6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asian leaders gala unites over 400 regional trailblazers
KUALA LUMPUR: Menara Ecoworld became a hub of ambition and influence as more than 400 of Asia's prominent leaders gathered for the Asian leaders gala 2025, an event celebrating excellence, integrity and forward-looking leadership across the region.
Organised by the Asia Excellence Entrepreneur Federation (AEEF) and co-hosted by HWT Group Berhad, the International Association for the Advancement of Quality (IAQ), the International Women Excellence Association (IWEA) and Top Leader Magazine, the gala reflected Asean's growing commitment to cultivating sustainable and values-driven leadership. The evening was supported by HW Oversea Solutions and TS Best Event Management Sdn Bhd.
"This is more than a celebration. It's a convergence of excellence, integrity, innovation, and leadership across Asia. We make history, together," said Prof. Dr Robin Tan, President of AEEF.
The gala conferred four of the region's most respected honours: the 13th International Prestige Brand Award – The Best Branding Award in the World; the 13th Asia Honesty Award – The Symbol of Integrity; the 13th Golden Phoenix Award – The Highest Honour for Women; and the 10th Malaysia Top Entrepreneur Award – Recognising Malaysia's Best Entrepreneurs.
Andrew Lai Chen Heng, Ahli Lembaga Penasihat Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, delivered the keynote on behalf of Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Lai highlighted the government's unwavering support for nurturing regional leadership, strengthening entrepreneurship, and positioning Malaysia as Asean Chair in 2025.
The gala also honoured the vital role of women in shaping Asia's future. Tengku Puteri Eebtysham reflected on the Golden Phoenix Award's journey, saying:
"Women are not just caretakers of the present. We are the architects of Asia's future and the driving force shaping the world to come."
Prof. Dr Robin Tan further emphasised that the gala's spirit extends far beyond trophies:
"This platform is not just about trophies but about connecting Asia's finest and driving global collaboration. It is a celebration of leadership, culture and innovation coming together."
The event drew an impressive guest list of VVIPs and industry shapers, including Datin Dr Jenny Hoon, president, IWEA; Datuk Dr Jodness Tan, general secretary, AEEF; Tengku Hazlan, lifetime honorary advisor, AEEF; Tengku Long Redzuan, lifetime honorary advisor, AEEF; Raja Ikram Raja Omar, lifetime honorary advisor, AEEF; Christine Teo Miow Loo, founder of CS Corporate Consultancy Sdn Bhd; Yan Teck Hoe, founder of TS Best Event Management Sdn Bhd; Datuk Alvin, managing director of HW Oversea Solutions; and Dr Ting Yew Chai, chairman of DFM Prosper Sdn Bhd.
The evening featured cultural showcases, tributes and speeches, underscoring the power of collaboration across industries, borders and generations.
As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: the Asian Leaders Gala is not just an awards night but a catalyst for deeper impact — setting the stage for bolder, more inclusive leadership across Asia.
The next Asian leaders gala will return in December 2025, continuing its mission to unite and celebrate the region's changemakers.
