The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, has launched a new business awards which focuses on Asia and Irish companies which are increasingly growing the country’s presence in the fastest growing global business location.
The Asia Matters Business Awards take place on 19 November 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin, following a day-long conference focusing on building partnership and trade links with Asia.
Announcing the awards, Minister Humphreys said Ireland’s focus was increasingly being concentrated on opportunities in Asia.
The Minister said: ““Asia today accounts for 40% of global GDP and 60% of the world’s population. Within a short number of years it will account for 50% of global GDP and 75% of global population. There are great opportunities for Irish business and enterprises in Asia and this year we have drawn even closer to Asia thanks to the opening of direct flights between Ireland with Hong Kong and Beijing.
“I am delighted that Asia Matters is going to recognise in these awards the outstanding companies and businesses which have been driving economic prosperity and business growth between Ireland and Asia. The time has now come to tell the story of the success of these companies and to recognise their achievements and the Asia Matters Business Awards will celebrate such achievements.”
Asia Matters Executive Director Martin Murray said: “We believe in Asia Matters that excellence should be recognised and heralded. Our judging panel comprises a wealth of experience and expertise which will have the task of making the demanding calls on who will win the prestigious inaugural awards. We wish them well in their endeavours.”
The Asia Matters Business Awards will recognise Irish companies which have achieved strategic success in Asia and Asian companies making a unique contribution to Ireland. Asia Matters is Ireland’s only think tank on Asia.
In total, there will be 10 award categories, including a Lifetime Achievement award which will recognise an exceptional company or individual of outstanding business achievement and leadership in advancing Asia Ireland economic relations.
The other awards categories include: • Most Successful Market Entry into Asia • Expansion into New Asian Markets(s) • Technology Exporter of the Year • Financial Services/Fintech Exporter of the Year • Higher Education Institute Partnership of the Year • Food & Beverage Exporter of the Year • Regional Asia Business Initiative • Special Award to an Established Asian Investor in Ireland • Special Award to a New Asian Investor in Ireland.
The Judging panel convened by Alan Dukes, Chairman, Asia Matters, includes Jim Barry, Global Head of Blackrock Real Assets; Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland; Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive, Enterprise Ireland; Danny McCoy, Chief Executive, IBEC; Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland; Eileen Sharpe, Divisional Manager Growth Markets, IDA Ireland; Shinichi Hayashida, President the Friendly Society of Japanese Companies in Ireland (Chairman SMBC Aviation Capital); Wei Xu, Chairman of the Chinese Association of Chinese Enterprises in Ireland (General Manager ICBC International Leasing Co., Ltd); Dr Graham Love, Chief Executive, Higher Education Authority; Padraig Brennan, Director of Markets, Bord Bia; Elaine Coughlan, Managing Partner, Atlantic Bridge Capital and Paul Ryan, Director International Finance Division, Department of Finance.
The Asia Matters Business Awards are held in partnership with The Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation. Sponsors include IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and PwC.
Winners of the Awards will be announced at the Gala Dinner on the evening of 19 November 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge.
Further details are available at www.asiamatters.eu/asia-matters-business-awards.
Minister Humphreys with Asia Matter Chairman, Alan Dukes.
Minister Humphreys with Asia Matters Martin Murray and Alan Dukes.