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.
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento