Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2025 Celebrate Leaders in Sustainability

The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Regional Edition recently recognized outstanding leaders and enterprises for their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The ceremony, organized by Enterprise Asia, took place on September 5, 2025, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The event highlighted the achievements of businesses that have successfully navigated disruptions in today’s economy.

With the theme “Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises,” the APEA 2025 honored an array of businesses and individuals who demonstrated resilience and strategic agility. The awards celebrate those who have effectively future-proofed their operations against rapid technological and economic changes, positioning themselves as leaders in the region.

Awards and Recognition

This year, over 100 nominees underwent a comprehensive judging process conducted by a panel of experts. The evaluation criteria included operational excellence, leadership, business performance, and long-term impact. Winners emerged across four main categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Among the notable recipients of the Master Entrepreneur award were Ma Ya Fen, Founder and CEO of KOI Cafe Group(S) Pte Ltd, and Tan Soo Phor (also known as Jenny Chuang), Founder and Managing Director of Malaysia’s Sydney Cake House Sdn Bhd. Both were recognized for their visionary leadership and the global prominence they have achieved for their companies.

The Inspirational Brand category celebrated organizations such as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and the Dubai Land Department. Additionally, rising enterprises like Indonesia’s Evowaste Technology and Singapore’s Witthal International Pte Ltd were honored with the Fast Enterprise Award. In the Corporate Excellence category, industry giants like Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited from Thailand and Swiss-Belhotel International from Hong Kong received accolades.

Forum Highlights and Key Messages

Prior to the awards ceremony, the Asia Economic Forum (AEF) 2025 convened more than 300 C-suite executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for sustainable growth. Held on the same day, the forum focused on “Building Future-Ready Enterprises for Sustainable Growth.” It provided a platform for exchanging ideas on navigating disruption and embedding sustainability into business models.

During the forum’s opening remarks, Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of Enterprise Asia, emphasized the necessity for businesses to adapt to technological disruptions while prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability in their growth strategies. He urged leaders to rethink traditional business models and collaborate across sectors to cultivate resilient enterprises capable of thriving in an unpredictable global economy.

The AEF featured prominent speakers, including Eleonore Dachicourt, Managing Director and Head of Sustainability of Asia at BNP Paribas Wealth Management; Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at City Developments Limited; and Steven Yates, Director & Global Chief Commercial and Technology Officer of Alumni Services. These experts provided insights on building agile and innovative enterprises that can succeed in the evolving economic landscape.

The APEA 2025 and AEF 2025 were supported by various organizations, including the Business Indonesia Singapore Association (BISA), Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council Limited (HKYIC), and the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong (ICC-HK). Additionally, PR Newswire served as the official news release distribution partner, while Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine acted as media partners.

Since its inception in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards have recognized entrepreneurial excellence across the region. The awards not only celebrate success but also encourage innovation and growth within the entrepreneurial community. For more information about the APEA, visit www.apea.asia.