The annual Asia CEO Awards, one of the region's largest business events that recognizes local and international organizations for their remarkable achievements, recently held its 14th edition at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.
The award-giving body honored and celebrated industry leaders who heralded a new era of business excellence in the country. Nominations were opened to Philippine-based individuals and corporations who displayed exemplary leadership achievements in their work in the region over the past year. Each category zeroed in on a positive contribution, through their work, to the economic growth and expansion of the country, both locally and globally.
The Asia CEO Awards 2023 recognized IBM in the Philippines Consulting Client Innovation Center (CIC) as ADEC Innovations Executive Leadership Team of the Year; Figari Entrepreneur of the Year went to Jesus Joey T. Marcelo - CEO, Sante International, Inc.; Filinvest Expatriate Executive of the Year was awarded to Aseem Roy - Country Head, Wipro Philippines, Inc.; the winner of Foundever Young Leader of the Year: Walther Uzi E. Buenavista - President and CEO, Shawarma Shack Group; Maybank Philippines bagged the ibex CSR Company of the Year; Nestle Philippines, Inc. was named the iCXeed Diversity Company of the Year; Kyani Wellness Company of the Year was conferred to Seda Hotels; Lionheart Farms Sustainability Company of the Year was awarded to Robinsons Land Corporation - Commercial Centers Division (Robinsons Malls); MicroSourcing Service Excellence Company of the Year was given to Asian Hospital and Medical Center; Ma. Rhodora Campos, Country Head, Infosys BPM Philippines was named the PLDT Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year; PSG Global Solutions Woman Leader of the Year was awarded to Haidee Enriquez, CEO, MicroSourcing Philippines Inc. & Beepo; RELX Reed Elsevier Top Employer of the Year was given to Concentrix Philippines; Sprout Solutions Technology Company of the Year was awarded to EdukSine Production Corporation; and Maya earned the United Neon Most Innovative Company of the Year.
An esteemed board of judges selected the awardees for this year: Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. PhD; “Mother-of-Philippine-Franchising” Bing Sibal-Limjoco; AMCHAM Ex-Officio and Chairman of the ICT and Health Committee Don Felbaum; Chairman Emeritus of PwC Philippines Atty. Alex Cabrera; Economist Dr. Bernie Villegas; past CEO of Pag-IBIG Funds Atty. Darlene Berberabe; business leader Jack Madrid, and Chairman of the Asia CEO Awards Richard Mills.
Excellence with Education
The Asia CEO Awards’ 14th year also proved to be a pivotal one, as Rebecca Bustamante, founder of the Asia CEO Awards, launched the Learning Excellence & Active Development (L.E.A.D.) Center, a custom-built facility focused on producing highly competent, critical, and proactive future Filipino leaders and business innovators. Guided by the vision of “Together We Can Do More”, the leadership development framework will also include advocacy and outreach work for poverty and hunger alleviation.
As the Philippine economy continue to improve, the Asia CEO Awards pays tribute to the game changers of the business community as they contribute to nation-building efforts.
“The Philippines has so many business leaders waiting in the wings for their chance to drive the economy to greater heights,” Bustamante emphasized. “They are strong, compassionate, and resilient. We see this every year, and now we want to do our part to help nurture this potential.”
The Asia CEO Awards and its programs are made possible by the valuable partners who have shared the same vision over the years. Grand Title Sponsor is Globe Telecom. Elite Award Sponsors include: ADEC Innovations, Airspeed, Figari, Filinvest, Foundever, ibex, iCXeed, Kyani Philippine, Inc., Lionheart Farms, Microsourcing, PLDT Enterprise, PSG Global Solutions, RELX Reed Elsevier, Sprout Solutions, and United Neon. Official Knowledge Partner is PwC. Prestige Sponsor is Beepo. Official Venue is Marriott Manila. Media Partners include BusinessWorld, inquirer.net, Manila Bulletin, SMNI, THEPHILBIZNEWS. Supporters include A-List Partners and Consulting, Inc., Bares & Estrellas, Spotlight by Ever Bilena and Volenday.