Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2024 Regional Edition honors champions of inclusive entrepreneurship across Asia

The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 Regional Edition proudly celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and honors a new elite of industry leaders at the forefront of inclusive entrepreneurship across Asia. Held this year in Bangkok, Thailand, the awards highlighted leading business leaders and enterprises who have championed inclusivity, broken barriers for underrepresented groups, and created pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the business world. The awards were graced by HE Datuk Jojie Samuel, Ambassador of Malaysia to Thailand, and Chotima Iemsawasdikul, Director General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand.

Organized annually in 16 markets by regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the Awards showcase the largest awards networking platform in Asia. The awards have been held across the region since 2007, with previous winners including Taiwan’s Douglas Tong Hsu, Hong Kong’s Francis Lui and Lawrence Ho, TTC Vietnam’s Dang Van Thanh, Thailand’s Supaluck Umpujh, Cuckoo Malaysia’s Hoe Kian Choon, Indonesia’s Hary Tanoesoedibjo and Muktar. Riady, the Indian Adi Godrej and the Filipino Dennis Anthony Uy.

The award winners were selected from more than 150 nominees through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of distinguished judges in four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise and Corporate Excellence.

Richard Tsang, President of Enterprise Asia, said in his welcome speech: “As leaders, we have a profound responsibility to nurture and expand this ecosystem. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we not only stimulate economic growth, but ensure that our progress benefits all members of society. Together we are building a future where success is shared, progress is inclusive and Asia’s economic potential is fully realized.”

Notable winners include Thailand’s Kamonpop Veerapala, president of Government Housing Bank (GH Bank), and Gil G. Chua, group chairman and CEO of DDB Group Philippines, whose leadership transcends traditional business performance while actively fostering cultures of inclusion cultivate their organizations. and beyond, setting a powerful example for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Other outstanding winners include Indonesia’s PT INTENS in the Fast Enterprise category, Thailand’s Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under the Inspirational Brand category, and Thailand’s Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited together with Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) under the Corporate Excellence category.

Prior to the regional edition of APEA 2024, the Asia Economic Forum (AEF) 2024 was held during the day. The forum brought together more than 300 C-suite executives, business leaders and policymakers from 19 countries. With the theme ‘Empowering Asia through Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems’, the forum provided a regional platform for thought leaders to delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship ecosystems, serving as a catalyst to propel Asia’s economic trajectory. Through extensive discussions, the forum dissected barriers while highlighting the many benefits inherent in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship. The forum was graced by Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand.

President of Enterprise Asia, Richard Tsang, said at the opening of the forum that “An inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem is not just about creating a level playing field; it is about ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, gender or circumstance, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the growth and prosperity of our region. It is about breaking down the walls that divide us and building bridges that connect us – bridges that lead to innovation, sustainable development and shared prosperity.”

The forum featured an impressive array of speakers, including Dr. Chatchai Thnarudee, Board of Directors at Digital Government Development Agency, MCOT Public Company Limited, Jaymart Insurance Public Company Limited; Jatupron Pimngern, Head of Strategic Foresight & Financial Innovation at DeeMoney and FinTech and Payment Innovation Expert; Kultida Leenabanchong, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Communications Strategy Lead at Roche; Narusan Dhanvarjor, CEO of InnoSpace (Thailand); Rashmi Sharma, senior director at Coca Cola, leadership and wellness expert, and TEDx speaker; Ratinan Wongwatcharanon, VP Head of Investor Relations at Thai Credit Bank Public Company Limited; Lt. Gen. Sudhir Sharma, Chairman of MitKat Advisory Services and Advisor to Enterprise Asia; Surasit Sachdev, CEO of Hungry Hub and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Sasin School of Management.

The AEF 2024 and APEA 2024 Regional Edition are supported by the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors, Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Myanmar Business Executives Association and Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce. The AEF 2024 is also supported by Business Networking Club Malaysia and Malaysia Chambers Jakarta.

PR Newswire is the official news distributor, and Bangkok Post, BusinessWorld, Dailywire.asia, Hong Kong Economic Times and SME Magazine are the media partners for the AEF 2024 and APEA 2024 Regional Edition.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF ASIA PEACEFUL BUSINESS AWARDS 2024

REGIONAL EDITION

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