Fernandes wins Asian business leadership award

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia founder and group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes will be awarded the Asia House Asian Business Leaders Award for 2017 in recognition of his contribution to Asia’s economic landscape.
Under Fernandes’s leadership, AirAsia has grown to become the region’s leading low-cost airline, transforming the Asian aviation industry. He is expected to receive the award at a gala event in Hong Kong on Nov 27.
The award, issued annually by Asia House, celebrates business leaders who have driven positive economic and social change in the region. Asia House is a London-based Centre of Expertise on Asia.
Previous winners include Hitachi chairman Hiroaki Nakanishi, Temasek CEO Ho Ching, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata and CIMB Group chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Razak.
“It is an honour to be recognised for championing Asean. I am an Aseanist. I believe the future of Asia Pacific lies as much with Asean as it does with China or India – it’s hard to ignore 620 million people.
“However, the promise of Asean lies in its unity, in cooperation, tearing down barriers, integration. In that sense, we still have some way to go but I am confident we will get there, and I am very glad to see Asia House join us on that journey,” said Fernandes.