We are thrilled to unveil the jury panel for the GBA Gala Dinner & Business Awards 2024. This hand-picked group of distinguished industry experts will evaluate your entries. Our judges, chosen for their remarkable achievements, come from diverse disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment. They will deliberate based on the descriptions and documents submitted by the nominees. Get to know our jury members better with following information:
- Mr. Brian O’Reilly, Business Development Director of MoiVao Digital Solutions
Brian O’Reilly has over 23 years of experience in Vietnam in business education, management consulting and corporate training. He has successfully launched and managed various business programs and also lectured in international MBA and Bachelor programs. His expertise spans leadership, project management, change management, and strategic planning.
His notable accomplishments include launching Vietnam’s first 100% international MBA program in 2003 and developing corporate training workshops for local and international enterprises. He has also developed and delivered business planning training for the annual GBA Business Challenge competition.
Brian’s honorary roles include Chair of the Education and Training Working Group of the Vietnam Business Forum, Vice-Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce’s Education and Training Committee, and former President of the AusCham Vietnam.
- Mr. Holger Benthien, Founding Member of the GBA / Managing Director of Hansa Vietnam
Holger Benthien, an entrepreneur born in Bremen, Germany, has been in Vietnam since 1992. He was the initiator and co-founder of the German Business Association (GBA) in Vietnam in 1995 and served as Chairman (2006-2008) and Vice-Chairman (2005-2006, 2009-2015).
Holger initiated key GBA events like GBA Oktoberfest Saigon, Fan-Meile, DeutschenTreff, and the entrepreneurial Business Challenge, and other regular monthly meetings. He was also on the Board of EuroCham Vietnam (2012-2015).
Holger holds an Abitur from “Altes Gymnasium” in Bremen, a vocational diploma in Foreign Trade and Commerce from Joh. Gottfr. Schütte & Co, and an MSc in Management. His career includes postings in Bremen, Taipei, New York City, and Hong Kong.
- Ms. Meir Tlebalde, CEO of Sunwah Kirin
Meir graduated from Nanjing University and has extensive experience in investment and management.
She worked at KPMG Shanghai, State Development and Investment Corporation in Beijing, and Steppe Capital. 2019 Meir joined Colliers International (Vietnam) and 2020 she worked as Associate Director and later Director at KPMG Vietnam, managing real estate transactions. In 2023, she became CEO of Sunwah Kirin Vietnam.
With over 18 years of experience, Meir specializes in deal advisory, fund raising, cross-border investments, real estate, industrial site selection, market entry in Vietnam, and post-investment management.
- Mr. Michael Wekezer, Country Manager of Rödl & Partner Vietnam
Michael Wekezer brings a wealth of global expertise to his role, with significant professional credentials from Germany, England, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Since 2014, he has worked exclusively for Rödl & Partner. With over 20 years of professional experience in Europe and Asia, Michael has developed a unique perspective on global business practices and strategies.
He excels at navigating the complexities of different legal and financial systems for his clients and building intercultural bridges essential for successful business deals. His expertise in corporate law, combined with his strategic acumen, makes him a valuable asset to his clients.
Michael holds a German law degree from the University of Heidelberg and a Master of Law degree from Newcastle University.
- Ms. Ruby Nguyen, Founder & CEO of Curieous
Ruby Nguyen is the Founder/CEO of Curieous, an AI-powered app for creating beautiful and viral writing, recognized as one of the Top 20 Innovative EdTech Startups globally in 2023.
She was the General Manager at ELSA, a Google-backed AI EdTech with over 50 million users, and the COO at Vietcetera Media, which has a 20+ million audience.
Ruby is the creator and host of leading business podcasts in Vietnam, including Vietnam Innovators and Zero to X.
She is a guest lecturer and speaker at prestigious institutions, including RMIT, Vin University, Fulbright University, Cambridge University, and TED.
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The GBA GALA DINNER & BUSINESS AWARDS 2024 is just around the corner!
Event details:
⏰ Date: Thursday, 29 August 2024 | Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
📍 Location: Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection Ho Chi Minh City
Join us for an elegant evening of celebration and indulge in gourmet delights, endless drinks, and vibrant live entertainment as we celebrate your achievements and the thriving German business community in Vietnam!
RESERVE YOUR GALA TICKET HERE>>>
We invite you to showcase your business excellence by participating in any of the following five categories: Green Business of the Year, Business Innovation Award, SME Excellence Award, CSR Achievement of the Year, and Young Innovation Award.
NOMINATE NOW HERE>>> BEFORE COB, AUGUST 15