Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Thailand Spotlights the Powerhouses Driving the New Economy

Organized by Enterprise Asia, the region’s foremost NGO for entrepreneurship, the prestigious awards ceremony unfolded on 22 August 2025 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, Secretary to the Minister of Industry of Thailand, who attended on behalf of the Minister of Industry, and Mrs. Suparporn Sookmark, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, underscoring the government’s support in championing entrepreneurship and innovation as key drivers of the nation’s new economy.

Embracing the theme ‘Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises’, the APEA 2025 Thailand honored exceptional Thai businesses and leaders who exemplify resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight, successfully future-proofing their organizations in the face of rapid technological and economic transformation.

A distinguished panel of judges meticulously assessed over 100 nominees, evaluating each entrepreneur and organization for their overall operational excellence, leadership, and business performance. Through this rigorous evaluation process, the most outstanding recipients were selected across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Since 2007, the Awards has been organized all over the region with past recipients comprising Thailand’s Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group, China’s Xu RongMao of Shimao Group, Hong Kong’s Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group, TTC Vietnam’s Dang Van Thanh, Indonesia’s Hary Tanoesoedibjo of MNC Group, India’s Adi Godrej of Godrej Group, the Philippines’ Manuel Villar of Vista Land, and Cuckoo Malaysia’s Hoe Kian Choon.

“In an era of constant disruption, the enterprises that will thrive are those that challenge conventions, embrace transformative technologies, and create value beyond profits. These organizations recognize the interconnectedness of economies, societies, and the environment, and take bold steps to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.” stated Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of Enterprise Asia, in his inspiring welcome address.

Tan Passakornnatee, CEO of Ichitan Group Public Company Limited, received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his exceptional leadership in transforming the Thai beverage industry through innovation, sustainability initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to social responsibility. Under his guidance, the group has not only strengthened its market position but also championed green manufacturing practices and community empowerment programs, setting a benchmark for purpose-driven enterprises in Thailand.

Award winners under the Master Entrepreneur category include Dr. Darin Phanthusak, Vice President of Tiffany's Show Pattaya Co., Ltd.; Kongkrapan Intarajang, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Public Company Limited; and Sara Lamsam, Chief Executive Officer of Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, who have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and vision in steering their organizations to new heights.

Pet Protect Food Co., Ltd. and Thai Herbal Hong Thai Co., Ltd. were honored as recipients of the Inspirational Brand Award. Recognized under the Fast Enterprise category are NTF Intergroup (Thailand) Public Company Limited and Salus Bioceutical (Thailand) Co., Ltd., while leading companies awarded in the Corporate Excellence category included Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), Krungthai Bank PCL, Mitsubishi Elevator (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Thai Smile Bus Co., Ltd.

The APEA 2025 Thailand Chapter is supported by the Indonesia-Thai Chamber of Commerce (INTCC) and Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC), with PR Newswire as the Official News Release Distribution Partner, and Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine as the Media Partners.