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The ABLF Journey of Glory | 1
© Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy 2011
PO Box 211270, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards Trademark and Intellectual Property is held by
Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy, Dubai, UAE.
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards™ name, logo and brand communiqué may not be used in
whole or part commercially or otherwise or reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or
storing in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the IP holder.
Any person reproducing any part of this publication without prior written permission
will be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
For enquiries, please email [email protected]
All Rights Reserved.
Printed with pride in the United Arab Emirates
at our print partnership Delta Printing Press, Dubai.
Pioneered, produced and presented by
Volume 1
CoNTeNTS
Messages from the Leadership
Setting the Stage
Witness Asia Rising
Key Pivots of the ABLF Series
Anatomy of the ABLF Awards
The ABLF Awards Communications
Vanguard of the ABLF Awards
ABLF Awards 2011 - The Celebration
Afterword
Acknowledgements
References & Photo Index
Future Perfect – ABLF Awards 2012
12
40
54
70
90
120
138
158
232
238
239
240
ABLF AWARDS 2011
8 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
THE ABLF EVENT SERIES IS DEDICATED
TO
&THEIR VISIONARY LEADERS
THE GREAT COUNTRIES OF MODERN ASIA
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 9
THE ABLF EVENT SERIES IS DEDICATED
TO
&THEIR VISIONARY LEADERS
THE GREAT COUNTRIES OF MODERN ASIA
ABLF AWARDS 2011
10 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
THE ABLF AWARDS 2011 CONSTITUENCIESVOICES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS
“No matter how many buildings,
foundations, schools and hospitals we
build, or how many bridges we raise,
all these are material entities. The real
spirit behind the progress is the human
spirit, the able man with his intellect
and capabilities.”
H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Father of the Nation & Late President of
the UAE
“I am working for Oman - the country and
its people. For me it is a delight to see my
country and my people in the situation I
imagined from the very first day I assumed
power. I feel that I am a man with a mission
rather than a man with authority.”
H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
Sultan of Oman
“There are seven sins in the world: wealth
without work, pleasure without conscience,
knowledge without character, commerce
without morality, science without humanity,
worship without sacrifice and politics
without principle.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Father of the Nation, India
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 11
THE ABLF AWARDS 2011 CONSTITUENCIESVOICES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS
“Reach your ambition as high as the skies.
Dream as high as the skies. Because even if
you fall, it will be among the stars.”
President Sukarno
Founding Father, Indonesia
“It is essential to rear a generation at the
very top of society that has all the qualities
needed to lead and give the people
the inspiration and the drive to make
them succeed.”
Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew
Founding Father, Singapore
“Our future depends on how well many
different kinds of people can live and
work together.”
Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman
Founding Father, Malaysia
12 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 13
meSSageS from The leaderShip• royal meSSageS
• KeyNoTe addreSSeS
• ViSioNarieS aT The helm
1
“ We seek mutually beneficial relations with all our Asian neighbours and
will work closely with Asia to realise our combined aspiration to make the
21st century an Asian century. We want a neighbourhood of peace and
shared prosperity in which people, goods and services can travel with ease
across borders.”“ We are a democratic nation of one billion people living harmoniously in a
pluralistic society and we constitute one of the fastest growing economies in
the world. India has always had a universal perspective, and the remarkable
resilience of our democracy gives us a voice that is heard and respected
throughout the world.”
LEADERSHIP Of InDIA
“ Globalisation, driven by international trade and investment has
dramatically affected global thinking. More countries are now integrated
into a global economic system in which trade and capital flow across
borders. India has adopted a holistic approach to the process of inclusive
globalisation so that the benefits of our growth touch the lives of all.”
SmT. praTibha paTilpreSideNT of iNdia
dr. maNmohaN SiNghprime miNiSTer of iNdia
SmT. SoNia gaNdhipreSideNT, iNdiaN NaTioNal CoNgreSS
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 15
India, a member of the elite trillion-dollar economy club, with its strong leadership and even stronger
economic fundamentals, supported by the world's biggest middle class, was able to manage the
global economic downturn better than most others in the world. Growing at nearly eight percent per
annum, India has not only bolstered South Asia's growth, but also played a key role in rebalancing
the global economy. Powered by its wealth of human resources and vibrant knowledge economy,
India stays firmly on the fast track, reflecting an extraordinary economic momentum.
The republiC of iNdia waS The VeNue for The iNaugural ablf eVeNT, The ablf awardS 2011.
LEADERSHIP Of THE UAE
“ The Federation of the United Arab Emirates has relied, and will continue to
rely, on the rich and diverse contributions of its true wealth, its people, to
guarantee its prosperity. Our vision is to create a confident, secure society
and to build a sustainable, open and globally competitive economy.”
“ Our strength comes from being in touch with our people, from being devoted
to the benefit of our country through education and empowerment of our
people. We have to guide them through change, always be in touch with them,
responsive to them, interact with them and lead them to a better future.”
“ We have never been, nor ever will be among those who rest on their laurels;
nor those who obsess on their success; nor those who believe that the march
forward will continue automatically.”
h. h. SheiKh Khalifa biN Zayed al NahyaNpreSideNT of The uae
h. h. SheiKh Saud biN Saqr al qaSimiruler of raS al Khaimah, uae
h. h. SheiKh mohammed biN raShidal maKToumViCe-preSideNT & prime miNiSTer of The uae aNd ruler of dubai
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 17
The UAE leadership is marked by great individuals of integrity and vision. Since its formation in
1971, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most sought after Gulf states and one of the
world's greatest success stories in diversified economic development. The UAE's reputation makes
it a key player in the global economy, the pre-eminent business hub of the region, and a beacon of
successful global relationships, of trade and goodwill in the Arabian Gulf.
The uae iS home To The ablf SerieS ip CreaTorS & arChiTeCTS - iNdiaN expreSSioNS.
The inaugural edition of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards was endorsed by eminent
leaders from governments and business strongholds of Asia, who have played a key role in
architecting the development of the new Asian Century. These celebrated leaders have worked to
bring together Asian nations for collaborative growth and now they support the ABLF’s initiative
to showcase and celebrate the key business sectors that drive the global economy.
20 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan is the United Arab
Emirates Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and
Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.
One of the most visionary ministers of the UAE, H. H. Sheikh Nahayan
Mabarak Al Nahayan has paved a new path for the country’s educational
system, making it the new hub for higher education and research in the region.
In a few short years, His Highness has transformed the UAE to a centre for
various international universities to operate and successfully provide exemplary
education to students from all over the globe.
His Highness’ mission is to continue national investment in schools, universities
and research institutions, thereby leading the UAE to incorporate a larger role
for itself as a promoter of peace and economic development through education.
“The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards provides a platform
for the UAE to showcase its strengths and forge new relationships
with our Asian friends and I am very happy that the UAE is being
represented at such an important event.
The wide representation of UAE nationals among the nominees for
the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards is a testament to the
excellent business environment in the United Arab Emirates. The
country's economy continues to grow at a steady and rapid rate.
Asia in the global spotlightA message from His Highness on Asia's growing relevance in the global economy
h. h. SheiKh NahayaN mabaraK al NahayaNuae miNiSTer of higher eduCaTioN aNd SCieNTifiC reSearCh
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 21
A RoyAl MessAge
The country’s major centre of commerce focuses on international
trade, tourism, finance, information technology, sustainability
and the media. The economy is highly competitive, transparent
and supportive of business and entrepreneurs. The United Arab
Emirates is instituting appropriate structural reforms to promote
strong domestic growth. We strive for a competitive advantage in
the regional and global market place.
I fully support the premise of the ABLF, as the growing stature of
the Asian economies has major global ramifications and holds great
potential. Asia is becoming a major global source of innovation and
development and the continent is emerging as the new epicentre
for global economic and business activities.
The ABLF Awards 2011 platform gives credence where it is due, to
the top leaders of current business affairs across Asia as a whole.”
“ I fully support the premise of the Asian Business
Leadership Forum, as the rising stature of the
Asian economies has major global ramifications
and holds great potential for inclusive growth. Asia
is becoming a major global source of innovation
and development and the continent is emerging
as the new epicentre for global economic and
business activities.”
22 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Infrastructure is key to developmentA message from His Highness on the important role of infrastructure in economic development
h. h. SheiKh ahmed biN Saeed al maKToumChairmaN, dubai world; ChairmaN, dubai airporTS; ChairmaN & Chief exeCuTiVe, emiraTeS airliNe & group
Chairman & Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, and President of the
Department of Civil Aviation, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al
Maktoum is one of the most respected business leaders in the world. With his
visionary leadership and razor-sharp business acumen, His Highness has led
Emirates Airlines from a small, regional airline with two leased aircrafts to its
name into the world’s most profitable airline with a network that includes over
100 destinations and a fleet with almost twice as many aircrafts that define
the last word in luxury.
Emirates' glittering success story is a testament to his foresight and grand
vision, inspired by his patriotism and love for his country. His strong sense
of national pride and devotion to the cause of the UAE’s growth provided a
catalyst for the country’s success.
“When we talk about development in any country, I always believe
that it is a must, first of all, to have first-class infrastructure within the
city, its roads, trains or metro, ports and airports. Without excellent
infrastructure we will never be able to compete with other countries
to have a flow of business coming into the country and it becoming
an international hub. I think Dubai is an excellent example of that
due to its infrastructure. If you look at our port, it is huge - it is always
being developed, it is always being expanded; another example is
the airport because you need to have a very good synergy between
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 23
A RoyAl MessAge
the airlines that operate here and the airport. We demand certain
facilities and you need to expand and improve them all the time.
You cannot say, ‘I will build something today,’ and that’s it, because
you have to look at it a few years later and be pleased.
When we talk about Dubai, it has become a brand at par with other
good brands that are famous and there is no doubt that Emirates
is also gaining pace. Dubai has really accomplished the goal for
Emirates because when you have a destination you always want to
make it easy, convenient and accessible for people to arrive and
leave at their convenience and I think we have achieved that. I
must say that besides Emirates, it is also all the other stakeholders
within the airport who have worked towards making Dubai a brand
destination. People have to have the same synergy where they work
together to achieve that common goal.
“ Without excellent infrastructure we will never be
able to compete with other countries to have a
flow of business coming into the country and it
becoming a hub.”
We, in the UAE, in Dubai, are so close to high growth population
centres around us. I think our focus today is geared more towards
the East and this is part of our strategy. Asia is a big market; there
is a lot of wealth within the countries of Asia and we want to play a
major role in this by making Dubai a main hub. And it is a main hub
for a number of countries when it comes to doing business - West of
Dubai or South of Dubai. So the most logical place to be in or even to
have your logistic centre is here, in Dubai. The infrastructure here is
all in place - the airline, the shipping line infrastructure, the facilities
for storage etc. It is easy for people to come here for business, so it
is also becoming a great meeting place of choice, so you don’t have
to travel to the end of the world to meet. Dubai is the ideal meeting
place for a lot of people; it is half way for almost everybody looking
to do business in Asia. It is a great link between the countries of the
West and the East.
I have always believed that Dubai is the centre of the world; a modern
day centre for logistic activity. Dubai has touched the heights of
business excellence on a global scale. Accompanied by advancement
in infrastructure and industry, the UAE continues to strive further
and test its limits. I support the Asian Business Leadership Forum
Awards effort and initiative to celebrate the achievements of Asia in a
common forum and its mandate of strong leadership commitments
to excellence, sustainability and development.”
Minister Kamal Nath speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 25
One of India’s most enduring and respected political figures, Minister Kamal
Nath is the current Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI.
An alumnus of the Doon School and a graduate of St. Xavier’s College of the
University of Calcutta, Kamal Nath began his career in politics in 1980 and
has served as Minister of Environment & Forests; Union Minister of State,
Textiles; and Minister of Commerce & Industry in his illustrious career.
Kamal Nath is a strong proponent of economic development in India and has
pushed for stronger international cooperation for the nation, outlining focus
areas of production, including telecom, engineering, environmental technology,
chemicals, and renewable energy. Kamal Nath describes India’s entrepreneurial
spirit and the country’s potential for global commerce growth in his book India’s
Century, which describes the magnitude of India’s economic renewal and the
opportunities it holds for the world. Minister Nath, who strongly emphasises
the need for infrastructure development in India, has been widely credited with
raising his country’s profile in the global arena.
“Good evening everybody. I am delighted to participate in the Asian
Business Leadership Forum Awards. What better business leaders
to award, than Asian business leaders? And what better place to
have this awards ceremony than India? What better place than New
Delhi and it is only appropriate that we recognise and award Asian
business leaders.
Asia on the Fast TrackMinister Kamal Nath speaks on the Asian growth phenomenon at the ABLF Awards 2011
h. e. Kamal NaThuNioN CabiNeT miNiSTer,urbaN deVelopmeNT,goVerNmeNT of iNdia
“ We are witnessing a huge, dramatic change in
global architecture where Asia is now driving
global economic growth.”
26 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
We are seeing this huge, dramatic change in global architecture and
we are seeing the huge population of Asia. We are seeing that Asia
is now driving global economic growth. Who would have thought
this 10 years ago? Ten years ago, I remember, at several World
Economic Forums in Davos, we leaders from Asia, or you leaders
from Asia, the political leaders from Asia where sermonised by the
Western world to reform, to have new policies, to have reforms in
institutions, reforms in economic policy. Ten years ago, we heard it
all. I remember hearing this for many, many years.
But today, in this dramatic change which is taking place, it is Asia,
Asian business, and Asian business leaders, which are driving the
global economy from the trouble that it was almost put into; which
the Western economies are in, and I think that is the single most
significant change which is taking place.
In Asia, we have never had a collapse of our financial systems. In
Asia, there is a vast difference in the structures of our financial
systems. I always say this about India, and it is very true about Asia
- that in Asia, the banks and the financial systems are funding the
government, whereas in the Western world, the governments are
giving money to their financial systems to help them survive and
emerge from the collapse they are almost in and it is this change
which has led to Asia’s new recognition, where six countries of Asia,
today, are in the G20, and this is just a start.
As Minister Sibal mentioned, the last decade has seen globalisation
as never before but at the heart of globalisation was global
competitiveness. Here again, Asia was at the forefront of global
competitiveness and the next decade is going to see not merely the
impact of this globalisation, but also huge regionalisation. We are
seeing the ASEAN economies, adding to the ASEAN economy is the
ASEAN+6, the ASEAN+8. We are seeing greater economic integration
between India and the GCC; we are talking to the GCC about having
an economic agreement. Within Asia, India has regional agreements
with the SAARC countries, which includes Pakistan.
The challenges we face are very different to the Western economies;
the challenges of the European and of the North American
economies are very different from the challenges we face. Today
when we talk about growth in almost all countries in Asia, we don’t
talk of attaining growth; we have attained growth. We are talking
about managing growth. In India we talk of managing growth. How
do we have inclusive growth? How do we have growth when we are
growing at seven, eight or nine percent? How do we have growth
which touches all sections of society, in all parts of the country? So
our challenge is managing growth. In the Western world, they are
talking not of managing growth but of having growth. Of having one
or two percent growth or not having negative growth - that is a huge
difference which we can see starkly in front of us.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 27
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
I remarked in Europe in 2008 that the next decade is going to see the
emerging economies of Asia, versus the submerging economies of
Europe and we see this happening so dramatically. We are seeing
it in Asia, where Asian human resources are producing business
leaders who we recognise today. Previously, multinationals had
expatriates as their chief executives; now, in Asia, we are seeing
homegrown CEOs, we are seeing homegrown management, which
recognise the corporate cultures of the countries together. This
is not only in services or manufacturing; but also in technology,
where Asia will not just be a user of patents, it is going to be a
producer of patents because Asia is unleashing its intellectual and
entrepreneurial abilities all over the globe.
India today has greater investments in Australia. Just the Indian
curry houses in the UK employ more people than the British steel
and auto sector. It is here again that we are seeing a two-way street
where Asian countries are becoming investors. Previously it was the
wealthy GCC countries who were the big investors abroad. Today,
Asian companies, Asian countries are huge investors abroad.
However investments are not a one-way street; we are seeing
Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore investing all over the world, much
more than their investments into their own countries. This is also
the case in many countries where India is concerned, so we see
a huge change taking place where Asia is not just a producer of
goods and not just marketing services, but is a huge producer of
entrepreneurs. And this transition is going to be the architecture in
the second decade of the 21st century - the first decade of the 21st
century saw the emergence of Asia, and the second decade of the
21st century is going to see the leadership of Asia.
So what better awards can we have than awards for the Asian
business community? I want to congratulate the ABLF, Malini and
all those who have put this event together because it recognises
leadership, it recognises talent, it recognises entrepreneurship and
most of all, it recognises vision. So my congratulations to the ABLF
Awards and to Malini for putting this event together for recognising
and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, the new Asian leaders who
are going to drive the global economy in the future.
Thank you and enjoy your evening.”
Minister Kamal Nath with H. E. Richard Stagg and Dr. P. Mohamed Ali at the ABLF Awards 2011
Minister Vayalar Ravi at the ABLF Awards 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 29
Asia – Setting Higher BenchmarksMinister Vayalar Ravi’s message for the ABLF Awards 2011
h. e. Vayalar raViuNioN CabiNeT miNiSTer,oVerSeaS iNdiaN affairS,goVerNmeNT of iNdia
One of India’s most respected statesmen with over 50 years of public service,
Vayalar Ravi is the Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs,
GOI since 2006. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1971 and then again
in 1977. In 1982, he went on to become the Home Minister in Kerala during
the Congress party’s tenure.
Minister Vayalar Ravi has strived to bring social and political change and he
has fought passionately for social equality and dignity of the downtrodden.
His personal story is one of struggle and hard work, but compassion for his
fellow human beings. A law graduate, Minister Vayalar Ravi is an orator
par excellence. He has travelled extensively and has proudly represented India
several times at the United Nations General Assembly.
“I am delighted to participate in the ABLF Awards event organised
by Indian Expressions. Let me extend my compliments to the
participants from India who have made their mark in the sectors
of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy and have made India proud.
I also commend the ABLF Awards for building such a significant
event that showcases the Gulf and South-East Asian business
entities that have played a defining role in the rise of Asia.
Most of the companies represented at the ABLF are in the higher
echelons of the corporate world and as leaders, are required to
take on onerous responsibilities. The values and perspectives
“ Asia has all the right ingredients for building an
undefeatable economy and achieving its goals.
It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms
and institutions.”
30 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
(L-R) Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal at the ABLF Awards 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 31
by the mantra of inclusive development, by which the large mass
of the underprivileged in Asia have access to education, healthcare
and employment opportunities.
Asia has the right ingredients for building an undefeatable economy
and achieving its goals. It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms
and institutions. What is needed is a greater sense of urgency,
stronger political will and a firmer resolve at every level to bring
the vision to fruition as well as the resources to support this effort.
I believe these challenges are not insurmountable. As long as there
is strong belief and action upon the mantra 'national interest to
regional action and regional interest to national action', the goal of
achieving this dream will be possible for all Asian economies.”
that drive these organisations invariably reflect on the values that
the leadership upholds in its work. The issue of Asia’s economic
development has captured the attention of the world as the centre
of global growth and power shifts from the West to Asia. Despite
the economic crisis, India has been able to weather the storm and
continued to perform well.
There are numerous development challenges that all of us face,
whether in government or in the private sector. It is doubtless that
Asia is today the largest and fastest growing economy in the world.
The continent as a whole has a GDP growth of 7.9%. The economic
fundamentals in Asia are flush with robust foreign exchange
reserves, a booming capital market, Foreign Direct Investments of
over US$ 200 billion and export growth in excess of 20 percent.
Clearly, Asia is on a stable growth path. We, of Asia, however, need
to be alert and respond to emerging challenges and concerns in
the region, addressing the issues in a timely manner as we make
efforts to achieve our potential as young, fast-growing economies.
At the heart of this new era of economic prosperity in Asia is the
goal of improving the quality of life of people. This can be achieved
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 33
A product of the Harvard Law School, Minister Kapil Sibal is amongst the most
recognised legal luminaries of the world, having once served as the Additional
Solicitor General of India. Currently the Minister of Human Resource
Development, he had charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology and
Ministry of Earth Sciences in the first Manmohan Singh cabinet. He is also the
Minister of Communications and Information Technology in the current cabinet.
Minister Sibal is most passionate about his duties as the Minister of Human
Resource Development. He has chosen ‘expansion, inclusion and excellence’ as
his guiding mantra and announced a slew of measures in the education sector
that could see a complete makeover of the next generation of Indian youth.
A supporter of the globalisation of education, Minister Sibal believes that
education is the single greatest tool the world has to solve the problems the global
economy faces. He speaks passionately of the need to change the mindset of
educational institutions and open academic borders and share the knowledge.
“Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to be here with
you today to recognise the business leaders in this part of the world.
Long ago, Napoleon Bonaparte said, 'Leaders are dealers in hope',
and that is what leadership is all about. When you are confronted
with a situation which is challenging, you confront it head on and
strategise about how to deal with it. This has happened in the
course of civilisation when people and leaders from different walks
of life have been confronted with situations and have challenged
the norms of the past to provide the solutions for the future.
The New Age of Asian LeadershipMinister Kapil Sibal speaks on Asian leadership at the ABLF Awards 2011
h. e. Kapil SibaluNioN CabiNeT miNiSTer,humaN reSourCe deVelopmeNTCommuNiCaTioNS & iNformaTioN TeChNology,goVerNmeNT of iNdia
“ Today, we recognise the excellence of leaders in
Asia, because the real challenges of tomorrow are going
to be confronted and need to be resolved by us in this
part of the world.”
34 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Unless the law of gravity was challenged, people wouldn’t have
flown in airplanes and leadership is about accepting the challenges
of the past, the norms of the past and realising your vision and
your hopes for the future. But, in that sense, the 20th century is very
different from the 21st century because in the past, people were
living on different continents, within their own worlds, but it is only
in the past 30-40 years that the world has undergone globalisation.
Distances today have no meaning, territorial boundaries have no
meaning, and because of the ICT revolution, you can reach out to
anybody anywhere in the world and in a sense, therefore, we live
in a far more collaborative world than ever before in the history of
civilisation. But at the same time, we are on the cusp of dealing with
challenges that have never been dealt with before.
We are in an era where the nature of property has changed; we
are in an era with 7 billion people in the world and a growing
population that will by 2050 be almost 8.9 or 9 billion people. In
an era where there is paucity of resources to realise your dreams,
and in that context because the economies in this part of the world
are the emerging economies, the challenges are far greater. The
Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 35
reason why challenges are far greater is because when two-fifths
of humanity which live in this part of the world - 1.2 billion people
in India and another 1.3 billion people in China or 1.5 billion people
in China - if their GDP grows at the rate of 8 to 10 percent in the
next 40 years, you can imagine the kind of resources that will be
needed to ensure that growth. And for the first time in the history
of civilisation we realise that we do not have enough resources to
be able to fuel that growth and therefore, if we need to bring hope
to the millions, in fact billions who live in this part of the world,
the nature of the resource mill must change. In other words, we
have to innovate and look at new resources which are sustainable,
consistent with the laws of nature, which will bring about growth,
but which are sustainable.
Now, that challenge has never been confronted by civilisation, ever
before. And it is in the context of that challenge that we, today,
recognise the excellence of leaders in this part of the world because
the real challenges of tomorrow are going to be confronted by us
in this part of the world. There is, for the first time, also a conflict
between GDP growth and survival of the human race, because on
the one hand you can grow at 8 to 10 percent and on the other
hand if you need to grow at that rate, you are going to have to
exploit resources which are minimal, which are depleting and if you
actually exploit those resources which are depleting, you actually
question the very survivability of the human race. I don’t think that
the business community thus far has thought of that challenge.
Well, let’s talk about the excellence that we have achieved so far,
and amongst the awardees I recognise there are lots of women
leaders who are at the fore and who are recipients of these awards.
Somebody said some time ago that, 'Good managers do things the
right way, but good leaders do the right things'. Men in this world
are good managers but women of this world are good leaders and
great leaders. Men do things the right way but it is the women who
do the right things because the woman in the family knows how to
invest money, knows how to distribute well, knows how to sustain
a family, knows how to take the family forward, and I don’t think
the male manager has the sensitivity and the patience and the soft
touch of the female leader and I daresay that when this part of the
world moves forward and produces many more women leaders it
will add to the GDP growth by not less than 3 to 4 percent.
So I suggest that Malini, you and your organisation, in your next
award ceremony, start emphasising and encouraging the women
in this part of the world to be at the forefront of change because
that is what will truly change the way the world deals with each
other. It will bring about peace and tranquillity both in the
corporate room as well as the outside world.
I congratulate all of you gathered here today and the leaders who
are being awarded today, and wish you all the very best.”
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
36 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF AWARDS 2011The PReSeNTeRS
For an event that aims to represent the very best business qualities, it is important to forge partnerships
with organisations whose ethics are strongly rooted in best business practices. The ABLF Awards
mandate of showcasing excellence is strengthened by the support of the Adani Group and DLF Limited,
whose dedicated efforts to incorporating the business practices of integrity, innovation, excellence
and sustainability have cemented their leadership position globally.
ABLF2011
ABLF2011
The Adani Group is a global business conglomerate, with
a formidable presence in multiple business sectors across
the globe, from mining and SEZ to ports and energy.
With over six decades of excellence, DLF Limited, India’s
largest real-estate development company is a name
synonymous with global standards, new generation
workspaces and lifestyles.
38 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Gautam Adani, the Founder and Chairman of the Adani Group, has
combined entrepreneurial vision with perseverance and hard work
to build one of India’s largest conglomerates today. His INR 26,827
crore business empire stretches from commodities to infrastructure
to energy to agriculture.
Mr Adani’s distinctive rise to prominence reflects the bold, risk taking
attitude that has typically characterised India’s post-liberalisation
industrialists. What sets him apart is his spirit of collaboration with
fellow entrepreneurs, striving for mutual benefits in extremely
competitive markets. Gautam Adani’s business strategies support
his mandate to help build his nation and to do business that can
ride on the government’s agenda. He interprets the country’s three
priorities as infrastructure, energy and food, and has invested his
epic efforts and entrepreneurial brilliance in these sectors.
Gautam AdaniChairmaNadaNi group
VISIONARIES AT THE HELM
“The ABLF Awards is the first time when India, the Gulf
and South-East Asia have come together to recognise
the success of the infrastructure industry. We at
Adani are committed to the infrastructure sector, the
potential of Asia and investing in the Asian region and
hence our support and endorsement of this initiative.”
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 39
Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr Kushal Pal Singh, Chairman of DLF
Limited is a self-made billionaire who gave up a promising career in
the Indian Army to take on corporate India, turning a near-bankrupt
company into the nation’s biggest blue-chip brand in the real estate
business with a pan-India presence in over 30 cities across 18 states.
With the mandate of ‘Building India’, he realised his own dream
of transforming the urban landscape of the country by setting
new standards in the housing and urban development sector
and creating world-class infrastructure to attract unprecedented
levels of foreign and domestic investment inflows, generating new
employment opportunities and changing lifestyles.
Dr Singh is a firm believer in paying back to community and country
and his contributions to the social sector encompass CSR activities
with focus on rural healthcare and education.
Kushal Pal SinghChairmaNdlf limiTed
VISIONARIES AT THE HELM
"Urban development in India will be the biggest
sunrise industry that any country has seen in any
part of the world."
40 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 41
SeTTiNg The STage2
42 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
There are over 10,000 business award events in Asia.
Some are good. Others are better.
Some are regional, others are industry defined.
Some are glamorous social soirees, some others are cutting-edge media events.
Some make a difference, and then there are some others that are not relevant at all.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 43
In this crowded space, what does it take to be an award event
brand that stands out, is sustainable and holds its own?
To find the right answers,
you need to ask the right questions.
44 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Recognition for pioneers and leaders of industry.
Rewards for effort and enterprise.
Accolades for work well done.
Showcase and celebrate excellence in business.
What are the core mandates of any
significant business award event?
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 45
People like to be recognised and appreciated.
Award events are great motivators.
Awards are proactive mood enhancers on a global scale.
Recognition at a key award event is a powerful endorsement of
public acceptance and appreciation.
Awards set benchmarks for organisations and individuals.
What makes award events important?
46 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Integrity, Innovation and Excellence regardless of any other
specified criteria.
In today’s globalised environment relevance for both the award
event and the individual cannot be single dimensional. It needs to
represent an inclusive global perspective.
The global public-opinion quotient that the event construct is based
on is the heart of the event. It defines ‘relevance.’
What does it take to build Reputation
& earn Recognition?
Why is ‘Relevance’ so important?
Reputation and Relevance in the business-spaceWhat paves the way to Recognition?
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 47
This ‘global perspective’ - how does
it happen?
By bringing together great nations in one forum.
By putting together an international global advisory.
By creating a dynamic worldwide public nomination portal with a
global television footprint.
By showcasing powerful global opinion through an international
Jury Panel.
These are the basic parameters upon which an event with a truly global
perspective can be created and developed.
In today’s globalised economy, however, there is not a single event
in Asia that showcases Asian achievements in a global context.
There are no business award events in Asia that have an integrated
global nomination portal.
There are no business award events in Asia that invite worldwide
nominations and have an international Jury.
There are no business awards that celebrate business leadership
through the spirit of Asia and showcase Asian achievements globally.
48 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
How does the Asian business
community benefit from hosting a
landmark award event property?
The award recipient, through recognition, is given
responsibility and power to re-unify a fragmented Asian
business community in a post-recession era through
conversation, collaboration and goodwill.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 49
How does the global business
community benefit from such a
landmark event property?
Revival of old-school values for a brand new ‘global business world'
focusing on the great Asian business revolution.
Reconstruct and empower fractured and distanced relationships
of the post-recession era with a new and vibrant business energy.
Readdress old issues with new business solutions.
Rewrite and create new business legacies.
50 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What factors define a relevant
business award event in today's
challenging times?
Regions most relevant to global economic growth.
Sectors most relevant to the recovery of the current global economy.
Leadership qualities that will define the new Asian Century.
Leadership achievements in the mandated regions and sectors
that deserve celebration on a global scale.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 51
iN TheSe TimeS of
uNpreCedeNTed ChalleNgeS
52 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
wheN greaT ChaNge iS immiNeNT...
old giaNTS awaKeN...
To herald The riSe of a braVe New era
54 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 55
wiTNeSS aSia riSiNg
• The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum
• aSia - The momeNT
• The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum awardS
3
56 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
How do you construct the premise
for a forum that encompasses Asia
and its myriad and multi-layered
business networks, which also
weaves in the global interface?
By creating a premium industry and business platform
which encourages collaboration, introspection and
ideation within the ABLF sectors of focus in Asia.
The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum
Asia's success is the result of ambition, labour, collaboration
and innovation by its entrepreneurs and business leaders. This
success has been fostered by the creation of a conducive policy
environment and healthy governance practices by governments
and policy-makers alike. As a result of this dynamic combination,
Asia has seen a miraculous boom in the past few decades, which
has transformed and enriched the lives of millionsof people.
Today, this region is home to emerging powerhouses whose
stability and growth are key to the future of the global economy.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 57
a New plaTform for
a New era of KNowledge
The Asian Business Leadership Forum is a business and
knowledge platform that seeks to bring together the most
powerful and influential voices that shape Asia's thought and
define its future. Featuring Asia’s foremost thought leaders,
business executives, the ABLF Awards 2011 alumni, academics,
representatives of corporate houses and trade organisations,
as well as policymakers in the pre-eminent sectors of industry,
infrastructure and energy, the ABLF will share insights on critical
issues such as the outstanding growth trajectories of these key
sectors, their common benefits, the impediments in their way,
and what the future holds for the three sectors in Asia.
After a glittering celebration of business excellence, the ABLF
Awards property moves towards a more research-information
trajectory, reflecting a global shift in which established and
emerging economies across the world pursue the creation,
evaluation and efficient use of knowledge for growth.
“ The energy dynamic of knowledge & conversation
will lead the Asian Business Leadership Forum
events just as the energy dynamic of celebration
& recognition is on showcase at the ABLF Awards
events. Ideated and architected in association
with leading political, government and business
strategists in Asia, the Forum is the power-engine
of its celebratory arm, the ABLF Awards. Both event
properties work in synergy with each other and in
perfect tandem.”maliNi N. meNoNFounder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions
58 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ The ABLF event has proven to be
an extraordinary effort in bringing
the Gulf, India and South-East
Asia together at one spectacular business event. I
commend the effort.”rajeeV TalwarManaging Director, DLF Universal Limited
“ The Asian Business Leadership
Forum provides a good platform
to look at leadership which is now
largely emerging from Asian countries. Demand-
driven economies provide big opportunities for
business and it is important to highlight the
leadership in these countries.”praNaV adaNiManaging Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar
The 2012 edition of the ABLF Awards will be preceded by a Knowledge
Forum on Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, and formally
presented as a TV episode across global television partners with a
combined reach of more than 50 million viewers. The Forum will be
the first of a series of events that will archive valuable information
about the three business sectors within Asia.
The Forum is to be presented in three consecutive sessions,
each dedicated to the ABLF Awards sectors of focus - Industry,
Infrastructure and Energy - and will feature a live audience of select
invitees from across Asia who are authorities in their respective
fields. The sessions will also feature an open floor question-answer
segment with the audience.
The knowledge-focused environment will be geared towards
fostering greater dialogue and understanding among the
participating constituencies of the ABLF. Such a sharing of
insights and discussion of ideas will create new opportunities for
collaboration and strengthen the prospects of growth.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 59
“ The creation, the dissemination and the utilisation of knowledge is what really empowers both
people and nations.”dr. maNmohaN SiNghPrime Minister of India
The Asian Business Leadership Forum in June 2012 is a prelude to the second edition of the ABLF Awards in November
2012 and will feature the iconic achievers, presenters and participants of the inaugural award event, bringing them
together in a colloquium that will encompass the business zeitgeist of Asia and chronicle history as it is made.
iNduSTry • iNfraSTruCTure • eNergy
Leveraging the new drivers of the global economy
60 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These
words, originally spoken by Victor Hugo, were paraphrased by Dr
Manmohan Singh towards the end of a historic budget speech in
1991, when he helped India make a quantum leap into the global
economy. Indeed, this Hugovian quote aptly describes the arrival of
Asia on the world stage and not just India’s tryst with globalisation.
Asia has led the world in the recovery from the global economic
crisis and has been instrumental in laying the path for the rest of
the world to follow.
Asia’s transition has been more incredible than even what optimists
would have imagined a few decades ago. The lives of billions of
people on this continent have been enriched in the process. Never
in human history has such a transition taken place in such a short
period of time and touched as many lives.
Today, the world’s tallest buildings, largest automobile companies,
steel manufacturers and fastest supercomputers are from Asia.
Where rickety trains would ply a few decades ago, magnetic-
levitation trains now glide along at 430kph connecting Shanghai’s
airport to the city centre. As of 2011, 34 percent of all billionaires in
the world were from Asia and the number is only growing rapidly.
Asia - The Moment
“ The discussion on the Asian
Century essentially arises
from the fact that before the
Industrial Revolution, 60 percent of the world’s
GDP came from Asia. In the 40 years since the
60s, the contribution of Asia to global GDP has
already risen to 35 percent of the total GDP, and
correspondingly the contribution of the West is
shrinking. If the same trend continues for the next
40 years, and every indication is that it is likely
to continue, then Asia is going to be the largest
contributor to global GDP.”VeNu rajamoNyJoint Secretary, Multilateral Institutions Division, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 61
Asian countries are pioneering the next generation of energy
technology and their companies are excelling in building world-class
highways, airports and other infrastructure around the world. The
competition is not just between Asia and the rest, but within Asia
itself, a testimony of this is the fact that three Asian nations are in a
space race to the moon today.
But the transformation has not just been at the macro level. What
makes the Asian success story something to be proud of is how such
economic growth has led to millions of people rising out of poverty,
getting educated and chasing what can be called the ‘Asian dream.’
The Asian story has for long been synonymous with conservative
traditional values and tried-and-tested methods of business.
However, in recent decades, an emergent shift towards cutting-
edge business excellence has gained increasing prominence.
During the 20th century, the intra-Asia interface witnessed a period
of change due to West-centric economic and political equations.
But the process of rediscovering the old bonhomie is now well
under way at a time when Asia is witnessing an economic boom
amid Western economic gloom.
The growTh STory
Industry observers predict that should Asia continue to grow on
its recent trajectory, the continent could account for half of global
output, trade, and investment, while also enjoying widespread
affluence by the middle of this century. It could, by 2050, account
for more than half of the global GDP as well as witness a six-fold per
capita income rise to reach the global average. By nearly doubling
its share of global GDP from 27 percent in 2010 to 51 percent in
2050, Asia could regain the dominant global economic position it
held nearly 250 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution.
Asia has the advantage of using the latest technologies from the
West, thereby leapfrogging intermediate technologies. This is being
used to optimum levels in several sectors such as medicine and
telecommunications. There is also a substantive shift taking place in
the labour force, which is increasingly becoming mobile. Additionally,
the region is seeing an explosion of the middle-class. Yet, crucial
to this growth story is the need to catalyse a strong and strategic
framework that celebrates regional cooperation and cements global
economic relationships to foster a shared global agenda.
a foCuS oN CouNTrieS
Asia's first modern day economic giant was Japan. Today, Japan
boasts high standards of living and a vibrant production and
technology sector and its growth story is reflected well in the
steel sector. China, which embarked on a mission to open up its
economy two decades before India did, also saw incredible success.
The accomplishment of this economic revolution has helped China
ABLF AwArds 2011
62 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
leapfrog ahead of Western nations and the country is now said to
be on its way to pip the USA as the global superpower.
In India's case, many commentators from around the world have
lauded private companies for their strong performance globally
as well as locally. The country is now replete with thriving small
businesses and a fair number of world-class ones. The Gulf nations
too have realised the importance of hedging against economic
dependence on oil reserves by working towards developing other
sectors. This too has seen success to various degrees. South-East
Asia, on the other hand, has followed East Asia’s accomplishments
with a successful mix of liberalisation, protection of key industries
and accumulation of knowledge capital.
SuSTaiNiNg The aSiaN STory
Asian governments will need to continue to reform and support
industry in order to sustain the Asian story. Better legal and
administrative frameworks which protect intellectual property, cut
red tape, encourage time-bound delivery of public services and
curtail graft and corruption are the need of the hour. Expenditure in
infrastructure will need to be sustained and increased, and energy
provision must be given top priority as it forms the fuel of the entire
economy, sustaining heavy industries and households alike.
The oNSeT of The aSiaN CeNTury
As we stand today on the threshold of epochal global economic
change, the eyes of the world are well and truly set on Asia. The rapid
economic rise of the region over the past four to five decades has
been one of the most successful stories of economic development
in recent times. As fears of a double-dip recession grip the world,
today, the global economy’s centre of gravity is shifting towards
the Asian region. Experts believe that this dramatic transformation
could well be the onset of the ‘Asian Century.’
As regional integration intensifies, Asia's integration into the world
economy will accelerate. The Asian community must thus work
towards openness, freedom, diversity and cosmopolitanism in
order to consolidate the Asian Century.
“ The majority of the world’s
population is in the Middle East,
India and the Far East and these
are the countries and economies that are going
to dictate and dominate the next 1,000 years of
the planet. The ABLF Awards could not have chosen
a better time to manifest than now.”rajeN KilaChaNdChairman & President, Dodsal Group
“ The ABLF Awards are the
recognition of success that comes
with courage and hard work.
Without courage and making an effort, you can’t
reach the top so it is very encouraging for the
younger generation to come forward and follow
those who have been successful leaders.”SadruddiN haShwaNiChairman, Hashoo Group
The rise of infrastructure in Asia
Intra-Asia commerce has seen the fastest growing regional
trade anywhere over the past five years, creating a continent-
sized supermarket. China, the second largest economy in the
world, is finding demand for its exports among its Asian
neighbours, easing reliance on demand in the West. India isn’t too far behind in
this race for Asia's domestic consumer market, although it has one of the world’s
most demanding home markets of its own. What works in Asia’s favour is a
demand and supply situation that is healthy enough to be sustainable over the
long term and a strong supply chain infrastructure that is among the finest in
the world today.
Asia is home to eight of the top 10 container terminals in the world - together
they move more containers than the rest of the industry combined. Across Asia,
airports are becoming more modern and ever larger, catering to an increasingly
mobile population. Three Asian airlines are among the top 10 in the world,
including Dubai-based Emirates, which has consistently flown more passenger
kilometres internationally than any other carrier over the past three years.
Asia’s true strength lies in its human assets - rising literacy levels combined
with rapid industrialisation create a formidable force as Asian nations shake
off the burdens of the past and surge ahead on the road to development.
The International Monetary Fund predicted a two-tiered growth for the global
economy for 2011, with Asia greatly surpassing Europe’s performance. India’s
trade relations with the Gulf countries are a shining example of how quiet,
consistent work can sustain commerce over the long term. India is today the largest
trading partner of the UAE and the GCC as a whole. This was built over
decades of mutually beneficial partnerships on a bilateral and multilateral basis.
Of course, neither the rise of Asia nor the decline elsewhere is irreversible.
What is evident is that the world is now getting flatter, economically speaking.
That is good news for everyone, including Asians.
aNil waTSCOO and EVP, DP World
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 63
64 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
By bringing together an intellectual forum of powerful
Asian nations in an annual event series that celebrates
the rise of Asia in the global consciousness.
The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum awardS™
The ABLF Awards™ does this through the revival of old-school values
for a brand new ‘global business world’. The Awards focus on the great
Asian business revolution while empowering relationships in the post-
recession era with new business energy.
A new global business world has risen and broken the traditional
manacles of global consciousness, empowering novel business
relationships with pioneering business energy.
In a crowded global business-space,
how do you incubate and promote
an intellectual forum to showcase
its importance and relevance in a
celebratory manner?
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 65
The ABLF Awards is poised to become Asia’s premier showcase
of exemplary business enterprise that recognises and rewards
pioneering leaders and organisations who have set new
benchmarks in the global business arena. In its inaugural year,
the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards paid tribute to
exemplary leaders who have stood strong in the face of the
economic downturn and continue to play a significant role in the
story of ‘Asia Rising’.
The context of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards is the
engagement of the three key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure
and Energy in the three most powerful regions of the great Asian
business-space – the Gulf, India and South-East Asia, whose stunning
economic growth and development have captured global attention.
Asia is undergoing a profound economic transformation. To sustain
a growing Asian economy, the need to pursue economic policies in
tune to the needs of the business community and civil society has
Accolades for the leaders who walk the
path of excellence
66 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
increased. Over the past decade, Asia has become the centre of global
energy and commodity markets as demand for these resources
has mirrored the region’s rapid economic growth. The emergence
of Asia and its subsequent impact on global consumption levels
has obvious implications for both the future of the region’s growth
and the trajectory of its development. The emergence of a sizeable
Asian economy is likely to encourage business innovation, greater
accountability and transparency in healthy working environments.
With a vast, unique mix of delegates and decision-makers
from international industries, the Asian Business Leadership
Forum Awards focused on emerging high growth areas of the
global economy. The mission of the ABLF Awards is to promote
outstanding business practices, which demonstrate environmental
stewardship, economic vitality and social responsibility.
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards highlights the
key business qualities of entrepreneurship, philanthropy,
sustainability, integrity, excellence, commitment and innovation,
“ The ABLF Awards is a platform
where Asia comes together. It is
the only platform that we have
seen so far which brings all three important
regions together. Everybody is actually looking
towards Asia; this is where it is all happening -
the people, the human resources - this is where
it is all coming from.”aNil SiNghSenior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent
“ Events like the ABLF Awards
help in bringing together like-
minded entrepreneurs, business
leaders, government policy-makers and civil
society representatives from Asia on the same
platform to share ideas. Asia is really the engine
of economic growth at this point in time in the
global economy and as the world goes through
one crisis after the other, the importance of this
region becomes critical.”aNiTa maraNgoly georgeDirector, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 67
which are the mainstays of a world-class organisation. It also
draws on the collective expertise and business ethics of present-
day business icons to provide actionable recommendations for the
region’s growing economic capabilities.
The ABLF Awards 2011 acknowledged not only the significant
constraints and barriers to achieving success, but also the efforts
of and progress achieved by eminent leaders and organisations in
Asia during an especially trying period, while initiating dialogue on
sustainable business ideas.
Our world is rapidly changing, and the changes affect every
business, every industry, and every country. The ABLF Awards 2011
were the inaugural showcase of the Asian Business Leadership
Forum, a premium industry and business platform which will
include cutting-edge symposiums, forum discussions, television
conferences and book showcases, and carve a niche for itself in the
echelons of Asian business history.
“ Any award ceremony, is
fundamentally about the winners
but actually it is more about the
energy it releases. The ABLF Awards ceremony was
a shining example of this in the way it focused on
the two ‘energy chakras’ of the contemporary world
economy – Asia and Infrastructure. To make it even
better, all this 'release' came in an ambience that
exuded class and elegance. Beyond the velvet ropes
there was a glimpse of a set of world leaders, joining
forces metaphorically to be champions for a unique
change. A celebration therefore of a congruence of
interests – economic and geographic. Bravo.”dilip CheriaNConsulting Partner, Perfect Relations
68 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
SUSTAINABILITYENTREPRENEURSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXCELLENCEINNOVATION
PHILANTHROPYCOMMITMENT
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 69
SUSTAINABILITYENTREPRENEURSHIP
INTEGRITY
EXCELLENCEINNOVATION
PHILANTHROPYCOMMITMENT
ENTREPRENEURSHIP The professional application of knowledge,
skills and competencies; of monetising a new idea by launching an
enterprise to pursue growth while generating wealth and social good
SUSTAINABILITY Harvesting a resource wisely so that it is not
depleted or permanently damaged; managing assets for future
generations; responsible allocation of finite means
INTEGRITY An adherence to a code of ethical, incorruptible values;
the state of being whole, honest and undiminished
INNOVATION To make changes, to create something extraordinary,
to experiment, to do something in a new and better way
EXCELLENCE The fact or state of outstanding merit; of eminence; to
be extraordinary; to be remarkably superior
COMMITMENT A pledge or a promise; an inspired engagement;
passionate involvement
PHILANTHROPY Altruistic concern for human welfare, advancement;
endowments of money, property or institutions; social responsibility;
acts of generosity
What are the key qualities of an
exemplary business organisation?
70 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 71
Key piVoTS ofThe ablf SerieS• The SeCTorS of foCuS
• The regioNS of foCuS
4
72 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What defines the term
‘drivers of global economy’?
The drivers of global economy are the pre-eminent sectors that
contribute immeasurably to building a nation’s economy. While
the sectors may not directly play a significant role in economic
growth, they are the backbone of a strong and powerful economy.
For instance, while sectors such as industry and infrastructure may
not directly contribute to the GDP, the lack of sound infrastructure
ultimately hinders the growth of a country. To draw an analogy,
India’s most industrialised state is Gujarat, which produces 41
percent of the country’s chemical products and 35 percent of
petrochemicals. In a predominantly agriculture-based economy,
such pockets of industrialised cities are capable of generating
revenues to facilitate the growth of other sectors or regions.
Energy is, today, the mantra on everyone’s lips and energy security
is the future of global existence. At a time when fossil fuels are on
the verge of depletion, the association between national security
and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption is
dictating the terms for modern economies to function. To overcome
the challenges these sectors face, countries need to establish
mutually beneficial relations.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 73
What are the drivers of global
economy that are on showcase at
the ABLF Awards?
iNduSTry • iNfraSTruCTure • eNergy
The ABLF Awards 2011 felicitated the stalwarts of the three key
sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy and celebrated their
foresight and dedication to transforming the Asian business space.
These three giant sectors together complement each other as
well as feed into each other’s business tributaries. While they do
not traditionally court media attention, these sectors need to be
brought out of their ivory towers and into the public spotlight to
highlight the significant roles they play in developing economies.
The world, today, is transforming into a knowledge economy,
and people deserve to know why the Industry, Infrastructure
and Energy sectors are so vital to economic growth. Hitherto,
they have been neglected in the public news space, but the Asian
Business Leadership Forum seeks to bridge that chasm between a
mundane and uninteresting industry event by taking its dynamics
out into a glamorous and high-profile event in the company of
media, academics, and government, as well as law, international
corporations and business leaders.
74 | The ABLF Journey of Glory74 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
iNduSTryThe process of industrialisation has paved the way for a societal
transformation in Asia, as it did in the West in the past century.
Industry-wide reform in Asian countries such as China, India and
Japan set the foundation for the wave of industrialisation that
followed. Leaders of these nations were instrumental in creating
a strong base in heavy industries and promoting their growth. This
had a ripple effect on the economy as the infrastructure and energy
sector grew, thus facilitating industries.
Private companies have set an example for the world to follow.
Japan’s production line innovations in the 1970s sparked a new
generation of plants in the automotive sector. In the near future,
Asia is expected to lead the world in renewable energy equipment
production due to extensive research and development in this field.
The baCKboNe of New-age eCoNomieS
Asia contributed 45 percent to the world’s manufacturing output
in 2009-2010. With the region’s developing nations contributing
25 percent and industrialised nations contributing 20 percent, the
possibility of Asia surpassing the Western foothold in the industrial
sector appears increasingly real.
Steel forms the backbone of developed and emerging economies
for its extensive use across sectors. Consequentially, Asia has
emerged as the world leader in steel production and consumption.
Five of the top six producers of steel in 2011 were based in Asia.
Asia produces over 64 percent of the world’s steel and consumes
69 percent of world production. Steel consumption by China and
India, two of the largest consumers, is expected to increase by 7.5
percent and 4.3 percent in the 2011-2012 period. This sector is at
risk, however, of falling profits due to the increase in the price of
raw materials, including coal. A favourable policy environment and
consolidation is needed to strengthen the sector.
Similarly, the automotive industry has seen massive growth in Asia.
Asian companies are rivalling European and American companies
that once dominated the market, creating new segments and
gaining foothold on existing ones. In the past two years, IPO activity
in the automotive sector has also markedly increased, and over 70
percent of the IPOs originated from Asia in 2010. While production
was constant over 2008 and 2009, in part due to the recession,
2010 witnessed an increase, with Asia contributing close to 50
percent to global automotive production.
ABLF AwArds 2011THE sECTOrs OF FOCUs
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 75
The construction industry, also led by Asia, is experiencing a historical
boom. With easing regulations on FDIs and increasing partnerships
between nations and private companies, the sector has helped
transform the landscape of nations. The trend in heavy industries is
therefore, clear - while the recession did impact the global industry,
it also triggered a rationalisation process; industries will emerge
stronger from this crisis to build on the Asian growth story.
SeTTiNg prioriTieS
Over the past few decades, governments have been creating
Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to promote the growth of industries,
with favourable policies and tax structures which help enhance
exports and, in turn, the economy. Governments need to continue
to support such exclusive zones, while focusing on infrastructure
creation, which forms the lifeline of the economy, and energy
generation to power industries too.
The heavy industry sector forms the muscle of the economy as it
transforms national income measures, lifestyles and the standards
of living in societies for the better. In spite of the economic slump,
the forecast for the industry sector in Asia seems reasonably bright.
“ We need to ensure that there is vertical integration
in a value chain; we have to ensure that we also go
to the downstream side of things. That approach
will add value and create jobs. Such large-scale
industrialisation is likely to happen if we take a
fiscal view of things and decide on which industries
we want to support that would create a lot of value.
When we get that done, you will see Indonesia's
ability to manufacture goods and services in a big
way, which will allow us to position ourselves as a
knowledge-based economy.”h. e. giTa wirjawaNMinister of Trade, IndonesiaChairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)
76 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
76 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
iNfraSTruCTureInfrastructure plays a vital role in an economy as it has the
characteristics of intermediate and final products and services.
As an intermediate product, it promotes the mobility of factors of
production and the flow of information, thus, improving productivity
and stimulating growth. As a final good, the consumption of
infrastructure services directly impacts the quality of people’s lives.
In Asia’s case, the infrastructure boom has been the most visible
sign of progress for the continent as a whole. By employing the
latest technology, Asia has made a leapfrog in this sector, bypassing
intermediate stages of infrastructure development.
However, in order to sustain or trigger development in some regions
within Asia, infrastructure needs to be given a further push. The
World Economic Forum estimates that the cost of building transport
hubs, telecom facilities, and other infrastructure across Asia will
exceed US$ 8 trillion over the next 10 years. Fortunately, the region
has enough money in private savings, sovereign wealth funds and
central bank reserves to fund infrastructure creation and upgrades.
The fouNdaTioN of eCoNomiC growTh
Asia has had varied experiences in infrastructure creation. Different
countries are in different stages of development, and different
ABLF AwArds 2011THE sECTOrs OF FOCUs
factors have crept into the equation. China, owing to firm control
of the state, has been able to successfully upgrade and create
infrastructure to radically transform the landscape of the country. In
India however, while private enterprises, in concert with government
agencies, have delivered world class airports, metro rail systems
and highways in big cities, several other regions languish in despair.
Land acquisition and red tape is a concern, and the government
has recently bolstered its efforts to provide infrastructure in order
to fuel growth and development. Other forms of infrastructure too
have experienced a boost, such as mass transit rails which are being
constructed or considered for a dozen Indian cities.
The Gulf has been fortunate in this regard. Owing to the low
pressure of land use and the presence of adequate funds, the
region has seen a massive infrastructure boom in recent decades.
As nations in this region realise that they need to diversify away
from oil revenues to create a more sustainable economy, they
have worked to create modern business and financial districts,
and tourism havens. South-East Asian nations too have been at
the forefront of infrastructure creation. Singapore and Malaysia
have led infrastructure development in the region while Indonesia,
Thailand, Vietnam and other countries are catching up.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 77
The projects employed by different countries have had varied
legal and administrative setups. Some nations opted for Public
Private Partnerships while others trusted the private sector. While
privatisation has brought greater efficiency and quality in the
deliverables, in some cases, it has failed to do the same. This could
either be due to lack of a favourable policy environment or because
of the nature of the public good or service to be provided.
buildiNg a SoCial iNfraSTruCTure
Social infrastructure, which has a profound impact on human
capital is an important factor to consider. Schools, health facilities,
libraries, as well as rural administrative and cultural centres all help
human development and significantly add to the growth story; a
healthy and skilled labour force is vital for economic growth. The
private sector has an important role to play in this field, as it can
be a partner in the progress of the Asian population even as it
searches for newer business opportunities. The role of corporate
social responsibility too can be significant in this sector.
Owing to overwhelming demand for infrastructure and the strong
financial backing it can attain, this sector has great potential in
the future. It is imperative that nations reform their infrastructure
creation policies to boost such a vital lifeline of the modern economy,
paving the way for better provision of public goods.
“ Over the past decade, India’s average annual GDP
growth rate of 7 percent was supported by an
investment rate of approximately 23 percent of
GDP. In recent years, infrastructure is the buzz, with
billions of dollars’ worth of new investments flowing
into railways, roads, power, ports, airports, and
urban transportation. Investment in infrastructure
fuels the growth of industry, which makes India
not only a stable investment destination but a very
attractive investment destination.”h. e. Kamal NaThUnion Cabinet Minister, Urban Development, Government of India
78 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
eNergyIf infrastructure is the foundation of modern Asian economies,
then energy is the fuel that drives it. Much of Asia’s progress has
come from rapid industrialisation and infrastructure creation, both
of which require a consistent supply of energy. Replete with fossil
fuel sources, Asia is not only the world’s largest energy supplying
continent, it has emerged as the biggest consumer of energy too.
Policy reforms by governments in the energy sector have been
influenced by their goals to achieve energy security. The security
of supplies has a temporal dimension, as nations want to employ
those sources which are viable in the short as well as long run.
There is also a need for the energy market to be resilient to shocks
of supply which may occur due to unavailability of natural resources
or supply chain breakdowns. Thus, countries are employing energy
policies which encourage diversification into varied energy sources.
The hearT of eCoNomiC deVelopmeNT
Asia is an emerging energy force and leads the world in power
consumption. The continent will have the highest GDP of any other
region in the world by 2030 and will account for two-thirds of global
energy demand growth. While coal will continue to be a major part
of the growth, the share of oil and gas will increase as well. Today,
ABLF AwArds 2011THE sECTOrs OF FOCUs
nine of the top thirteen countries by oil reserves are in Asia and
in recent years, Asian energy companies have stood strong in the
world ranking by Platts. The 2011 rankings showed that about 70
of the 250 energy firms worldwide are from this region, which is an
increase by 40 percent from the figure in 2001.
While the U.S. was once the largest energy user in the world at
about 100 quadrillion BTUs (British Thermal Units) of energy per
year, the Asia Pacific now consumes twice that amount. There
will be significant growth in the coal sector, notwithstanding the
pressure against it for environmental reasons. The largest growth,
however, will be seen in the natural gas and LNG sector, as this
forms a relatively cleaner and viable fossil fuel source. However,
Asia’s energy resources are not restricted to fossil fuels. Several
Asian countries have a high incidence of solar intensity, which
makes them appropriate for diversifying into this source of energy.
Rare earth minerals, which are used in the production of turbines
and solar PV cells are another crucial resource. Asia – in particular
China – has an abundance of such minerals, which will render it an
important player in the energy market in the future. Considerable
efforts have been made in the nuclear energy sector as well. There
are now 112 nuclear reactors in operation in East and South Asia,
with 37 more under construction and plans to build an additional
84. The greatest growth in nuclear generation is expected in China,
Japan, South Korea and India; this region accounts for 36 percent of
the world’s new capacity, a share which is likely to increase by 2020.
In the past few decades, Asia has begun to take a lead in downstream
energy businesses as well as renewable energy options like solar
and wind power. Today, five of the top ten largest wind turbine
manufacturers by annual market share are Asian; additionally, the
top ten solar cell manufacturers are all from Asia.
a SpiriT of CollaboraTioN
Resource abundant countries are often different and far away
from energy consumer countries, which leaves a lot of room for
trade and cooperation. Several efforts have already been made in
this direction. For instance, Nepal and India are stepping closer to
announcing the trade of electricity between the two countries. India
has similar agreements with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan,
paving the way for hydropower cooperation. Such cooperation is
beneficial to all parties as each secures either greater revenues
or greater supply of electricity. Energy cooperation, thus, has the
potential to facilitate peace through economic dependency, which
will play an important role in promoting economic growth in Asia.
“ Oil is a non-renewable energy source that will one
day come to an end. Clearly, the world should
regard oil and gas as valuable resources that need
to be used with care. As the UAE’s economy grows
at a fast pace, there is an urgent need to continue
investing heavily in new power plants and to create
a balanced energy portfolio, in which gas, nuclear
and renewables will all play an important role. That
is why the UAE’s own domestic energy policy calls
for a balanced portfolio in which hydrocarbons,
nuclear and renewable energy all play a part.”h. e. mohamed biN dhaeN al hamliMinister of Energy, UAE
80 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
A glimpse of Asia's might in the Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sectors
Hindalco2, the metals flagship company of the US$ 35 billion Aditya Birla Group with operations in more than 50 countries, is the world's largest aluminium rolling
company and one of the three biggest producers of primary aluminium in Asia, with the world’s largest single location copper smelter. www.hindalco.com
Reliance Industries Limited1 is India's largest company by market capitalisation with interests in petrochemicals, refining and oil and gas, SEZ development and
telecom. Reliance Industries has been featured in Forbes list of World's 100 Most Respected Companies. www.ril.com
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation1 is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chemicals, fertilizers, plastics and metals. It is also the Middle East's largest
company by market capitalization, revenue and profits. www.sabic.com
Petroleum Development Oman is a major exploration and production company in the Sultanate of Oman with combined hydrocarbons production in excess
of 1 million barrels per day. It accounts for more than 70% of the country's crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural gas supply. www.pdo.co.om
Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority implements and conceptualises new and innovative development initiatives across the world. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the
fastest growing economies of the world. www.rak-ia.com
DUBAL owns and operates one of the world's largest aluminium smelters with a capacity of 1 million metric tonnes per annum, and casting operations with a capability
of more than 1,161,000 metric tonnes per annum. www.dubal.ae
TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company2 is a leading company based in the capital of the UAE with interests in power, infrastructure and finance. www.taqa.ae
GMR Group is a fast-growing infrastructure enterprise in India, with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure, including SEZ. www.gmrgroup.in
PETRONAS1 is the national oil company of Malaysia, vested with the entire ownership and control of the petroleum resources in the country, and ranked among the
FORTUNE Global 500® largest corporations in the world. www.petronas.com
Masdar, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Government-owned Mubadala Development Company, operates to reach the broad boundaries of the renewable
energy and sustainable technologies industry. www.masdar.ae
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation1 is one of the largest Asia-based oil and gas exploration companies. It produces 77% of India's total crude production and 87% of
natural gas production. www.ongcindia.com
Qatar Petroleum is the world's third largest oil and gas company in terms of reserves. www.qp.com.qa
The Keppel Group of Companies2 is the infrastructure leader in Singapore with Keppel Offshore & Marine, Keppel Integrated Engineering,
Energy, Telecommunications & Transportation. www.kepcorp.com
Scomi is a Malaysia based global service provider in the oil and gas industry. www.scomi.com
Industries Qatar's2 operations range from the metal industry to petrochemicals and the group operates a
number of world-class production facilities in Qatar and the UAE. www.industriesqatar.com.qa
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world. ADIA manages a substantial global investment portfolio which is highly diversified
across two dozen asset classes, investing in all international markets, equities and treasuries, infrastructure and real estate. www.adia.ae
Semen Gresik2 is Indonesia's largest cement producer. www.semengresik.com
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 81
A glimpse of Asia's might in the Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sectors
“ Good business leaders
create a vision,
articulate the vision,
passionately own the vision,
and relentlessly drive it to completion.”jaCK welChFormer CEO of General Electric & Author
Oman Oil, wholly owned by the Government of Oman, boasts a power portfolio of investments that include exploration &
production, infrastructure & shipping, refining & marketing, petrochemicals, aluminium and power. www.oman-oil.com
Dubai World is a respected global holding company with huge interests
in infrastructure and financial services. www.dubaiworld.ae
National Petroleum Construction Company is a UAE-based global construction corporation providing EPC services in
the development of offshore and onshore oil and gas fields for the Arabian Gulf and regional markets. www.npcc.ae
SembCorp Industries Limited2 is a Singapore based provider of infrastructure services including
utilities, engineering, construction, environmental and marine engineering. www.sembcorp.com
GVK Group is a diversified business enterprise with interests in power generation, airport
operations, roads, urban infrastructure, bio-science and manufacturing. www.gvk.com
Temasek Holdings is an Asian investment company headquartered in Singapore
and owns a diversified US$ 193 billion portfolio. www.temasek.com.sg
PTT Public Company Limited1 is the largest corporation in Thailand and is involved in electricity generation,
petrochemical products, oil and gas exploration and production, and gasoline retailing. www.pttplc.com
The Siam Cement Public Company Limited2 is an industry leader in chemicals, paper and cement
with over 24,000 employees, and handles more than 64,000 product items. www.scg.co.th
Adaro Energy2 is the largest single-site coal producer in the Southern
hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. www.adaro.com
IDFC is India's leading integrated infrastructure finance player that provides
end to end financing and project implementation services. www.idfc.com
Jindal Steel & Power2 is a leading India based global player in steel, power, mining and infrastructure.
It is part of the US$ 15 billion diversified O.P Jindal Group. www.jindalsteelpower.com
Banpu Public Company Limited2 is one of the foremost energy companies in Thailand, and a leading
regional coal player through its operations in Indonesia and its investments in China. www.banpu.com
Suzlon is a wind power company from India. The company is the largest wind turbine manufacturer in Asia and the fifth largest
worldwide in terms of market share. It is also the world’s most valuable wind power company In terms of net worth. www.suzlon.com
Indorama Corporation, a leading Indonesia-established company, is a global manufacturer of
petrochemicals and the world's largest manufacturer of polyester and PET & PTA. www.indorama.com
Investment Corporation of Dubai is the investment arm of the Government of Dubai with a portfolio comprising of all wholly or
partly owned government businesses and embraces a global investment strategy. www.icd.gov.ae
1. Fortune Global 500 company
2. Forbes Global 2000 company
82 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ In the past few years, intra-economic activities
within Asia have gone up tremendously whether
it is in trade or also in investment. I think it is
important for us to explore new opportunities that
will further bolster such economic relationships
within the Asian community. The ABLF provides
a forum for such dialogue and can become the
Davos [World Economic Forum] of Asia.”h. e. giTa wirjawaNMinister of Trade, IndonesiaChairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 83
What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
Six rising Asian economic centres represented at
one significant event
The parTiCipaTiNg CouNTrieS
The ABLF Awards welcomed participation from six of the fastest
growing countries in Asia, whose incredible growth stories have
garnered the world’s attention. Representatives from each country,
who attended the event came together for a common purpose –
to ensure that Asia continues on its growth trajectory with support
from each country’s leadership and business organisations, and to
ensure their own country's participation in the celebrations.
84 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF AwArds 2011The reGIONs OF FOCUs
The Gulf
Oman
United ArAbemirAtes
On the ABLF Awards’ Asia mandate
“My heartiest congratulations to the ABLF Awards on bringing
together the spirit of Asia. As an Asian Business Awards
Middle East 2007 alumnus, it gives me great pride to see that the mandate of the event is
Asia-focused. Collaboration is important, now more than ever, for Asia to achieve its full
potential as the global economic torchbearer of the future.”
yuSuffali m. a.Managing Director, EMKE Group; Director Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI); Member, Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians, Government of India
On the ABLF Awards’ regions of focus
“It is very encouraging to have an event like the ABLF Awards
because we’ve suddenly reinforced the fact that Asia is a force.
We have an area, a large powerhouse which is self-sufficient -
India being the granary, South East Asia being the edible oil
and the production base and the Middle East being the energy source. Within the three, you
probably don’t need a fourth factor. We need to recognise our achievements and the ABLF
Awards is a wonderful event in recognising the same.”
paNKaj KhimjiDirector, Khimji Ramdas
On the ABLF Awards’ sectors of focus
“For well over three decades, the world's collective progress
has been measured by the trade flow between countries and
continents. With around 90 percent of global trade carried
by the international shipping industry, development of marine
infrastructure offers the only sustainable way to grow a nation’s trade.”
SulTaN biN SulayemChairman, DP World
abu dhabiStructured growth powered by
sharp economic vision
dubaiFront lining world-class infrastructure
and development
muSCaTAncient philosophies shaping a
new business vision
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 85
86 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
IndIa
MuMbai
New Delhi
ABLF AwArds 2011The reGIONs OF FOCUs
On the ABLF Awards’ Asia mandate
“The organisation of the ABLF Awards for recognising
important personalities in selected economic fields as well as
those who have made a contribution in the enhancement of
relations between India and the respective countries in Asia is a
welcome development. It is imperative more than ever for Asia to maintain strong economic
and political relations that are not only eventually gainful but also benefit the wider Asian
region and of course the global market. An event such as the ABLF Awards creates the
opportunity for better and I am certain that it will reinforce the strong ties between India and
other countries across Asia towards success.”
h. e. aNil wadhwaAmbassador of India to Thailand
On the ABLF Awards ceremony
“The world has seen a dramatic and significant change in the
way it does business, with the Asian economy now leading the
way. Asia is no longer just an emerging market but has taken
centre stage in driving the global economy. There is surely no
better time than now for the ABLF Awards to become the most relevant award in the world
for showcasing Asian business. This award, which recognises excellence in leadership and
entrepreneurship, will significantly raise the profile of its winners. Going forward it should
become the most relevant and coveted business award in the world.”
CapT. C. p. KriShNaN NairChairman, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts
New delhiBuilding the nation’s economy for an empowered future
mumbaiIndia's business barometer
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 87
88 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
South-EaStaSia
MALAYSIA
Singapore
IndonesIa
ABLF AwArds 2011The reGIONs OF FOCUs
On the ABLF Awards’ celebration of the Asian moment
“It was a pleasure to attend the ABLF Awards event in New
Delhi and to see countries of Asia come together in one forum.
There is no doubt that Asia deserves to be on the forefront of
global attention, given its influence and importance in economic
matters and especially the human resource sectors.”
h. e. daTo' TaN SeNg SuNgMalaysian High Commissioner to India
On the ABLF Awards’ regions of focus
“I think the ABLF is an excellent initiative. In a globalised
world, I think there is no shortage of opportunities for us to get
to together and this award platform is something that will bring
the Gulf, India as well as South-East Asia together, and I hope
this will also be the start of closer collaboration not just between South-East Asia and India
but also between South-East Asia, India, and the GCC countries.”
h. e. KareN TaNSingapore High Commissioner to India
On The Big Night - the ABLF Awards ceremony
“I congratulate the organisers of the ABLF Awards for the
fabulous event. It was truly a get-together of Asia and I was
proud to represent the Indonesian business community at such a
prestigious forum. I think it is significant that the world is beginning
to recognise that the central gravity of global economic development has shifted to Asia.”
adriaNTo maChribiePresident Commissioner, PT Austindo Group
Kuala lumpurLeveraging the power of an
industrialised market economy
SiNgaporeThe soaring success of a highly developed
market-based economy
jaKarTaStrengthening industry and natural resource
management for economic growth
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 89
90 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 91
aNaTomy of The ablf awardS• The graNd jury
• The CriTeria
• The TrophieS
5
92 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
An international global advisory of 13 business and
economic policy leaders.
The ablf awardS graNd jury
For the first time in the business awards industry, the award
nominees and winners were determined not by a single institution
with its own associations and allegiances, but through a global
nomination portal and by a group of independent personalities
across various knowledge realms who have global presence,
experience and interest in Asia Rising.
The ABLF Awards Grand Jury consisted of a high-profile group
of industry experts, economic commentators and international
leaders from government, business, academics, advisory and other
professional disciplines. Bringing a wealth of multi-disciplinary
expertise and industry knowledge, the panel honoured 14
outstanding individuals from across Asia whose successes are
inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire region.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 93
The graNd
jury
94 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Rajiv LuthrafouNder & maNagiNg parTNerluThra & luThra law offiCeS
ViSioNary. legal doyeN. humaNiTariaN.
The name of Luthra & Luthra resounds in corporate India with the
power of integrity strengthened by experience and excellence.
Founded by ace lawyer Rajiv Luthra, the firm is legend in Indian
corporate law, specialising in tax, regulatory and compliance laws.
In 1991, Mr Luthra’s considerable expertise and brilliance was set
to task, advising the ambitious and powerful leaders of corporate
India on matters of foreign investment and project finance. His
firm has been recognised for its outstanding work in the category
of ‘Global PFI/PPP Deals’ and as the best in the Asia-Pacific Project
Finance league tables by Dealogic Global Review. Mr Luthra has
been nominated by the Planning Commission of India to an expert
panel to formulate a ‘National Competition Policy’ for the 11th Five
Year Plan. He has been featured by ‘Lawyer.com’ amongst its top
40 ‘to have been making waves outside the UK’ and he has been
ranked amongst ALB’s Hot 100 Lawyers. He is listed as a leading
business lawyer in Chambers Global Leading Lawyers, ILFR 1000,
Asia Law, Legal 500 and Practical Law Company.
Mr Luthra is a regular commentator on legal and economic issues,
and his articles and opinions frequently appear in international
ablf awardS 2011 jury leader
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 95
publications. He attributes his firm’s accomplishments to several key
factors, but maintains that the democratic decision-making process
within his firm has been a winning factor. “Excellence, reliability and
responsibility are hallmarks of the kind of service provided at Luthra
& Luthra and that is uncompromised,” he says.
The erudite lawyer’s hectic schedule has not limited him from
contributing to India’s success story beyond the realm of the legal
world. He supports several social causes and two such projects
dear to his heart are ‘Mogly’s Gurukul’, a spiritual learning centre
that his wife, Gayatri Luthra, started recently, and a project based
on educating people about ‘Girl Child Abuse’. At the Ministry of
Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education,
GOI, Rajiv Luthra serves as a Member of the Round Table on Legal
Education. He is also on the Advisory Board to the National Law
School, University of India, Bangalore. On a personal front, he is a
traveller, golf aficionado and is currently learning Urdu.
Mr Luthra’s knowledge in matters relating to industry and business,
and his impeccable reputation, combined with his endearing
humility made him an integral part of the ABLF Grand Jury – bringing
a voice of reason and expertise to the deliberation process.
“ The ABLF Awards have done a wonderful job
of focusing attention on the entrepreneurship
and business spirit of the Gulf, South-East Asia
and India, a region which will be the world’s
engine of economic growth and innovation in
the years to come. It is also appropriate that
the inaugural edition of the Awards was hosted
in India, since it can serve as a bridge, both
geographically and culturally, between the Gulf
and South-East Asia.”
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
96 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Rajen A. Kilachand’s reputation as a visionary business leader
is eclipsed only by his work as a career philanthropist. With a
personal commitment of over US$ 50 million to core philanthropic
initiatives that span healthcare, vocational training and education,
Mr Kilachand is the Chairman and President of the Dodsal Group, a
multibillion dollar trans-global organisation.
His career trajectory that spans taking Dodsal from a US$ 200 million
multi-retail interest company to a world-class multi-billion dollar
group, is built on cutting-edge technology, expertise, integrity and an
unswerving commitment to excellence. The Dodsal Group is, today,
one of the leading players in the Engineering, Procurement and
Construction sector, and has diversified to encompass businesses
that include Trading and Distribution; Exploration & Production;
Casual Dining Restaurants; and Manufacturing, for which, he has
been felicitated with accolades and recognition at global levels.
Mr Kilachand has made healthcare and education initiatives in
India, UAE, USA, Europe, the Middle East and Africa his leading CSR
and personal mandate. His passion for art, music and culture has
also propelled him to launch and encourage numerous initiatives
Rajen KilachandChairmaN & preSideNTdodSal group
buSiNeSS leader. philaNThropiST. hiSToriaN.
ablf awardS 2011 jury leader
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 97
in India and the UAE. His social initiatives span a vivid spectrum –
from being one of the key sponsors of the New Orleans Jazz Festival,
to supporting healthcare initiatives in remote Indian villages, to
sponsoring cultural and historical showcases of India across the
world, funding Aids awareness programmes in Africa and Papua New
Guinea, to being the first Indian who extended generous support to
‘Dubai Cares’, an initiative close to the UAE Vice-President and Prime
Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum’s heart. Most recently, Mr Kilachand pledged
US$ 25 million to the Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors
College to his alma mater, Boston University, in the USA.
While the community and the underprivileged gain from Mr
Kilachand’s open heartedness and sense of social responsibility,
his firm belief in corporate governance means the 4,000 strong
workforce of the Dodsal Group enjoy impeccable working conditions,
health coverage and lifestyle options that are exemplary and set
benchmarks for leading multinational companies of the world. While
his contributions to the corporate world as well as his important
work in philanthropy have earned him reputation and respect from
across the world, Mr Kilachand lives true to his personal mandate in
life – to be the very best human being that one can possibly be.
“ The ABLF Awards concept really is so perfect
because the timing is perfect, it is in the right
location and its target is perfect because it is the
only event of its kind that I know of on a global
level that showcases the rise of the economies
of Asia.”
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
98 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
diplomaT. meNTor. CulTure CuSTodiaN.
“ The ABLF Awards brings key business sectors that
are the drivers of the global economy to public
focus and reiterates the importance of corporate
governance, sustainability and best business
practices within these dynamic businesses.”H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais’ comment on India-UAE relations
The historical and close ties between India and the UAE, marked by
long standing relations between the people of the two countries,
are now being transformed into a strong partnership. The leaders
of the two countries continuously enhance bilateral relations, which
underlines the importance of strengthening co-operation in all
fields, especially trade, economy, industry and investment.
Mohamed Sultan Al OwaisambaSSador of The uae To iNdiaembaSSy of uae, New delhi
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 99
diplomaT. humaNiTariaN. oraTor.
“ The ABLF Awards are important for Asia and will
definitely contribute positively to the enhancement
of the Asian economy, Asian business-people and
the Asian leadership. There is no doubt this event
will encourage more economic liberalisation
between all the countries, through joint ventures
and partnerships.”
Humaid Al MaaniambaSSador of omaN To iNdiaembaSSy of omaN, New delhi
H. E. Humaid Al Maani’s comment on Indo-Omani relations
With the dawn of a new century, giving new dynamism to Indo-
Omani relations is imperative. The challenge before us is to make
the exchanges and interaction beneficial to the people and the
wealth of our relations, as well as commensurate with the potential
of the two countries, in all fields: scientific, economic and cultural.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
100 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ The ABLF Awards 2011 have put Asian economies
in the spotlight for their inspiring business
leadership and radical advancements in the
sectors of industry, infrastructure and energy.
Often overlooked, these sectors drive the
national economy and are essential measures for
gauging success.”
M. K. LokeshambaSSador of iNdia To The uaeembaSSy of iNdia, abu dhabi
H. E. M.K. Lokesh’s comment on India-UAE relations
Growing India-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute
to the stability and strength of a rapidly diversifying and deepening
bilateral relationship between the two countries. Both sides are
striving to further strengthen these ties for mutual benefits.
India-UAE trade, today, is in excess of US$ 67 billion making the UAE
India’s largest trading partner.
diplomaT. SCholar. TraVeller.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 101
Veteran international journalist, editor, author, and media
consultant, Pranay Gupte has been a foreign correspondent at
The New York Times, a global-affairs columnist at Newsweek, and a
contributing editor at Forbes and Asian Finance magazines, and also
writes for various international publications.
Mr Gupte was Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Al Arabiya’s English-
language website and Web TV. He was a senior media advisor for
four years in the government of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler
of Dubai. He has produced 50 documentaries for public television,
and has written or co-written 14 books; he also co-authors books
with major world figures and CEOs.
Pranay GupteiNTerNaTioNal jourNaliST & ediTor
ablf awardS 2011 jury member & Chief eVeNT hoST
“ The ABLF Awards has correctly identified the
essence of Asia – resourcefulness, enterprise,
emphasis on education, and collaboration with
like-minded countries.”
auThor. poliTiCal & eCoNomiC CommeNTaTor. opiNioN leader.
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
102 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Nadia ZaalCo-fouNder & CeoZaya
pioNeer. buSiNeSS arChiTeCT. peaCemaKer.
Pioneering Emirati businesswoman, Nadia Zaal, has won the
reputation of being one of the region’s most dynamic and progressive
business minds. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
of UAE-based Zaya, a boutique developer specialising in high-end
real estate.
Ms Zaal has extensive experience in project development, and
structuring and funding in the GCC’s energy sector, having led
one of the region’s largest IPOs for the Abu Dhabi National Energy
Company. She is also a former board member of Taweelah Asia
Power Company, which completed the largest energy financing
deal in the Gulf. Nurai Island, Ms Zaal’s current brainchild, has set
the industry abuzz with excitement for its truly unique concept,
unrivalled in the quality and boldness of its vision and was voted
the ‘Most Luxurious Project in the World’ by Newsweek magazine.
Ms Zaal was also the driving force behind the US$ 2 billion Al Barari
Project – Dubai’s über luxurious and exclusive gated community.
Ms Zaal combines astuteness and intelligence with dynamism and
forward-thinking and is driven by a desire to produce the ultimate in
residential luxury and spaces with soul. As an eternal optimist, and
ablf awardS 2011 jury member & buSiNeSS CelebriTy hoST
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 103
one who continuously strives for personal growth, taking charge of
the reins of her family’s realty business at a young age has given her
the experience and determination to succeed in every undertaking.
Nadia Zaal's address at The Big Night
"Being a part of the ABLF Awards allows me to honour, in my own way, the
age-old dynamic alliance between India and the GCC, especially my beloved
country, the UAE. As the global economy shifts its epicentre from the West to
East, there is a powerful synergy among the communities of the Middle East
& South Asia in realising the dream of making this an ‘Asian Century’.
Two luminaries in this newfound and emerging galaxy – India and the
UAE – have a history of longstanding alliances built on strong foundations
of historical, cultural and business relations. In this ambience of friendship,
goodwill and understanding, the two countries are on course to fully rediscover
historic ties for mutual benefit. This process is being enriched not only by
the leaders and governments, but through the intervention of intellectuals,
industrialists, business tycoons and other visionary citizens from both countries.
Today, there is a lot to be optimistic about. The new Asian dynamic tells a
story of hope, opportunity and tenaciousness in the face of everyday challenges.
Our decisions and activities are firmly rooted in vision and inspiration, but
most of all in hard work, and I personally look forward to seeing the immense
developments of the region unfold in the years to come."
“ Tonight, at the ABLF Awards, we celebrate the
birth of a bright new vision… a vision built on
ancient friendships within Asia and forged across
centuries of goodwill.”
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
104 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Pranav Adani is the brand guardian for brand ‘Adani’ and leads its
marketing initiatives in the FMCG and agro sectors, and is credited
with building the 'Fortune' brand. Under his stewardship Adani
Wilmar has registered exponential growth and the company has
become the largest selling edible oil brand in India.
Mr Adani is a member of the CII National Council on Agriculture,
the CII National Council on FMCG and the Young Presidents’
Organisation (YPO). Mr Adani provides strategic leadership and
directs the marketing as well as communication teams of the Group
to achieve its stated vision: “To be a globally preferred business
associate — an entrepreneurial organisation having responsible
concern for employees, society, ecology, and stakeholder value.”
“ Platforms like the ABLF Awards actually show the
leadership in the Asian countries and particularly
highlight them, which is very important, and it is
high time an event like this was initiated.”
Pranav AdanimaNagiNg direCToradaNi agrilogiSTiCS aNdadaNi wilmar
youNg leader. oraTor. braNd iNNoVaTor.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 105
“ The ABLF has started this initiative at a time when
the Asian economy is growing very rapidly and is
likely to grow more rapidly in the future. Organising
such an event and recognising the industry of Asia
in the field of infrastructure, in the field of energy,
will certainly go a long way.”Sanjey Roy presently looks after the Corporate Communications
function and is the spokesperson for DLF. He has enjoyed a long
and celebrated career in media, with over 20 years’ experience, of
which, he has spent 16 years as a journalist at the Hindustan Times.
Mr Roy left journalism to pursue a career in the corporate sector
where he has been recognised by the Public Relations Society of
India (PRSI) as the 'Best Communicator'. He has written numerous
papers and books, and is a regular guest lecturer at some of Delhi’s
premier management and communications institutes. He is also
the Founder President of the Association of Desk Journalists and a
former Secretary General of the Press Club of India.
Sanjey RoyViCe preSideNTdlf limiTed
Team leader. auThor. CommuNiCaTioNS experT.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
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Mohammed Sharaf, the first CEO of DP World, boasts over two
decades of experience in the transport and logistics business. He
joined Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) in 1992 and rose rapidly through
the organisation. He was the first Managing Director of the newly
established Dubai Ports International (DPI), the international ports
management arm of Dubai Ports.
Under Mr Sharaf’s reign, DP World has experienced phenomenal
growth through investment in developing existing and new facilities
round the world. DP World is now one of the largest marine terminal
operators in the world and has the widest network of any, with 51
terminals spanning 24 countries and five continents.
“ There is no doubt in my mind going forward that
the Asian economy is going to lead the global
economy. Experts believe that the growth will be
in the emerging markets. However, if Asia wants to
truly develop and lead the global economy, then
infrastructure is the backbone for that development
and the ABLF is right on target.”
Mohammed Sharaf Chief exeCuTiVe offiCerdp world
buSiNeSS VeTeraN. maVeriCK. STraTegiST.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 107
Dr P. Mohamed Ali laid the foundation of Galfar Group and Mfar
Group with Sheikh Dr Salem Said Al Fannah Al Araimi. With an
impeccable innings of over 30 years in the sector, Dr Ali has
been instrumental in building Galfar into a world-class business
organisation. Over the years, Galfar has extended its operations and
business interests to the UAE, Qatar and India. The company has
set benchmarks in the industry for timely completion of projects,
quality of execution and adherence to safety standards.
In recognition of his contributions in the educational, social services
and business sectors, Dr Ali has received several national and
international awards and accolades, including the coveted Bharatiya
Pravasi Samman from the Government of India in 2004.
“ The ABLF Awards is a breakthrough initiative
because it brings to light the powerful sectors
that have driven Asia’s growth. Asia stands
on the cusp of great change, and the leaders
who have contributed to its success deserve
international recognition.”
P. Mohamed AliViCe ChairmaN & mdgalfar
meNTor. ViSioNary. power leader.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
108 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Previously a Senior Advisor in the World Bank vice Presidency in
charge of economic policies and poverty reduction strategies,
Roberto Zagha is presently the Country Director of the World Bank
Office in India. Mr Zagha helps the World Bank in its mission to cater
to the needs of the international community, providing technical
assistance within the highly volatile fiscal world, to enable developing
countries to address important infrastructural requirements.
Roberto Zagha’s previous assignments in the Bank include Director
for South Asia for the Bank department in charge of economic
policies and poverty reduction in South Asia; Lead Economist for
India, and several assignments in Africa, India and South America.
“ The time has come for Asia and the world will
change very dramatically in the next 50 years. India
and China are playing an increasingly important
role in the global economy and we should expect
that in about 40 or 50 years they will be the
dominant players in the world economy.”
Roberto ZaghaCouNTry direCTor - iNdiaworld baNK
eCoNomiST. TeaCher. STraTegiST.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
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Dr Gerardo Della Paolera assumed charge as the Global
Development Network’s third President in August 2009. He is well-
known for his outstanding work as the Founding President and
Rector of Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in Argentina.
Apart from his extensive experience in educational administration,
Dr Paolera is also a world-renowned expert on Latin-American
economic history. He has taught at the London School of Economics,
Stanford University, Northwestern University and the International
Monetary Fund. Along with his background in academia, Dr Paolera
has extensive experience in the finance and consulting industries.
“ It is no secret that Asia is the most dynamic area
in the world; therefore, such events are important,
not only to maintain the momentum, but also
as an example for other citizens to pursue the
kind of endeavours that these well accomplished
businessmen and businesswomen have achieved.
I think the ABLF is a very important platform and I
hope it continues for many years.”
Gerardo D. PaolerapreSideNTglobal deVelopmeNT NeTworK
eCoNomiC hiSToriaN. aCademiCiaN. ThiNKer.
ablf awardS 2011 jury member
ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY
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What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
A set of criteria developed by leading authorities in
government, law and business, who set the parameters
for the ABLF Awards Grand Jury to shortlist the winners
in each award category.
The ablf awardS CriTeria
Of the hundreds of nominations received on the ABLF Awards portal,
the event architects shortlisted nominees based on the criteria laid
out on the following pages, which were then passed on to the Jury
for final deliberation.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 111
ablf global aSiaN award
Category Criteria
Business &
Financial
Criteria
1By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors
2By leadership: Legendary innings. An example to a generation of achievers
3By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues
4By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence
5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade
6Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations
7Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives
8Accolades and recognition: National and international awards
9Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks
10Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 20,000 internationally
Social
Criteria
11Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward community, national and global altruistic initiatives
12Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments
13Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities
14Knowledge-driven: Active interest and awareness in matters of global and national consequence
15Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance
The ABLF Global Asian is a powerful individual whose
business footprint and commitment to excellence have engaged
international interest and attention. A visionary with an unswerving
commitment to his/her business, his/her country and the region,
the Global Asian is a game changer who has earned his/her place in
the highest echelons of the business community.
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ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT award
Category Criteria
Business &
Financial
Criteria
1By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors
2By leadership: Path-breaking and sustainable leadership
3By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues
4By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence
5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade
6Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations
7Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives
8Accolades and recognition: National and international awards
9Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks
Social
Criteria
10Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds
11Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives
12Knowledge-driven: Lead presence at industry forums and related discussions
13Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments
14Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities
15Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance
The ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award is a heartfelt
felicitation of a true visionary. This achiever wields his/her immense
influence to mentor a generation of business leaders with an old
world wisdom and sharp business acumen. Consistently placing
team, community and country on his/her lead agenda, this leader
is driven by his/her vision to leave the world a better place than
he/she found it, and has spent a lifetime nurturing and sharing
values of excellence, innovation and sustainability, alongside social
responsibilities and philanthropy. He/she embodies the spirit of life,
light and inspiration, an individual whose name and good work is
destined to go down in the brightest annals of history.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 113
ablf womaN of power award
Category Criteria
Business &
Financial
Criteria
1By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors
2By leadership: Inspiring leadership and an example for young women in business
3By contribution: Key member of a decision-making team
4By innovation: Significant contribution to new business growth strategies
5Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations
6Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds and as an exemplary role model for young women
7Accolades and recognition: National and international awards
8Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives
9Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks
Social
Criteria
10Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives
11Path-blazer: History-making presence in industry
12Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor by a generation of young women and demonstrates appropriate qualities
13Activist: Supports women's issues in business and society
14Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments
15Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance
The Asian woman is a definitive emerging business energy to
be reckoned with. The ABLF Woman of Power effortlessly
straddles a traditional and conventional social environment and a
cutting edge modern business world; she is commanding, influential
and embodies the culture and values of Asia. She is committed to
excellence, innovation and healthy interpersonal relationships
within her business environment. Above all, she is an achiever who
cherishes family and community values, and achieves a balance
between her work and her home and is held as a role model for
women achievers around the world.
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ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe award
Category Criteria
Business &
Financial
Criteria
1By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector
2By leadership: Powerful decision-making team
3By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence
4By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues
5Business elite vanguard: Lead position in the sector of business
6By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business
7Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations
8Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 5,000 internationally
9Reputation: Impeccable record and certification for HSE and HSQ
10Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets
11Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks
12CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives
13Accolades and Recognition: National and international awards
14Sharpening skill sets : Consistently invests in employee training programmes to ensure optimisation of HR skills
15Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives
The ABLF Business Excellence Award recognises and
celebrates business organisations that adopt a holistic approach to
building and sustaining both business excellence and developing
human resources. Developing excellence as a united sustained
effort and innovation as a natural work style, this power house
organisation has continually channelled energies to create
outstanding work environments that promote commitment,
reinforce best business practices, and consistently sharpen the skill
sets of its employees; ensuring optimum utilisation of both human
resource potential as well as opportunity capital.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 115
ablf buSiNeSS Courage award
Category Criteria
Business &
Financial
Criteria
1By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector
2By leadership: Fearless, risk-taker and an example for entrepreneurs
3By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring unchartered territory
4Brave innovations: Business leader pioneering unconventional initiatives and new business growth strategies
5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business
6Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets
7Innovation: Record of at least one pioneering initiative
8By courage: Leadership during times of crisis
9Power network: Forges ground-breaking business relationships
10Courage under fire: Record of one major achievement during the economic crisis
11Accolades and recognition: National and international awards
12Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives
13CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives
14Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks
15Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 2,000 internationally
The ABLF Business Courage Award recipient is a formidable
businessman who defines the essence of a true leader, one who
leads effortlessly during times of plenty and times of crisis, ensuring
the safety of both company as well as its human resource capital.
This profile is bold, decisive and a true warrior of light. His/her spirit
embodies the energy of manifestation. He/she creates success
as a habit, and passionately leads his/her people towards greater
success with vision, innovation and compassion.
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What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
Every status has a symbol
The ablf awardS Trophy
The ABLF Awards trophy is a 13-inch, 24-carat gold-plated
masterpiece. Intricate embossed features and a traditional
silhouette proudly symbolise its Asian origins, while the stunning
gold façade epitomises the intrinsic prosperity and stability in the
ABLF constituencies of the Gulf, India and South-East Asia.
Signature precious gemstones embedded on the trophy reflect
their singular and inherent metaphysical value on each unique
ABLF Award category.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 117
The unrivalled metaphor of pure brilliance, the
‘Diamond’ is symbolic of abundance, balance and clarity,
a perfect fit for the ABLF Global Asian Award and the ABLF Lifetime
Achievement Award. This precious gemstone is embedded in the
award trophies, custom created for the two most important awards
of The Big Night, the ABLF Awards inaugural award ceremony.
The radiant ‘Ruby,’ associated with prosperity, generosity
and integrity, breathes the power of confidence through
its elemental signature, complementing the stature of the ABLF
Woman of Power. The precious gemstone featured on the award
is a beacon heralding the rise of a powerful new business energy.
The luminous ‘Sapphire’ has been revered through
millennia for its ancient associations with values of truth,
consistency and boundless energy. As the sacred talisman of the
ABLF Business Excellence Award, this gem that shines forth from
the trophy channels the intrinsic qualities of an award-winning
business organisation.
The precious ‘Emerald’ that has graced crowns and
embellished thrones of the oldest dynasties in history is
archetypal of courage, strength and wisdom. This ancient gem best
symbolises the energy of the ABLF Business Courage Award and
sparkles in splendour on the custom-built trophy.
118 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
A cutting-edge web portal attached to leading media of
the world that hosts the ABLF Awards process.
The ablf awardS web porTal
The ABLF Awards series features a single window interface
www . ablfawards.com, which hosts the Awards story, background,
mandate and nomination process, making it a completely integrated
information and activation epicentre for the ABLF Awards. The
Awards website is the one-stop resource centre for all information
related to the event, featuring profiles of the winners, the Event
Presenters, Supporters and Associates, details of The Big Night, the
ABLF Grand Jury, and pictures from the event in New Delhi.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 119
The web portal was also the nomination centre for the ABLF Awards
2011. Over a 10-day campaign, the website drew over 20,000
unique visitors and more than 50,000 nominations were made
across three award categories.
The ABLF Awards 2011 web portal - www.ablfawards.comMinister Kamal Nath with Malini N. Menon, Founder & Managing Director of Indian Expressions, at the official launch of the ABLF Awards web portal on September 1, 2011.
120 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 121
The ablf awardSCommuNiCaTioNS• The righT media VoiCe
• The eVeNT CollaTeral
6
122 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
A powerful, world-class venue
New delhi, iNdia - The alpha CiTy of
moderN iNdia
New Delhi provided the perfect backdrop for the Asian Business
Leadership Forum Awards 2011. In recent times, the city has
garnered a reputation as a world-class events venue and as the
capital of one of the fastest growing countries in the world, New
Delhi takes centre-stage in Asia’s vibrant event environment.
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards lends itself perfectly
to the growing portfolio of business and economic forums held in
New Delhi, including the World Economic Forum’s India Economic
Summit and the India Today Conclave.
Although the ABLF Awards is an annual event that will manifest
in different Asian cities each year, New Delhi will always hold the
distinction of hosting the inaugural event.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 123
What sets the ABLF Awards apart?
Media and global PR outreach through leading
broadcasters, publications and news agencies with a
combined reach of over 50 million.
The righT media VoiCe
The ABLF Awards media campaign, beginning August 2011 was a
four-month comprehensive operation that spanned online, direct
mail, print and television features that garnered considerable global
interest through its international media partners. The campaign was
further strengthened by feature programmes and media coverage
in the run-up to the event and repeat telecasts and special features
on partner channels after the grand awards ceremony in New Delhi.
124 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ZEE NETWORK
With a reach of more than 120 countries and access to more than
500 million viewers globally, Zee TV MENAP is the largest media
franchise serving the South Asian diaspora. The US$ 5 billion
network’s Middle East footprint has a viewership of over 2.6 million
South Asians in the MENAP region.
CNBC ARABIA
CNBC Arabia is the only 24-hour Arabic language financial and
business information television channel that covers regional and
international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. CNBC
Arabia is the only business-focused channel that delivers live
regional market data in the Middle East market, providing both
ticker and analytical reporting.
INDIA TODAY
India Today is the leading news magazine in the country and is the
most widely read publication in India with a circulation of 1.1 million
every week and a readership of more than 15 million. India Today is
what Indian journalism is judged by, for integrity and for the ability
to bring an unbiased and incisive perspective to arguably the most
dynamic yet perplexing region in the world.
IANS
The Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) is a full-fledged, 24/7 agency
that publishes real-time news from India, South Asia and news of
interest from this region around the world. Given its collaborations
with international news organisations, IANS is often used by media
as a one-stop source of all news - both domestic and international.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 125
CNBC-TV18
CNBC-TV 18 is India’s no. 1 business medium and the undisputed
leader in business news. The channel’s benchmark coverage extends
from corporate news, financial markets coverage, expert perspective
on investing and management to industry verticals and beyond.
FORBES INDIA
Forbes India is India’s most influential business magazine delivering
sharp, in-depth and engaging stories by looking at global and
domestic issues from an Indian perspective.
ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voice
“ It was finally left to the ABLF Awards to bring West Asia and South-East Asia together
with India as the fulcrum. Hats off to the ABLF and its hugely talented founder,
Ms Malini Menon, for spearheading this pioneering concept in such a spectacular
fashion. Media needs to play its part and we are privileged to take forward an idea that promises to
be a win-win for all players in the region.”maNoj mohaNKaNon-Executive Chairman, Network 18
NETWORK 18
The Network18 Group is one of India's leading media companies with interests in television, internet, filmed entertainment, e-commerce,
magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. The group operates India's leading television broadcasting and distribution assets, including
India's leading news channels – CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN and IBN 7. Network 18 also operates an impressive array of digital,
publishing and e-commerce assets, including one of India's largest internet players, Web18, which houses the country's leading web content
properties such as moneycontrol.com, ibnlive.com, in.com and firstpost.com.
126 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Awards PR outreachABLF
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 127
ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voiceABLF
128 | The ABLF Journey of GloryABLFThe ABLF media profile
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 129
ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voice
ABLF
130 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Forbes India magazine
Volume 3 • Issue 23 • November 18, 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 131
132 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Over 5 hours of event coverage on
television channels and the internet
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The ABLF Journey of Glory | 135
What defines the communication at
the ABLF Awards and gives it a
leading edge?
Direct communication with business leaders from
the sectors of focus without event overexposure in
conventional communication mediums.
The eVeNT CollaTeral
What set the ABLF Awards communication campaign apart, was
its intelligent use of communication mediums, creating the right
amount of noise in target segments that are specific and insular.
The direct mailing channel was leveraged using a comprehensive
database of top Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sector associates,
partners and related government entities.
The database also included media heads, opinion leaders and
various other faculties related to the ABLF sectors and regions
of focus.
The event communications were designed with great attention to
detail and produced in-house adhering strictly to the brand strategy
and guidelines, garnering much appreciation and accolades from
the ABLF associates and invitees.
136 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF AwArds 2011The evenT CoLLATerAL
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 137
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The ABLF Journey of Glory | 139
VaNguard of The ablf awardS• The preSeNTerS
• The SupporTerS
• The aSSoCiaTeS
7
140 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What leads up to a great event? Endorsement - world leaders supporting a breakthrough event.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 141
What are the qualities that determine
a great sponsorship association?
Fit, relevance and a common vision and mission.
The elite presenters of the ABLF Awards 2011 are a dynamic
duo renowned across Asia for their fierce leadership and
pioneering approach that has transformed the landscape of
Indian business in Industry, Infrastructure and Energy. The two
powerhouse organisations are built on the values of innovation,
entrepreneurship, integrity, excellence, sustainability and
philanthropy – the very mandates the ABLF series was created to
highlight and celebrate.
With their enthralling success stories, the ABLF Awards Presenters
continue to raise the benchmark of industry performance in the
feature sectors with an unwavering commitment to excellence as
they cement their place as industry leaders.
142 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
AdAni & ABLF
AdAni & ABLF
AdAni & ABLF
AdAni & ABLF
AdAni & ABLF
AdAni & ABLF
The Adani brand refresher includes a logo change that was formally unveiled in February 2012. ABLF is happy to reflect this change in the post ABLF 2011 communications leading with the 'History Makers of The New Asian Century - The ABLF Journey of Glory'.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 143
The Adani Group is an Indian conglomerate with global interests in
Infrastructure, Energy, Mining, Ports, Shipping and Agri-trade. The
group is led by first generation entrepreneur, Mr Gautam Adani,
whose inspiring career trajectory features an extraordinary journey
– from a stint as a diamond sorter to creating and sustaining one of
the most inspiring success stories in India.
The US$ 6 billion Adani Group owns the state of the art Mundra
Port in the western state of Gujarat, the first private port in India.
The port operates the world’s largest automated coal import
terminal. The group is also developing a multi-product world-class
manufacturing hub in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to
the port to facilitate exports.
Adani Group is also actively investing in renewable energy and
plans to generate 40 MW of solar power. The Adani Group aims to
become one of India’s largest electricity generation utilities by 2020.
ABLF AWARDS 2011THE PRESENTERS
Adani Group also owns infrastructure interests in Indonesia and
Australia including coal mines and ports. It recently acquired rights
to develop the Abbot Point Coal Terminal in Queensland, Australia.
As a responsible corporate, the Adani Group is governed by three
core values: trust, courage and innovation. Its business strategies
have bequeathed new meaning to the collaboration paradigm -
to dovetail business plans and strategies with those of the nation
by participating in the great Indian growth story and delivering
sustainable value to its stakeholders.
Adani Group’s vision of raising the bar for India Inc. is clearly
reflected in its association with the Asian Business Leadership
Forum Awards, a landmark event that is a corporate-cultural
zeitgeist, celebrating the Asian spirit of collaboration and honouring
the new torch-bearers of the Asian business-space.
Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group
DLF & ABLF
DLF & ABLF
DLF & ABLF
DLF & ABLF
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 145
DLF Limited is India’s leading real estate company; its primary
business is to develop residential, commercial and retail spaces.
The company has a unique business model with earnings arising
from development and rentals. Its exposure across businesses,
segments and geographies mitigates any down cycles in the market.
With over six decades of excellence, DLF has the distinction of
developing commercial projects and IT parks that are at par with
the best in the world. DLF has become a preferred name with many
Fortune 500 companies and among leading Indian corporate giants,
such as GE, IBM, Microsoft, Canon, Bank of America, Infosys, CSC,
Symantec and Sapient, among others. It is credited with introducing
and pioneering the revolutionary concept of developing commercial
complexes in the vicinity of residential areas.
DLF also pioneered the retail revolution in the country and brought
about a paradigm shift in the industry by redefining shopping and
leisure experiences with the launch of City Centre in Gurgaon in
2000. It also runs India’s first luxury mall - Emporio.
ABLF AWARDS 2011THE PRESENTERS
DLF’s mission is to continue to build world-class real estate
assets with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and
customer service and thereby contribute to and benefit from the
growth of the Indian economy. DLF reflects the powerful energy
of accomplishment; to retain its position as an industry leader,
it constantly strives to deliver the promise of a modern era,
encouraging millions of people to dream of a better quality of life,
scale new heights of success and live the new tomorrow today.
By presenting the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards, a
landmark event that celebrates the key nation-building sectors
of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, DLF Limited reiterates its
mandate of ‘Building India’, while highlighting its commitment to
celebrating excellence on a global level.
146 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
one of the top three marine terminal operators in the world
by both throughput and capacity
DP World is
people is truly global,DP World’s team of
30,000made up of more than90nationalities
Around the world,DP World handles close to
120,000containers
a day
58,000vessels a year – or nearly
DP World serves around
a day160
DP World operates around1,200giant gantry
cranes acrossthe world
ABLF AWARDS 2011THE SUPPORTERS
Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World
one of the top three marine terminal operators in the world
by both throughput and capacity
DP World is
people is truly global,DP World’s team of
30,000made up of more than90nationalities
Around the world,DP World handles close to
120,000containers
a day
58,000vessels a year – or nearly
DP World serves around
a day160
DP World operates around1,200giant gantry
cranes acrossthe world
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 147
At a time when Asia is consolidating its giant strengths with brave new
collaborations that promote active globalisation, DP World has forged ahead
and established the UAE’s presence in the global arena with the pride of an
unparalleled marine infrastructure system that supports the key commercial
activity of Dubai – trade and commerce. DP World is today a giant in marine
terminal operations with world-class facilities that have promoted international
trade and supported the dynamic economic development of the region. DP
World leverages the Asia-connect by supporting the ABLF Awards series that
is dedicated to showcasing the important role of infrastructure development in
shaping the future of the global economy.
DP World operates more than 60 terminals across six continents,
with container handling generating around 80 percent of its
revenue. The company currently has new developments and major
expansions underway in nine countries.
DP World aims to enhance their customers’ supply chain efficiency
by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.
In 2010, DP World handled nearly 50 million TEU (twenty-foot
equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas
to Asia, with a pipeline of expansion and development projects in
key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East.
DP World’s bearing and role in Asia’s historical re-emergence
as a leading economic power centre is perfectly aligned with the
tremendous infrastructure growth potential of the region.
DP WorlD & ABlF
DP WorlD & ABlF
DP WorlD & ABlF
148 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Engineering, Procurement& Construction
Manufacturing
Casual DiningRestaurantsDistribution&Trading
ExplorationProduction&
Dodsal Group has revived its manufacturing business in India and stepped up the stakes in the sector with several ground breaking initiatives that are set for rollout over 2012.
Dodsal Group has successfully implemented projects in over 72 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia, in all kinds of adverse topographical conditions. Over the next few years, Dodsal is poised to break new ground in India's space and defence industries, thus, making a substantial contribution to the country's defense sector.
The Agency Division of Dodsal Group has grown from strength to strength, facilitating a common marketplace for customers and manufacturers worldwide. The Agency Division offers a wide range of raw materials for the Energy and Automotive sectors with special emphasis on high tech and premium products.
Dodsal Group runs 59 Pizza Hut and KFC outlets, with franchise rights from Yum! Brands Inc., in major metropolitan cities in India. The restaurants have earned revenues of over USD 36 million annually and Dodsal will add another 45 restaurants to its impressive portfolio through organic and inorganic growth over the next three years.
The Dodsal Group's venture into mining includes exploration of gold, multi-metals and precious stones. The group is also expanding its hydrocarbon search for oil and natural gas and in the energy sector.
ABLF AWARDS 2011THE SUPPORTERS
Rajen A. Kilachand (C), Chairman, Dodsal Group with Sameer Kilachand (L) and Nikhil Kilachand (R)
Engineering, Procurement& Construction
Manufacturing
Casual DiningRestaurantsDistribution&Trading
ExplorationProduction&
Dodsal Group has revived its manufacturing business in India and stepped up the stakes in the sector with several ground breaking initiatives that are set for rollout over 2012.
Dodsal Group has successfully implemented projects in over 72 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia, in all kinds of adverse topographical conditions. Over the next few years, Dodsal is poised to break new ground in India's space and defence industries, thus, making a substantial contribution to the country's defense sector.
The Agency Division of Dodsal Group has grown from strength to strength, facilitating a common marketplace for customers and manufacturers worldwide. The Agency Division offers a wide range of raw materials for the Energy and Automotive sectors with special emphasis on high tech and premium products.
Dodsal Group runs 59 Pizza Hut and KFC outlets, with franchise rights from Yum! Brands Inc., in major metropolitan cities in India. The restaurants have earned revenues of over USD 36 million annually and Dodsal will add another 45 restaurants to its impressive portfolio through organic and inorganic growth over the next three years.
The Dodsal Group's venture into mining includes exploration of gold, multi-metals and precious stones. The group is also expanding its hydrocarbon search for oil and natural gas and in the energy sector.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 149
A multinational organisation, the Dodsal Group’s interests in Industry,
Infrastructure and Energy presented a unique opportunity for a long term
association with the ABLF Awards. Having established a credible reputation
in these sectors globally, the Dodsal Group is today recognised as one of the
leading forces in the region with some of the most prestigious projects and
contracts on their roster. Dodsal’s impeccable reputation as an organisation
that places importance on integrity, sustainability and employee welfare,
substantiated by over 120 high-profile international awards, makes the ABLF
Awards series and the Dodsal alliance a perfect long-term partnership.
Dodsal Group is a Dubai-based diversified multinational
conglomerate which operates in the areas of Trading and
Distribution; Engineering, Procurement and Construction;
Exploration and Production; Casual Dining Restaurants; and
Manufacturing and has new interests in horticulture and
floriculture development.
Dodsal's leadership’s vision for the company to become a key
player in the nuclear, defence and space industry has come
to fruition with the recent US$ 150 million joint venture with
Atomenergomash, a Russian heavy equipment engineering
company, to manufacture and supply power equipment for
Nuclear Power Projects, Thermal Power Projects and the Oil and
Gas industry in India.
The Dodsal Group’s focus is now shifting to new avenues, and
over the next decade, its future holds more promising forays into
newer, more exciting industries, including space exploration and
defence, marking a new and exciting time for it in the 21st century.
DoDsal & aBlF
DoDsal & aBlF
DoDsal & aBlF
150 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
PDO’sbiggest
contractor
fleet strength of
7,000equipment
strong, well-motivatedmulti-national work force28,000
construction company
Oman’slargest
Ablf AwArds 2011The supporTers
Dr P. Mohamed Ali, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Galfar
PDO’sbiggest
contractor
fleet strength of
7,000equipment
strong, well-motivatedmulti-national work force28,000
construction company
Oman’slargest
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 151
Galfar Engineering & Contracting SOAG’s vision and commitment to the
highest quality standards and recognised safety performance in cutting-edge
industrial and civil infrastructure makes its association with the ABLF
Awards series a strong and mutually beneficial equation. The business footprint
and capabilities of Galfar regionally extend to the ABLF constituencies and
intrinsically reflect the core sectors of the Forum - Industry, Infrastructure and
Energy, setting the stage for a winning partnership in the years to come.
Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG is one of the largest, multi-
disciplined engineering, contracting and construction companies in
the Sultanate of Oman. Established in 1972, Galfar has today grown
into one of the largest construction companies in the Middle East
with a turnover of over US $1 billion and an impeccable reputation
for excellence in construction quality, safety, performance,
employee satisfaction and social responsibility.
The company provides project management and construction
services for various projects, including commercial and residential
complexes, educational institutions, industrial structures, ports
and harbours, hospitals, water retaining structures, monuments,
and cross-country water line networks. It also offers cross-country
oil and gas pipelines and flow lines of various materials. Galfar is
involved in the erection and commissioning of static and rotary
equipments; construction of oil storage tanks, corrosion protection,
chemical injection and water injection projects; control and
automation systems, electrical power generation and distribution,
and the construction of roads and bridges, making it a leading
infrastructure-relevant business entity of the region.
GALFAR & ABLF
GALFAR & ABLF
GALFAR & ABLF
152 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
h. e. mohamed helal al muhairidireCTor geNeralabu dhabi Chamber of CommerCe & iNduSTry
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry strives to
establish its position as a pioneering policy advocate in Abu Dhabi
and is a partner to the private sector and the leading voice for the
business community based in the emirate. The ADCCI assists in the
growth of businesses via communication networks with local and
foreign companies and enjoys a favourable professional reputation
in business consultancy in addition to having an audible say with
decision-makers and partners.
The ADCCI’s aim is to create an environment in which businesses
can flourish and grow by providing feasibility studies and market-
specific information and research via its impressive network while
also facilitating a dialogue between local and foreign companies.
Abu Dhabi, today, has risen to the focal point of international attention with opinion leaders,
media-watchers, business commentators and economic analysts declaring that the emirate is not just
the economic hope of tomorrow, but a radiant energy that powers new business directions in Asia
and globally. Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest sovereign fund in the world in terms of total asset value.
The business and economic culture of the emirate is one of conservative but aggressive business
development which has been in a high gear over the last decade. An autonomous institution that
globally represents the huge trade interests of the capital city, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
& Industry supports the ABLF Awards series. The ADCCI’s mission is to ensure the UAE’s
participation in a showcase of Asian business excellence which features urbanisation (Abu Dhabi
Plan 2030) as well as financial transformation, also leveraging a dynamic Asian gateway through
the ABLF Awards series’ immense networking opportunities.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 153
“ The development of the Industry, Infrastructure
and Energy sectors is paramount to any nation’s
progress and the Asian Business Leadership Forum
has succesfully engaged in a remarkable effort of
showcasing the talent and resource across Asia
within these key areas of growth. ADCCI's presence
at the inaugural event in New Delhi marks the
begining of an important association.” mohamed helal al muhairi
The ADCCI plays an important role as a supporter of and contributor
to the process of economic development in Abu Dhabi, and its
strong ties with international business organisations, chambers of
commerce and companies mean that it stands out unrivalled in the
field of international relations.
Furthermore, the ADCCI is in pursuit of enhancing its image as a
leading international business organisation, while streamlining its
processes and procedures to provide highly sophisticated, state-of-
the-art services for its members, thus, helping them contribute to
building Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic future.
Ablf AwArds 2011The AssociATes
The ADCCI headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE
154 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
h. e. giTa wirjawaNmiNiSTer of Trade, iNdoNeSiaChairmaN, bKpm (iNdoNeSia iNVeSTmeNT CoordiNaTiNg board)
Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal (BKPM) is an investment
service agency of the Indonesian Government created with a
purpose to effectively implement the enactment of law on foreign
as well as domestic investment. The company is mandated as an
advocacy agency for investors and is tasked with formulating
government policy on investment, both domestic and from abroad.
BKPM aims to stimulate realisation of a more conducive climate
for investment and enhance the role of investment institutions
and system information in Indonesia. In order to carry out these
functions, BKPM has the authority to prepare macro-level national
planning on investment; formulate investment policies to support
macro-level development; and grant approvals and control
investments with highly sophisticated and high-risk strategic
technology in its implementation.
Indonesia is the largest economy of South-East Asia and an aggressive and key player in the new
business economy of Asia with significant foreign investments in the infrastructure and energy
sectors. As an associate of the ABLF Awards series, BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board
of Indonesia) represents South-East Asia in their capacity as the government authority on matters
relating to foreign investment in Indonesia. Led by its dynamic chairman, Gita Wirjawan, who
is also the Minister of Trade for Indonesia, BKPM is a shining example of strong corporate
governance at a government level. The ABLF Awards series strengthened its association with
Indonesia through BKPM, accessing the tremendous business potential and energy of the nation.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 155
“ The ABLF Awards could not have come at a
better time for the six countries involved to be
participating in this event. This is a good time for
us to not only look back in terms of what we have
done right, but hopefully for the purpose of looking
into what needs to be corrected to maintain, if
not enhance that trajectory going forward.” giTa wirjawaN
Ablf AwArds 2011The AssociATes
h. e. giTa wirjawaN
H. E. Gita Wirjawan is the Minister of Trade for Indonesia and the
Chairman of BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board).
A well-known figure in the Indonesian business community, his
resume boasts a stint as Vice Chairman and Head of JP Morgan
Indonesia, after which he founded his own company, Ancora
Capital, a private equity fund that primarily focused on investments
in the natural resources and mining sector.
A Harvard graduate, he has played a significant role in some of the
biggest partnerships and transactions in Indonesia over the past
decade, specifically in the areas of telecommunications.
As Chairman of BKPM, Mr Wirjawan is well known for his ability to
leverage important business relationships to promote international
investment into the Indonesian economy. Now, in his new role as
Minister of Trade, he is charged with promoting economic growth
while protecting Indonesia’s international trade interests.
156 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
h. e. Khalil abdullah al KhoNjiChairmaNomaN Chamber of CommerCe & iNduSTry
Established in 1973 by virtue of a Royal Decree as a public utility
organisation, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)
is the apex body of Oman’s private sector, which represents the
country at the local and international levels and acts as a catalyst in
activating the Sultanate’s national economy. The OCCI also plays a
significant role in implementing the country’s developmental plans
aimed at diversifying its national income sources.
The OCCI activates economic work in the Sultanate through
participation in the development plans and initiatives undertaken
to diversify sources of income for the national economy. The OCCI
also promotes economic and trade relations and supports joint
businessmen’s councils with Arab and foreign countries in order to
facilitate more international networking.
One of the oldest countries of the region, Oman commands both respect and goodwill in the global
business arena. Since the liberalisation of its economy in 2000, Oman’s presence and energy in
international business is on the rise. Industry, Infrastructure and Energy play integral roles in the
economic business-scape of the nation. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry facilitates
and manages cross-investment opportunities for the country, making them important and strategic
associates, representing the spirit and vibe of the Gulf at the inaugural ABLF Awards. A large
high-profile delegation from Oman, led by the Chairman, His Excellency Khalil Abdullah Al
Khonji, attended The Big Night, attesting to the country’s commitment to forums like the ABLF
Awards series to ensure a collaborative future for the Asian Century.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 157
h. e. Khalil abdullah al KhoNji
H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji was handpicked by the Sultan of
Oman to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Oman Chamber
of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) in 2007. After completing a four-
year term as Chairman, a Royal Decree renewing his chairmanship
for a further four years was issued in December 2011.
As the Chairman, Mr Khonji’s remarkable contributions towards
realising the organisation’s common goals have ensured that the
OCCI is always abreast of the latest developments in the whole
spectrum of commerce and industry.
On taking over as OCCI chairman, Mr Khonji set in motion a
number of projects, including modernisation of the chamber and
providing the youth and qualified personnel with a huge number of
opportunities for growth and improvement.
A graduate in Industrial Management and Technology from the
University of Northern Colorado, USA, Mr Khonji hails from a
renowned Omani family which has long been associated with
commerce and industry in Oman, which goes to explain his
extensive and well-rounded knowledge and interest in the sectors
and his dedication to furthering the Omani economic story.
Ablf AwArds 2011The AssociATes
“ We are honoured to be here at the ABLF Awards
and I hope that this initiative gets more and
more countries in Asia together because it is
very important to recognise the achievers in this
region and put them in the global spotlight. All
eyes are now on Asia, and the most important
thing for the Asian leaders is to manage and
sustain this development.” Khalil abdullah al KhoNji
158 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 159
ablf awardS 2011The CelebraTioN• The big NighT
• The wiNNerS
• The phoTo gallery
8
160 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
What leads up to a great event?
Preparation is key
Attendance – reaching out to the business world with 2,000
invitations even though you expect only 200 attendees.
Delivery – impeccable delivery where every last detail from set-up
to menu is carefully orchestrated.
The ABLF Awards collateral was the result of months of strategy,
design and discussions which began with the launch of the official
web portal - www.ablfawards.com.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 161
“ The ABLF Awards is an excellent
initiative to celebrate Asian
achievements on a global scale.
From its mandate to its 13-inch, 24-carat gold-
plated trophy that epitomises the prosperity and
stability of Asia, the event is a winner and I am very
glad to be here today to represent Mr Ratan Tata
and the Tata Group at this prestigious event.”bharaT waKhluResident Director, Tata Services
In addition to the research that went into the premise of the ABLF
Awards, the team also researched every aspect of the event set-
up, invitations and collateral to ensure the ABLF Awards package
was cohesively promoted to business leaders, media, government
officials and diplomats.
Introductory emails were sent to over 2,000 business leaders and
government heads to generate awareness among the sectors
of focus. The emails were tailored to capture the attention of
the targeted audience comprising of the leadership and top
management of public and private sector companies as well
as statesmen and government officials, not just from Asia but
globally. This phase of the communication campaign ensured a
high reach for the event.
Although the awards ceremony was an exclusive closed-door
event for only 200 VIP guests, the well designed publicity and PR
outreach strategy ensured global awareness.
“ I applaud the ABLF Awards
initiative, which showcases
the importance of Industry,
Infrastructure and Energy in Asia. Knowledge
and education are an intrinsic part of soft
infrastructure and with Asia placing increasing
importance on human resource development,
the stage is set for the region to optimise
its potential.”dr. joSeph V. g.Founder & Chairman, Garden City Group of Institutions;Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Bangalore, India
162 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
How did the ABLF Awards manifest?
THE BIG NIGHTThe graNd awardS CeremoNy of The ablf
Accolades for the leaders who walk the path of excellence
The Big Night was the spectacular gold carpet evening of the
inaugural ABLF Awards Ceremony on October 3, 2011.
An extraordinary evening of bilateral networking, friendship and
celebration, The Big Night featured a distinguished guest profile of
Asian dignitaries, business stalwarts and world personalities, with
the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi providing the perfect ambient
setting for the event in India’s first city.
Featuring memorable keynote addresses by H. E. Kamal Nath,
Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI and H. E. Kapil
Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Human Resource Development and
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, GOI, the
evening witnessed the gathering of Asia's leading power brokers to
celebrate the achievements of Asia’s business stalwarts.
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 163
The evening began with a gold-carpet walk down the ABLF
story walls, which pictorially represented the story of the Asian
Moment, the leaders and architects of modern Asia, the journey
of the ABLF Awards, its concept and its Presenters, Associates and
Supporters. The VIP guests who attended the event all signed the
custom-designed ABLF Signature Wall, a keepsake memorabilia
that attests to the calibre of eminent men and women gathered on
that evening to celebrate Asian achievements.
The venue was set up in the traditional ABLF Awards colours of black
and white with touches of gold. The menu planned by the ABLF
Awards team and executed by the Taj Palace Hotel reflected the
culinary influences of the different regions that were represented
at the event, keeping in mind the inclusive and collaborative nature
of the ABLF Awards mandate.
The pre-awards presentation part of the evening provided a
networking opportunity for the who’s who of corporate Asia. As
business leaders mingled with diplomats and government officials,
the prevailing feeling at the event was one of camaraderie and a
positive outlook for Asia.
In a revolutionary new format, the awards of the night were
presented by high-ranking statesmen, who were joined on stage
by the ABLF Awards presenters and diplomats from participating
nations. The calibre of talent awarded at the inaugural ABLF Awards
is testament to the collective power of human enterprise and the
belief that with true determination, businesses led by inspiring
leaders can overcome adversities and lead on to greater successes.
The anticipation that began with the launch of the campaign in
August culminated at the Big Night, as the ABLF guests left with
memories of an evening that not only celebrated Asian leadership,
but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and encouraged new
economic and business partnerships.
164 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ThewiNNerS
ABLF Global Asian Award
ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award
ABLF Woman of Power Award
ABLF Business Excellence Award
ABLF Business Courage Award
The Award Categories
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 165
166 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ablf global aSiaN award
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 167
The ABLF Global Asian is a powerful individual whose business
footprint and commitment to excellence has engaged international
interest and attention. A visionary with an unswerving assurance
to his/her business, country and the region, the Global Asian is a
game-changer who has earned his/her place in the highest echelons
of the business community and is a key architect of ‘Asia Rising’.
In its inaugural year, the ABLF Awards Grand Jury made a unanimous
decision to present the ABLF Global Asian Award as a posthumous
honour to the late Dhirubhai Ambani, often considered the original
Global Asian for his inspirational and honest leadership of one of
India’s leading business houses and his immeasurable contribution
to the Indian growth story.
The universally revered symbol of incomparable beauty, the Diamond,
represents the spirit of the conqueror, the energy, the perfection and the
vitality of the ABLF Global Asian.
168 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ My father had a very firm belief in
the country’s youth and in investing
in talent. His view was more than
entrepreneurship; it was really a
passion to build an institution in
India. The aspiration is really not to
be the best in the community or best
in the country, but to be the best in
the world.”muKeSh ambaNi oN hiS faTher'S legaCy of iNSpiraTioN
ablf global aSiaN award
culture. Mr Ambani revolutionised capital markets and created billions
of rupees in wealth for his company’s stakeholders, and in turn for India.
In 2000, he was credited with being India’s “greatest creator of wealth in
the century” by a poll among Indians.
When he passed away in 2002, the nation went into mourning. India’s then
Prime Minister Vajpayee remarked, “The country has lost an iconic proof
of what an ordinary Indian fired by the spirit of enterprise and driven by
determination can achieve in his lifetime.” He had, through his grit and
intellect, transformed an INR 1.5 lakh company into one worth over INR
75,000 crores in his lifetime. The key to his success was what he described
to be a common thread in his success story - relationship and trust. He
stated that this was the foundation of the growth of his group.
Mr Ambani was also a philanthropist with a big heart. His initiatives in
education, healthcare and community development have transformed the
lives of thousands of people across India. The Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
in Lodhivali provides free outpatient and subsidised inpatient treatment for
needy and poor patients as well as for senior citizens, while his foundation
continues to provide education and social infrastructure in Maharashtra,
Gujarat and elsewhere to foster social development.
The original Global Asian, Dhirubhai Ambani’s message and dream lives
on and continues to inspire the collective imagination of India’s youth.
His vision for Reliance was indeed a vision for a new India. He once
famously said, “Our dreams have to be bigger. Our ambitions higher. Our
commitment deeper. And our efforts greater. This is my dream for Reliance
and for India.” For his contribution to shaping India and, by association,
Asia’s economic growth, Mr Dhirubhai Ambani was the unanimous choice
of the ABLF Awards Grand Jury for the inaugural ABLF Global Asian Award.
The late Dhirubhai AmbanifouNder ChairmaNreliaNCe group
ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs
A legend in the business world who showed India a new way to think, the
late Dhirubhai Ambani was a visionary who redefined how businesses
function. What made his success so exemplary was the fact that he
rose from being a small-time worker like many others in the 1950s to
create one of India’s largest conglomerates, Reliance Industries, which
spans petrochemicals, communications, power and textiles. He was the
epitome of the rags to riches story and is an inspiration to millions of
Indians who dream of making it big.
Born Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, he was called Dhirubhai out of
fondness and affection by his family, friends and colleagues. He had an
affable personality which won him friends and respect through his life.
He attributed his success to thinking “big, fast and ahead”. He asserted
that ideas are no one’s monopoly as he broke into an elite league
dominated by India’s then incumbent business houses.
The group he founded in 1958 went on to become the first Indian
company to feature in the Forbes 500 list and employs over 85,000
people today. Reliance has been credited with shaping India’s equity
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ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT award
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The ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award is a heartfelt felicitation of
a true visionary. This achiever wields his/her immense influence to
mentor a generation of business leaders with old world wisdom
and sharp business acumen. Consistently placing team, community
and country on his/her lead agenda, this leader is driven by his/her
vision to leave the world a better place than he/she found it, and
has spent a lifetime nurturing and sharing values of excellence,
innovation and sustainability alongside social responsibilities
and philanthropy. He/she embodies the spirit of life, light and
inspiration, an individual whose name and good work is destined
to go down in the brightest annals of history.
The unrivalled metaphor of pure brilliance, the Diamond embedded on
the trophy is symbolic of abundance, balance and clarity; the perfect
metaphor for the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
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“ The success of a healthy forward
looking country is based on three
pillars: government, business and arts.
They each complement one other. If
you have arts and no business – then
you will not succeed; without business
how will the arts be enhanced? How
will they grow? If you have business
without arts, then it is like a man
without soul. A government that is
not concerned with business and arts
is lost as well. I have been fortunate
that I have been able to contribute,
in my humble way to the growth of
our country, where all three spheres
have been allowed to flourish in a
rigid society.”
ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardThe gulf
Zubair was active in many ways to help achieve this goal. He became the
Chairman of the Founding Committee for establishing the First Chamber
of Commerce in Oman, and in 1972 when it was finally formed, he became
its first President. He was also a member in a number of Committees,
including the Commercial Dispute Committee. He also took an active role
in establishing several national level companies in areas such as Power,
Banking, Insurance and Construction.
His Excellency, in addition to his role as Advisor to His Majesty for Economic
Planning, is member of a number of Government Councils and Committees,
including the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, the Supreme
Committee for Economic Plans, the Economic Co-ordination Committee
and the High Committee for Conferences.
In order to preserve Oman’s rich cultural history for future generations, His
Excellency transformed his family house in old Muscat into a Museum. ‘Bait
Al Zubair’ specialises in Omani heritage and history, and exhibits the family
and his own collections that extend to many hundreds of years. Today,
it is the most visited museum in Oman. Having handed over the reins of
the Zubair businesses to his able sons, His Excellency devotes his time to
support the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, developing it further as a not-for-
profit organisation, participating in the development of arts and cultural
activities in the Sultanate of Oman and providing the focus for all Social
Responsibility initiatives.
A deserving recipient of the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award, His Excellency
Mohammad Al Zubair has enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling journey of
assisting the development of Oman economically, socially and culturally, in
addition to his many accomplishments as a father, a government figure, an
art lover, and the head of one of Oman’s most prominent business families.
H. E. Mohammad Al ZubairfouNdiNg ChairmaNThe Zubair CorporaTioN
It was in 1967 when, as the Sultanate of Oman exported its first shipment
of crude oil, His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair established a company
to trade in electrical equipment, tools and building materials to meet the
requirements of oil companies and their contractors.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair has been an icon in Oman’s
development, and over the last 44 years, The Zubair Group has grown
into a highly respectable group in the region and is considered a leader in
the diversified business segments it has interests in. The group has been
bringing technology and expertise from around the world into the Sultanate
of Oman and beyond. It has participated in the creation, promotion and
growth of the country’s national infrastructure, culture, tourism and
industry. It comprises of a diverse range of hallmark companies, strategic
business units and joint ventures that operate in Oman, the Middle East,
India, the Far East, Europe and the USA.
In 1970, when the Sultan of Oman embarked on a dynamic development
plan to transform Oman into a modern state, His Excellency Mohammad Al
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“ I think the Tata Group’s greatest
contribution to the growth of the
Indian economy and Indian industry
probably happened in the pre-
independence era. The Group’s
investments in industries such as
steel, textiles, power and hotels were
certainly driven by an entrepreneurial
spirit, but they were driven even more,
I think, by a desire to make India
self-sufficient and independent of its
colonial masters then.”
ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardiNdia
as well as technologies. Under his leadership, the Group has acquired
iconic brands such as Tetley, Jaguar, Land Rover and steel giant Corus. He
redefined frugal innovation in his pursuit to deliver on the promise he had
made to the public of a car worth INR 100,000, less than half of the next
best alternative. The acquisition spree and his unwavering ambition have
made Mr Tata an iconic Asian figure and a well-known name in the business
community and media around the world.
His success story, however, is not one of ruthless business growth and
mergers and acquisitions. It is instead about creating stakeholders in
success, upholding business ethics, promoting employee welfare and
bringing a human face to a multinational corporation such as the Tata Group.
Loyalty to the company by the 400,000 strong workforce is unwavering,
and Ratan Tata has ensured that employees are treated with the dignity
they deserve and are respected for the assets they are. Mr Tata’s
commitment to CSR is also second to none, with the group investing close
to INR 450 crore in projects around India that have funded literacy, clean
water, agricultural and healthcare-related projects in 2010.
Mr Tata has guided his group of companies to become a hallmark in
unrestrained luxury through its hotel and luxury cars businesses, and at the
same time has become a household name owing to the quality products
and services it provides to the common man.
He is loved and admired by the public, feared yet respected by his rivals,
and courted by regional and international governments for investments.
Mr Tata is the undisputed choice for the inaugural edition of the ABLF
Lifetime Achievement Award for his unyielding commitment to the basic
tenets of good business practices, integrity, philanthropy and excellence.
Ratan TataChairmaNTaTa group
Few people command public respect and position as this iconic Asian
whose gentle demeanour belies the cutting-edge sharpness of a keen
business mind that has led one of India’s most celebrated business
institutions for over three decades.
Ratan Tata is a rare business tycoon, widely respected as a dignified
gentleman who has upheld the most stringent of ethical standards in his
quest to see the Tata Group become a leading global conglomerate. He was
appointed as Chairman of the Group in 1981, just as India made its first big
steps towards ending the restrictive ‘licence raj’, a system of regulations
which had crippled entrepreneurship and business growth. He used this
opportunity to reinvent the companies of his Group and helped it expand
around the world. Today, the Tata Group operates in over 80 countries
in sectors which range from steel, tea and consulting, to cars, hotels,
telecommunications and energy. During his tenure, the group’s revenues
have grown nearly twelve-fold to US$ 67.4 billion in the past year.
The stories of his integrity and philanthropy are legion; as are his business
forays that have created national and international business history. In
recent years, Mr Tata has determinedly worked to expand his group offshore
by expanding its production capacity and acquiring international brands
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“ Gopinath Pillai is an extraordinary
human being, highly disciplined,
with unquestionable integrity
and capability. His professional
achievements as well as his status as
Ambassador-at-large have ensured
that his Indian origins are celebrated
in his home country of Singapore.”pNC meNoN, ChairmaN, Sobha deVeloperS
ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardSouTh-eaST aSia
Gopinath Pillai is the Executive Chairman of Savant Infocomm Pte Ltd.
An Ambassador-at-Large with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has also
served as Singapore’s High Commissioner to Pakistan and was Singapore’s
Non-Resident Ambassador to Iran between 1990 and 2008. Mr Pillai is
Chairman of the Management Board of the Institute of South Asian Studies,
as well as Deputy Chairman of Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Limited.
Mr Pillai has varied business interests in education, logistics and
information technology. He is Chairman of Gateway Distriparks Ltd, and
its subsidiary, Snowman Frozen Foods Ltd, as well as the Director of AIM
listed AEC Education Plc. He served as General Manager of Intraco Limited.
He serves as the Chairman of Windmill International Pte Ltd (WIL).
Gopinath Pillai is also a Trustee of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd. having
been its founding Chairman between 1983-1993. He is also a former
president of the National University of Singapore Society.
Having worked as the Chairman of the largest supermarket chain in
Singapore for a period of 10 years and as Chairman of its Warehousing
subsidiary, he has extensive experience in areas of finance, industry and
trading. He serves as a Director of AEC.Edu Group Pte Ltd., KSP Investments
Pte Ltd., Gateway Rail Freight Ltd. and Aec Education Plc.
In his capacity as both a diplomat and a business leader, Mr Pillai’s
achievements and contributions to Singapore’s economy have ensured
peaceful international relationships for the country. Gopinath Pillai does
full justice to the criteria for the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gopinath PillaiexeCuTiVe ChairmaNSaVaNT iNfoComm
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ablf womaN of power award
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The ABLF Woman of Power effortlessly straddles a traditional
and conventional social environment and a cutting-edge modern
business world, is commanding, influential and embodies the
culture and values of Asia. She is committed to excellence and
innovation, and maintains healthy interpersonal relationships
within her business environment. Above all, she is an achiever who
cherishes family and community values and achieves a balance
between her work and her home, and is held as a role model for
women achievers around the world. The ABLF Awards celebrates
the women of Asia who command respect and admiration globally
for their effective role in the new Asian business space.
Associated with prosperity, generosity and integrity, the radiant Ruby
breathes the power of confidence through its elemental signature,
perfectly complimenting the stature of the ABLF Woman of Power.
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“ We see that the synergy between
Asian countries is key in the new
world order. The seamless relationship
between these countries has never been
stronger, and it now encompasses
the world of new technologies. So
leveraging on this has all the makings
of a formidable, globally competitive
business zone in the area of
Information Technology. Institutions
such as the ABLF will certainly be
the catalyst in enabling the synergy for
the benefit of the stakeholders.”
ablf womaN of power awardThe gulf
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India and the United States. Under her leadership, the company has won
numerous prestigious international awards.
Hind Bahwan firmly believes that business organisations have a deep social
responsibility. With this view, Bahwan CyberTek developed a joint venture
with the Government of Oman and Omantel to cater for Gulf Air at Knowledge
Oasis Muscat, the largest IPCC-based call centre in the country, which has
created jobs for more than 400 Omani nationals directly and indirectly.
She has also been instrumental in creating a thought leadership initiative
between Bahwan CyberTek and DHL, forming a 4th Party Logistics (4PL)
organisation for Petroleum Development Oman – the first of its kind in the
Middle East region and the oil and gas sector across the world.
Ms Bahwan recently expanded her activities to create Bahwan
Enterprises – a company involved in strategic diversification for the
local and international markets. The company is currently involved in
the development of infrastructure projects in Oman through association
and partnership with reputed international companies in the field of
power generation, water and waste water renewal, energy, oil and gas,
railways and transportation, construction and real estate development,
dredging and marine engineering and also security. Ms Bahwan also
plays a leading role in working with government and other commercial
companies in the joint pursuit of creating a digital society in Oman.
Hind Bahwan has single-handedly raised the profile of Arab women in the
Gulf. Committed to building a world-class organisation while ensuring
the well-being of her staff, Hind Bahwan embodies the qualities of an
ABLF Woman of Power.
Hind BahwandireCTorSuhail bahwaN group
Hind Bahwan founded Bahwan CyberTek Group, which today is a US$ 100
million multinational company in the IT, ITES, BPO and R&D space with
solutions delivered in 20 countries across four continents.
Ms Bahwan has what many consider a “technology” background – she is
a graduate in Computer Science, a Harvard Business School alumnus
and a Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar in leadership and
management. Hind Bahwan has grown her professional skills within the
multibillion dollar Suhail Bahwan Group. In her capacity as one of the
Directors of Suhail Bahwan Group she is recognised throughout the Middle
East as an enterprising and dynamic young businesswoman.
Hind Bahwan strongly believes in the philosophy that “from adapting to
change to anticipating change, today’s businesses need to create the
change to stay ahead.” An unswerving commitment to this philosophy
has been the core of Bahwan CyberTek’s business and commitment to its
customers for over a decade.
In Bahwan CyberTek, she has created a global IT organisation providing
world-class products and services. Bahwan CyberTek today links four
nations known for excellence in IT and ICT: Oman, the United Arab Emirates,
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“ Following the global financial crisis,
emerging markets like India and
China will be the key drivers of global
economic growth. The strength of
India’s economic growth is likely to
present many business opportunities
and I believe that infrastructure
development will present the next big
opportunity for our businesses.”
ablf womaN of power awardiNdia
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and expansion of distribution and scale; ICICI Bank achieved a leadership
position in this business. During 2006 and 2007, she successfully led the
bank’s corporate and international banking businesses during a period of
heightened activity and global expansion by Indian companies.
From 2007 to 2009, Chanda Kochhar was the Joint Managing Director and
Chief Financial Officer during a critical period of rapid change in the global
financial landscape. She was promoted to Managing Director and CEO of
ICICI Bank in 2009 and is responsible for the bank’s diverse operations
in India and overseas. Ms Kochhar also chairs the boards of the bank’s
principal subsidiaries, which include India’s leading private sector life and
general insurance companies.
In addition to her responsibilities at the ICICI Group, Ms Kochhar is a
member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry, the Board
of Trade, High-Level Committee on Financing Infrastructure and the US-
India CEO Forum. She is a Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian
Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Managing
Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association, Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research Society and Executive Board of the Indian School
of Business. She is also a member of the Board of the International
Monetary Conference and was co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s
Annual Meeting in 2011.
Ms Kochhar has cemented her position as one of India’s foremost opinion
leaders and has played an integral role in raising the profile of Indian
women in business, thus serving as inspiration to a whole new generation
of young, impressionable Indian women, which makes her the ideal
recipient of the ABLF Woman of Power Award.
Chanda Kochhar is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
of ICICI Bank Limited, India’s second-largest bank and the largest in the
country’s private sector. She is widely recognised for her role in shaping the
retail banking sector in India and for her leadership of the ICICI Group, as
well as her contributions to various forums in India and globally.
Ms Kochhar began her career as a Management Trainee in 1984 and
was elevated to the Board of Directors of ICICI Bank in 2001. She was
instrumental in establishing ICICI Bank during the 1990s, and subsequently
headed the infrastructure finance and corporate banking business in ICICI.
In 2000, Ms Kochhar took on the challenge of building ICICI Bank's nascent
retail business, with strong focus on technology, process re-engineering
Chanda KochharCeo & maNagiNg direCToriCiCi baNK
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“ You need passion to pursue your
dreams and the right people who
share your vision to help you build
a successful business. Perseverance
and patience will help you overcome
difficult times. Performance is
critical to winning the trust of your
customers as well as future orders.
Seek partnerships to complement and
leverage on each other’s strengths.
Identify the ‘plus’ factor in your
business to differentiate yourself
from your competitors for that
competitive edge.”
ablf womaN of power awardSouTh-eaST aSia
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Olivia Lum, Group President & CEO of Hyflux Ltd, started her corporate
life as a chemist at Glaxo Pte Ltd. In 1989, she founded Hydrochem (S) Pte
Ltd, the precursor to Hyflux Ltd, a fully-integrated water solutions company
listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange.
Ms Lum is the driving force behind Hyflux’s growth and business expansion
and is responsible for the policy and strategy formulation and corporate
direction. Her vision has transformed a fledgling company of three into a
global group that employs over 2,000 staff in Singapore, Malaysia, China,
India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
A former Nominated Member of the Singapore Parliament, Ms Lum
holds several positions in public service. She sits on the board of various
organisations, including the Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council
and the Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council. She is currently the
President of the Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility.
In June 2011, she became the first Singaporean and the first woman to be
named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year. Ms Lum has a
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore.
Ms Lum’s determination to overcome the odds and succeed in a
competitive business environment is an inspiration for men and women
alike. The ABLF Grand Jury, impressed by her ambition and pioneering role
in Asian business, chose Olivia Lum as the ABLF Woman of Power.
Olivia Lumgroup preSideNT & Ceohyflux group of CompaNieS
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ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe award
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The ABLF Business Excellence Award recognises and celebrates
business organisations that adopt a holistic approach to building
and sustaining both business excellence and developing human
resources. Cultivating excellence as a united, sustained effort and
innovation as a natural work style, this award recipient is a power
house organisation that has continually channelled energies to
create outstanding work environments that promote commitment,
reinforce best business practices and consistently sharpen the skill-
sets of its employees to ensure optimum utilisation of both human
resource potential as well as opportunity capital.
The luminous Sapphire shines forth from the ABLF Business Excellence
Award trophy, channeling the values of truth, consistency and
pure energy that are the intrinsic qualities of an award-winning
business organisation.
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“ We are honoured to be recognised by
our Asian peers at such a prestigious
global platform. Over the years,
Jafza has emerged as one of the most
dynamic free zones in the Middle
East and we have been fortunate to
have a supportive network of strategic
partners, stakeholders and employees
who have facilitated our steady
growth and development. This award
emboldens us to continue our efforts
towards achieving higher standards
of excellence and further strengthen
Dubai as well the UAE’s position
as a vibrant commercial hub of
the region.”
ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardThe gulf
Salma Hareb was recently named the ‘Woman CEO of the Year’ for her
exceptional leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, strategic
management skills and inspiring initiatives at the prestigious Women in
Leadership (WIL) Forum 2010. She also topped Forbes Arabia’s list of the 50
most powerful Arab business women in 2008.
Under her leadership, over the last six years, EZW and its business units
have won more than 30 prestigious awards. Most recently, Jafza won the
prestigious Dubai Quality Award (DQA) for excellence in the service sector
in 2011. In 2010, EZW won the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Award’
while Jafza was recognised as the ‘Logistics Hub of the Year’ at the Supply
Chain and Transport Awards. In 2009 EZW bagged more than a dozen
awards, which included ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Best Logistics Park’
at the Middle East Logistics Awards, ‘Arabia CSR’ at the Arabia Corporate
Social Responsibility Awards, ‘Employer of the Year’ at Annual GCC Human
Resources Excellence Awards and ‘CIO top 20’ award at CIO Executive
Forum and Awards in the Middle East. Ms Hareb completed her education
in the UAE and the UK, in the fields of Medical Sciences, Information
Technology and Business Studies.
By making Jebel Ali Free Zone one of the most customer-friendly
organisations in the region, and possibly the world, Ms Hareb has not
only changed the dynamics of the free zones business in the region, and
quite possibly the world, but has also contributed towards its tremendous
growth over the past two years, making her a truly deserving winner of the
ABLF Business Excellence Award.
Salma HarebCeojafZa & eCoNomiC ZoNeS worldwide
Salma Hareb made history when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer
of Jafza in 2005, becoming the first woman in the MENA region to be the
head of a free zone. Her responsibilities widened when she took on the
mantle of CEO - Economic Zones World, a state-owned global developer
of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks (formally
launched in 2007). Ms Hareb today oversees global operations covering
business parks within the UAE – Jafza, TechnoPark, Dubai Auto Zone - as well
as Gazeley, a global developer and provider of sustainable logistics space.
As CEO, Salma Hareb has spearheaded innovative product development
to provide greater value to EZW customers. Ms Hareb has also been
instrumental in the creation of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, a joint initiative
with Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Dubai Logistics Corridor is one of the
world’s largest multi-model logistics platforms that links Jebel Ali Port and
Jafza to Dubai World Central, which is home to Dubai Aviation City and Al
Maktoum International Airport. The corridor facilitates transportation of
goods from one mode to another in under 1 hour from the current 4 hours,
which in real terms is a quadrupling of Dubai’s logistics efficiencies.
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“ It is heartening to note that India is
on its way to regain its pre-eminent
position in the world of business.
Though we have a long way to
go to reach that position, we have
made a good beginning to realise our
potential. The young population, the
entrepreneurial spirit, high savings rate
coupled with a large domestic market
augur well for us. It is important
to build on the momentum and the
opportunities that the world has
provided us with.”
ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardiNdia
Mr Ruia has masterminded the group’s business strategy and consolidated
a range of activities through backward and forward integration. This has
enabled the group to unleash unique synergies across its businesses.
The 21st century for the Essar Group has been all about consolidating
and growing the businesses, with mergers and acquisitions, new revenue
streams and strategic geographical expansion.
Mr Ruia is on several important national bodies and industry associations.
He was on the managing committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), an apex body of India’s trade and
business associations. He has also been the Chairman of the prestigious
Indo-US Joint Business Council and is a former president of the Indian
National Shipowners Association (lNSA).
In 2007, Mr Ruia joined an elite list of achievers, which include the likes of
Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, to independently fund The Elders. The
Elders is a group of world renowned personalities, comprising Kofi Annan,
Jimmy Carter and Muhammad Yunus, who have joined hands to tackle the
world’s most difficult problems.
Shashi Ruia's passion for education and mentoring young talent has made
him one of India’s finest business leaders. He is proud of all the employees
of Essar who have done well for themselves under his stewardship.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern India, Shashi Ruia’s
visionary leadership has turned Essar into one of the largest and most
respected business organisations in the world. His commitment to
excellence, impeccable reputation as a leader and inspiring success story
made him the ideal choice for the ABLF Business Excellence Award.
Shashi RuiaChairmaNeSSar group
Mr Shashi Ruia, Chairman of Essar Group, is a first-generation entrepreneur
and industrialist. He has made invaluable contributions towards
strengthening the core and infrastructure sectors in India and has steered
the Essar Group to a premier position in the global industry.
Along with his brother Ravi Ruia, Shashi Ruia laid the foundation of the
Essar Group, which is today a multinational conglomerate with operations
in more than 25 countries, with 75,000 employees, and revenues of US$ 17
billion. Essar is a leading player in the sectors of steel, oil and gas, power,
communications, shipping ports and logistics, construction and minerals.
Mr Shashi Ruia’s vision saw the Essar Group gain a first mover advantage
in many of these businesses. For instance, when the telecom sector was
opened up for private participation, Essar was among the first companies
to offer mobile services. In the USA, Essar has investments of over US$ 3
billion in steel, coal and BPO, employing over 13,000 people.
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“ Asia is continuing to emerge as a
region of growing opportunities. A
young, entrepreneurial population
is expanding rapidly, beckoning
international businesses to tap the
wealth of the region’s talent, drive and
resourcefulness. Sound macro-economic
policies and structural reforms
have also laid a strong foundation
for greater resilience to economic
tremors. As an important gateway
to the markets in the Asia-Pacific
and Middle East, Asia is poised to
be a key engine of global trade and
businesses in the coming decades.”
ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardSouTh-eaST aSia
Stephen Lee Ching Yen is the Chairman of Singapore Airlines.
He is also the Managing Director of Shanghai Commercial and Savings
Bank Ltd (Taiwan) and Great Malaysia Textile Investments Pte Ltd, and the
President of the Singapore National Employers Federation.
Amongst several other appointments, Mr Lee is a member of the Advisory
Panel of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and an Alternate Member of
the Council of Presidential Advisers. He was Chairman of the Singapore
Business Federation from 2002 to 2008, PSA International from 2002 to
2006 and International Enterprise Singapore from 1995 to 2002.
He was a Nominated Member of Parliament from 1994 to 1997. Mr Lee
was awarded the Public Service Star in 1998 and the Distinguished Service
Order in 2006 for his contributions to both the public and private sectors.
Mr Lee graduated from Northwestern University, Illinois, USA in 1973 with
a Master of Business Administration.
Singapore Airline, often considered one of the best airlines in the world,
provides a remarkable blueprint for a powerful business organisation that
is committed to the core values of excellence, integrity and sustainability.
Mr Lee is a truly deserving winner of the ABLF Business Excellence Award
for guiding the company to its incredible success.
Stephen Lee Ching YenChairmaNSiNgapore airliNeS
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ablf buSiNeSS Courage award
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The ABLF Business Courage Award recipient is a formidable
businessman who defines the essence of a true leader, one who
leads effortlessly during times of plenty and times of crisis, ensuring
the safety of both, company as well as its human resource capital.
This profile is bold, decisive and a true warrior of light.
His /her spirit embodies the energy of manifestation. He/she makes
success a habit and passionately leads his/her people to greater
heights with vision, innovation and compassion.
The precious Emerald, the archetypal talisman of courage, strength
and wisdom, is the ancient gem that symbolises the energy of the ABLF
Business Courage Award and sparkles in splendour on the award trophy.
196 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ The ABLF Awards is a fantastic
opportunity for business people from
the region to get together. I am very
proud of the UAE, which is blessed
with a visionary government that
works very hard for its people. Our
achievements as a group will always
give us a platform to showcase
excellence and with further cooperation
in Asia we can definitely conquer
the world.”
ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardThe gulf
Ghaith Al Ghaith is the CEO of Dubai’s first low cost airline, flydubai. He is
responsible for the strategic direction of the airline and works closely with
its Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Mr Ghaith was previously with the Emirates Group, where he held the
position of Executive Vice-President Commercial Operations Worldwide,
until March 2008. Prior to this position he was Senior General Manager of
Commercial Operations for the Middle East, Africa and CIS.
Mr Ghaith, a UAE national, was born in 1963 and holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, USA.
Mr Ghaith has a long track record in the airline industry and was recently
named Aviation CEO of the Year at the 2009 CEO Middle East Awards.
In a competitive market, Ghaith Al Ghaith has successfully turned flydubai
into the region’s leading low-cost carrier. Launched amid the global
economic crises, Ghaith Al Ghaith used his expertise in aviation to build
a name that is respected and favoured, making him truly deserving of the
ABLF Business Courage Award.
Ghaith Al GhaithCeoflydubai
ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 197
198 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardiNdia
“ L&T is a vehicle which is run by
four wheels - the front two wheels are
training and HR and the rear two
wheels are technology and IT and the
spare wheel is sheer devotion. This is
what takes L&T forward - driven by
values, culture and tradition.”
every critical activity in the company against international standards. The
international thrust under Mr Naik has seen spectacular breakthroughs
into the Gulf, US and South-East Asia.
Mr Naik has always put the nation before self and company, and in the
process, has helped create an organisation where nationalism and
patriotism are embedded in the very consciousness of the employees.
At an event to commemorate L&T’s 70 year record, a senior Union
Minister coined a unique phrase, describing L&T as “India’s only ‘national
sector’ company”. L&T is a ‘private sector partner’ to India in key national
endeavours. It has made critical contributions to India’s first nuclear-
powered submarine, India’s first moon mission, and the successful PSLV
programme. L&T has also provided indigenous engineering expertise
for critical defence projects. Other national missions for which L&T
either supplied vital equipment or offered critical construction services
include the 'White Revolution' and the nuclear power programme. For his
contributions to the country’s development, Mr Naik received the Padma
Bhushan from the Government of India in 2009.
Mr Naik is a senior and active member of the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) National Council and is also a member of the Board of Trade,
Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, Fellow of the Indian National
Academy of Engineers (INAE), and Member of the Board of Governors of
the Indian Institute of Management.
In a little over four decades, Mr Naik has taken L&T from an Indian company
to an engineering giant that girdles the globe. For his determination and
resolution to establish the reputation of Indian companies worldwide, Mr
Naik truly deserves the honour of the ABLF Business Courage Award.
A. M. Naik heads Larsen & Toubro, an organisation that is among the
most admired companies in the country, reputed for the technological
sophistication that characterises its projects and products, for its
contribution to the development of indigenous engineering capability
and, most of all, for its inherent professionalism and the value systems
that lie at its core.
Since joining the company as a Junior Engineer in 1965, Mr Naik rapidly rose
to positions of increasing responsibility as he moved from General Manager
to Managing Director and CEO, culminating in his appointment as Chairman.
His broad global perspective has seen the company expanding its horizons
beyond domestic frontiers, positioning itself to become a true international
player. Transforming L&T into a world-class conglomerate has always been
Mr Naik's dream. He has lead a broad-ranging, transformational process
aimed at boosting shareholder value.
Mr Naik infused a global perspective into L&T’s business orientation. He
changed mindsets and institutionalised systems to benchmark virtually
A. M. NaikChairmaN & maNagiNg direCTorlarSeN & Toubro
ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 199
200 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ I've always looked at strategy as the
ability to look beyond the boundaries
and find that one wrinkle that
will actually make it successful. A
willingness to adapt your business
model to suit the economy is a
necessity for success. India's role will
continue to expand on the world stage
as she becomes a larger part of the
global economy.”
ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardiNdia
Gautam Thapar is Chairman & CEO of India’s foremost diversified
corporation, the Avantha Group. The US$ 4 billion Avantha Group is
one of India’s leading business conglomerates. The Group has business
interests in diverse areas, including pulp and paper, power transmission
and distribution equipment and services, food processing, farm forestry,
chemicals, energy, infrastructure, information technology (IT) and IT-
enabled services. With an impressive global footprint, the Group operates
in more than 10 countries with 20,000 employees of 20 nationalities.
Group companies include Crompton Greaves Limited, India’s largest power
equipment company, and Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT), India’s largest
paper manufacturer, both listed on Indian stock exchanges. Mr Thapar sits
on the boards of various companies in India and overseas. One of India’s
youngest and brightest global business leaders, he has been appointed
Board Member of the National Security Advisory Board, a key component
of the National Security Council of India, the apex agency looking into the
nation’s political, economic, energy and strategic security concerns.
Keen on giving back to society, Mr Gautam Thapar takes his social
responsibilities very seriously. He is President of Thapar University, one
of the top twenty technical schools in India. He is also the Chairman of
The Aspen Institute India, which aims to internationalise India’s business,
political and cultural leadership; and the President of All India Management
Association (AIMA), the apex body of professional management in India.
Gautam Thapar is a true risk-taker who has shaped Avantha Group to
be a company with heart. By implementing a green mandate at Avantha,
he has raised awareness of environmentally friendly business practices
in a rapidly developing economy, thus making him a truly inspiring
ABLF Business Courage Award winner.
Gautam ThaparChairmaN & CeoaVaNTha group
ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 201
202 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ When I graduated from business
school, the common thinking was
that Europe was the past, America
is the present and Asia is the future.
As we gather here today I believe we
can agree that for Asia, the future has
indeed arrived. As business leaders
we have a responsibility to Asia’s
future generations to ensure sustainable
and responsible growth. We can
achieve this by balancing dynamic
entrepreneurial leadership with
corporate governance and managing
the 'greed factor'. In accepting this
award I wish to recognise my family
and my management team for making
our collective success possible.”
ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardSouTh-eaST aSia
ANJ, an Indonesian holding company wholly owned by the Tahija family,
has investments in natural resources including food and energy, and in the
financial and medical services sectors. In a national and global environment
that continually faces new challenges, George Tahija enjoys leading and
developing the Group’s culture, values, governance, businesses and social
responsibility commitments.
Mr Tahija is Chairman of the Plenary Committee of the Trisakti University
Foundation and a member of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia
Chapter Advisory Board, the Board of Trustees of the Asia Business Council
(ABC), Global Executive MBA Advisory Board, the Darden School, University
of Virginia, and the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) Indonesia
Chapter. Mr Tahija contributes to education, economic, environmental,
and social development in Indonesia through his participation in various
organisations including the Plenary Committee of the Trisakti University
Foundation, the founding board of PSKD Mandiri School, Advisory Board of
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia Chapter, and the Council’s Board
of Trustee of the Asia Business Council (ABC).
The author of A Walk in the Clouds and photographer for Land of Water
(Vol.I: From Bali to Komodo), Mr Tahija has summated Mount Kilimanjaro,
Tanzania; Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia; and Mount Elbrus, Russia.
Whether it is innovation, the ability to think big and build scale, the quality of
execution or of output, Mr Tahija has not left any stone unturned. He is truly
deserving of the ABLF Business Courage Award for ensuring the sustained
growth of his company in one of the fastest growing regions in the world
and for inspiring excellence among forthcoming entrepreneurs in Asia.
George S. TahijapreSideNT direCTor & CeopT auSTiNdo NuSaNTara jayaiNdoNeSia
ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 203
204 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF AWARDS 2011
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 205
ABLF AWARDS 2011THE BIG NIGHT
eVeNT phoTo gallery
For more images, view the photo gallery on www.ablfawards.com
206 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
H. E. Dato’ Tan Seng Sung – Malaysian High Commissioner to India
Mr Rajiv Luthra – Founder and Managing Partner, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices
H. E. Karen Tan – Singapore High Commissioner to India
H. E. Karen Tan - Singapore High Commissioner to India
H. E. Kamal Nath - Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI
H. E. Vayalar Ravi - Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI
H. E. Kapil Sibal - Union Cabinet Minister of Communications & Information Technology, GOI
H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais – Ambassador of the UAE to India
Mr Anil Singh – Senior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent
Dr P. Mohamed Ali – Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Galfar
Mr Mohammed Eissa Al-Refaei - Director of International & Trade Relations, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry
H. E. Humaid Al Maani - Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India
H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji - Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Mr Shashi Ruia - Chairman, Essar Group and winner of the ABLF Business Excellence Award (India)
Ms Malini Menon - Founder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions
Ms Nadia Zaal - Co-Founder & CEO, Zaya and celebrity host of the evening
Mr Bharat Wakhlu - Resident Director, Tata Services
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 207
Mr Pranav Adani – Managing Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar
Mr Rajesh Adani – Managing Director, Adani Group
Mr Shamsher K Sheriff – Secretary to the Vice President of India
Ms Salma Hareb - CEO, Jafza and winner of the ABLF Woman of Power Award (The Gulf)
Mr Rajeev Talwar - Managing Director, DLF Universal Limited
Mr V Balasubramanium - Group President, Reliance Industries Limited
Mr Sadruddin Hashwani – Chairman, Hashoo Group of Companies
Mr Gaith Al Gaith – CEO, flydubai and winner of the ABLF Business Courage Award (The Gulf)
Mr Rashad Al Zubair - Chairman, The Zubair Corporation
Ms Hind Bahwan - Director, Suhail Bahwan Group and winner of the ABLF Woman of Power Award (The Gulf)
Mr Dilip Cherian - Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations
Mr Surinder Singh
Mr Adrianto Machribie - President Commissioner, PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya
Mr Sanjey Roy - Vice President, DLF Limited
Mr Venu Rajamony - Joint Secretary, Dept. of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI
Mr Sharief Habib Al Awadhi - Director General, Fujairah Free Zone
ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
208 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Dr Gerardo della Paolera – President, Global Development Network
Ms Shravani Dang - Group Vice President, Corporate Communications, Avantha Group
Mr Mana S. Sultan Al Suwaidi - Commercial Attache of the UAE to India
H. E. Richard Stagg – British High Commissioner to India
Ms Hana Makarim – Special Staff to the Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)
Mr Pranay Gupte – International Journalist & Author and host of the ABLF Awards 2011
Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi – Deputy CEO, Jafza
Mr K. Venkataramanan - President, Operations, L&T, India
Mr Shashank Warty - Area Vice President, The Leela Palace Hotel and Resorts
Mr Neeraj Bharadwaj - Managing Director, Accel Partners
Mr Manav Garewal - General Manager, AMAN, New Delhi
Mr Manoj Prasad - CEO and Managing Director, Signature Capital
Ms Rashmi Uday Singh - Author and TV Host Ms Ruchi Chopra - Assistant Vice President - Communications, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices
Mr Rajiv Dixit - Head of Municipal Operations, Hyflux
Mr Ashok Bajaj
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 209ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
210 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 211
The Gold-Plated ABLF Award Trophies
212 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
H. E. Kapil Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Communications & Information Technology and Minister of Human Resource Development, GOI, greets Mr Sadruddin Hashwani and Mr Pranay Gupte
Ms Nadia Zaal – co-presenter for the evening with Minister Kapil Sibal
H. E. Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI, with Mr Venu Rajamony and Dr P. Mohamed Ali
H. E. Kamal Nath , Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI, greets H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji, Chairman of the OCCI
Minister Kapil Sibal makes his key-note address
Mr Rajeev Talwar and Minister Vayalar Ravi presenting the ABLF Business Courage Awards
Mr Pranav Adani and Minister Kamal Nath presenting the ABLF Business Excellence Awards
Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal presenting the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Awards
Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal lighting the Ceremonial Lamp
Minister Kamal Nath and Minister Vayalar Ravi
Minister Kamal Nath makes his key-note addressMinister Vayalar Ravi on the ABLF Awards stage
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 213
Minister Kamal Nath at the ABLF Awards Big Night Minister Vayalar Ravi at the ABLF Awards Big Night Minister Kapil Sibal at the ABLF Awards Big Night
Minister Vayalar Ravi, Minister Kamal Nath and Minister Kapil Sibal with H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji on the ABLF Awards stage
ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
214 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The Event Set-Up
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 215
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The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 217
218 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 219
220 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF Awards Event Photo Gallery
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 221
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The central feature of the ABLF Awards gold-carpet walk was the
Signature Wall. All the guests, dignitaries, diplomats, award winners and
country representatives signed the Signature Wall, making it a truly valued
and cherished keepsake from the ABLF Awards Big Night.
The Signature Wall
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 223
224 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The Winners
The ABLF Awards winners take the stage
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 225
H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji and Mr V. Balasubramanium, with Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal
ABLF Global Asian AwardThe AwArd of The NighT
Mr V. Balasubramanium speaks to Union Cabinet Minister Vayalar Ravi while accepting the ABLF Global Asian of the Year honour for Mr Dhirubhai Ambani
ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
226 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF Business Excellence Award
Mr Shashi Ruia, Chariman of Essar Group, accepts the ABLF Business Excellence Award
H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Business Excellence Award on behalf of Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen, Chairman of Singapore Airlines
Minister Kamal Nath presents the ABLF Business Excellence Award to Ms Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 227
ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award
Mr Bharat Wakhlu accepts the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, from Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal
Mr Rashad Al Zubair and Minister Kapil Sibal
Mr Rashad Al Zubair accepts the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman of the Zubair Corporation
H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Gopinath Pillai, Executive Chairman of Savant Infocomm
ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
228 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ABLF Business Courage Award
Ms Shravani Dang accepts the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr Gautam Thapar, Chairman & CEO of Avantha Group
Mr K. Venkataramanan receives the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr A. M. Naik, Chairman & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro
Mr Gaith Al Gatih , CEO of flydubai, receives the ABLF Business Courage Award
Mr Adrianto Machribie receives the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr George Tahija, President Director & CEO of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya
The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 229
ABLF Woman of Power Award
Minister Kapil Sibal presents the ABLF Woman of Power Award to Ms Hind Bahwan, Director of Suhail Bahwan Group
Ms Shilpa Kumar receives the ABLF Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Chanda Kochhar, CEO & Managing Director of ICICI Bank
Mr Rajiv Dixit who accepts the Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Olivia Lum, Group President and CEO of Hyflux
Ms Hind Bahwan with her ABLF Woman of Power Award
ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery
230 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
“ I support the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards
effort and initiative to celebrate the achievements of
Asia in a common forum and its mandate of strong
leadership commitments to excellence, sustainability
and development.”H. H. SHeikH AHmed Bin SAeed Al mAktoumChairman, Dubai World; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group
“ The ABLF Awards 2011 platform gives credence where it is due, to the top leaders of
current business affairs across Asia as a whole.”H. H. SHeikH nAHAyAn mABArAk Al nAHAyAnUAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
“ I want to congratulate the Asian Business Leadership Forum for hosting this beautiful
event. This is an interesting time, economically and geo-politically in Asia and I believe
this event is important for exchanging and producing new ideas that can prove useful
for cross-border purposes.”H. e. GitA WirjAWAnMinister of Trade, Indonesia; Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 231
“ Events such as the ABLF Awards create a platform of engagement and interaction.
Asia is going to be the engine of economic growth and countries in Asia will remain
in their own way important participants in that growth.”H. e. kAmAl nAtHUnion Cabinet Minister, Urban Development, Government of India
“ The ABLF Awards provide an ideal opportunity and an ideal platform to showcase the
leadership in Asia and the business community to the rest of the world and show how
the leadership can solve the problems, not just of Asia but the rest of the world.”H. e. kApil SiBAlUnion Cabinet Minister, Human Resource Development and Communications & Information Technology, Government of India
“ The issue of Asia’s economic development has captured the attention of the world
as the centre of global growth and power shifts from the West to Asia. I commend
the ABLF Awards for building such a significant event that showcases how Asian
business entities have played a defining role in the rise of Asia.”H. e. VAyAlAr rAViUnion Cabinet Minister, Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India
ABLF AwArds 2011
232 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 233
AfterWord
• tHe ABlf ip CreAtorS & ArCHiteCtS
• CHroniClinG tHe riSe of ASiA
• ACknoWledGementS
• index, referenCeS & pHoto CreditS
• future perfeCt - ABlf AWArdS 2012
9
234 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 235
Indian Expressions is a leading Middle East-based event strategy,
design and IP development company that owns and manages
event properties that are Asia-centric, Asia-focused and Asia-
inspired for the global market.
The Indian Expressions mandate is to showcase Asia and key Asian
achievements through a number of specialty programmes, events,
business forums, conclaves, PR junkets, business awards and
high‑profile publishing initiatives.
Indian Expressions brings together business forces from India, the
Gulf and South-East Asia in joint ventures with cross-investment
agendas by creating dynamic networking forums that facilitate
the great business potential between these mega economies.
Focusing on the dynamic business regions that are on a rapidly
rising growth trajectory since the turn of the decade, Indian
Expressions showcases visionaries and architects of Asia
who have firmly cemented an age‑old friendship with strong
business initiatives and alliances and helped place Asia on
the cusp of a sweeping economic renaissance.
With a portfolio of over 500 successful events, Indian
Expressions’ initiatives facilitate joint venture projects, M&A
deals and big-ticket investments through powerful custom-
created networking opportunities.
For almost two decades, Indian Expressions has specialised
in creating and delivering networking infrastructure that
facilitates the launch of new businesses, events and initiatives
by securing funds, offering professional advisory services and
creating custom-built PR solutions for India and GCC markets
through its extensive corporate network.
Indian Expressions owns, co-owns and manages brand, event
and publishing IP portfolios, such as the ‘Asian Business Awards
Middle East™’, 'TopicIndia.com', the ‘Images of Success™’ series
and the ‘ICLF Series’, among others.
The ABLF IP Creators & Architects
Images of Indian Expressions’ events
236 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
Chronicling the Rise of Asia
tHe mAndAte
In 2012, the ABLF series will reiterate its mandate of showcasing
excellence in the powerful business sectors of Industry, Infrastructure
and Energy - the key drivers of the global economy - and continue on
its trajectory of bringing these sectors out of their ivory towers and
into the mainstream news arena and public focus, while celebrating
them with the importance and consequence they deserve.
tHe reGionS of foCuS
The ABLF Awards 2011 focused on the UAE, Oman, India, Malaysia,
Singapore and Indonesia - the six constituencies that have played
a powerful role in the story of Asia Rising. In 2012, we are proud to
add four new powerful constituencies from the ABLF's regions of
focus - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Thailand.
piCkinG tHe BeSt
The 2011 ABLF Awards Grand Jury featured some of the leading
voices in business, diplomacy, law, media, finance, academics and
research. Key members of the 2011 Jury will stay on to steer the
newly structured ABLF Awards Strategic Advisory Panel (SAP). The
SAP will function as mentors for the 2012 edition of the event series
and will lead the selection process for the ABLF Awards 2012 Grand
Thank you for taking the time to look through this inaugural volume
of History-Makers of the New Asian Century – the ABLF Journey of Glory,
the official signature publication of the Asian Business Leadership
Forum and Awards. I hope you have enjoyed the feature articles,
commentaries and Asian perspectives from the ABLF Awards Jury,
the award winners and key ABLF supporters on what is now being
called the Asian Century or the great Asian renaissance.
Here is a top line summary of the key features of the upcoming
events of the ABLF property in 2012.
SettinG tHe StAGe for tHe ABlf in 2012
At Indian Expressions, we have taken great care to build the Asian
Business Leadership Forum IP as a zeitgeist event series that
encapsulates the story of Asia in the global business-scape while
presenting the Asian spirit of excellence through celebration,
conversation and collaboration.
mAlini n. menonfounder & mAnAGinG direCtor,indiAn expreSSionS
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 237
Jury. The members of the SAP will also leverage their expertise in the
sectors of focus to set the business and social criteria for the ABLF
Awards 2012. Keeping in line with making the award series more
accessible and media friendly, we invite you to share your opinion
on the various ABLF processes. To nominate a jury member with
an international profile, please log on to www.ablfawards.com
introduCinG A neW AWArd CAteGory -
tHe ABlf StAteSmAn AWArd
The ABLF Awards 2011 celebrated the achievements of Asian
business leaders through five key award categories. This year, a
new award category - the ABLF Statesman Award - will recognise
three regional government leaders whose innovative approach to
the development of the key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and
Energy have shaped positive government policy, an inspirational
achiever of government and public service, who actively contributes
to the growth trajectory of his/her nation’s economy and
international relations globally.
A neW HoSt City for tHe AWArdS
Moving forward, the ABLF Awards will be held in a rising economic
centre of Asia each year, celebrating the spirit of enterprise that has
catapulted Asia's proud leadership and re-emergence as a leading
light in the world economic scenario.
Your opinion matters – tell us where you want to see us next.
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2012 invites you to
nominate a host constituency with a rationale for your choice. Log
on to www. ablfawards.com to nominate a city.
leVerAGinG tHe knoWledGe pArAdiGm
The Asian Business Leadership Forum in June 2012 is a prelude
to the second edition of the ABLF Awards in November 2012 and
will feature the iconic achievers, presenters and participants of the
inaugural event, bringing them together in a colloquium that reflects
the business zeitgeist of Asia and chronicles history as it is made.
As the ABLF series scales new heights every year through satellite
events, talk shows, roundtable conferences and think-tanks, Indian
Expressions remains committed to impeccable standards of
delivery to ensure that the ABLF property becomes the foremost
showcase of leadership and excellence in Industry, Infrastructure
and Energy, winning global respect and recognition.
ABLF AWARDSAFteRWoRD
238 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
The ABLF Awards Event Architects are sincerely grateful
to the following people for their support, guidance
and encouragment towards the development of the
event property.
H. E. Kamal Nath, Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI;
H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher
Education & Scientific Research, UAE; H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed
Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group;
H. E. Kapil Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Human Resource
Development; Communications & Information Technology, GOI;
H. E. Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs,
GOI; H. E. Gita Wirjawan, Minister of Trade, Indonesia and Chairman,
BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board); Mr Gautam Adani,
Chairman, Adani Group, India; Mr Pranav Adani, Managing Director,
Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar, India; Mr Rajiv Singh, Vice
Chairman, DLF Limited, India; Mr Rajeev Talwar, Managing Director,
DLF Universal Limited, India; Mr Ravi Sharma, CEO, Adani Power Limited,
India; Mr Rajiv Luthra, Founder & Managing Partner, Luthra & Luthra
Law Offices, India; H. E. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand;
Acknowledgements
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 239
Mr Venu Rajamony, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions),
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI;
H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais, Ambassador of the UAE to India;
H. E. Humaid Al Maani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India;
H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung, Malaysian High Commissioner to India;
H. E. Karen Tan, Singapore High Commissioner to India; H. E. Khalil
Al Khonji, Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry;
Ambassador Prakash Shah, Former Indian Diplomat; Mr Mohammed
Eissa Al-Refaei, Director of International & Trade Relations, ADCCI;
Mr Yusuffali M. A., Managing Director, EMKE Group, UAE; Mr PNC
Menon, Chairman, Sobha Developers; Mr Anil Wats, Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer, DP World, UAE; Mr Pranay
Gupte, International journalist; Mr Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, Director
General, Fujairah Free Zone Authority; Ms Anita George, Director,
Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC); Mr Vijay
Wanchoo, Senior Vice President & General Manager, The Imperial,
New Delhi; and Dr N Janardhan, GCC-India Specialist and Research
Analyst, Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, UAE.
240 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
index
AAdani, Gautam 8, 38, 143Adani, Pranav 58, 104, 207, 212, 216, 219, 222Adani, Rajesh, 207, 216, 219 Ahmed, Talmiz 8Ali, P. Mohamed 8, 27, 107, 150, 206, 212, 216,
218, 224Ambani, Dhirubhai 168, Ambani, Mukesh 8Awadhi, Sharief Al 207, 217, 218, 220
BBahwan, Hind 180, 207, 216, 222, 224, 229Bajaj, Ashok 210, 217Balasubramanium, V. 207, 218, 224, 225Bharadwaj, Neeraj 208
CCherian, Dilip 67, 207, 218, 221Chopra, Ruchi 208
DDang, Shravani 208, 224, 228Dixit, Rajiv 208, 216, 222, 224, 229
GGandhi, Mahatma 10Gandhi, Sonia 8, 14Garewal, Manav 208, 217George, Anita Marangoly 66Ghaith, Ghaith Al 196, 207, 217, 218, 219, 223,
224, 228Gupte, Pranay 101, 208, 212, 217, 224, 226
HH. E. Anand Sharma 8H. E. Anil Wadhwa 87H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung 89, 206, 216, 218H. E. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 8H. E. E. Ahmad 8H. E. George Yeo 8H. E. Gita Wirjawan 8, 75, 154, 230H. E. Humaid Al Maani 99, 206, 217, 220H. E. Kamal Nath 8, 24, 27, 30, 77, 119, 206, 212,
213, 221, 222, 224, 225, 226, 227, 231H. E. Kapil Sibal 30, 32, 34, 206, 212, 213, 216,
218, 219, 221, 222, 224, 225, 227, 229, 231H. E. Karen Tan 89, 206, 216, 217, 221, 224, 226, 227H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji 8, 156, 206, 212,
213, 216, 217, 220, 224, 225H. E. Lim Hng Kiang 8H. E. M. K. Lokesh 100H. E. Mari Elka Pangestu 8H. E. Mohamed Bin Dhaen Al Hamli 79H. E. Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi 152H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais 98, 206, 218,
220, 222H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair 172H. E. Pranab Mukherjee 8H. E. Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash 8
H. E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi 8H. E. Richard Stagg 27, 208, 209, 217H. E. Vayalar Ravi 8, 28, 30, 206, 212, 213, 216,
220, 224, 225, 227, 228, 230H. E. Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah 8H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8,
22, 230H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 16H. H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin
Rashid Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
8, 16H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan 8,
20, 230H. H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi 8, 16H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan 8, 10H. M. King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud 8H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said 8, 10Hareb, Salma 188, 207, 217, 219, 222, 224, 226Hashwani, Sadruddin 63, 207, 212, 216, 217, 220,
221
JJanahi, Ibrahim Mohammed Al 208, 217, 219, 222
KKhimji, Pankaj 85, 209, 216, 217Kilachand, Nikhil 148 Kilachand, Rajen 8, 63, 96, 148Kilachand, Sameer 148Kochhar, Chanda 182Krishna, S. M. 8Kumar, Shilpa, 224, 229
LLum, Olivia 184Luthra, Rajiv 94, 206, 216, 218, 220, 223
MM.A., Yusuffali 8, 85Machribie, Adrianto 89, 207, 217, 223, 224, 228Makarim, Hana 208, 217, 222Menon, Malini N. 119, 206, 212, 216, 217, 221,
224, 230, 236Mohanka, Manoj 125Murthy, Narayana 8
NNaik, A.M. 198Nair, C.P. Krishnan 87
PPaolera, Gerardo della 109, 208Pillai, Gopinath 176Prasad, Manoj 208, 216, 217, 219, 223President Pratibha Patil 8, 14President S. R. Nathan 8President Sukarno 11
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 8Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 8Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong 8Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew 8, 11Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 8, 14Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao 8Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 8Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman 11
RRajamony, Venu 60, 207, 212, 217, 218, 219, 222Refaei, Mohammed Eissa Al 206, 223Roy, Sanjey 105, 207, 220Ruia, Shashi 190, 206, 219, 221, 224, 226
SSharaf, Mohammed 106Sheriff, Shamsher K. 207, 209, 216, 218Singh, Anil 66, 206, 222Singh, Kushal Pal 8, 39Singh, Rashmi Uday 208, 223Singh, Surinder 207, 217, 221, 223Soeryadjaya, Edwin 8Sulayem, Sultan Bin 8, 85, 146Suwaidi, Mana Sultan Al 208, 217, 218, 219, 220
TTahija, George S. 202Talwar, Rajeev 58, 207, 212, 218, 221, 223Tata, Ratan 8, 174Thapar, Gautam 200
VVenkataramanan, K. 208, 209, 216, 223, 224, 228V.G, Joseph 161
WWakhlu, Bharat 161, 206, 216, 219, 220, 224, 227Warty, Shashank 208Wats, Anil 63
YY.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Mohd.
Yassin 8Yen, Stephen Lee Ching 192
ZZaal, Zaal Mohammed 8Zaal, Nadia 102, 206, 212, 216, 218, 219, 224 Zagha, Roberto 108Zubair, Rashad Al 207, 209, 216, 217, 222, 224,
227
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 241
HiStory mAkerS of tHe neW ASiAn Century - tHe ABlf journey of Glory
CONTENT, COPY, DESIGN & PRODUCTIONIndian Expressions Team in Dubai led byMalini N. MenonKeshav N. MenonMariya Shabbir PadrawalaMaclein CornelioParinaaz NavdarNatasha KatrakAnton RodionovRodel RivasDoreen Mattisson
referenCeS
• Al Jazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/• Asian Development Bank http://www.adb.org• Asian Development Bank Institute
http://www.adbi.org• Bar & Bench http://barandbench.com• BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk• Bloomberg Businessweek
http://investing.businessweek.com• BP Global http://www.bp.com• Curious Cat http://investing.curiouscatblog.net• Exxon Mobil http://www.exxonmobil.com• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
http://www.bostonfed.org• Financial Times http://www.ft.com• Forbes Global http://www.forbes.com• Forbes India http://forbesindia.com• Fortune Global• Global Issues http://www.globalissues.org• Hindustan Times http://www.hindustantimes.com• India and the World – A Blueprint for Partnership
& Growth• India's Century• India Law Journal http://www.indialawjournal.com• Inpec http://inpec.in/• Iowa State University http://www.soc.iastate.edu• JSTOR http://www.jstor.org• Knowledge @ Wharton
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/• Luthra & Luthra Law Offices http://www.luthra.com• M K Gandhi http://www.mkgandhi.org• McKinsey Quarterly
http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com• Moneylife http://www.moneylife.in• National Institute of Open Schooling
http://nos.org• Oman Ministry of Information
http://www.omanet.om• Peterson Institute for International Economics
http://www.piie.com• Platts http://www.platts.com• President of India http://presidentofindia.nic.in• PricewaterhouseCoopers http://www.pwc.com• Prime Minister of India website
http://pmindia.nic.in• Rediff http://ia.rediff.com• Sage Journals http://wes.sagepub.com• Shanghai‑China http://shanghaichina.ca• South Asian Network of Economic Research
Institutes http://www.saneinetwork.net/• Tata Group http://www.tata.com• The Big Picture http://www.ritholtz.com• The Economic Times
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com• The Economist http://www.economist.com• The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk• The National Bureau of Economic Research
http://www.nber.org• The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com
• The Oil & Gas Year http://www.theoilandgasyear.com• The Straits Times http://www.straitstimes.com• The Wall Street Journal http://topics.wsj.com• The World Bank http://web.worldbank.org• United Nations http://www.un.org• United Nations Economic & Social Commission
for Asia and the Pacific http://www.unescap.org
• United Nations Global Compact http://www.unglobalcompact.org/
• University of Chicago – School of Business http://www.chicagobooth.edu
• World Nuclear Association http://www.world-nuclear.org
• World Steel Association http://www.worldsteel.org
pHoto CreditS
• Adani Group ‑ p.38• Abhijit Bhatlekar/Bloomberg News - p.39• International Monetary Fund ‑ p.60• DP World ‑ p.63 above right• ForumBlog.org, World Economic Forum ‑
p.66 above• Photo Division, Government of India ‑ p.77• Beno Saradzic ‑ p.85 above left• DP World ‑ p.85 centre right• Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry ‑ p.85
below left• Anil Wadhwa ‑ p.87 above• The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts ‑
p.87 below• Luthra & Luthra Law Offices ‑ p.94• Dodsal Group ‑ p.96• Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi ‑ p.100• Pranay Gupte ‑ p.101• Zaya ‑ p.102• Adani Group ‑ p.104• DP World ‑ p.106• Roberto Zagha ‑ p.108• Manoj Mohanka ‑ p.125• Adani Group ‑ p.142‑143• DLF Limited ‑ p.144• DP World ‑ p.146‑147• Dodsal Group ‑ p.148‑149• Galfar ‑ p.149‑151• Abu Dhabi Chamber ‑ p.152‑153• Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry ‑ p.156• Dr. Joseph V. G. ‑ p.161• Reliance Group ‑ p.168• The Zubair Corporation ‑ p.172• RealWire ‑ p.174• Murali D ‑ p.176• ICICI Bank ‑ p.182• Hyflux Ltd. ‑ p.184• Singapore Airlines ‑ p.192• Larsen & Toubro Ltd. ‑ p.198• Avantha Group ‑ p.200• PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya ‑ p.202• International Monetary Fund ‑ p.240
SAUDI ARABIAKUWAITQATAROMANUAEINDIAMALAYSIATHAILANDSINGAPOREINDONESIA
future perfeCtABlf AWArdS 2012
“ The rise of Asia in the global
economy is really the defining
economic success story of modern
times. And so today, it is no surprise that Asia is
propelling the global recovery. Asia has once again
taken the global central stage and plays a crucial
role - today and in the future.”CHriStine lAGArdeManaging Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 243
SAUDI ARABIAKUWAITQATAROMANUAEINDIAMALAYSIATHAILANDSINGAPOREINDONESIA
The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards premise reiterates
the focus on sustaining the Asian business energy, the juggernaut
that holds the key to unlocking tremendous economic potential that
can bring about great change and empowerment globally.
What began as a forum for business celebration between the Gulf
and India - with the launch of the Asian Business Awards Middle
East in 2007 - has emerged and risen to include powerful South-East
Asian countries in addition to the Gulf and India with a mandate
of celebrating the high-growth sectors of economy. As the event
property grows, the ABLF will feature several networking events to
facilitate cross-investment opportunities each year in addition to
roundtable discussions made for television, featuring the foremost
thought leaders in the Asian business community.
ABLF AWARDS 2012FutuRe peRFect
An ASiAn future iS riSinG.
ABlf AWArdS 2012
mArk your preSenCe.
246 | The ABLF Journey of Glory
ASiAn BuSineSS leAderSHip forum AWArdS
The spirit of Asia comes together in Celebration, Conversation & Collaboration
History-Makers of the News Asian Century – The ABLF Journey of Glory is the signature publication of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards. An international event of Asian significance, the ABLF Awards showcases the sunshine sectors of Industry, Infrastructure & Energy and brings together the Asian nations of the world in an annual event series that celebrates
the rise of Asia in the global consciousness through revival of old-school values for a brand new 'global business world'.
The inaugural 2011 showcase honoured and celebrated business achievers from across the three key regions of the Asian juggernaut – the Gulf, India and South-East Asia - and paid tribute to exemplary leaders who have stood strong in the face
of the economic downturn and played a significant role in the story of 'Asia Rising'.
© Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy 2011www.indianexpressions.com
www.ablfawards.com
The ABLF Journey of Glory | 247
This is the die-cut for the pocket-folder.
PAPER : Cordenons Stardream Antique Gold 285gsm