The Chinese Museum’s 2024 Melbourne Spring Gala Dinner
The 2024 Melbourne Spring Gala Dinner, a premier occasion gathering honourable heads of state and pivotal community members, set the stage to celebrate the outstanding achievements of innovative pioneers at the Chinese Australian Achievers Awards. Among the eight lucky recipients, Viceta Wang victoriously swept up the Design Award, the first in her category, setting a benchmark for future generations.
The Museum of Chinese Australian History (Chinese Museum) has long been a revered institution of cultural heritage and a beacon of educational enlightenment. It is a place where history comes alive, where artefacts and stories from the past are preserved for future generations. The museum's work extends beyond the walls of its galleries, engaging in educational outreach, research, cultural diplomacy, and international relations that enrich the global understanding of Chinese culture. The dedication of the Chinese Museum to its mission is a testament to the vital role museums play in society, serving as both guardians of the past and educators for the future.
Each year, the Chinese Museum celebrates a few key individuals who have greatly contributed to all sectors of contemporary Australian society. The annual Chinese Australian Achievers Awards represents a handpicked group of outstanding overachievers in their respective field. Their legacy and accolades will be permanently displayed at the Museum’s One Million Stories exhibition, a testament to their life's work.
Set at the luxurious Rydges Hotel and hosted by the EWC Australia Community Engagement Inc, the community fundraiser gathered over 200 guests for a gala dinner that included the Achievers Award ceremony, followed by a lively auction. Honoured heads of the community showed their support for the worthy cause and advocated for Chinese-Australians and their integral role in society. Notable attendees included the likes of Susan Gin, Chair of the EWC, Nicholas Reece, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Mr Fang Xinwen, Consul-General of China, Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council & Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, and Ms Pru Bennett, Chair of the National Foundation for Australia China Relations.
Awarded to a visionary figure in the Chinese community, the Chinese Australian Achievers Awards symbolise the highest standards of excellence in practice, research, and community engagement. Viceta Wang was awarded the Design Award for her achievements in the preservation and promotion of Chinese cultural heritage. Her influence in the Australian Fashion industry has been astounding, promoting Chinese cultural craftsmanship on a world stage, showcasing innovative Chinese-influenced fashions to international audiences, and diversifying and enriching the fashion community through the education of Chinese cultural knowledge and customs. Remarkably participating in over 20 fashion events, since her brands launch in 2017. Her designs have walked some of the most influential fashion runway events such as Melbourne Fashion Festival, Melbourne Fashion Week, Shanghai Fashion Week, ASEAN International Fashion Week, and soon her designs will debut at London Fashion Week. Her collections have also made headlines in major publications, featuring in Harper’s Bazaar Australia, Harper’s Bazaar China, and Vogue China. Her recognition also extends to her philanthropic work within the community, hosting several charity fundraising events and raising hundreds of thousands for local charities.
Another notable recipient who was awarded in the category for the Environment, was Councillor HY William Chan, an inspiring architect, who’s sustainable future city solutions are carving the way in the political sphere and in our global city’s landscape.
Other awardees included the likes of Sarah Liu, who won the award in Entrepreneurship for pioneering women's advocacy and a diverse workforce in leading organisations.
Each award recipient was presented with a hand-crafted heritage dragon scale that was part of the 100 metre long Dai Loong (Big Dragon). This particular cultural artefact was the centrepiece of the annual Chinese New Year Parade from 1979 to 2000. In a poetic gesture, the treasured dragon scales are an homage to the Year of the Dragon and the awardees strength of character.
After the heart-warming award ceremony, a riveting live auction took the stage, auctioneering donated items such as heritage collectable pieces, hotel packages, and a stunning Breitling watch. All proceeds from the night were donated to the Chinese Museum to fund ongoing cultural activities and educational programs that celebrate and acknowledge the contribution Chinese Australians have made to today’s Australian multicultural society.
The team at VICETA WANG would personally like to thank Mark Wang (CEO of the Chinese Museum) and the Chinese Museum team. Mark works tirelessly to preserve this rich heritage and builds meaningful connections across cultures, uplifting the Chinese identity in Australia.
The team would like to acknowledge Susan Gin (Founder and Chair of the EWC ACE) and the EWC ACE for their unwavering support and advocacy for our migrant community. Thanks also goes out to Mary Tan (Co-President of the EWC ACE and KMT Events) who brought together this momentous occasion so seamlessly.
Finally, the team at VICETA WANG would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hästens and Great Dane for their generous sponsorship, and helping to build a diversely unified community.
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