MBF Honours 2008 Ethnic Business Award Winners

Leading Australian health insurer MBF today paid tribute to Mr John Du, winner of the Initiative Award Category of the 2008 Ethnic Business Awards.

MBF is a proud sponsor of these prestigious awards, which celebrate the human spirit of migrants who have made important contributions to the Australian economy in their respective fields.

Mr Du, of Chinese origin, is of the Hima Group, which offers education services to international students through Magill English College and Layas Education Group. With campuses in Melbourne, Sydney and Gosford, Magill English College provides international students with English language training and also gives them an introduction to the Australian culture. The Melbourne-based Layas Education Group provides vocational training to international students.

MBF Managing Director Richard Bowden said Mr Du epitomised the Ethnic Business Awards' celebration of multicultural diversity and success.

"Mr Du's achievements are an example of the important contribution that migrants and other visitors make to Australia's economic and community life," Mr Bowden said.

"MBF is proud to be sharing the spirit of these awards through our sponsorship, and to be supporting migrants and other visitors to Australia with their health and care needs."

MBF is part of the Bupa Australia Group, which also includes HBA, Mutual Community and ClearView, leading providers of health insurance, general insurance and financial services for all Australians.

Bupa Australia also specialises in health cover for 'inpats', 'ex-pats', overseas students and skilled workers and their families entering Australia on a 457 working visa and have trained staff to advise businesses or visa holders on government requirements.

Bupa Australia also has the significant advantage of understanding international students' needs because of its access to a global health cover network in 192 countries on five continents, including the UK, USA, NZ, China, India, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The 20th Ethnic Business Awards also recognised Mr Filippo Casella, of Italian origin, the founder and owner of the renowned Casella Wines and winner of this year's Medium and Large Business Award, and Vietnamese born Mr Luke Nguyen, the founder and chef of Sydney's Red Lantern restaurant, who received the Small Business Award.

"MBF congratulates all of the 2008 Ethnic Business Award winners and nominees on their success and achievement," Mr Bowden said.

For further information about MBF services, call 132 623.