SEPANG: AirAsia founder and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes will be honoured with the Asia House Asian Business Leaders Award for 2017 at a gala event in Hong Kong on 27 November.
The award is in recognition of his contribution to Asia’s economic landscape as AirAsia become the region’s leading low-cost airline, transforming the Asian aviation industry and making it possible for millions of people to access air travel.
The prestigious award, issued annually by Asia House, the London-based Centre of Expertise on Asia, celebrates business leaders who have driven positive economic and social change in the region.
Previous winners include Hiroaki Nakanishi, chairman of Hitachi; Temasek CEO Ho Ching; Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata; and Nazir Razak, chairman of CIMB Group.
In a statement, chairman of Asia House Lord Green said: “As a leading Centre of Expertise on Asian business and trade, it is important for Asia House to recognise those people making a positive contribution to the Asian economic landscape.”
In response to winning the award, Fernandes said it is an honour to be recognised for championing Asean.
“I am an Aseanist. I believe the future of Asia Pacific lies as much with Asean as it does with China or India — it's hard to ignore 620 million people. However, the promise of Asean lies in its unity, in cooperation, tearing down barriers, integration. In that sense, we still have some way to go but I am confident we will get there, and I am very glad to see Asia House join us on that journey,” he added.
Fernandes will receive the award at a gala dinner in Hong Kong on 27 November, following Asia House’s signature conference, ‘Asia Trade in the New Global Order’.