Last Call for Innovators: Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards Extends Deadline

FAIRFAX, VA – January 16, 2026 – Organizations across the Asia-Pacific region have been granted a final opportunity to vie for one of the area's most prestigious business honors. The Stevie® Awards announced today that, due to popular demand, the final entry deadline for the 13th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards has been extended to January 30, 2026.

This extension provides a crucial additional window for companies and individuals to submit their achievements for consideration in the only business awards program that recognizes innovation across the entire 29-market Asia-Pacific region. Following the new deadline, a rigorous judging process involving scores of regional executives will conclude on February 6. The much-anticipated list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be unveiled on February 12. The celebration of these achievements will culminate in a grand awards ceremony on April 17 at the Venetian Hotel in Macau.

A Barometer of Regional Innovation

For thirteen years, the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards have served as a definitive benchmark for business excellence and a showcase for the dynamic innovation shaping the region. The program's sustained growth and the consistent demand for entry extensions highlight its mounting prestige. In 2025 alone, the awards drew over 1,000 nominations from 23 markets, with winners hailing from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, among others.

The competition's scope is intentionally broad, designed to capture excellence in every corner of the corporate world. Open to all organizations—large and small, public and private, for-profit and non-profit—it accepts entries in over 30 languages. This inclusivity ensures that groundbreaking work, regardless of its origin or language, has a platform for recognition. The categories span the full spectrum of modern business operations, including dedicated awards for Achievement, Artificial Intelligence, Corporate Communications, Customer Service, Human Resources, Marketing, New Product Development, Sustainability, and Technology, reflecting the evolving priorities of the global economy.

Beyond the Trophy: The Tangible Value of a Stevie Win

The intense interest in the Stevie Awards is driven by more than just the allure of a trophy. Winning serves as a powerful, third-party validation of a company's performance, providing a significant competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace. Industry research consistently demonstrates the tangible return on investment that comes with prestigious business accolades. Studies have shown that award-winning companies can experience substantial financial growth, with some smaller firms reporting sales increases of up to 39% and operating income growth of 63% compared to their non-winning peers.

This recognition profoundly impacts brand reputation and market credibility. A Stevie Award signals to clients, partners, and investors that an organization has met a high standard of excellence, judged by a panel of industry experts. This elevated status can be instrumental in attracting top-tier talent, securing investment, and building customer trust. The application process itself is often cited as a valuable exercise, prompting organizations to critically assess their accomplishments and refine their strategic narratives. For businesses in the fast-paced Asia-Pacific market, such a distinction can be a key differentiator that fuels growth and market penetration.

A Gateway to Public Acclaim

A unique feature of the program is the opportunity for a second, publicly-driven honor through the People’s Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Companies. Introduced to the Asia-Pacific program in 2023, this component adds a powerful dimension of public engagement. All Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in the Company/Organization categories are automatically entered into a worldwide public vote.

In 2025, this initiative generated over 37,000 votes, demonstrating immense public interest in celebrating corporate success. The voting period for the 2026 awards is scheduled from February 16 to March 13. Winners of the public vote receive a special crystal People's Choice Stevie Award trophy, a testament to their brand's resonance with customers, employees, and the general public. This mechanism allows companies to leverage their initial win to mobilize their communities, generating significant positive publicity and reinforcing customer loyalty.

Macau to Host Prestigious Gathering of Business Leaders

The selection of Macau as the host city for the April 17 awards ceremony underscores the event's significance as a major regional gathering. As a burgeoning MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub, Macau offers world-class infrastructure and a strategic location within the Greater Bay Area. The chosen venue, the Venetian Hotel, is an integrated resort renowned for its massive convention facilities, capable of hosting large-scale international events.

Macau's government is actively promoting the city as a "world center of tourism and leisure," moving to diversify its economy. Hosting premier events like the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards aligns perfectly with this strategy, drawing business leaders from across the globe. The ceremony will not only honor the winners but also provide an invaluable networking opportunity for attendees in a city that blends rich cultural heritage with modern luxury and entertainment. The event will bring together the minds behind some of the region's most innovative organizations, from established giants like IBM Singapore and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan to disruptive newcomers, all celebrated for their outstanding performance in the workplace.