With the theme “Global Center for Growth,” the Asia CEO Awards 2017 honored individuals and companies that have demonstrated excellence and contributed significantly to nation-building.

The 2017 Asia Awards Night was held at Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on Oct. 17 and attended by well-known Filipino business moguls from different sectors.

The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It promotes ASEAN region as a premier business destination in the world and serves as a regular networking platform for active business leaders in the region.

This year’s Lifetime Contributor award for the public sector was given to Cesar V. Purisima for his substantial contributions to the country as finance secretary during its historic era of breakthrough in economic and fiscal achievements under the administration of former President Benigno S. C. Aquino III.

During his term, the country’s financial ratios improved in all respects. From being the “Sick Man of Asia,” the Philippines has become the fastest-growing tiger economy of the region. His accomplishments are considered as key to the nation’s development and believed to have a lasting impact for generations.

For the NGO sector, Gawad Kalinga (GK) Founder Antonio “Tony” Meloto bagged the same recognition for his determination and dedication to alleviate poverty. GK is the largest poverty alleviation and nation-building movement in the country, spread over 2,000 organized communities.

GK is also at the forefront of promoting peace across the conflict areas in Mindanao and has contributed to reconstruction work in post-disaster communities. By 2024, GK is looking forward to impact five million Filipino families.

The Healthway Wellness Company of the Year was awarded to B&M Global Services Manila, Inc.. The board of judges acknowledged B&M Global Services’ health and wellness programs, such as workspace design, exercise programs, team-building events, annual physicals and immunizations, among others.

The Global Gateway Development Corp Young Leader of the Year distinction was given to the 26-year-old Inanc Balci, the CEO and co-founder of Lazada E-Services Philippines. Lazada is now the largest online shopping platform in the country, employing about 3,000 Filipinos.

I-Remit Heart for OFW’s Company of the Year was awarded to OSM Maritime Services, Inc. It is one of the nation’s largest employers of Filipinos at highly skilled and highly paid positions inside and outside the country. It gives free training programs, seminars, allowances and medical insurance to its employees.

Felta Multi-Media Inc. received the Luneta Advertising Most Innovative Company of the Year for its pursuit of revolutionizing the country’s education approach. Felta Multi-Media’s learning programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects are pushing students beyond the traditional approach to the modern age of education.

Gandang Kalikasan, Inc. was also acknowledged as it received the LBC Business Solutions SME Company of the Year award. With only five employees a few years ago, Gandang Kalikasan is now becoming a global force in personal care products that are sustainably sourced from Filipino farmers.

Freelancer.com, the world’s largest freelancing marketplace, bagged the SPi Global Technology Company of the Year award. Filipinos are among the Freelancer.com’s most important and best-rated service providers. The company is making a critical impact on Filipinos, especially those who cannot earn income through employment at companies.

First Gen Corporation was awarded the ADEC Innovations Green Company of the Year for its strong participation in sustainability and environmental protection programs and initiatives. First Gen is one of the clean and renewable energy companies in the country, and is the largest natural gas power producer from indigenous energy sources.

The ICM CSR Company of the Year, one of the most difficult awards to win and one that drew more than 40 nominations, was won by Telus International Philippines, Inc.. The company exemplified strong financial commitment to its social initiatives which were supported by its employees at all levels.

The Sitel Service Excellence Company of the Year, which is open to any Philippine-based organization that has achieved important success within or outside the country, was given to TaskUs. The company, which began as a start-up by two high school friends, is now considered as one of the country’s fastest-growing companies, employing around 7,000.

Mega Global Corporation President and CEO William Tiu Lim was recognized as the Meralco Biz Partners Entrepreneur of the Year for his remarkable business journey. From its humble beginnings 40 years ago, Mega Global is now one of the largest brands of sardines in the country that exports products to 36 countries around the world.

The JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year was given to Mark Lwin, CEO and general manager of AIG Philippines Insurance, Inc. and president of AIG Shared Services (Philippines). Mr. Lwin played a key role in expanding and professionalizing AIG’s Shared Services division in the country. He manages both the commercial operations and the shared services operations, which the judges found to be unique and exceptional.

Under the Smart Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year category, Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) President and CEO Arthur Tan topped the other nominees. Mr. Tan, together with his management team, built IMI into a global player in one of the world’s most competitive industries. IMI has now 15 manufacturing and professional offices in different countries.

With 18 locations across the Philippines, one of the nation’s largest employers, Teleperformance Philippines, received the White & Case Top Employer of the Year plum. Despite its vast size, the company continues to improve its employee engagement in all possible ways.

The TCS Executive Leadership Team of the Year was awarded to Light Rail Manila Corporation for achieving significant improvements in almost all aspects of its operations. It has reduced passenger queueing times, extended service hours, improved customer satisfaction, increased the number of coaches, increased speeds and cycle times, rehabilitated tracks, trains and stations, among others.

On the other hand, no one was declared winner of the Regus ASEAN Company of the Year. Although the eight nominees had demonstrated heroic efforts at building regional businesses, the judges decided that they had to expand their operations further before they could take home the title.

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