The Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards 2023 (ACES), in commemoration of its 10th Anniversary, kicked off with a catwalk show, followed by dinner and then the announcement of the winners at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur on Nov 24, 2023
The evening commenced in a dazzling display of talent and culture with a mesmerizing catwalk performance by the Miss Amazing Malaysia 2023/2024 finalists, adorned in exquisite creations by designers Hasfitri and Evita Mairesse.
Prior to the captivating runway showcase, the audience was setting the stage for an evening that seamlessly blended fashion, culture and celebration.
Miss Amazing Malaysia founder Maynicca Devi Rajamanikam presented an eloquent speech about Miss Amazing Malaysia, extending gratitude for the ACES Awards invitation and sharing profound insights on the importance of celebrating diversity. Her address illuminated the evening, aligning with the core values of ACES Awards.
ACES Awards and ACES Council president and MORS Group chief executive officer Shanggari Balakrishnan said she believes ACES Awards’ longevity is testament to the number of corporate leaders who are aware of the changes that must be made to the way businesses are governed and run.
“More than ever there is an increasing belief in the corporate sector that with great power comes great responsibility. It is no longer enough for businesses to turn a profit.
“Societally-aware business leaders now know that they are being appraised not just by their Boards, but also by consumers of their brand’s products or services.
“With consumers becoming more aware, purchases are now subject to a consumer’s scrutiny of a brand, the organization behind it, and how it treats its employees, as well as the way it sources raw materials and produces its products. We live in an era of accountability, and the ACES Awards is one of the best gauges of accountability,” she said.
This year, ACES received a record 580 would-be nominees, its most number of submissions to date, from over 52 industries across 15 countries. After a rigorous review process, there emerged 82 winners across 21 categories from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Topping the list of winners was Philippines, with 23 winners, followed by Malaysia with 15 winners.
Among those honoured for their achievements were Energy Absolute Public Company Limited founder and chief executive officer Somphote Ahunai who received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award and Sedania As Salam Capital Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Nisa Ismail for “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. ”
Other recipients of the award included Cuckoo International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd founder chief executive officer Hoe Kian Choon who was named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Meanwhile, Ayala Corporations from Philippines was named Asia’s “Most Sustainable Company of the Year.”
This year the ACES turns ten, and recommits to its mission of bringing to greater prominence the leaders making positive industry and employee-wide changes in their organizations, as well as turning a spotlight on to corporations with stellar ESG and sustainability accomplishments.
ACES Awards winners thus far have collectively generated over US$361 billion in revenue, emphasizing the financial viability of sustainability-driven businesses. Their commitment to ESG principles has also led to a significant decrease in waste production as well as carbon emissions, and a commendable increase in the utilization of renewable energy sources.
“We have been around for ten years and have tracked these numbers over those ten years. Our evidence is irrefutable: good leadership and sustainability initiatives can and do work. Our goal for the next ten years to come is to keep amplifying this message aided by our past winners, ACES Institute and more ACES Summits,” added Balakrishnan.
The inaugural ACES Summit, themed “Actioning Asean’s ESG: A Vision for Sustainable Progress,” took place on Nov 23, 2023, a day before the ACES Awards.
The summit provided a unique platform for business leaders, sustainability advocates and thought leaders to explore and debate strategies for transformative actions to achieve an equitable, resilient and sustainable future for business and generations to come.
