AustCham Lao Executive Director Oliver Purvis-Smith (second left) presenting prizes to the lucky draw winners at this year’s Annual Ball. - VT
VIENTIANE: The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Laos (AustCham Lao) celebrated its 20th anniversary in style recently with a 1920s-themed gala dinner, bringing together over 200 members and guests at the Crowne Plaza Vientiane for an evening of networking, entertainment and celebration.
This year’s Annual Ball, held on May 31, embraced the theme “The Roaring 20s”, with attendees donning era-inspired outfits for one of the Chamber’s most memorable events to date.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsors, including Phu Bia Mining, Acteus Group, Boart Longyear, and Lao Brewery Company.
Silver Sponsors included Linfox, EXIM and Valentis, while prize sponsors featured Crowne Plaza, Vasse Felix Fine Wines, The Namkhan (Luang Prabang) and Complete Dental Care.
Thanks to a record level of corporate sponsorship, the event showcased fine dining, dazzling attire, and standout performances from some of Laos’ best local talent.
AustCham Lao Executive Director, Oliver Purvis-Smith, led the organisation of the event, with support from Indee, a local events and production company.
“It was a tremendous and memorable evening for our members and guests. We came together to celebrate many of our individual and shared achievements,” Purvis-Smith said.
“Our main goal was to provide a fun and engaging opportunity to connect the Australian and Lao business communities in a relaxed social setting. This would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions from our generous sponsors.”
He also extended thanks to Tony Campbell of Katalyst Partners, who served as master of ceremonies and played a key role in the success of the evening.
Also attending the event was AustCham Lao president and country manager of Linfox, Brendon Bangma.
“The event was fantastic! It was certainly a creative and enjoyable way to mark 20 years of the Australian business presence in Laos,” he said, adding with humour, “The only disappointment was the executive director’s dance moves.”
Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, delivered remarks at the event, highlighting the strong partnership between the embassy and the Australian business community in Laos.
“The partnership the Embassy enjoys with our Australian business people in Laos is key to deepening trade and investment between our two nations,” she said. “We could not do what we do without the support and commitment of AustCham Lao and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”
Speaking on behalf of one of the sponsors, Valentis Group COO and CFO, Michael Phin, said “Valentis was pleased to support this important milestone for AustCham Lao and to celebrate with such a dynamic mix of the Lao and Australian business community. Congratulations to the entire AustCham team, past and present.”
Throughout the evening, event sponsors had the opportunity to showcase their products and services, strengthening relationships within the Australian, Lao and broader international business communities.
A series of prizes were awarded to winners in categories such as best-dressed male, female and couple, most creative outfit, and more. The lucky draw saw several guests go home with special gifts as a token of appreciation from the Chamber and its partners.
Later in the evening, popular local band Felicia took to the stage, and more than 100 guests danced into the night, including a spirited performance of the iconic YMCA dance in near-perfect unison.
Founded in 2005, AustCham Lao is the longest-standing foreign chamber of commerce in the country and has long been recognised as one of the most active. The Chamber represents a broad membership base of Australian, Lao and international businesses operating in Laos or trading with Australia.
AustCham Lao works closely with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and maintains strong ties with the Government of Laos.
The Chamber also champions responsible business conduct and regularly supports charitable causes, including Vientiane Rescue and the Lao Friends Hospital for Children.
Looking to the future, AustCham Lao aims to continue its work for another 20 years and beyond, promoting collaboration, trade and community support across both nations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
