Beyond the Bottom Line: Asia's Leaders Redefine Corporate Success

SINGAPORE – April 20, 2026 – A fundamental shift is reshaping the landscape of Asian business, and its epicenter was the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore on April 6. Over 450 senior executives gathered for the Influential Brands® CEO Summit & Award Ceremony, an event that celebrated a new, more holistic definition of corporate excellence—one where purpose, people, and planetary health are weighed as heavily as profit.

The days when financial returns were the sole yardstick for success are fading. In their place, a new generation of corporate leaders is championing strategies that create long-term value for all stakeholders. This paradigm shift was the central theme of the evening, underscored by the presence of Guest of Honour Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation and Former Deputy Prime Minister.

"The awards presented tonight reflect a well-rounded and forward-looking view of corporate success," Heng stated. "They emphasize that true excellence goes beyond profit, encouraging leaders to focus on long-term value creation that benefits not just shareholders, but also employees, communities, and the environment."

The New Compass: Sustainability and Human Capital

At the heart of this new business philosophy is a deep commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The Influential Brands® Top Sustainability Award recognized five industry leaders—Singtel, SBS Transit, UOL Group, FairPrice Group, and City Developments Limited (CDL)—for their transparent and impactful ESG reporting.

This recognition is not merely a plaque on the wall; it's an affirmation of deeply integrated strategy. CDL, a three-decade veteran in sustainable practices, sees the award as validation of its core mission. "While global momentum for ESG may be shifting, we remain steadfast in embedding sustainable practices within our core strategy," said Ms Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at CDL. "In this era of climate emergency, sustainability is about delivering a positive impact for people, planet, and prosperity."

This sentiment was echoed by UOL Group, which secured awards for both Top Employer and Top Sustainability. "To be able to win in the marketplace, we must win in our workplace," said Mr Liam Wee Sin, UOL Group Chief Executive, highlighting the intrinsic link between employee well-being and corporate success. "Doing right by people and the planet aligns with UOL's vision of Creating Value, Shaping a Sustainable Future."

The focus on human capital was further emphasized by the Top Employer awards. Backed by an extensive anonymous survey of over 25,000 employees and conducted in partnership with aAdvantage Consulting, twenty-one companies were honored for fostering people-centric workplaces. Winners included major players like Accenture, Resorts World Sentosa, and Singtel Group, demonstrating that attracting and retaining top talent now requires a genuine commitment to employee growth, culture, and well-being.

Ms Aileen Tan, Singtel Group Chief People & Sustainability Officer, attributed their dual awards to a culture guided by their purpose to "Empower Every Generation." Similarly, Ms Yew Lay Leng, Chief Human Resources Officer at SP Group, noted, "This accolade affirms our commitment to fostering a workplace where our employees can thrive, advance, and meet their life goals with purpose and confidence."

Building Trust in a Changing Market

In an era of conscious consumerism, brand trust has become invaluable currency. The Top Brand awards, determined by a survey of 10,000 consumers across Asia, celebrated 44 companies that have won the hearts and minds of the public. The diverse list of winners—from regional giants like Colgate and AirAsia to Singaporean household names like FairPrice, NETS, and POPULAR bookstore—reveals a common thread: a relentless focus on customer value and connection.

FairPrice Group, which took home multiple accolades, sees the recognition as a direct reflection of its core mission. "Our purpose is to make every day a little better for our customers," said Mr Vipul Chawla, its Group CEO. "We will continue striving to make things easy on the wallet, experience, and planet for all in Singapore."

For century-old POPULAR Singapore, the award affirms its enduring role in the community. "It is a strong testament to our unfaltering endeavours in fostering a reading and learning culture," said CEO Ms Emily Yiu. Meanwhile, NETS Group CEO Mr Lawrence Chan accepted the Top Digital Payment award as a reflection of customer trust, stating it "motivates us to continue connecting communities and empowering lives."

Visionary Leadership for a New Era

The evening's main highlight was the recognition of three Top CEOs: Mr Jeffrey Sim of SBS Transit, Mr Harpreet Bindra of HSBC Life Singapore, and Mr Terry Tan of Country Foods. These leaders were lauded not just for financial performance, but for their personal integrity and their capacity to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Mr Sim was recognized for strengthening public transport reliability while championing sustainability. Mr Bindra has led transformative growth in the insurance sector with a supportive corporate culture. Mr Tan has championed digital transformation and social responsibility in the food industry. Together, they personify the modern Asian leader: innovative, people-centric, and committed to long-term value creation.

The summit also featured keynotes from industry giants Deloitte and Google, with experts discussing the future of leadership and the role of technology and AI as catalysts for sustainable growth, reinforcing the themes of the night.

As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the companies and leaders celebrated were not just winners of an award, but pioneers of a more resilient and responsible future for Asian business. Mr Jorge Rodriguez, managing director of Influential Brands, summed up the forward-looking sentiment: "It is our honour to recognise Business Excellence in Asia. We are looking forward to a greater engagement with ASEAN business leaders in 2026."