Best in business in Asia: List of top companies and leaders

Profit is no longer the only yardstick for business success in Asia. A new generation of corporate leaders is rewriting the rulebook, championing purpose-driven strategies that serve their people, customers and the planet.

This shift was on full display at the recent CEO Summit & Award Ceremony organised by think-tank

Influential Brands

. It brought together more than 350 senior executives across the region, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia and China.

Held in Singapore and Bangkok on March 28 and March 6, respectively, the events aimed to recognise and honour pioneers in various industries who have made a profound impact on their customers, consumers, employees and the environment.

Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng, guest of honour at the Singapore event, said: “Tonight, we celebrate the achievements of companies and business leaders who are not only driving economic success but are also making a meaningful difference in our communities and society.”

This year marked the inaugural presentation of the Top Sustainability Companies awards. In Singapore, two firms – City Developments Limited (CDL) and UOL Group – were lauded for their transparent and impactful sustainability reporting.

Both companies have demonstrated impressive leadership in sustainability, setting an inspiring standard through the transparent and impactful reporting of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.

Ms Esther An, chief sustainability officer at CDL, said: “With the escalating climate emergency negatively impacting lives and livelihoods, collective action is critical. CDL is deeply honoured to receive the Sustainability Award, which recognises our unwavering dedication to the strategic integration of sustainability for three decades.

“No one can save the planet alone. Focusing on collaborative action has allowed us to build capacity, share knowledge and pioneer green solutions and innovations. We remain hopeful for our planet’s future and continue to stand guided by our corporate ethos, ‘Conserving as We Construct’, creating long-term value for our stakeholders and inculcating a culture of doing well by doing good.”

The sustainability awards selection process is grounded in the Global ESG Monitor (GEM) methodology. It offers a comprehensive perspective on sustainability practices with a primary aim of assessing and benchmarking the quality of sustainability reporting reflected meaningfully through comprehensive ESG disclosures in their annual and non-financial reports.

Mr Seah said: “The theme of this year’s event, Sustainable Leadership: Shaping the Future of Business, is especially timely. Sustainable leadership is no longer a choice but a necessity.

“It’s about fostering businesses that uplift people, protect our planet and stand the test of time. Our government remains committed to supporting businesses in this journey, helping them enhance productivity, stay competitive and accelerate their transformation towards a sustainable future.”

Backed by a robust anonymous employee survey with the participation of more than 25,000 employees, nine companies were crowned Asia’s Top Employers.

These organisations have not only exceeded industry standards but have also demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering meaningful employee engagement, establishing a strong alignment between employee and company culture, and implementing pertinent human resources (HR) practices in the digital age.

The awardees are: United Overseas Bank (Bank), Singapore Land Group Limited (Property), NTUC LearningHub (Education), National University Health System (Healthcare), PlayFACTO School (Premium Student Care), JAG Engineering (Engineering Solutions), Office Planner (Furniture), Boys’ Town (Non-Profit Charity Organisation) and Thailand’s Central Food Retail (Supermarket).

Mr Dean Tong, head of group HR at UOB, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Top Employer Award which reflects the dedication and passion of our people. At UOB, we believe in empowering our people to build sustainable careers supported by a culture of Care, Growth and Trust.

“This recognition also reaffirms our commitment to building the future of Asean by creating meaningful opportunities, and doing right by our customers, colleagues and communities.”

Similarly, Ms Welch Er, head of HR at Singapore Land Group, credited the company’s Wise programme as a key driver behind its workplace culture.

“Building a positive workplace culture that allows our employees to thrive is central to furthering SingLand’s corporate purpose of elevating communities, inspiring the future,” she said.

“The Top Employer Award is a testament of our efforts to engage our employees through our W-Wellness, I-Inspire, S-Socialise, E-Energise programme – aimed at promoting a healthy work-life balance through holistic wellness with employee activities centred around mental, physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing.”

Fifty-six companies across Asia were also recognised as Top Influential Brands based on a regional survey of 10,000 consumers. In Singapore, awardees included FairPrice Group, Jewel Changi Airport, TungLok Group, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, among others.

Receiving multiple awards across categories, FairPrice Group was recognised for its efforts in both physical and digital retail.

“We are humbled to receive Influential Brands’ Top Brand in Singapore for Supermarket, Supermarket Private Label and Online Grocery Retailer. These accolades reflect our dedication as Singapore’s largest retailer to keeping daily essentials within reach, even as consumers’ food needs and preferences continue to evolve,” said Mr Vipul Chawla, its group chief executive officer (CEO).

“By consistently pushing the boundaries of retail while putting our customers first, we hope to make every day a little better for all in Singapore.”

On receiving the Influential Brands – Top Destination Shopping Mall award, Mr James Fong, CEO for Jewel Changi Airport Devt Pte Ltd. said: “Having just celebrated Jewel’s fifth anniversary last year, this achievement is a strong encouragement to the entire Jewel family – our tenants, business partners and service providers – to make Jewel into a premier lifestyle destination.”

Meanwhile, TungLok Group, a household name in Asian dining, was celebrated for its culinary innovation.

“This award reflects TungLok Group’s commitment to culinary excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional dining experiences. For over four decades, we have preserved the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine while expanding into Japanese and Western concepts to cater to evolving customer preferences,” said Mr Andrew Tjioe, the firm’s president and CEO.

“This achievement is made possible by our dedicated team, valued customers, and trusted partners. We will continue pushing boundaries, introducing new concepts, and upholding the highest standards as we shape the future of dining on the global stage.”

In addition, two firms – FWD Insurance and SCGJWD Logistics – were recognised as Outstanding Brands for their branding efforts in engaging customers and providing an excellent experience.

The main highlight of the event in Singapore and Thailand was the recognition of the Top CEOs who were assessed based on their capacity to expand their business (local and international), financial performance, innovation and personal integrity.

Ms Carol Fong, group CEO of CGS International Securities, was named Asia’s Top CEO. In Thailand, five business leaders across the insurance, engineering, logistics and advertising sectors were honoured.

They include: Mr Sara Lamsam from Muang Thai Life Assurance PCL., Mr Chai Chaiyawan from Thai Life Insurance PCL., Mrs Churaiporn Wijackanawong from Q-Advertising Co. Ltd., Ms Benjamas Apinunrungroj, GCS Group Corporation Co. Ltd and assistant professor, Dr Wimalyn Bovenizer from Phoenix QC Co. Ltd.

From consumer engagement to environmental stewardship, the event served as a snapshot of what the future of business in Asia could look like – purpose-driven, people-centric and anchored in trust.

Mrs Vannee Leelavechbutr, Thailand’s Influential Brand Partner and CEO of Neo Target, shared: “The Award Ceremony in Thailand is more than just an event for celebration. We take great pride in our role in supporting organisations, entrepreneurs and business owners.”

Wrapping up, Mr Jorge Rodriguez, managing director of Influential Brands, said: “It is our honour to recognise Business Excellence in Asia. We are looking forward to a greater engagement with Asean business leaders in 2025.”