community, bringing together people from all walks of life to embrace the joyous festivities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guests whose presence illuminated the event, making it all the more meaningful. The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse (ABAW) takes immense pride in nurturing cultural connections and providing a platform for our community to unite in celebration.

Special thanks to Golden Age Group, our title sponsor, and our major supporters: Asian Inspirations, Stonemart, Suburban Rail Loop, Silver Start Motors, Antipodes Construction Group, SBS, The Glen Asian Grocery. Your generous support and commitment made this celebration possible, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.

We also extend our appreciation to the dedicated vendors, talented performers, hardworking volunteers, and the vibrant community of Box Hill for contributing to the success of this year’s festival. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly appreciated.

To all who attended, thank you for joining us in celebrating the vibrant traditions of the Chinese New Year. Your participation made this festival a resounding success, filled with joy, culture, and unity.

As we reflect on this year’s festivities, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next year for another spectacular celebration of culture, community, and new beginnings. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events from ABAW!

Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and community spirit together! See you next year at the ABAW Box Hill Chinese New Year Festival!

ABAW 2025 Manningham Asian Cultural Festival – A Celebration to Remember!

The inaugural Manningham Asian Cultural Festival, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW) with the support of the Manningham Council, has come to a close, and what a celebration it was! Held on 9th of March, the festival was a resounding success, bringing our community together in an unforgettable display of cultural diversity, unity, and joy.

From the vibrant performances that showcased the rich heritage of various Asian cultures to the mouth-watering array of street food, the event buzzed with energy, excitement, and connection. It was a day filled with laughter, music, dance, and the spirit of togetherness, as visitors from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the beauty of our multicultural community.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who attended and made this event such a memorable occasion. Your energy and enthusiasm truly brought the festival to life. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors, Aoyida International Express, Bupa, Spark Education, Big Build Eastern Freeway, No.1 Asian Supermarket, John Stonemart, and Lingoace. for their invaluable support. Your generosity helped make this festival a reality, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting the arts, culture, and community.

A special shout-out to our talented performers, dedicated vendors, hardworking volunteers, and the Manningham community for their participation and efforts in ensuring the festival’s success. Without you, this celebration would not have been possible.

We are excited to see the positive impact of this event and look forward to building on this success for future festivals. Stay tuned for more updates, and we can’t wait to see you again next year to celebrate even more cultural richness and community spirit!

Thank you for joining us at the Manningham Asian Cultural Festival 2025 – a true reflection of diversity and unity in our vibrant community.