Every year, an independent judging panel of consultants and councillors considers nominations received for the IEC Awards and hand-picks the best of the best in various sectors of the Small and Medium Enterprise segments
Engineering and Business Improvement Specialist Lyndon Thomas Joss, Past President of (SEMMA) South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, has more than 40 years hands on management experience in medium to large companies and currently assists local and overseas companies in maximising their efficiencies through strategic planning and improvement activities. “I think people management and an understanding of the code of business is what has brought me to where I am today,” says Lyndon.
With three decades of experience in the banking sector alone, Vietnamese banker Simon Pho, president of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) in Victoria, set up the Bank of Queensland branch in Doncaster in 2011. “I reached Melbourne in 1979 and this city has played a very important role in building my career. Melbourne has allowed me to assist and associate with people from different cultures,” says Simon.
Sanjay Jain is founder-owner of ‘Texas Peak’, which employs more than 200 people. Sanjay is renowned for being a market leader across Australia and New Zealand when it comes to sporting wear and apparel. In 2007, Sanjay co-founded Yatra Foundation—which connects children in rural India with quality education—with his wife Renu and friends Professor Ravi Savarirayan and Sophie Beaumont.
Alice Wong has the know-how of assisting many businesses and migrants because of her vast experience in the banking sector. She sits on various advisory committees such as Asia Link and International House. As the head of Asian leadership with WestPac, she brings with her a skill that is unique to leadership development.
Jyotee Patel is a dynamic and results oriented professional with years of experience in local and international industries including oil, IT, banking, education and finance. She is currently a partner and national executive director of finance and administration at Charter Keck Cramer, the largest independent property advisory firm, highly regarded for its expert research, extensive experience and intelligent property insights.
Jyotee is a member of CPA and a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has also been on the Real Estate Agent’s Council which advises the Minister for Consumer Affairs on operation of the Estate Agents Act (1980) and its regulations, services provided by estate agents and industry developments.
Matina Karvounaris, Head of SME— Business Banking at the Bank of Melbourne, leads a team whose sole purpose is to support Victoria family businesses, to start, grow, prosper and contribute to their communities. Matina has built a reputation of being able to establish new businesses or turning under-performing businesses into high performing sales cultures. Matina is active in Melbourne’s business and education communities being a Fellow of the Finance Services Institute of Australia, Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Member of Women on Boards.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
