*2026 PSPA International Conference Concludes at University of Makati*

 

*Theme: "Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State"*

*University of Makati, Makati City — October 23, 2026*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA), in partnership with the University of Makati (UMak), successfully concludes the *2026 PSPA International Conference* today, October 23, 2026, at the University of Makati, City of Makati.

Held from October 21 to 23, 2026, the international conference convened scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, graduate students, and development partners from across the Philippines and abroad under the theme *"Gift, Grift, Graft and Beyond: Reclaiming the Administrative State."*

The conference comes at a critical time when governments across the globe face increasing public demands for transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and institutional resilience. Anchored on this reality, the three-day conference critically examined the complex relationship between public trust, corruption, political patronage, institutional reform, and democratic governance.

*RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES*

According to PSPA, while public administration has traditionally focused on improving efficiency and service delivery, contemporary governance challenges require moving beyond administrative dysfunction toward ethical, innovative, participatory, and citizen-centered governance.

The conference aims to:

1.  Foster interdisciplinary dialogue on administrative reforms;

2.  Generate evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen public institutions; and

3.  Showcase innovative practices in public governance in the Philippines and internationally.

*CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS*

The October 23 culmination features:

- International Keynote and Plenary Sessions with renowned experts in public administration and governance;

- Parallel Paper Presentation Sessions covering public administration, political science, economics, law, public policy, management, sociology, development studies, governance, information technology, and environmental studies;

- High-Level Policy Dialogue with Government Leaders;

- Public Administration Innovation Showcase featuring outstanding LGU and agency practices;

- Awarding of Best Paper and Best Presenter Awards; and

- Closing Ceremony and Presentation of Conference Resolutions.

Researchers and practitioners from various disciplines were invited to submit original research papers. Selected papers will be considered for publication in *UNIVERSITAS – The Official Journal of the University of Makati.*

*STATEMENT FROM ORGANIZERS*

"The administrative state is at a crossroads. This conference is not just about diagnosing gift, grift, and graft — it is about reclaiming public institutions so that they serve the people with integrity and accountability. Through this partnership with UMak, we strengthen the bridge between theory and practice in Philippine public administration," PSPA said in a statement.

The University of Makati, through its College of Governance and Public Policy, reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a center for governance innovation and ethical leadership development in the country.

*ABOUT PSPA*

The Philippine Society for Public Administration (PSPA) is the premier professional organization of public administration scholars and practitioners in the Philippines, dedicated to advancing the study and practice of public administration toward good governance and national development.

For media inquiries, paper submissions, and publication details, please visit http://journals.umak.edu.ph or contact the PSPA Secretariat and the University of Makati Office of the University President.

*Contact:*

PSPA 2026 International Conference Secretariat

University of Makati (UMak)

J.P. Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Makati City, Philippines

Email: pspagovernance@gmail.com

Website: http://journals.umak.edu.ph

Philippine Information Agency–NCR, Led by Emver Cortez, Supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding LGU Awards 2026

Recognizing Local Leadership, Public Service, and Community Progress

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Information Agency–National Capital Region (PIA-NCR), headed by Regional Director Emver Cortez, supports Rising Tigers Magazine’s Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) Awards 2026, an initiative recognizing local government leaders and institutions for their contributions to public service, good governance, and community development.

Scheduled for November 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, the awards will bring together local government officials and leaders whose programs and initiatives demonstrate meaningful contributions to their respective communities.

The initiative highlights the importance of recognizing effective local governance and making public service achievements more visible to the Filipino public. Through responsible information dissemination and media collaboration, government communication agencies and media organizations can help ensure that communities learn about programs, innovations, and development initiatives that improve people’s lives.

Under Cortez’s leadership, PIA-NCR’s support highlights the role of public information in promoting awareness of government programs and strengthening communication between public institutions and citizens.

Rising Tigers Magazine has organized the Outstanding LGU Awards to recognize achievements in various areas of local governance, including public service, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, health, education, tourism, agriculture, economic development, disaster resilience, peace and public safety.

The program features 30 award categories covering city, municipal, provincial, and individual leadership achievements. These include Outstanding Local Governance Award, Innovative LGU of the Year, Good Governance Excellence Award, Smart LGU Award, Sustainable LGU Award, Outstanding City of the Year, Outstanding Municipality of the Year, Outstanding Province of the Year, and Outstanding Governor of the Year.

The awards are intended to highlight documented accomplishments and initiatives that demonstrate effective administration, responsive public services, and measurable contributions to community progress.

Beyond Recognition: Documenting Public Service

Beyond the awarding ceremony, Rising Tigers Magazine will feature the awardees in its December 2026 issue. The special publication will provide a platform for sharing their programs, projects, and leadership stories with a broader audience.

The issue is scheduled for distribution through National Book Store, Fully Booked, and selected Shell, Caltex, and Total locations, extending the reach of stories about local governance and public service.

For Rising Tigers Magazine, recognizing local government leaders is also an opportunity to document the work happening beyond the headlines, from community-based programs and infrastructure development to initiatives that support livelihoods, improve public services, and expand opportunities for residents.

The collaboration with PIA-NCR reinforces the importance of public information in helping citizens understand government initiatives and appreciate the work of institutions serving their communities.

As the November 25 ceremony approaches, the Outstanding LGU Awards 2026 aims to provide a platform for recognizing local leadership, sharing effective practices, and inspiring other local governments to pursue responsive, transparent, and people-centered governance.

Through the initiative, Rising Tigers Magazine continues its commitment to recognizing leadership, documenting progress, and inspiring the next generation of public servants and community leaders.

RISING TIGERS MAGAZINE

Recognizing Leadership. Documenting Progress. Inspiring the Next Generation.

For inquiries:

Email: president@rising-tigers.asia

Contact: +63 977 897 8877

Website: Rising-Tigers.Asia

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗦!

We’re excited to 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 First Gen Corporation 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 as the 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿 of the 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

From 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼, 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 to 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, First Gen continues to be part of the evolving energy landscape—supporting solutions that help move the Philippines toward a more sustainable energy future.

As we bring the energy community together once again, we’re thrilled to have 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝘀, reaffirming its support for this year’s conference through its expertise and industry insights.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 💚

We’re ready to 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 #𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲—with more conversations, connections, and ideas for the future of energy.

📅 October 28–29, 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday)

📍 City of Dreams Manila

We are now accepting:

 🔹 Speakers

 🔹 Sponsors

 🔹 Exhibitors

 🔹 Delegates & Industry Partners

Learn more: www.prece-vents.ph

For inquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact:

Pau Buenaventura

Jenny Dela Cruz

 📞 (0968) 138 0318

 📩 renewableenergyconference@e-vents.ph

 📩 marketing@e-vents.ph

⚡ 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

𝗘𝗺𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.

#FirstGenCorporation  #EnergySponsor  #RenewableEnergy  #CleanEnergy  #EnergyEfficiency  #Geothermal  #Hydropower  #SolarEnergy  #WindEnergy  #E-vents #4thPRECE

GLENDA V. HUFANO NAMED WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

Filipina entrepreneur and philanthropist mo recognized alongside distinguished leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia

BSD, Greater Jakarta, Indonesia — Filipino entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano was honored with the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, recognizing her contributions to entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, and community development.

A Past District Governor of Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and elected Vice Chair of ASPAC for 2026–2027, Hufano has built her leadership journey around a commitment to children, education, and underserved communities. Her recognition at the international awards ceremony highlights the growing role of Filipino women leaders in advancing civic engagement and social impact across Asia.

During her term as Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District Governor for 2023–2024, Hufano introduced the theme “Light Up Kiwanis,” encouraging members to translate service into meaningful community action. Her initiatives included programs supporting children’s welfare, education, nutrition, disaster preparedness, and youth development.

She was subsequently recognized as a Distinguished District Governor at the 2025 Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh. Her Rice sParK initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute, also promotes agricultural awareness among young people and highlights the importance of food security and Filipino farmers.

Beyond her civic work, Hufano was included in THE LIST of Leading Women Magazine 2026, further recognizing her contributions as a Filipino woman leader.

Her Woman of Substance award in Indonesia underscores the importance of leadership that extends beyond business achievements to include philanthropy, volunteerism, and opportunities for future generations. Hufano has also expressed plans to extend her philanthropic initiatives to Indonesia, creating potential avenues for cross-border cooperation in community service.

Asia Leaders Awards: Building Bridges Between the Philippines and Indonesia

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards recognizes business leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose work contributes to economic development, innovation, and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards.

Established in Manila in 2018, the awards program seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a business hub in Asia while creating opportunities for partnerships among leaders and organizations throughout the region.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said, emphasizing the awards’ role in connecting countries, industries, and people.

Distinguished Philippine Awardees

Alongside Hufano, several Filipino leaders were recognized for their respective contributions to public service, business, and industry.

* Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza — Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines, recognizing his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

* Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia — Electoral Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership in election administration as Chairman of the Commission on Elections.

* Manjit T. Singh Reandi — Man of Influence Award, recognizing his leadership as President of Camp John Hay.

* Michael “Mikee” Romero — Businessman of the Year – Philippines, honoring his contributions to business and entrepreneurship.

* HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho — Innovative Company of the Year Award, recognizing innovation in the energy sector.

Their recognitions reflect the diversity of leadership represented by the Philippine delegation, spanning government, electoral administration, business, hospitality, and energy.

Indonesian Leaders and Companies Also Recognized

The ceremony likewise honored prominent Indonesian leaders and companies for their contributions to trade, enterprise, and consumer industries.

H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award for his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.

In the corporate category, Cimory Group received the Fast Moving Company of the Year Award, recognizing its growth in the food and beverage industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind Alfamart, was named Company of the Year. 

BIR COMMISSIONER CHARLITO MENDOZA LEADS PHILIPPINE HONOREES AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS INDONESIA 2026

BIR chief receives two major distinctions alongside COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, philanthropist Glenda Hufano, Manjit Singh Reandi, Mikee Romero, and distinguished Indonesian business and government leaders

BSD, INDONESIA — Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Atty. Charlito Martin Rada Mendoza emerged as one of the distinguished Philippine awardees at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026, receiving two major recognitions: Man of the Year – Philippines and Excellence in Public Service – Philippines.

The ceremony, held on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere, BSD, Greater Jakarta, brought together prominent government officials, business executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia to recognize leadership, innovation, public service, and contributions to economic development.

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as BIR Commissioner in November 2025, Mendoza leads the country’s principal revenue collection agency at a time when efficient tax administration, accountability, and the modernization of government services remain critical national priorities.

Under his leadership, the BIR has organized its reform agenda around BIR DARES, a five-point program covering Digital and Data Transformation, Audit Reform and Accountability, Revenue Collection and Base Protection, Employee Empowerment and Welfare Promotion, and Service Excellence and Stakeholder Engagement.

His administration emphasizes taxpayer-centered services and improved revenue collection, guided by the commitment of the BIR’s 2026 National Tax Campaign: “Mahusay na Serbisyo, Katumbas ng Buwis Mo.”

Mendoza previously served as Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group of the Department of Finance from April 2024 to November 2025 and as District Collector of the Bureau of Customs at the Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022.

Before entering government service, he established his credentials in private legal practice, beginning his career at ACCRALAW before co-founding Palafox Patriarca Romero and Mendoza Law Firm in 2014, where he became its first managing partner. He also taught law at several Philippine institutions.

A graduate of San Beda University College of Law, Mendoza placed third in the 2004 Philippine Bar Examinations. He also holds a degree in Geodetic Engineering from the University of the Philippines and is a licensed geodetic engineer.

His dual recognition at the Asia Leaders Awards highlights the importance of public leadership and institutional reform in advancing national development.

Philippine Leaders Recognized for Excellence

Other notable Philippine awardees included Commission on Elections Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, who received the Electoral Excellence Award in recognition of his work in election administration.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano received the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to helping underprivileged children. Her philanthropic initiatives also include plans to extend her outreach to Indonesia.

Manjit T. Singh Reandi, president of Camp John Hay, was honored with the Man of Influence Award, while businessman Michael “Mikee” Romero received the Businessman of the Year – Philippines Award for his contributions to the business sector.

HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., represented by Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, received the Innovative Company of the Year Award for its work in the energy sector.

Their recognition reflects the range of leadership represented at the ceremony, from public administration and electoral governance to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and business development.

Indonesian Government and Business Leaders Honored

Representing the host country, H.E. Budi Santoso, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award, recognizing his leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.

The awards also highlighted companies making significant contributions to their respective industries.

Cimory Group was named Fast Moving Company of the Year, recognizing its position in Indonesia’s fast-moving consumer goods industry.

PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the company behind the Alfamart retail chain, received the Company of the Year Award. Alfamart’s extensive retail network in Indonesia and the Philippines reflects the growing opportunities for cross-border business expansion and partnerships.

Orang Tua Group received the Brand Excellence Award – Indonesia, recognizing its standing in Indonesia’s consumer goods industry. The company is also exploring opportunities to establish a manufacturing presence in the Philippines, further highlighting the potential for investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

YONGSOO “SAMUEL” CHO WINS INNOVATIVE COMPANY OF THE YEAR AT ASIA LEADERS AWARDS 2026

Renewable energy development and Philippine–Korean cooperation take center stage as the awards recognize business leaders and companies from the Philippines and Indonesia.

BSD, Indonesia — Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, Chief Executive Officer of HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. and IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., received the Innovative Company of the Year Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere in BSD, Greater Jakarta.

The recognition highlighted the company’s work in renewable energy development and its efforts to establish partnerships connecting international expertise, technology, investment, and local economic opportunities.

A South Korean business executive and civic leader, Cho has expanded his business interests from international trading into renewable energy projects in the Philippines. His initiatives include solar energy development opportunities in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and the Baguio City Economic Zone.

For Cho, the award comes amid efforts to strengthen commercial ties between the Philippines and South Korea while exploring opportunities in sustainable energy and international business cooperation.

Advancing renewable energy in the Philippines

Cho’s business journey began in Japan in 2006 before expanding into Philippine renewable energy opportunities. Under his leadership, HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. advanced solar development initiatives in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone following a Memorandum of Agreement with the zone authority in 2022.

Through IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., he has also pursued renewable energy development opportunities in the Baguio City Economic Zone, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in September 2024.

The company’s portfolio includes a proposed 5-megawatt alternating-current (MWac) solar project in Zamboanga City. The initiative forms part of its efforts to explore renewable energy solutions for economic zones and support the Philippines’ transition toward a more diversified energy mix.

Cho also leads HQ Company International Holdings Inc., which engages in domestic and international trading and facilitates business partnerships. His wife, Maria Tricia Valdez, serves as Chief Executive Officer of HQ SS Strategic Supply Company Philippines, Inc., working alongside him in advancing business activities and strategic partnerships.

Beyond business, Cho serves as a Knight Commander of Rizal and Area Commander in South Korea of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, an Auxiliary Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, and President and Chairman of the Korea-Philippines War Veterans Recognition and Support Organization.

He received the Iconic Businessman of Asia Award at the 10th Southeast Asian Achievement Awards in 2025 and participated in the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in South Korea.

His recent engagements include the Philippine–Korea Bridge Forum in Seoul in September 2026 and a meeting with Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and her team in Makati City on October 6, 2026. The latter discussion explored opportunities for Philippine–Korean tourism cooperation and the potential contribution of international business networks and technology partnerships to sustainable tourism development.

Asia Leaders Awards builds cross-border connections

Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards was established to recognize outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose contributions create opportunities and advance economic and social progress.

The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards. They joined in presenting awards to individuals and organizations from both countries.

“Eight years ago, we established the Asia Leaders Awards in Manila with a vision: to promote the Philippines as a business hub in Asia by recognizing outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants whose contributions create opportunities, inspire progress, and move our nation forward,” Nicolas said.

“For the past three years, the Asia Leaders Awards has expanded its presence in Indonesia, reflecting our commitment to building stronger connections across Asia. We believe that leadership should not only be recognized within national boundaries but should also serve as a bridge connecting countries, industries, and people,” she added.

“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said.

Asia Leaders Awards 2026 Manila: Celebrating Asia’s Visionaries on November 25, 2026 at Bellevue Hotel

Just celebrated the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia last October 17, 2026 with Alfamart, Cimory, Orang Tua and Minister of Trade among the leaders in Indonesia with BIR Commissioner Atty. Charlito Mendoza, Comelec Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Philanthropist Glenda Hufano, Korean Japanese Entrepreneur Samuel Cho, Tycoon Mikee Romero, Camp John Hay President Manjit Reandi with the presence of incoming Embassy of Indonesia Ambassador Josef Nae Soi, Asia Leaders Awards Chairman Robert Laurel Yupangco and Asia Leaders Awards President Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

The Asia Leaders Awards 2026 returns this year with another celebration of leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence, bringing together distinguished business leaders and changemakers in Manila, Philippines, on November 25, 2026.

As we look forward to this year’s awards, we also look back at some of the remarkable personalities and organizations who have been recognized in previous editions.

Among them is Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, whose leadership has helped transform a homegrown Filipino brand into one of Asia’s most recognizable food-service companies.

Another distinguished awardee is Kevin Tan, Executive Director of Megaworld Corporation and President and CEO of its parent company, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), whose work reflects the continuing growth and global competitiveness of Philippine business.

From Indonesia, Kopi Kenangan, known globally as Kenangan Coffee, represents the remarkable rise of Southeast Asian homegrown brands. Co-founded in 2017 by Indonesian entrepreneur Edward Tirtanata, who serves as CEO, the company has grown into a major coffee brand with approximately 1,400 branches globally.

The awards have also recognized leaders who play important roles in shaping Indonesia’s retail and business landscape, including Budihardjo Iduansjah, the current General Chairman of HIPPINDO, the Indonesian Association of Retailers and Shopping Center Tenants.

These past awardees embody what the Asia Leaders Awards seeks to celebrate: individuals and organizations that create opportunities, build industries, inspire communities, and contribute to the economic and social progress of Asia.

This year, the journey continues.

Join us as we bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries in Manila for the Asia Leaders Awards 2026.

Do you know a leader, entrepreneur, organization, or changemaker who deserves recognition?

Nominate today: www.asialeadersawards.asia

Email: president@asialeadersawards.asia

Let us celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of Asia.

#ALA2026 #AsiaLeadersAwards