KUALA LUMPUR:The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2026 Regional Edition brought together distinguished business leaders and high-performing enterprises recognised for forging enduring legacies of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. Organised by Enterprise Asia, the prestigious event took place on 15 July at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.
Under the theme “Forging Legacy: Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Tomorrow”, the awards honoured outstanding organisations and visionary leaders whose achievements have made a lasting impact across industries and communities. The awards pay tribute to those exemplifying resilience, foresight, and sustainable development—whose commitment to innovation, responsible business practices, and long-term value continues to inspire future generations and support Asia’s economic progress.
Over 100 nominations from across the region underwent a rigorous judging process led by a panel of esteemed experts. Nominations were evaluated based on leadership excellence, business performance, innovation, sustainability, governance, and overall impact. Winners were chosen across five categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, Corporate Excellence, and the newly introduced Corporate Integrity and Governance Excellence Award, which recognises organisations demonstrating outstanding governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and effective risk management.
Since its inception in 2007, the Awards have recognised exceptional business leaders and enterprises that have contributed significantly to entrepreneurship and economic development in Asia. Past recipients include Mr Kwek Leng Beng of Hong Leong Group Singapore, Thailand’s Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group, China’s Xu Rongmao of Shimao Group, Indonesia’s Hary Tanoesoedibjo of MNC Group, India’s Adi Godrej of the Godrej Group, the Philippines’ Manuel Villar of Vista Land, and Hoe Kian Choon of Cuckoo Malaysia.
In his opening address, Enterprise Asia President Richard Tsang emphasised that in today’s fast-changing environment, organisations must go beyond mere adaptation and actively shape the future through innovation, collaboration, and courageous leadership. He stressed that those embracing purposeful transformation will be best placed to drive sustainable growth and create lasting impact.
This year’s awardees include inspiring leaders such as Datuk David Chong Kok Wei, CEO of Chong Kia Hoi Realty Sdn Bhd, and Na Chin Teong, Managing Director of Koike (M) Sdn Bhd, recognised for steering their organisations towards greater heights through vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence.
The Inspirational Brand category recognised Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Malaysia’s Metrocity. Rising enterprises such as Wellous Indonesia and India’s OneAssist Consumer Solutions Private Limited received the Fast Enterprise Award. Industry leaders including Malaysia’s Sunway Medical Centre Penang were celebrated under the Corporate Excellence category, while the inaugural Corporate Integrity and Governance Excellence Award was presented to exemplary organisations such as Singapore’s Kaplan Higher Education Academy and Arvato Systems Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Prior to the awards, the Asia Economic Forum (AEF) 2026 convened business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from across the region to explore Asia’s next phase of economic growth. Held under the theme “Accelerating Transformation: Pioneering Asia’s Next Economic Chapter”, the forum focused on strategies to navigate a complex global landscape driven by rapid technological change, shifting workforce dynamics, and increasing sustainability demands.
Chairman of Enterprise Asia, Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, highlighted key shifts transforming Asia’s economic landscape—from trade volatility to technological disruption and sustainability challenges. He noted that AI and digital innovation are accelerating industry transformation, emphasising that future growth will depend on enterprises that adapt swiftly, collaborate effectively, and lead with bold strategies.
The forum featured distinguished speakers from the public and private sectors, including Jarod Ho, Head of Sustainability at Pos Malaysia, and Paul Puspanathan, Global Supply Chain Controller at Baker Hughes. Their insights addressed emerging trends, disruptive technologies, sustainable growth strategies, and leadership essentials for shaping Asia’s economic future.
The AEF 2026 and APEA 2026 Regional Edition are supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, CCI France Malaysia, the Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM), EUROCHAM Malaysia, and the Myanmar Business Executives Association (MBE). PR Newswire is the Official News Release Distribution Partner, with Dailywire.asia as the Media Partner. RKT & Associates PLT serves as the Official Assurance Partner for the event.-pr/BNN
