Australia-Korea Business Awards highlight broad ties despite global uncertainty

Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson speaks during the Australia-Korea Business Awards ceremony at Seoul Grand Hyatt, March 27. Courtesy of AustCham Korea

POSCO Holdings was named Business of the Year at the 2026 Australia-Korea Business Awards (AKBA), underscoring the growing importance of cooperation between the two countries in areas tied to global supply chains.

The awards, hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham) at Grand Hyatt Seoul on March 27, come as the two Asia-Pacific allies deepen collaboration in critical minerals, battery materials and clean energy.

But while these industries have drawn heightened attention in recent years, this year’s awards also pointed to a broader trend of bilateral economic ties continuing to diversify well beyond strategic resources.

Winners were recognized across a wide range of sectors, including health care, financial services, infrastructure and tourism, reflecting expanding cooperation between the two economies.

Woodside Energy and SK Gas received the Australia-Korea Partnership Award, while Korea Zinc was recognized for sustainability and environmental, social and corporate governance. Other winners included Novotech in life sciences and health care, Macquarie Asset Management for infrastructure and major projects, and Tourism Australia in the visitor economy category.

“At a time of increasing uncertainty in global supply chains, the Australia-Korea economic relationship is taking on renewed strategic importance,” AustCham Korea Chairman Ross Gregory said.

The ceremony was attended by senior government and business figures from both countries, including Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson and Korea’s Deputy Minister for Trade and Investment Kang Kam-chan and Foreign Investment Ombudsman Kim Doo-sik, underscoring the growing strategic dimension of bilateral ties.

Following the awards, AustCham Korea hosted its inaugural G’day R.O.K event, bringing together around 450 guests from business, government and the wider community. The event featured Australian food and beverages alongside a performance by Australian Korean singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh, reflecting growing people-to-people exchanges alongside economic cooperation.

The inaugural AKBA was held in 2010, but the awards were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming this year.

Visit austchamkorea.org for more information.