Influential Brands’ 2025 CEO Summit & Award Ceremony shines the spotlight on sustainable leadership, outstanding workplace cultures, and the best consumer-favourite brands across the region
Over 350 C-suite executives from Asia’s leading companies gathered at Fullerton Hotel Singapore on 28 March—and earlier that month, in Bangkok—for the annual CEO Summit & Award Ceremony hosted by the distinguished think-tank organisation, Influential Brands.
Jorge Rodriguez, managing director of Influential Brands, described the recognition of business excellence across the region as “an honour,” and noted that it serves as a catalyst for deeper engagement with ASEAN’s business leaders in the year ahead.
More than a celebration of success, however, the evening centred on the evolving responsibilities of leadership in an increasingly complex world. Themed “Sustainable Leadership: Shaping the Future of Business,” this year’s event, supported by Robb Report Singapore as official media partner, spotlighted both forward-thinking strategies and purpose-driven growth.
Guest-of-honour, Seah Kian Peng, Speaker of Parliament, delivered a timely message: “We celebrate not only economic achievements, but meaningful contributions to our communities and society.” He noted that sustainability is now “no longer a choice, but a necessity.”
Reflecting that vision, the newly introduced Top Sustainability Companies Awards recognised organisations that demonstrated excellence in both ESG performance and communication. Evaluated under the Global ESG Monitor (GEM) framework, this year’s recipients included City Developments Limited (CDL) and UOL Group. CDL’s chief sustainability officer, Esther An, remarked, “No one can save the planet alone. At CDL, collaboration and innovation have always been at the heart of our green mission.”
The focus on people was equally clear through the Top Employer Awards. Based on an anonymous survey of over 25,000 employees, nine companies were recognised for fostering outstanding workplace cultures.
United Overseas Bank’s head of group human resources, Dean Tong, spoke of a “culture of care, growth and trust,” while Welch Er of Singapore Land Group highlighted the company’s WISE programme—focused on wellness, inspiration, socialisation and energy—as a key element of employee engagement. Also recognised were NTUC LearningHub, National University Health System, PlayFACTO School, JAG Engineering, Boys’ Town, and Office Planner.
The evening also celebrated brand strength across Asia. A regional consumer survey involving 10,000 respondents identified 56 Top Influential Brands, including well-known names such as FairPrice, Gong cha, Häagen-Dazs, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.
Vipul Chawla of FairPrice Group shared that the award reaffirms the group’s mission to make daily essentials accessible while staying aligned with consumer needs. Over at Jewel Changi Airport, CEO James Fong described their recognition as a “strong encouragement” to continue enhancing Jewel as a premier lifestyle destination.
Rounding off the evening was a tribute to exceptional business leadership. The title of Asia’s Top CEO was awarded to Ms Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International Securities, in recognition of her progressive leadership and regional impact.
