KUALA LUMPUR, 6 July 2026 — Against a backdrop of rapid technological disruption and an increasingly competitive global economy, more than 400 entrepreneurs, government representatives, royalty, diplomats, professionals and business leaders from across Asia gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the Asian Leaders Gala 2026, one of the region’s premier international business recognition events organised by the Asia Excellence Entrepreneur Federation (AEEF), co-organised by HWT Group Berhad, and the International Association for the Advancement of Quality.

The gala celebrated outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, branding, integrity and leadership while reinforcing AEEF’s vision of “Unite Asia’s Visionaries, Crafting a Brighter Tomorrow.” The federation continues to serve as a regional platform connecting entrepreneurs with governments, international markets, strategic partnerships and global recognition. 

 

“The Future Belongs to Brands People Trust”

Opening the evening, AEEF President H.E. Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Robin Tan delivered a keynote that challenged entrepreneurs to shift their focus beyond visibility.

“Artificial Intelligence will make content cheaper. Advertising will become everywhere. But the one thing technology cannot mass produce is trust. The most valuable asset of every company in the future will not be brand awareness—it will be brand recognition and credibility.”

He highlighted that businesses today are no longer competing only within their own countries, but against companies from around the world. In this new era, brands that build long-term credibility will be the ones that stand above price competition and gain lasting consumer confidence.

Robin Tan also reaffirmed AEEF’s commitment to connecting Asian entrepreneurs internationally through government engagement, business matching, overseas study missions and internationally recognised award platforms.

Earlier this June, AEEF successfully organised the 1^st East Asia Top Leader Honor & Government Delegation in Haikou, Hainan, China, where the federation established strategic cooperation with local government partners in the Hainan Free Trade Port, creating new opportunities for Asian businesses seeking international expansion.

The federation also announced that its next major international recognition platform—the 2^nd Global Business Excellence Award—will take place in Tokyo, Japan, this November.

 

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Strengthening Asia Through Collaboration

Speaking during the gala, Honorary Advisor YM Tengku Long Hazlan said Asia’s greatest strength lies in its people.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to build stronger cross-border relationships and reminded guests that leadership is measured not only by business success, but also by the ability to create opportunities for others and leave a lasting positive impact on society.

 

Guest of Honour YB Tuan Lau Weng San congratulated AEEF for its continued efforts in recognising outstanding entrepreneurs while fostering greater international cooperation among businesses throughout Asia. He expressed hope that the federation would continue expanding its global influence and creating meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region.

 

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Three International Awards Presented

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of three internationally recognised awards organised by AEEF.

The 14^th International Prestige Brand Award honoured businesses that have successfully built outstanding brands with strong market recognition.

The 14^th Golden Phoenix Award celebrated exceptional women whose achievements in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, leadership and cultural development continue to inspire communities across Asia.

Meanwhile, the 14^th Asia Honesty Award recognised entrepreneurs, enterprises, products and brands that demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, transparency and consumer trust—qualities increasingly valued in today’s marketplace.

Together, the three award platforms reflect AEEF’s long-standing mission of recognising organisations that not only achieve commercial success, but also create positive social and economic impact.

 

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Celebrating Asian Culture

Beyond business, the gala showcased the richness of Asia’s cultural heritage through specially curated performances celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural identity.

The opening performance by Dua Space, Malaysia’s pioneering professional contemporary dance company and recipient of the International Prestige Brand Award, presented The Landscape of Malaysia, blending traditional Kelantanese music with contemporary choreography to introduce Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage to international guests.

Internationally acclaimed violinist and Golden Phoenix Cultural Achievement Award recipient Jessica Loo also captivated the audience with a special performance celebrating the universal language of music.

 

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International Medical Aesthetics Association (IMAA) Signs Strategic Partnership

One of the evening’s landmark highlights was the official Signing Ceremony and Honorary President Appointment between AEEF and the International Medical Aesthetics Association (IMAA).

As an affiliated organisation under the AEEF ecosystem, IMAA aims to unite medical aesthetics professionals, promote ethical industry standards, facilitate international collaboration, and accelerate innovation within the global medical aesthetics sector.

During the ceremony, Dr. Jest Wong was officially appointed as the Honorary President of the International Medical Aesthetics Association (IMAA) in recognition of his outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and significant contributions to advancing the medical aesthetics industry.

The marks another milestone in AEEF’s commitment to building specialised international platforms that create greater opportunities for industry professionals across Asia.

 

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Award Winners List

International Prestige Brand Award 2026

International Prestige Brand Award 2026 - Emerging Brand of the Year

• Duitpos

International Prestige Brand Award 2026 - Brand of the Year

• Gold Wood Resources (M) Sdn Bhd
• Ishin Home Design
• Jobelle Skin Solutions
• MMA GROUP
• Sun Hup Tyre Sdn Bhd
• YKL Capital Sdn Bhd

International Prestige Brand Award 2026 - Best Brand of the Year

• Big Ben Education Group Sdn Bhd
• Hair Soul
• H.S. Heng Sawmill Sdn Bhd
• Rooftop Waterproofing MNC Sdn Bhd
• SIYUAN

 

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Golden Phoenix Award 2026

Golden Phoenix Award 2026 - Cultural Achievement Award

• Bess Yip (葉建萍)

Golden Phoenix Award 2026 - Benevolence Award

• Ngien Ting Ting

Golden Phoenix Award 2026 - Entrepreneur Award

• Shevonne Tan Sie Yong
• Stella Fan Sue Sian

Golden Phoenix Award 2026 - Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

• Master Evva Koh Wan Yi
• Madeline Ong Mei Chin

 

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East Asia Top Leader Honor

Entrepreneur Award

• Datuk Christine Teo
• Dato Mohamed Kiyas Mohamed Thoufeek
• Master Evva Koh Wan Yi
• Yumi Lim Yock Siew

Enterprise Award

• Big Ben Education Group Sdn Bhd
• INK Marketing Sdn Bhd
• Xin Hwa Supply Chain Sdn Bhd

 

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Asia Honesty Award 2026

Asia Honesty Product Award 2026

• Best Provider Office Furniture System
• Candle Club
• G-Tech Signature
• Herbs Healthcare Products
• 马鲛鱼手工面粉糕
• T&I Foodstuff Industries Sdn Bhd
• Takadyn Oxy-Hydrogen Inhaler

Asia Honesty Entrepreneur Award 2026

• Dr. Loo Hooi Kok
• Chen Teik Fooi
• Derrick Koid Wah Seong
• Joseph Teo Siow Chin
• Khoo Heng Jie

Asia Honesty Enterprise Award 2026

• Eastern Fishing Tackle (M) Sdn Bhd
• Kinematic Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
• Niko Hair & Nail Salon (M) Sdn Bhd
• NKM Plumbing Engineering Sdn Bhd
• Palm Glory Construction Sdn Bhd
• Pau Yuan Sdn Bhd
• Proservice Property Management Sdn Bhd
• Restoran Bahao Group Berhad
• S&J Water Tank Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd
• Sante Beauty TCM Sdn Bhd
• SIF Development Sdn Bhd
• Siyuan Funeral Services (M) Sdn Bhd
• T&I Foodstuff Industries Sdn Bhd
• VSB Academy Sdn Bhd

Asia’s TOP 100 Honesty Brand Award 2026

• G-Tech Signature
• Pau Yuan Sdn Bhd
• Restoran Bahao Group Berhad
• South Island Furniture
• T&I Foodstuff Industries Sdn Bhd

Two-Time Asia’s TOP 100 Honesty Brand Award

• SP2S

 

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Looking Ahead

The gala welcomed an esteemed lineup of distinguished guests from the government, royal families, business community, and international organisations, including Dato Mohamed Kiyas Mohamed Thoufeek, Dr. Jodness Tan, Dr. Jenny Hoon, Dato’ Dr. Norhizan bin Ismail, YM Tengku Hazlan bin Tengku Long Hannif, and YM Raja Ikram Bin Raja Omar, who came together to witness another significant milestone in advancing Asian enterprises onto the global stage.

As AEEF celebrates fifteen years of connecting entrepreneurs across Asia, the federation continues expanding its international initiatives through government engagement, overseas business delegations, educational missions and globally recognised award platforms.

With its upcoming 2^nd Global Business Excellence Award 2026 in Tokyo and continued expansion across Asia, AEEF aims to further strengthen regional collaboration while helping Asian entrepreneurs elevate their brands, credibility and global competitiveness.

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Media Contact
Asia Excellence Entrepreneur Federation (AEEF)
Email: admin@hwtgroup.com.my
Website: www.aeef.com.my