Twenty outstanding Thai entrepreneurs and organizations were honored at the recently
concluded Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards 2019 or APEA, led by The Mall Group’s
Ms. Supaluck Umpujh at Renaissance Bangkok, Ratchaprasong Hotel.
An initiative by Enterprise Asia, the leading non-governmental organization for
entrepreneurship in Asia, APEA is the largest regional recognition program, with over 3,000
nominations received each year, and less than one tenth of that receiving the awards in all
14 markets.
With the theme of ‘Promoting Inclusive Economic Development Through Sustainable
Entrepreneurship’, over 300 attendees were present at the by-invitation only event,
comprising of industry leaders and dignitaries including Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn,
chairman of Enterprise Asia, Dato' William Ng, President of Enterprise Asia and Mr. Wayne
Williams, President of AusCham Thailand. The event was also supported by India-Thai
Chamber of Commerce, Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce; Plaza Premium Group as
airport lounge partner; and SME Magazine and The Nation as official media partners.
In the past, over 2,000 of the most senior entrepreneurs in Asia has received the APEA,
including Thailand’s Kobchai Chirathivat and Rit Thirakomen; Malaysia’s Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong
Lay, Tan Sri Azman Hashim and Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow; Indonesia’s Chairul Tanjung,
Mochtar Riady and Ciputra; Philippines’ Henry Sy and Tony Tan; Singapore’s Kwek Leng
Beng and Sam Goi; and India’s Adi Godrej and Rahul Bajaj.
Dr. Fong shared, “This year marks the 7 th year of running the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship
Awards in Thailand, and we are gratified by the continued interest in the program. We
believe this is a reflection of the ongoing success of entrepreneurs and enterprises, as well
as our steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of our global criteria.”
He further commented, “The panel of judges were impressed by the quality of submissions
this year and had the challenging task of determining this year’s top nominees. The Awards
were given solely on merit and aimed to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity,
passion, and commitment to excellence, distinguishing them from their competitors and
proving them worthy of recognition.”
Besides Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group who was accorded the
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, other notable winners of the APEA include Mr. Sorrapahon
Nitikanchana, managing director of SPM Feed Mill and Mr. Pisith Patamasatayasonthi,
President and CEO of Index Living Mall. Furthermore, Thonglor International Pet Hospital
and Latex Systems received the accolade under corporate excellence category.
Dr. Fong added, “We are proud to be the oldest business awards program in Asia and have
been privileged to shine the spotlight on some of Thailand’s exceptional game changers of
tomorrow, whose entrepreneurial spirit in growing successful businesses have made a
positive and enduring impact on their community and country. Beyond recognising the
efforts of these extraordinary entrepreneurs and management teams behind responsible and
dynamic businesses, we hope to encourage them to continue taking their businesses to the
next level, and in the process, encourage even greater entrepreneurial activity. This is
aligned to Enterprise Asia's purpose, Democratizing Entrepreneurship, Institutionalizing
Sustainability and Empowering Innovation.”
RECIPIENT LIST OF ASIA PACIFIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS 2019 THAILAND
Entrepreneur of the Year
Ms. Supaluck Umpujh
Chairwoman of The Mall Group Co., Ltd.
Retail Industry
Outstanding Category
Capt. Ahkasit Subcharoen
CEO of ACX Herb Co., Ltd
Manufacturing Industry
Mr. Damrongsak Kiewpeng
Managing Director of Bangkok Anti Aging Center (BAAC)
Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry
Mr. Pramote Pruang Ak Sorn
President of Food Project (Siam) Company Limited
Food & Beverage Industry
Mr. Vitavas Vibhagool
CEO of Grande Asset Hotels & Property Public Company Limited
Property Development Industry
Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse
CEO of Habitat Group Co., Ltd
Property Development Industry
Mr. Pisith Patamasatayasonthi
President & CEO of Index Living Mall Public Company Limited
Retail Industry
Mr. Kittipan Sri-Bua-Iam
CEO of PROEN Corp Public Company Limited
Telecommunications & ICT Industry
Mr. Sorrapahon Nitikanchana
Managing Director of SPM Feed Mill Company Limited
Agriculture Industry
Dr. Prasit Kanchanasakdichai
Group Chairman & CEO of Thai Const Group
Building Materials Industry
Corporate Excellence Category
Habitat Group Co., Ltd
Property Development Industry
Index Living Mall Public Company Limited
Retail Industry
Intergold Gold Trade Company Limited
Financial Services Industry
K-nex Corporation Company Limited
Industrial & Commercial Products Industry
Latex Systems Public Company Limited
Manufacturing Industry
Pongsak Medical Clinic Co., Ltd
Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry
RFS Co., Ltd.
Professional & Business Services Industry
Sabuy Technology Public Company Limited
Professional & Business Services Industry
Thonglor International Pet Hospital
Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry
V. One Asset Co., Ltd.
Hospitality, Food Service & Tourism Industry
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in
entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social
development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in
people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs and
other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, in uplifting the
economic status of people across Asia and in ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation and courage
for the future generation. For further information, visit www.enterpriseasia.org.
About Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards is the region's most prestigious
awards for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation and sustainable leadership. The
Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial
excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices and growth in
entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful
voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation only networking powerhouse. The
program has grown to encompass 14 countries and markets all over Asia. For further
information, visit www.apea.asia.