The BrandLaureate Marks 20 Years with Special BESTBRANDS Awards

The World Brands Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 30, 2025, with a grand event at The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The celebration featured the unveiling of The BrandLaureate Special Limited Edition BESTBRANDS Awards 2025, which recognized two decades of branding excellence and innovation.

Under the theme “Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, Inspiring our Future,” the ceremony highlighted branding’s transformative influence across various industries and cultures. The evening served as a tribute to the enduring values and bold ideas that have shaped the global branding landscape.

The awards not only commemorated the achievements of The BrandLaureate over 20 years but also celebrated the journeys of numerous brands that have thrived alongside it. This reflective atmosphere underscored the importance of resilience and visionary leadership in developing successful brands. As brands evolve from humble beginnings to global recognition, their stories exemplify the spirit of perseverance and leadership that defines the essence of branding.

A special art showcase titled “20 STROKES OF LIGHT,” curated by Sim Pojinn, Co-Founder and Fair Director of Art Expo Malaysia, was also unveiled during the event. This collection honored the creativity and innovation that have characterized two decades of branding excellence.

Prof. Dr. KK Johan, President Emeritus and World President of The BrandLaureate, expressed pride in the organization’s journey, stating, “As The BrandLaureate celebrates its 20th Anniversary, we look back with pride at how far we have come, a journey built on vision, perseverance, and leadership that continues to shape the future of branding.”

In addition to the awards, the World Brands Foundation announced the soft launch of the Joint International Professional Certification in Brand Strategy and Leadership (IPC-BSL) in collaboration with EIU Paris. This program aims to enhance professional education and leadership in global branding. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Ms. Chew Bee Peng, Chief Executive Officer of The BrandLaureate, and Hon. Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, Founder and Director-General of EIU Paris.

The evening’s awards honored a diverse range of brand leaders and businesses for their exemplary contributions. The BrandLaureate Brand Icon Leadership Award 2025 recipients included notable figures such as Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Al-Haj and YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dzulkifli bin Ahmad, among others.

The awards also celebrated entrepreneurs like YBhg Datin Sri Siti Aishah Chong Binti Abdullah, co-founder of Village Park Restaurant, and Mr. Harry Tee, Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Ace Global Sdn Bhd. These honorees were recognized for their innovative approaches and significant impacts in their respective fields.

The BrandLaureate Brand Leadership Awards 2025 further distinguished leaders such as Commissioner-Captain Michael W. Kohler, who was honored for his contributions to healthcare, and Dr. Srimathy Kesan, recognized for her work in aerospace education.

Awards were also given to various brands across multiple categories. Iconic Brands included Central Market Sdn Bhd and Majestic Hotel, while Brand of the Year awards went to Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad.

The celebration underscored that great brands are cultivated over time through vision and dedication. Each recipient carries forward a legacy that inspires future generations. As the evening concluded, attendees were reminded that the past lays the foundation, the present is a pivotal moment, and the future is theirs to shape.

For more information on The BrandLaureate Awards and updates, visit www.thebrandlaureate.com. The World Brands Foundation continues to advocate for branding excellence globally, promoting the idea that “the brand is the business, and the business is the brand.”