Voice of the People: Stevie Awards Reveal Asia-Pacific's Favorite Firms

FAIRFAX, VA – March 16, 2026 – In a powerful testament to public opinion, the Stevie® Awards today announced the seven organizations crowned by popular vote in the 13th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. With over 35,000 votes cast by the general public worldwide, the People's Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Companies honor a diverse group of organizations that have uniquely captured the loyalty and admiration of their stakeholders across the region.

These seven winners, each receiving the coveted crystal People's Choice Stevie Award trophy, were selected from a pool of nominees across the Company/Organization categories. The month-long voting period, which ran from February 16 to March 13, highlighted companies that are not only innovating in their fields but are also building powerful connections with their communities.

A Diverse Slate of Public Champions

The list of 2026 winners reflects the remarkable breadth of innovation and excellence across the Asia-Pacific's business landscape. The public's choices span established tech giants, nimble startups, public service bodies, and socially-focused foundations, painting a vivid picture of what resonates with people today.

The winners of the 2026 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies are:

• Business Products & Services: Just Right Parking Co., Ltd., Taiwan
• Education: Megaworld Foundation, Inc., the Philippines
• Healthcare Industries: SANAME, Australia
• Startups: Garasi Travel (PT GARA Indonesia Group), Indonesia
• Tech Startups: Deegenics Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka
• Technology Industries: ASRock Inc., Taiwan
• All Other Industries: Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department, the Philippines

This eclectic mix underscores a key insight: public favor is not limited to a single industry or country. The winners range from ASRock Inc., a globally recognized Taiwanese manufacturer of high-performance computer hardware, to Garasi Travel, an Indonesian startup making waves in the competitive tourism sector. The list also includes SANAME, an Australian healthcare company that has clearly earned the trust of its community, and Deegenics Pvt. Ltd., a tech startup showcasing Sri Lanka's emerging innovation hub.

Notably, two winners hail from the Philippines. Megaworld Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of property giant Megaworld Corporation, earned its win in the Education category. This marks its second consecutive People's Choice victory, having won in 2025, signaling sustained public appreciation for its community-focused initiatives. Perhaps most surprisingly, the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department, a government entity, was a favorite, demonstrating that innovation in public service and a commitment to streamlining bureaucracy can generate genuine public enthusiasm.

A Barometer of Regional Trends and Public Sentiment

Beyond celebrating individual organizations, the results of the People's Choice awards serve as a compelling barometer for the trends shaping the Asia-Pacific region. The winners are not just popular; they are emblematic of larger economic and social shifts.

The victory of Taiwan's Just Right Parking Co., Ltd. points to the growing demand for smart city solutions that address tangible urban problems. As metropolitan areas across Asia grapple with congestion, companies providing efficient, tech-driven infrastructure are gaining significant public traction.

Similarly, the awards for Indonesia's Garasi Travel and Sri Lanka's Deegenics highlight the dynamism of the region's startup ecosystems. These wins validate the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing in Southeast and South Asia, where digital-native companies are rapidly scaling by solving local problems with global-standard technology.

The public's endorsement of the Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Department is particularly telling. It signifies a widespread appreciation for e-governance and digital transformation in the public sector. In a region where bureaucratic hurdles can often stifle growth, a government body being celebrated for its efficiency is a powerful indicator of progress and a model for others to follow.

Meanwhile, the continued success of Megaworld Foundation underscores the rising importance of corporate social responsibility. In today's market, consumers and communities increasingly expect corporations to play a positive role in society, and this award shows that authentic, impactful CSR efforts do not go unnoticed.

The Power of Public Acclaim

While the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards also grant Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards based on the scores of over 250 executive judges, the People's Choice awards hold a unique significance. Introduced to the program in 2023, this category provides a direct and democratic endorsement from customers, employees, and the public at large. For the winning companies, this public seal of approval offers more than just a trophy.

This form of recognition serves as powerful external validation that can bolster brand reputation, enhance employee morale, and provide a distinct competitive advantage. It demonstrates a company's ability to build a strong, positive relationship with its community—a critical asset in any market. The requirement for each winner to garner at least 100 votes ensures that each victory is the result of a genuinely engaged and supportive following.

The broader 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards considered more than 1,000 nominations from organizations across 23 markets, including China, India, Australia, Japan, and Vietnam. The winners of the juried awards were announced previously in February.

All honorees will be celebrated on stage during a gala awards banquet at the prestigious Venetian Hotel in Macau, China, on Friday, April 17. As these seven organizations prepare to accept their crystal trophies, their victories send a clear message about the evolving definition of success in the Asia-Pacific region—one where innovation, social responsibility, and a deep connection with the public are the ultimate measures of a favorite company. The call for entries for the 2027 awards will open this October, paving the way for the next wave of innovators to seek their place in the spotlight.