2025 Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2025 Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Category.
Clenergy Australia – Daniel Hong – Melbourne, VIC
Daniel Hong arrived in Australia from China in 1990, driven by ambition and a belief in the country’s emerging tech potential. Despite facing cultural and professional challenges, he persevered, earning a Master’s degree from Monash University and building a career where he developed expertise in cross-cultural project management. In 2004, he founded KerryJ Investment Pty Ltd, a renewable energy consulting firm, and later expanded it into Clenergy, a full-service clean energy manufacturer with global operations. Under Daniel’s leadership, Clenergy became a trusted name in Australia, with one in every 2.5 solar homes using its products. With over 20 years of experience, Daniel continues to lead Clenergy’s mission of “Pure Energy. Clean Living.” through integrated solutions that empower people to take control of their energy future.
Mingari +Co – Carla Mingari – Hobart, TAS
Carla immigrated to Australia from Portugal in 1983, overcoming early challenges with her family who arrived without English or local support. She began working at McDonald’s as a teenager and rose through the ranks to become a manager and corporate trainer. In 2012, Carla and her husband moved to Tasmania to pursue their dream of owning restaurants, starting with North Hobart and later expanding to three more locations under their brand, Mingari+Co. The business now employs over 550 Tasmanians and is known for its strong community focus and family-run culture. Carla also has a passion for property development, including restoring a café in Montrose. She plays a key role in organising major charity events and remains deeply involved in local initiatives.
4C Group – Harish Arora – Brisbane, QLD
Harish Arora migrated from India to Australia in 2007 and founded OZLF in 2012 while working as a stevedore at the Port of Brisbane. Starting with just 20-30 staff unpacking containers, the business grew rapidly, now handling over 100,000 containers annually and employing just under 700 team members. In 2016 Harish saw the opportunity to significantly expand and partnered up with Tim Fisher (4C Group CEO) to combine their global logistics experience. The business has since become a leader in the Cold Chain sector, evolving into two entities—4C Group and OZLF—as part of its digital transformation focused on advanced scheduling, safety, and training standards. Harish’s journey involved juggling full-time work, fatherhood, and business responsibilities, eventually leading to national and international expansion.
Montessori Academy – Colette Assaf – Sydney, NSW
Colette Assaf is the Founder and Director of Montessori Academy, Australia’s largest provider of Montessori early education. A migrant from Lebanon, she transformed a single kindergarten in Croydon into a network of over 68 campuses across Australia and China. The organisation supports more than 7,000 children annually and employs over 2,000 staff. She also founded the Australian Montessori College and developed a custom Learning Management System to ensure consistent educator training. Montessori Academy is Great Place to Work™ Certified, reflecting its strong workplace culture and commitment to staff wellbeing. Colette’s leadership continues to shape inclusive, values-driven education with lasting social impact.
