Francis Yeoh wins CEO of the year award from CNBC Asia Pacific

The Star, November 10, 2005

BY CHAN CHING THUT

CNBC Asia Pacific named YTL Corp Bhd managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Malaysia CEO of the Year at the 4th Asia Business Leader Awards (ABLA) ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last night.

This award is specially created for ABLA 2005 to recognise excellence in Malaysian leadership in leading and structuring their businesses into international competency.

Yeoh, who received the award from Malaysia Airlines chairman Datuk Munir Majid, was recognised for his vision and ability to steer his company successfully, not only in Malaysia but also in the global marketplace. Yeoh said he was happy to be nominated and humbled by the win because there are “so many great CEOs out there”.

Yeoh said: ''I share this award with all the great CEOs of this beautiful country. To all my colleagues at YTL, this honour also goes to them, and I offer my gratitude in full. I also thank the CEO of Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his strong leadership in his fight against corruption, making Malaysia a more competitive economy. Most important of all, I thank our Lord Jesus for perfuming YTL’s name once again and I give Him all the glory for this honour.

Meanwhile, China's Hainan Airlines chairman Chen Feng received the flagship Asia Business Leader of the Year award.

Chen was acknowledged for his ability to retain loyal customers, inspire and motivate his staff and steer his company in becoming one of the fastest growing airlines in China.

CNBC also presented the Asia Innovator of the Year award to Hanatour chief executive officer Sang Hwan Park for his achievements in new product development and groundbreaking business processes, business models and strategies. The Asia Corporate Citizen of the Year award went to Hindalco Industries managing director Debu Bhattacharya for his outstanding contribution to the arts, education, environment and community development.

Asia CEO's Choice of the Year, awarded to Asset Investors Co Ltd president and chief executive officer Takehiko Wakayama, was determined through a poll conducted among top executives throughout the region. 

CNBC Asia Pacific president and chief executive officer Alexander P. Brown said the ABLA recognised successful local business leaders who had demonstrated dynamic leadership and effective management as they steered their companies towards continued growth.

“I congratulate all the winners and finalists who have made it after a stringent elimination process that saw the number of finalists come down to 37 from a list of over 6,500 companies across the region. That is an achievement in itself,” he said.