2026 Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2026 Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Category.
By Modern – Frank Forouzandeh – Norwest, NSW
Frank arrived in Australia from Iran in 2002 as a 16-year-old refugee with no English, no money, and a determination to build a better future. Starting with delivery jobs and labouring, he later joined his brother's painting business, working his way up to General Manager and gaining valuable industry experience. In 2014, Frank founded By Modern, a diversified construction and specialist trades group.
Today, By Modern operates across multiple Australian states and New Zealand, employing dozens of staff and supporting hundreds of subcontractors. Frank's commitment to innovation has led to partnerships with universities and industry leaders to advance robotics and modular construction technologies. Through initiatives supporting Indigenous participation in construction and a strong focus on ethics and opportunity creation, Frank has built a business that reflects innovation and community impact.
One Stop Warehouse – Anson (Hongwei) Zhang – Brisbane, QLD
Anson migrated from Fujian, China, to Australia in 2004 as an international student determined to build a better future through education and hard work. While learning English and completing his MBA, he supported himself through jobs as a cleaner and bartender, overcoming language, cultural, and financial challenges. These experiences shaped the resilience and determination that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2013, Anson co-founded One Stop Warehouse with a vision to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable. What began as a two-person startup has grown into an international renewable energy platform operating across Australia, Europe, the United States, and Mexico. His leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, job creation, and a more sustainable future for Australia.
Ceejay Engineering – Joseph Cheedhaparambil – Perth, WA
Joseph migrated from India to Australia in 1994 with just USD $20 and a determination to create a better future. Growing up in a family of 14 and taking on responsibilities following the loss of his father, he arrived in Australia seeking opportunity and stability. Leaving behind his pregnant wife, Joseph worked multiple jobs while adapting to a new country and culture. He founded Ceejay Engineering in 1997, which began as a one-man operation and has grown into a leading engineering and manufacturing business with multiple workshops across Perth. Serving the mining, infrastructure, oil and gas sectors, Ceejay Engineering is recognised for its commitment to Australian manufacturing, innovation, and quality. Joseph is equally proud of creating opportunities for migrants, helping many employees build successful careers and businesses of their own.
KnG Healthcare – Manu Kala – Nerang, QLD
Mannu migrated from Kashmir, India, to Australia as an international student with just $480 in his pocket and a determination to build a better future. While completing postgraduate studies, he worked multiple jobs to support himself and build a new life. For Mannu, the intention was never simply to start a business, but to solve pressing challenges facing the country and its people. In 2020, alongside Dr Anuj Gupta, he founded Covax Australia, now KnG Healthcare, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Mannu's leadership, KnG Healthcare delivered mass testing and vaccination programs, supported aged care facilities, and provided critical healthcare workforce solutions across Australia. Today, the business employs more than 700 people and is recognised for its innovative healthcare models, community impact, and commitment to improving patient outcomes nationwide.
