ABLF Awards 2011 Coffee-Table Book

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 1

© Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy 2011 PO Box 211270, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards Trademark and Intellectual Property is held by Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy, Dubai, UAE. The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards™ name, logo and brand communiqué may not be used in whole or part commercially or otherwise or reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) without the written permission of the IP holder.

Any person reproducing any part of this publication without prior written permission will be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

For enquiries, please email info@indianexpressions.com All Rights Reserved.

Printed with pride in the United Arab Emirates at our print partnership Delta Printing Press, Dubai.

Volume 1

Pioneered, produced and presented by

CONTENTS

ABLF AWARDS 2011 Messages from the Leadership

12

Setting the Stage

40

Witness Asia Rising

54

Key Pivots of the ABLF Series

70

Anatomy of the ABLF Awards

90

The ABLF Awards Communications

120

Vanguard of the ABLF Awards

138

ABLF Awards 2011 - The Celebration

158

Afterword

232

Acknowledgements

238

References & Photo Index

239

Future Perfect – ABLF Awards 2012

240

8 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

T H E A BLF E VEN T S ERIES IS DEDICATED

TO

&

THE GREAT COUNTRIES OF MODERN ASIA THEIR VISIONARY LEADERS

ABLF AWARDS 2011 The ABLF Journey of Glory | 9

THE ABLF AWARDS 2011

VOICES OF the FOUNDING

“There are seven sins in the world: wealth

“No

matter

how

many

buildings,

“I am working for Oman - the country and

without work, pleasure without conscience,

foundations, schools and hospitals we

its people. For me it is a delight to see my

knowledge without character, commerce

build, or how many bridges we raise,

country and my people in the situation I

without morality, science without humanity,

all these are material entities. The real

imagined from the very first day I assumed

worship without sacrifice and politics

spirit behind the progress is the human

power. I feel that I am a man with a mission

without principle.”

spirit, the able man with his intellect

rather than a man with authority.”

and capabilities.”

Mahatma Gandhi Father of the Nation, India

H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Father of the Nation & Late President of the UAE

10 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Sultan of Oman

CONSTITUENCIES

FATHERS

“Reach your ambition as high as the skies.

“It is essential to rear a generation at the

“Our future depends on how well many

Dream as high as the skies. Because even if

very top of society that has all the qualities

different kinds of people can live and

you fall, it will be among the stars.”

needed to lead and give the people

work together.”

the inspiration and the drive to make President Sukarno

them succeed.”

Founding Father, Indonesia

Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Founding Father, Malaysia

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Founding Father, Singapore

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 11

12 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

1

Messages from the leadership • Royal messages • Keynote addresses • Visionaries at the helm

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 13

LEADERSHIP Of India Smt. Pratibha patil

“

President of India

Globalisation, driven by international trade and investment has dramatically affected global thinking. More countries are now integrated into a global economic system in which trade and capital flow across borders. India has adopted a holistic approach to the process of inclusive globalisation so that the benefits of our growth touch the lives of all.

Dr. Manmohan Singh

“

Prime MINISTER of India

We seek mutually beneficial relations with all our Asian neighbours and will work closely with Asia to realise our combined aspiration to make the

”

21st century an Asian century. We want a neighbourhood of peace and shared prosperity in which people, goods and services can travel with ease across borders.

”

Smt. Sonia Gandhi

“

President, Indian National Congress

We are a democratic nation of one billion people living harmoniously in a pluralistic society and we constitute one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India has always had a universal perspective, and the remarkable resilience of our democracy gives us a voice that is heard and respected throughout the world.

India, a member of the elite trillion-dollar economy club, with its strong leadership and even stronger economic fundamentals, supported by the world's biggest middle class, was able to manage the global economic downturn better than most others in the world. Growing at nearly eight percent per annum, India has not only bolstered South Asia's growth, but also played a key role in rebalancing the global economy. Powered by its wealth of human resources and vibrant knowledge economy, India stays firmly on the fast track, reflecting an extraordinary economic momentum.

The Republic of India was the venue for the Inaugural ABLF Event, the ABLF Awards 2011.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 15

LEADERSHIP Of The UAE H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

“

President of The UAE

The Federation of the United Arab Emirates has relied, and will continue to rely, on the rich and diverse contributions of its true wealth, its people, to guarantee its prosperity. Our vision is to create a confident, secure society and to build a sustainable, open and globally competitive economy.

H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

“

Vice-President & Prime MINISTER of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

”

We have never been, nor ever will be among those who rest on their laurels; nor those who obsess on their success; nor those who believe that the march

” “

forward will continue automatically.

H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Ruler of Ras AL Khaimah, UAE

Our strength comes from being in touch with our people, from being devoted to the benefit of our country through education and empowerment of our people. We have to guide them through change, always be in touch with them, responsive to them, interact with them and lead them to a better future.

”

The UAE leadership is marked by great individuals of integrity and vision. Since its formation in 1971, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the most sought after Gulf states and one of the world's greatest success stories in diversified economic development. The UAE's reputation makes it a key player in the global economy, the pre-eminent business hub of the region, and a beacon of successful global relationships, of trade and goodwill in the Arabian Gulf.

THE UAE is home to the ABLF Series IP Creators & Architects - Indian Expressions.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 17

The inaugural edition of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards was endorsed by eminent leaders from governments and business strongholds of Asia, who have played a key role in architecting the development of the new Asian Century. These celebrated leaders have worked to bring together Asian nations for collaborative growth and now they support the ABLF’s initiative to showcase and celebrate the key business sectors that drive the global economy.

Asia in the global spotlight A message from His Highness on Asia's growing relevance in the global economy

H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan UAE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan is the United Arab Emirates Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

One of the most visionary ministers of the UAE, H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan has paved a new path for the country’s educational system, making it the new hub for higher education and research in the region.

In a few short years, His Highness has transformed the UAE to a centre for various international universities to operate and successfully provide exemplary education to students from all over the globe.

His Highness’ mission is to continue national investment in schools, universities and research institutions, thereby leading the UAE to incorporate a larger role for itself as a promoter of peace and economic development through education.

“The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards provides a platform for the UAE to showcase its strengths and forge new relationships with our Asian friends and I am very happy that the UAE is being represented at such an important event.

The wide representation of UAE nationals among the nominees for the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards is a testament to the excellent business environment in the United Arab Emirates. The country's economy continues to grow at a steady and rapid rate.

20 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

A Royal Message

The country’s major centre of commerce focuses on international trade, tourism, finance, information technology, sustainability and the media. The economy is highly competitive, transparent

“

and supportive of business and entrepreneurs. The United Arab

I fully support the premise of the Asian Business Leadership Forum, as the rising stature of the

Emirates is instituting appropriate structural reforms to promote strong domestic growth. We strive for a competitive advantage in the regional and global market place.

Asian economies has major global ramifications and holds great potential for inclusive growth. Asia

I fully support the premise of the ABLF, as the growing stature of

is becoming a major global source of innovation

the Asian economies has major global ramifications and holds great

and development and the continent is emerging as the new epicentre for global economic and business activities.

”

potential. Asia is becoming a major global source of innovation and development and the continent is emerging as the new epicentre for global economic and business activities.

The ABLF Awards 2011 platform gives credence where it is due, to the top leaders of current business affairs across Asia as a whole.”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 21

Infrastructure is key to development A message from His Highness on the important role of infrastructure in economic development

H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum CHAIRMAN, DUBAI WORLD; CHAIRMAN, DUBAI AIRPORTS; CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EMIRATES AIRLINE & GROUP

Chairman & Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, and President of the Department of Civil Aviation, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum is one of the most respected business leaders in the world. With his visionary leadership and razor-sharp business acumen, His Highness has led Emirates Airlines from a small, regional airline with two leased aircrafts to its name into the world’s most profitable airline with a network that includes over 100 destinations and a fleet with almost twice as many aircrafts that define the last word in luxury.

Emirates' glittering success story is a testament to his foresight and grand vision, inspired by his patriotism and love for his country. His strong sense of national pride and devotion to the cause of the UAE’s growth provided a catalyst for the country’s success.

“When we talk about development in any country, I always believe that it is a must, first of all, to have first-class infrastructure within the city, its roads, trains or metro, ports and airports. Without excellent infrastructure we will never be able to compete with other countries to have a flow of business coming into the country and it becoming an international hub. I think Dubai is an excellent example of that due to its infrastructure. If you look at our port, it is huge - it is always being developed, it is always being expanded; another example is the airport because you need to have a very good synergy between

22 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

A Royal Message

“

the airlines that operate here and the airport. We demand certain

We, in the UAE, in Dubai, are so close to high growth population

facilities and you need to expand and improve them all the time.

centres around us. I think our focus today is geared more towards

You cannot say, ‘I will build something today,’ and that’s it, because

the East and this is part of our strategy. Asia is a big market; there

you have to look at it a few years later and be pleased.

is a lot of wealth within the countries of Asia and we want to play a major role in this by making Dubai a main hub. And it is a main hub for a number of countries when it comes to doing business - West of

Without excellent infrastructure we will never be able to compete with other countries to have a flow of business coming into the country and it becoming a hub.

”

Dubai or South of Dubai. So the most logical place to be in or even to have your logistic centre is here, in Dubai. The infrastructure here is all in place - the airline, the shipping line infrastructure, the facilities for storage etc. It is easy for people to come here for business, so it is also becoming a great meeting place of choice, so you don’t have to travel to the end of the world to meet. Dubai is the ideal meeting place for a lot of people; it is half way for almost everybody looking

When we talk about Dubai, it has become a brand at par with other

to do business in Asia. It is a great link between the countries of the

good brands that are famous and there is no doubt that Emirates

West and the East.

is also gaining pace. Dubai has really accomplished the goal for Emirates because when you have a destination you always want to

I have always believed that Dubai is the centre of the world; a modern

make it easy, convenient and accessible for people to arrive and

day centre for logistic activity. Dubai has touched the heights of

leave at their convenience and I think we have achieved that. I

business excellence on a global scale. Accompanied by advancement

must say that besides Emirates, it is also all the other stakeholders

in infrastructure and industry, the UAE continues to strive further

within the airport who have worked towards making Dubai a brand

and test its limits. I support the Asian Business Leadership Forum

destination. People have to have the same synergy where they work

Awards effort and initiative to celebrate the achievements of Asia in a

together to achieve that common goal.

common forum and its mandate of strong leadership commitments to excellence, sustainability and development.”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 23

Minister Kamal Nath speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011

Asia on the Fast Track

Minister Kamal Nath speaks on the Asian growth phenomenon at the ABLF Awards 2011

H. E. KAMAL NATH UNION CABINET MINISTER, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

“

We are witnessing a huge, dramatic change in global architecture where Asia is now driving global economic growth.

”

One of India’s most enduring and respected political figures, Minister Kamal Nath is the current Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI. An alumnus of the Doon School and a graduate of St. Xavier’s College of the University of Calcutta, Kamal Nath began his career in politics in 1980 and has served as Minister of Environment & Forests; Union Minister of State, Textiles; and Minister of Commerce & Industry in his illustrious career.

Kamal Nath is a strong proponent of economic development in India and has pushed for stronger international cooperation for the nation, outlining focus areas of production, including telecom, engineering, environmental technology, chemicals, and renewable energy. Kamal Nath describes India’s entrepreneurial spirit and the country’s potential for global commerce growth in his book India’s Century, which describes the magnitude of India’s economic renewal and the opportunities it holds for the world. Minister Nath, who strongly emphasises the need for infrastructure development in India, has been widely credited with raising his country’s profile in the global arena.

“Good evening everybody. I am delighted to participate in the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards. What better business leaders to award, than Asian business leaders? And what better place to have this awards ceremony than India? What better place than New Delhi and it is only appropriate that we recognise and award Asian business leaders.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 25

We are seeing this huge, dramatic change in global architecture and

As Minister Sibal mentioned, the last decade has seen globalisation

we are seeing the huge population of Asia. We are seeing that Asia

as never before but at the heart of globalisation was global

is now driving global economic growth. Who would have thought

competitiveness. Here again, Asia was at the forefront of global

this 10 years ago? Ten years ago, I remember, at several World

competitiveness and the next decade is going to see not merely the

Economic Forums in Davos, we leaders from Asia, or you leaders

impact of this globalisation, but also huge regionalisation. We are

from Asia, the political leaders from Asia where sermonised by the

seeing the ASEAN economies, adding to the ASEAN economy is the

Western world to reform, to have new policies, to have reforms in

ASEAN+6, the ASEAN+8. We are seeing greater economic integration

institutions, reforms in economic policy. Ten years ago, we heard it

between India and the GCC; we are talking to the GCC about having

all. I remember hearing this for many, many years.

an economic agreement. Within Asia, India has regional agreements with the SAARC countries, which includes Pakistan.

But today, in this dramatic change which is taking place, it is Asia, Asian business, and Asian business leaders, which are driving the

The challenges we face are very different to the Western economies;

global economy from the trouble that it was almost put into; which

the challenges of the European and of the North American

the Western economies are in, and I think that is the single most

economies are very different from the challenges we face. Today

significant change which is taking place.

when we talk about growth in almost all countries in Asia, we don’t talk of attaining growth; we have attained growth. We are talking

In Asia, we have never had a collapse of our financial systems. In

about managing growth. In India we talk of managing growth. How

Asia, there is a vast difference in the structures of our financial

do we have inclusive growth? How do we have growth when we are

systems. I always say this about India, and it is very true about Asia

growing at seven, eight or nine percent? How do we have growth

- that in Asia, the banks and the financial systems are funding the

which touches all sections of society, in all parts of the country? So

government, whereas in the Western world, the governments are

our challenge is managing growth. In the Western world, they are

giving money to their financial systems to help them survive and

talking not of managing growth but of having growth. Of having one

emerge from the collapse they are almost in and it is this change

or two percent growth or not having negative growth - that is a huge

which has led to Asia’s new recognition, where six countries of Asia,

difference which we can see starkly in front of us.

today, are in the G20, and this is just a start.

26 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

KEYNOTE ADDRESS I remarked in Europe in 2008 that the next decade is going to see the emerging economies of Asia, versus the submerging economies of Europe and we see this happening so dramatically. We are seeing it in Asia, where Asian human resources are producing business leaders who we recognise today. Previously, multinationals had expatriates as their chief executives; now, in Asia, we are seeing homegrown CEOs, we are seeing homegrown management, which recognise the corporate cultures of the countries together. This is not only in services or manufacturing; but also in technology,

Minister Kamal Nath with H. E. Richard Stagg and Dr. P. Mohamed Ali at the ABLF Awards 2011

where Asia will not just be a user of patents, it is going to be a producer of patents because Asia is unleashing its intellectual and

entrepreneurs. And this transition is going to be the architecture in

entrepreneurial abilities all over the globe.

the second decade of the 21st century - the first decade of the 21st century saw the emergence of Asia, and the second decade of the

India today has greater investments in Australia. Just the Indian

21st century is going to see the leadership of Asia.

curry houses in the UK employ more people than the British steel and auto sector. It is here again that we are seeing a two-way street

So what better awards can we have than awards for the Asian

where Asian countries are becoming investors. Previously it was the

business community? I want to congratulate the ABLF, Malini and

wealthy GCC countries who were the big investors abroad. Today,

all those who have put this event together because it recognises

Asian companies, Asian countries are huge investors abroad.

leadership, it recognises talent, it recognises entrepreneurship and

However investments are not a one-way street; we are seeing

most of all, it recognises vision. So my congratulations to the ABLF

Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore investing all over the world, much

Awards and to Malini for putting this event together for recognising

more than their investments into their own countries. This is also

and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow, the new Asian leaders who

the case in many countries where India is concerned, so we see

are going to drive the global economy in the future.

a huge change taking place where Asia is not just a producer of goods and not just marketing services, but is a huge producer of

Thank you and enjoy your evening.�

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 27

Minister Vayalar Ravi at the ABLF Awards 2011

Asia – Setting Higher Benchmarks Minister Vayalar Ravi’s message for the ABLF Awards 2011

H. E. VAYALAR RAVI UNION CABINET MINISTER, Overseas Indian Affairs, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

“

Asia has all the right ingredients for building an undefeatable economy and achieving its goals.

One of India’s most respected statesmen with over 50 years of public service, Vayalar Ravi is the Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI since 2006. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1971 and then again in 1977. In 1982, he went on to become the Home Minister in Kerala during the Congress party’s tenure.

Minister Vayalar Ravi has strived to bring social and political change and he has fought passionately for social equality and dignity of the downtrodden.

His personal story is one of struggle and hard work, but compassion for his fellow human beings. A law graduate, Minister Vayalar Ravi is an orator par excellence. He has travelled extensively and has proudly represented India several times at the United Nations General Assembly.

“I am delighted to participate in the ABLF Awards event organised

It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms

by Indian Expressions. Let me extend my compliments to the

and institutions.

participants from India who have made their mark in the sectors

”

of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy and have made India proud.

I also commend the ABLF Awards for building such a significant event that showcases the Gulf and South-East Asian business entities that have played a defining role in the rise of Asia.

Most of the companies represented at the ABLF are in the higher echelons of the corporate world and as leaders, are required to take on onerous responsibilities. The values and perspectives

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 29

(L-R) Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal at the ABLF Awards 2011

30 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

that drive these organisations invariably reflect on the values that

by the mantra of inclusive development, by which the large mass

the leadership upholds in its work. The issue of Asia’s economic

of the underprivileged in Asia have access to education, healthcare

development has captured the attention of the world as the centre

and employment opportunities.

of global growth and power shifts from the West to Asia. Despite the economic crisis, India has been able to weather the storm and

Asia has the right ingredients for building an undefeatable economy

continued to perform well.

and achieving its goals. It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms and institutions. What is needed is a greater sense of urgency,

There are numerous development challenges that all of us face,

stronger political will and a firmer resolve at every level to bring

whether in government or in the private sector. It is doubtless that

the vision to fruition as well as the resources to support this effort.

Asia is today the largest and fastest growing economy in the world.

I believe these challenges are not insurmountable. As long as there

The continent as a whole has a GDP growth of 7.9%. The economic

is strong belief and action upon the mantra 'national interest to

fundamentals in Asia are flush with robust foreign exchange

regional action and regional interest to national action', the goal of

reserves, a booming capital market, Foreign Direct Investments of

achieving this dream will be possible for all Asian economies.�

over US$ 200 billion and export growth in excess of 20 percent.

Clearly, Asia is on a stable growth path. We, of Asia, however, need to be alert and respond to emerging challenges and concerns in the region, addressing the issues in a timely manner as we make efforts to achieve our potential as young, fast-growing economies.

At the heart of this new era of economic prosperity in Asia is the goal of improving the quality of life of people. This can be achieved

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 31

Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011

The New Age of Asian Leadership Minister Kapil Sibal speaks on Asian leadership at the ABLF Awards 2011

H. E. KAPIL SIBAL UNION CABINET MINISTER, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

“

A product of the Harvard Law School, Minister Kapil Sibal is amongst the most recognised legal luminaries of the world, having once served as the Additional Solicitor General of India. Currently the Minister of Human Resource Development, he had charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences in the first Manmohan Singh cabinet. He is also the Minister of Communications and Information Technology in the current cabinet.

Minister Sibal is most passionate about his duties as the Minister of Human Resource Development. He has chosen ‘expansion, inclusion and excellence’ as his guiding mantra and announced a slew of measures in the education sector that could see a complete makeover of the next generation of Indian youth.

Today, we recognise the excellence of leaders in

Asia, because the real challenges of tomorrow are going to be confronted and need to be resolved by us in this

”

part of the world.

A supporter of the globalisation of education, Minister Sibal believes that education is the single greatest tool the world has to solve the problems the global economy faces. He speaks passionately of the need to change the mindset of educational institutions and open academic borders and share the knowledge.

“Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to be here with you today to recognise the business leaders in this part of the world.

Long ago, Napoleon Bonaparte said, 'Leaders are dealers in hope', and that is what leadership is all about. When you are confronted with a situation which is challenging, you confront it head on and strategise about how to deal with it. This has happened in the course of civilisation when people and leaders from different walks of life have been confronted with situations and have challenged the norms of the past to provide the solutions for the future.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 33

Unless the law of gravity was challenged, people wouldn’t have

in a far more collaborative world than ever before in the history of

flown in airplanes and leadership is about accepting the challenges

civilisation. But at the same time, we are on the cusp of dealing with

of the past, the norms of the past and realising your vision and

challenges that have never been dealt with before.

your hopes for the future. But, in that sense, the 20th century is very different from the 21st century because in the past, people were

We are in an era where the nature of property has changed; we

living on different continents, within their own worlds, but it is only

are in an era with 7 billion people in the world and a growing

in the past 30-40 years that the world has undergone globalisation.

population that will by 2050 be almost 8.9 or 9 billion people. In

Distances today have no meaning, territorial boundaries have no

an era where there is paucity of resources to realise your dreams,

meaning, and because of the ICT revolution, you can reach out to

and in that context because the economies in this part of the world

anybody anywhere in the world and in a sense, therefore, we live

are the emerging economies, the challenges are far greater. The

Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011

34 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

KEYNOTE ADDRESS reason why challenges are far greater is because when two‑fifths

Well, let’s talk about the excellence that we have achieved so far,

of humanity which live in this part of the world - 1.2 billion people

and amongst the awardees I recognise there are lots of women

in India and another 1.3 billion people in China or 1.5 billion people

leaders who are at the fore and who are recipients of these awards.

in China - if their GDP grows at the rate of 8 to 10 percent in the

Somebody said some time ago that, 'Good managers do things the

next 40 years, you can imagine the kind of resources that will be

right way, but good leaders do the right things'. Men in this world

needed to ensure that growth. And for the first time in the history

are good managers but women of this world are good leaders and

of civilisation we realise that we do not have enough resources to

great leaders. Men do things the right way but it is the women who

be able to fuel that growth and therefore, if we need to bring hope

do the right things because the woman in the family knows how to

to the millions, in fact billions who live in this part of the world,

invest money, knows how to distribute well, knows how to sustain

the nature of the resource mill must change. In other words, we

a family, knows how to take the family forward, and I don’t think

have to innovate and look at new resources which are sustainable,

the male manager has the sensitivity and the patience and the soft

consistent with the laws of nature, which will bring about growth,

touch of the female leader and I daresay that when this part of the

but which are sustainable.

world moves forward and produces many more women leaders it will add to the GDP growth by not less than 3 to 4 percent.

Now, that challenge has never been confronted by civilisation, ever before. And it is in the context of that challenge that we, today,

So I suggest that Malini, you and your organisation, in your next

recognise the excellence of leaders in this part of the world because

award ceremony, start emphasising and encouraging the women

the real challenges of tomorrow are going to be confronted by us

in this part of the world to be at the forefront of change because

in this part of the world. There is, for the first time, also a conflict

that is what will truly change the way the world deals with each

between GDP growth and survival of the human race, because on

other. It will bring about peace and tranquillity both in the

the one hand you can grow at 8 to 10 percent and on the other

corporate room as well as the outside world.

hand if you need to grow at that rate, you are going to have to exploit resources which are minimal, which are depleting and if you

I congratulate all of you gathered here today and the leaders who

actually exploit those resources which are depleting, you actually

are being awarded today, and wish you all the very best.”

question the very survivability of the human race. I don’t think that the business community thus far has thought of that challenge.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 35

ABLF AWARDS 2011 The PRESENTERS

For an event that aims to represent the very best business qualities, it is important to forge partnerships with organisations whose ethics are strongly rooted in best business practices. The ABLF Awards mandate of showcasing excellence is strengthened by the support of the Adani Group and DLF Limited, whose dedicated efforts to incorporating the business practices of integrity, innovation, excellence and sustainability have cemented their leadership position globally.

36 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF 2011 The Adani Group is a global business conglomerate, with

With over six decades of excellence, DLF Limited, India’s

a formidable presence in multiple business sectors across

largest real-estate development company is a name

the globe, from mining and SEZ to ports and energy.

synonymous with global standards, new generation

ABLF

workspaces and lifestyles.

VISIONARIES AT THE HELM Gautam Adani, the Founder and Chairman of the Adani Group, has combined entrepreneurial vision with perseverance and hard work to build one of India’s largest conglomerates today. His INR 26,827 crore business empire stretches from commodities to infrastructure to energy to agriculture.

“The ABLF Awards is the first time when India, the Gulf and South-East Asia have come together to recognise the success of the infrastructure industry. We at Adani are committed to the infrastructure sector, the

Gautam Adani CHAIRMAN ADANI GROUP

potential of Asia and investing in the Asian region and hence our support and endorsement of this initiative.”

Mr Adani’s distinctive rise to prominence reflects the bold, risk taking attitude that has typically characterised India’s post-liberalisation industrialists. What sets him apart is his spirit of collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, striving for mutual benefits in extremely competitive markets. Gautam Adani’s business strategies support his mandate to help build his nation and to do business that can ride on the government’s agenda. He interprets the country’s three priorities as infrastructure, energy and food, and has invested his epic efforts and entrepreneurial brilliance in these sectors.

38 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

VISIONARIES AT THE HELM Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr Kushal Pal Singh, Chairman of DLF Limited is a self-made billionaire who gave up a promising career in the Indian Army to take on corporate India, turning a near-bankrupt company into the nation’s biggest blue-chip brand in the real estate business with a pan-India presence in over 30 cities across 18 states.

"Urban development in India will be the biggest sunrise industry that any country has seen in any part of the world."

Kushal Pal Singh CHAIRMAN DLF LIMITED

With the mandate of ‘Building India’, he realised his own dream of transforming the urban landscape of the country by setting new standards in the housing and urban development sector and creating world-class infrastructure to attract unprecedented levels of foreign and domestic investment inflows, generating new employment opportunities and changing lifestyles.

Dr Singh is a firm believer in paying back to community and country and his contributions to the social sector encompass CSR activities with focus on rural healthcare and education.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 39

40 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

2

Setting the Stage

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 41

There are over 10,000 business award events in Asia.

Some are good. Others are better.

Some are regional, others are industry defined.

Some are glamorous social soirees, some others are cutting-edge media events.

Some make a difference, and then there are some others that are not relevant at all.

42 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

In this crowded space, what does it take to be an award event brand that stands out, is sustainable and holds its own?

To find the right answers,

you need to ask the right questions.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 43

Recognition for pioneers and leaders of industry.

What are the core mandates of any

Rewards for effort and enterprise.

significant business award event?

Accolades for work well done.

Showcase and celebrate excellence in business.

44 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

People like to be recognised and appreciated.

Award events are great motivators.

What makes award events important?

Awards are proactive mood enhancers on a global scale.

Recognition at a key award event is a powerful endorsement of public acceptance and appreciation.

Awards set benchmarks for organisations and individuals.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 45

What paves the way to Recognition?

What does it take to build Reputation & earn Recognition?

Reputation and Relevance in the business-space

Integrity, Innovation and Excellence regardless of any other specified criteria.

In today’s globalised environment relevance for both the award event and the individual cannot be single dimensional. It needs to

Why is ‘Relevance’ so important?

represent an inclusive global perspective.

The global public-opinion quotient that the event construct is based on is the heart of the event. It defines ‘relevance.’

46 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

By bringing together great nations in one forum.

By putting together an international global advisory.

By creating a dynamic worldwide public nomination portal with a global television footprint.

By showcasing powerful global opinion through an international Jury Panel.

This ‘global perspective’ - how does it happen?

These are the basic parameters upon which an event with a truly global perspective can be created and developed.

In today’s globalised economy, however, there is not a single event in Asia that showcases Asian achievements in a global context.

There are no business award events in Asia that have an integrated global nomination portal.

There are no business award events in Asia that invite worldwide nominations and have an international Jury.

There are no business awards that celebrate business leadership through the spirit of Asia and showcase Asian achievements globally.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 47

How does the Asian business community benefit from hosting a landmark award event property?

48 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The

award

recipient,

through

recognition,

is

given

responsibility and power to re-unify a fragmented Asian business

community

in

a

post-recession

conversation, collaboration and goodwill.

era

through

Revival of old-school values for a brand new ‘global business world' focusing on the great Asian business revolution.

How does the global business Reconstruct and empower fractured and distanced relationships

community benefit from such a

of the post-recession era with a new and vibrant business energy.

landmark event property?

Readdress old issues with new business solutions.

Rewrite and create new business legacies.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 49

Regions most relevant to global economic growth.

What factors define a relevant

Sectors most relevant to the recovery of the current global economy.

business award event in today's

Leadership qualities that will define the new Asian Century.

challenging times?

Leadership achievements in the mandated regions and sectors that deserve celebration on a global scale.

50 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

IN THESE TIMES OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 51

WHEN GREAT CHANGE IS IMMINENT...

52 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

OLD GIANTS AWAKEN...

TO HERALD THE RISE OF A BRAVE NEW ERA

54 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

3

WITNESS ASIA RISING • The Asian Business Leadership Forum • Asia - The Moment • The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 55

By creating a premium industry and business platform which encourages collaboration, introspection and ideation within the ABLF sectors of focus in Asia.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum

How do you construct the premise for a forum that encompasses Asia and its myriad and multi-layered business networks, which also weaves in the global interface?

Asia's success is the result of ambition, labour, collaboration and innovation by its entrepreneurs and business leaders. This success has been fostered by the creation of a conducive policy environment and healthy governance practices by governments and policy-makers alike. As a result of this dynamic combination, Asia has seen a miraculous boom in the past few decades, which has transformed and enriched the lives of millionsof people.

Today, this region is home to emerging powerhouses whose stability and growth are key to the future of the global economy.

56 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

A new platform for a new era of knowledge

“

The energy dynamic of knowledge & conversation

The Asian Business Leadership Forum is a business and

will lead the Asian Business Leadership Forum

knowledge platform that seeks to bring together the most

events just as the energy dynamic of celebration

powerful and influential voices that shape Asia's thought and define its future. Featuring Asia’s foremost thought leaders,

& recognition is on showcase at the ABLF Awards

business executives, the ABLF Awards 2011 alumni, academics,

events. Ideated and architected in association

representatives of corporate houses and trade organisations,

with leading political, government and business

as well as policymakers in the pre‑eminent sectors of industry,

strategists in Asia, the Forum is the power‑engine

infrastructure and energy, the ABLF will share insights on critical issues such as the outstanding growth trajectories of these key

of its celebratory arm, the ABLF Awards. Both event

sectors, their common benefits, the impediments in their way,

properties work in synergy with each other and in

and what the future holds for the three sectors in Asia.

perfect tandem.

”

Malini N. Menon Founder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions

After a glittering celebration of business excellence, the ABLF Awards property moves towards a more research-information trajectory, reflecting a global shift in which established and emerging economies across the world pursue the creation, evaluation and efficient use of knowledge for growth.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 57

“

The Asian Business Leadership

The 2012 edition of the ABLF Awards will be preceded by a Knowledge

Forum provides a good platform

Forum on Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, and formally

to look at leadership which is now

presented as a TV episode across global television partners with a

largely emerging from Asian countries. Demand-

combined reach of more than 50 million viewers. The Forum will be

driven economies provide big opportunities for

the first of a series of events that will archive valuable information about the three business sectors within Asia.

business and it is important to highlight the leadership in these countries.

”

pranav Adani Managing Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar

“

The ABLF event has proven to be

an extraordinary effort in bringing the Gulf, India and South-East

The Forum is to be presented in three consecutive sessions, each dedicated to the ABLF Awards sectors of focus - Industry, Infrastructure and Energy - and will feature a live audience of select invitees from across Asia who are authorities in their respective fields. The sessions will also feature an open floor question-answer segment with the audience.

The knowledge-focused environment will be geared towards fostering

greater

dialogue

and

understanding

among

the

Asia together at one spectacular business event. I

participating constituencies of the ABLF. Such a sharing of

commend the effort.

insights and discussion of ideas will create new opportunities for

”

Rajeev Talwar Managing Director, DLF Universal Limited

58 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

collaboration and strengthen the prospects of growth.

“

The creation, the dissemination and the utilisation of knowledge is what really empowers both people and nations.

”

Dr. Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India Industry • Infrastructure • Energy

Leveraging the new drivers of the global economy

The Asian Business Leadership Forum in June 2012 is a prelude to the second edition of the ABLF Awards in November 2012 and will feature the iconic achievers, presenters and participants of the inaugural award event, bringing them together in a colloquium that will encompass the business zeitgeist of Asia and chronicle history as it is made.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 59

Asia - The Moment “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These

“

words, originally spoken by Victor Hugo, were paraphrased by Dr Manmohan Singh towards the end of a historic budget speech in

The discussion on the Asian Century

essentially

1991, when he helped India make a quantum leap into the global

arises

economy. Indeed, this Hugovian quote aptly describes the arrival of

from the fact that before the

Asia on the world stage and not just India’s tryst with globalisation.

Industrial Revolution, 60 percent of the world’s GDP came from Asia. In the 40 years since the

Asia has led the world in the recovery from the global economic crisis and has been instrumental in laying the path for the rest of the world to follow.

60s, the contribution of Asia to global GDP has already risen to 35 percent of the total GDP, and correspondingly the contribution of the West is shrinking. If the same trend continues for the next 40 years, and every indication is that it is likely

Asia’s transition has been more incredible than even what optimists would have imagined a few decades ago. The lives of billions of people on this continent have been enriched in the process. Never in human history has such a transition taken place in such a short period of time and touched as many lives.

to continue, then Asia is going to be the largest contributor to global GDP.

”

Venu Rajamony Joint Secretary, Multilateral Institutions Division, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI

60 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Today, the world’s tallest buildings, largest automobile companies, steel manufacturers and fastest supercomputers are from Asia.

Where rickety trains would ply a few decades ago, magneticlevitation trains now glide along at 430kph connecting Shanghai’s airport to the city centre. As of 2011, 34 percent of all billionaires in the world were from Asia and the number is only growing rapidly.

ABLF Awards 2011 Asian countries are pioneering the next generation of energy

output, trade, and investment, while also enjoying widespread

technology and their companies are excelling in building world‑class

affluence by the middle of this century. It could, by 2050, account

highways, airports and other infrastructure around the world. The

for more than half of the global GDP as well as witness a six-fold per

competition is not just between Asia and the rest, but within Asia

capita income rise to reach the global average. By nearly doubling

itself, a testimony of this is the fact that three Asian nations are in a

its share of global GDP from 27 percent in 2010 to 51 percent in

space race to the moon today.

2050, Asia could regain the dominant global economic position it held nearly 250 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution.

But the transformation has not just been at the macro level. What makes the Asian success story something to be proud of is how such

Asia has the advantage of using the latest technologies from the

economic growth has led to millions of people rising out of poverty,

West, thereby leapfrogging intermediate technologies. This is being

getting educated and chasing what can be called the ‘Asian dream.’

used to optimum levels in several sectors such as medicine and telecommunications. There is also a substantive shift taking place in

The Asian story has for long been synonymous with conservative

the labour force, which is increasingly becoming mobile. Additionally,

traditional values and tried-and-tested methods of business.

the region is seeing an explosion of the middle-class. Yet, crucial

However, in recent decades, an emergent shift towards cutting-

to this growth story is the need to catalyse a strong and strategic

edge business excellence has gained increasing prominence.

framework that celebrates regional cooperation and cements global

During the 20th century, the intra-Asia interface witnessed a period

economic relationships to foster a shared global agenda.

of change due to West-centric economic and political equations.

But the process of rediscovering the old bonhomie is now well

A FOCUS ON COUNTRIES

under way at a time when Asia is witnessing an economic boom

Asia's first modern day economic giant was Japan. Today, Japan

amid Western economic gloom.

boasts high standards of living and a vibrant production and technology sector and its growth story is reflected well in the

THE GROWTH STORY

steel sector. China, which embarked on a mission to open up its

Industry observers predict that should Asia continue to grow on

economy two decades before India did, also saw incredible success.

its recent trajectory, the continent could account for half of global

The accomplishment of this economic revolution has helped China

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 61

leapfrog ahead of Western nations and the country is now said to

THE ONSET OF THE ASIAN CENTURY

be on its way to pip the USA as the global superpower.

As we stand today on the threshold of epochal global economic change, the eyes of the world are well and truly set on Asia. The rapid

In India's case, many commentators from around the world have

economic rise of the region over the past four to five decades has

lauded private companies for their strong performance globally

been one of the most successful stories of economic development

as well as locally. The country is now replete with thriving small

in recent times. As fears of a double-dip recession grip the world,

businesses and a fair number of world-class ones. The Gulf nations

today, the global economy’s centre of gravity is shifting towards

too have realised the importance of hedging against economic

the Asian region. Experts believe that this dramatic transformation

dependence on oil reserves by working towards developing other

could well be the onset of the ‘Asian Century.’

sectors. This too has seen success to various degrees. South-East Asia, on the other hand, has followed East Asia’s accomplishments

As regional integration intensifies, Asia's integration into the world

with a successful mix of liberalisation, protection of key industries

economy will accelerate. The Asian community must thus work

and accumulation of knowledge capital.

towards openness, freedom, diversity and cosmopolitanism in order to consolidate the Asian Century.

SUSTAINING THE ASIAN STORY Asian governments will need to continue to reform and support industry in order to sustain the Asian story. Better legal and administrative frameworks which protect intellectual property, cut red tape, encourage time-bound delivery of public services and curtail graft and corruption are the need of the hour. Expenditure in infrastructure will need to be sustained and increased, and energy provision must be given top priority as it forms the fuel of the entire economy, sustaining heavy industries and households alike.

62 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

“

The

Anil Wats COO and EVP, DP World

majority

of

the

world’s

population is in the Middle East, India and the Far East and these are the countries and economies that are going to dictate and dominate the next 1,000 years of the planet. The ABLF Awards could not have chosen a better time to manifest than now.

Rajen Kilachand Chairman & President, Dodsal Group

“

The

ABLF

Awards

are

the

”

recognition of success that comes with courage and hard work.

Without courage and making an effort, you can’t reach the top so it is very encouraging for the younger generation to come forward and follow those who have been successful leaders.

Sadruddin Hashwani Chairman, Hashoo Group

”

The rise of infrastructure in Asia Intra-Asia commerce has seen the fastest growing regional trade anywhere over the past five years, creating a continentsized supermarket. China, the second largest economy in the world, is finding demand for its exports among its Asian neighbours, easing reliance on demand in the West. India isn’t too far behind in this race for Asia's domestic consumer market, although it has one of the world’s most demanding home markets of its own. What works in Asia’s favour is a demand and supply situation that is healthy enough to be sustainable over the long term and a strong supply chain infrastructure that is among the finest in the world today.

Asia is home to eight of the top 10 container terminals in the world - together they move more containers than the rest of the industry combined. Across Asia, airports are becoming more modern and ever larger, catering to an increasingly mobile population. Three Asian airlines are among the top 10 in the world, including Dubai-based Emirates, which has consistently flown more passenger kilometres internationally than any other carrier over the past three years.

Asia’s true strength lies in its human assets - rising literacy levels combined with rapid industrialisation create a formidable force as Asian nations shake off the burdens of the past and surge ahead on the road to development.

The International Monetary Fund predicted a two-tiered growth for the global economy for 2011, with Asia greatly surpassing Europe’s performance. India’s trade relations with the Gulf countries are a shining example of how quiet, consistent work can sustain commerce over the long term. India is today the largest trading partner of the UAE and the GCC as a whole. This was built over decades of mutually beneficial partnerships on a bilateral and multilateral basis.

Of course, neither the rise of Asia nor the decline elsewhere is irreversible.

What is evident is that the world is now getting flatter, economically speaking.

That is good news for everyone, including Asians.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 63

By bringing together an intellectual forum of powerful Asian nations in an annual event series that celebrates

In a crowded global business-space, how do you incubate and promote an intellectual forum to showcase its importance and relevance in a celebratory manner?

the rise of Asia in the global consciousness.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards™

The ABLF Awards™ does this through the revival of old-school values for a brand new ‘global business world’. The Awards focus on the great Asian business revolution while empowering relationships in the postrecession era with new business energy.

A new global business world has risen and broken the traditional manacles of global consciousness, empowering novel business relationships with pioneering business energy.

64 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Awards is poised to become Asia’s premier showcase of exemplary business enterprise that recognises and rewards pioneering leaders and organisations who have set new benchmarks in the global business arena. In its inaugural year, the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards paid tribute to exemplary leaders who have stood strong in the face of the

Accolades for the leaders who walk the path of excellence

economic downturn and continue to play a significant role in the story of ‘Asia Rising’.

The context of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards is the engagement of the three key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy in the three most powerful regions of the great Asian business-space – the Gulf, India and South-East Asia, whose stunning economic growth and development have captured global attention.

Asia is undergoing a profound economic transformation. To sustain a growing Asian economy, the need to pursue economic policies in tune to the needs of the business community and civil society has

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 65

“

Events like the ABLF Awards help in bringing together likeminded entrepreneurs, business leaders, government policy-makers and civil society representatives from Asia on the same

increased. Over the past decade, Asia has become the centre of global energy and commodity markets as demand for these resources

platform to share ideas. Asia is really the engine

has mirrored the region’s rapid economic growth. The emergence

of economic growth at this point in time in the

of Asia and its subsequent impact on global consumption levels

global economy and as the world goes through

has obvious implications for both the future of the region’s growth

one crisis after the other, the importance of this region becomes critical.

”

Anita Marangoly George Director, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

“

and the trajectory of its development. The emergence of a sizeable Asian economy is likely to encourage business innovation, greater accountability and transparency in healthy working environments.

With a vast, unique mix of delegates and decision-makers from international industries, the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards focused on emerging high growth areas of the

The ABLF Awards is a platform

global economy. The mission of the ABLF Awards is to promote

where Asia comes together. It is

outstanding business practices, which demonstrate environmental

the only platform that we have

stewardship, economic vitality and social responsibility.

seen so far which brings all three important

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards highlights the

regions together. Everybody is actually looking

key

towards Asia; this is where it is all happening -

sustainability, integrity, excellence, commitment and innovation,

the people, the human resources - this is where it is all coming from.

”

Anil Singh Senior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent

66 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

business

qualities

of

entrepreneurship,

philanthropy,

“

Any

which are the mainstays of a world-class organisation. It also

award

ceremony,

draws on the collective expertise and business ethics of present-

is

day business icons to provide actionable recommendations for the

fundamentally about the winners

region’s growing economic capabilities.

but actually it is more about the energy it releases. The ABLF Awards ceremony was

The ABLF Awards 2011 acknowledged not only the significant

a shining example of this in the way it focused on

constraints and barriers to achieving success, but also the efforts

the two ‘energy chakras’ of the contemporary world economy – Asia and Infrastructure. To make it even

of and progress achieved by eminent leaders and organisations in Asia during an especially trying period, while initiating dialogue on sustainable business ideas.

better, all this 'release' came in an ambience that exuded class and elegance. Beyond the velvet ropes there was a glimpse of a set of world leaders, joining

Our world is rapidly changing, and the changes affect every business, every industry, and every country. The ABLF Awards 2011 were the inaugural showcase of the Asian Business Leadership

forces metaphorically to be champions for a unique

Forum, a premium industry and business platform which will

change. A celebration therefore of a congruence of

include cutting‑edge symposiums, forum discussions, television

interests – economic and geographic. Bravo.

conferences and book showcases, and carve a niche for itself in the

Dilip Cherian Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations

”

echelons of Asian business history.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 67

ENTREPRENEU

SUSTAINAB

INTEGRITY INNO

ELLENCE COM

PHILANTH 68 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

URSHIP

BILITY

ENTREPRENEURSHIP The professional application of knowledge, skills and competencies; of monetising a new idea by launching an enterprise to pursue growth while generating wealth and social good

SUSTAINABILITY Harvesting a resource wisely so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged; managing assets for future generations; responsible allocation of finite means

INTEGRITY An adherence to a code of ethical, incorruptible values;

OVATION

the state of being whole, honest and undiminished

What are the key qualities of an

INNOVATION To make changes, to create something extraordinary,

exemplary business organisation?

to experiment, to do something in a new and better way

MMITMENT

EXCELLENCE The fact or state of outstanding merit; of eminence; to

be extraordinary; to be remarkably superior

COMMITMENT A pledge or a promise; an inspired engagement; passionate involvement

HROPY

PHILANTHROPY Altruistic concern for human welfare, advancement; endowments of money, property or institutions; social responsibility; acts of generosity

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 69

70 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

4

Key Pivots of the ABLF Series • The Sectors of Focus • The Regions of Focus

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 71

The drivers of global economy are the pre-eminent sectors that contribute immeasurably to building a nation’s economy. While the sectors may not directly play a significant role in economic growth, they are the backbone of a strong and powerful economy.

For instance, while sectors such as industry and infrastructure may not directly contribute to the GDP, the lack of sound infrastructure ultimately hinders the growth of a country. To draw an analogy, India’s most industrialised state is Gujarat, which produces 41

What defines the term

percent of the country’s chemical products and 35 percent of

‘drivers of global economy’?

such pockets of industrialised cities are capable of generating

petrochemicals. In a predominantly agriculture-based economy,

revenues to facilitate the growth of other sectors or regions.

Energy is, today, the mantra on everyone’s lips and energy security is the future of global existence. At a time when fossil fuels are on the verge of depletion, the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption is dictating the terms for modern economies to function. To overcome the challenges these sectors face, countries need to establish mutually beneficial relations.

72 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Industry • infrastructure • Energy

The ABLF Awards 2011 felicitated the stalwarts of the three key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy and celebrated their foresight and dedication to transforming the Asian business space.

These three giant sectors together complement each other as well as feed into each other’s business tributaries. While they do

What are the drivers of global

not traditionally court media attention, these sectors need to be brought out of their ivory towers and into the public spotlight to

economy that are on showcase at

highlight the significant roles they play in developing economies.

the ABLF Awards?

The world, today, is transforming into a knowledge economy, and people deserve to know why the Industry, Infrastructure and Energy sectors are so vital to economic growth. Hitherto, they have been neglected in the public news space, but the Asian Business Leadership Forum seeks to bridge that chasm between a mundane and uninteresting industry event by taking its dynamics out into a glamorous and high-profile event in the company of media, academics, and government, as well as law, international corporations and business leaders.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 73

ABLF Awards 2011 THE SECTORS OF FOCUS

INDUSTRY The process of industrialisation has paved the way for a societal

Steel forms the backbone of developed and emerging economies

transformation in Asia, as it did in the West in the past century.

for its extensive use across sectors. Consequentially, Asia has

Industry-wide reform in Asian countries such as China, India and

emerged as the world leader in steel production and consumption.

Japan set the foundation for the wave of industrialisation that

Five of the top six producers of steel in 2011 were based in Asia.

followed. Leaders of these nations were instrumental in creating

Asia produces over 64 percent of the world’s steel and consumes

a strong base in heavy industries and promoting their growth. This

69 percent of world production. Steel consumption by China and

had a ripple effect on the economy as the infrastructure and energy

India, two of the largest consumers, is expected to increase by 7.5

sector grew, thus facilitating industries.

percent and 4.3 percent in the 2011-2012 period. This sector is at risk, however, of falling profits due to the increase in the price of

Private companies have set an example for the world to follow.

raw materials, including coal. A favourable policy environment and

Japan’s production line innovations in the 1970s sparked a new

consolidation is needed to strengthen the sector.

generation of plants in the automotive sector. In the near future, Asia is expected to lead the world in renewable energy equipment

Similarly, the automotive industry has seen massive growth in Asia.

production due to extensive research and development in this field.

Asian companies are rivalling European and American companies that once dominated the market, creating new segments and

THE BACKBONE OF new-age ECONOmies

gaining foothold on existing ones. In the past two years, IPO activity

Asia contributed 45 percent to the world’s manufacturing output

in the automotive sector has also markedly increased, and over 70

in 2009-2010. With the region’s developing nations contributing

percent of the IPOs originated from Asia in 2010. While production

25 percent and industrialised nations contributing 20 percent, the

was constant over 2008 and 2009, in part due to the recession,

possibility of Asia surpassing the Western foothold in the industrial

2010 witnessed an increase, with Asia contributing close to 50

sector appears increasingly real.

percent to global automotive production.

74 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The construction industry, also led by Asia, is experiencing a historical boom. With easing regulations on FDIs and increasing partnerships between nations and private companies, the sector has helped transform the landscape of nations. The trend in heavy industries is therefore, clear - while the recession did impact the global industry, it also triggered a rationalisation process; industries will emerge stronger from this crisis to build on the Asian growth story.

SETTING PRIORITIES Over the past few decades, governments have been creating Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to promote the growth of industries, with favourable policies and tax structures which help enhance exports and, in turn, the economy. Governments need to continue to support such exclusive zones, while focusing on infrastructure

“

We need to ensure that there is vertical integration in a value chain; we have to ensure that we also go to the downstream side of things. That approach will add value and create jobs. Such large-scale industrialisation is likely to happen if we take a

creation, which forms the lifeline of the economy, and energy

fiscal view of things and decide on which industries

generation to power industries too.

we want to support that would create a lot of value.

When we get that done, you will see Indonesia's

The heavy industry sector forms the muscle of the economy as it transforms national income measures, lifestyles and the standards

ability to manufacture goods and services in a big

of living in societies for the better. In spite of the economic slump,

way, which will allow us to position ourselves as a

the forecast for the industry sector in Asia seems reasonably bright.

knowledge-based economy.

�

H. E. Gita Wirjawan Minister of Trade, Indonesia Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board) The ABLF Journey of Glory | 75

ABLF Awards 2011 THE SECTORS OF FOCUS

INFRASTRUCTURE Infrastructure plays a vital role in an economy as it has the

factors have crept into the equation. China, owing to firm control

characteristics of intermediate and final products and services.

of the state, has been able to successfully upgrade and create

As an intermediate product, it promotes the mobility of factors of

infrastructure to radically transform the landscape of the country. In

production and the flow of information, thus, improving productivity

India however, while private enterprises, in concert with government

and stimulating growth. As a final good, the consumption of

agencies, have delivered world class airports, metro rail systems

infrastructure services directly impacts the quality of people’s lives.

and highways in big cities, several other regions languish in despair.

In Asia’s case, the infrastructure boom has been the most visible

Land acquisition and red tape is a concern, and the government

sign of progress for the continent as a whole. By employing the

has recently bolstered its efforts to provide infrastructure in order

latest technology, Asia has made a leapfrog in this sector, bypassing

to fuel growth and development. Other forms of infrastructure too

intermediate stages of infrastructure development.

have experienced a boost, such as mass transit rails which are being constructed or considered for a dozen Indian cities.

However, in order to sustain or trigger development in some regions within Asia, infrastructure needs to be given a further push. The

The Gulf has been fortunate in this regard. Owing to the low

World Economic Forum estimates that the cost of building transport

pressure of land use and the presence of adequate funds, the

hubs, telecom facilities, and other infrastructure across Asia will

region has seen a massive infrastructure boom in recent decades.

exceed US$ 8 trillion over the next 10 years. Fortunately, the region

As nations in this region realise that they need to diversify away

has enough money in private savings, sovereign wealth funds and

from oil revenues to create a more sustainable economy, they

central bank reserves to fund infrastructure creation and upgrades.

have worked to create modern business and financial districts, and tourism havens. South-East Asian nations too have been at

THE foundation of economic growth

the forefront of infrastructure creation. Singapore and Malaysia

Asia has had varied experiences in infrastructure creation. Different

have led infrastructure development in the region while Indonesia,

countries are in different stages of development, and different

Thailand, Vietnam and other countries are catching up.

76 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The projects employed by different countries have had varied legal and administrative setups. Some nations opted for Public Private Partnerships while others trusted the private sector. While privatisation has brought greater efficiency and quality in the deliverables, in some cases, it has failed to do the same. This could either be due to lack of a favourable policy environment or because of the nature of the public good or service to be provided.

BUILDING A SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Social infrastructure, which has a profound impact on human capital is an important factor to consider. Schools, health facilities, libraries, as well as rural administrative and cultural centres all help human development and significantly add to the growth story; a healthy and skilled labour force is vital for economic growth. The private sector has an important role to play in this field, as it can be a partner in the progress of the Asian population even as it

“

Over the past decade, India’s average annual GDP growth rate of 7 percent was supported by an investment rate of approximately 23 percent of GDP. In recent years, infrastructure is the buzz, with billions of dollars’ worth of new investments flowing

searches for newer business opportunities. The role of corporate

into railways, roads, power, ports, airports, and

social responsibility too can be significant in this sector.

urban transportation. Investment in infrastructure fuels the growth of industry, which makes India

Owing to overwhelming demand for infrastructure and the strong financial backing it can attain, this sector has great potential in the future. It is imperative that nations reform their infrastructure creation policies to boost such a vital lifeline of the modern economy, paving the way for better provision of public goods.

not only a stable investment destination but a very attractive investment destination.

”

H. E. Kamal nath Union Cabinet Minister, Urban Development, Government of India

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 77

ABLF Awards 2011 THE SECTORS OF FOCUS

ENERGY

If infrastructure is the foundation of modern Asian economies,

nine of the top thirteen countries by oil reserves are in Asia and

then energy is the fuel that drives it. Much of Asia’s progress has

in recent years, Asian energy companies have stood strong in the

come from rapid industrialisation and infrastructure creation, both

world ranking by Platts. The 2011 rankings showed that about 70

of which require a consistent supply of energy. Replete with fossil

of the 250 energy firms worldwide are from this region, which is an

fuel sources, Asia is not only the world’s largest energy supplying

increase by 40 percent from the figure in 2001.

continent, it has emerged as the biggest consumer of energy too.

While the U.S. was once the largest energy user in the world at Policy reforms by governments in the energy sector have been

about 100 quadrillion BTUs (British Thermal Units) of energy per

influenced by their goals to achieve energy security. The security

year, the Asia Pacific now consumes twice that amount. There

of supplies has a temporal dimension, as nations want to employ

will be significant growth in the coal sector, notwithstanding the

those sources which are viable in the short as well as long run.

pressure against it for environmental reasons. The largest growth,

There is also a need for the energy market to be resilient to shocks

however, will be seen in the natural gas and LNG sector, as this

of supply which may occur due to unavailability of natural resources

forms a relatively cleaner and viable fossil fuel source. However,

or supply chain breakdowns. Thus, countries are employing energy

Asia’s energy resources are not restricted to fossil fuels. Several

policies which encourage diversification into varied energy sources.

Asian countries have a high incidence of solar intensity, which makes them appropriate for diversifying into this source of energy.

The heart of economic development

Rare earth minerals, which are used in the production of turbines

Asia is an emerging energy force and leads the world in power

and solar PV cells are another crucial resource. Asia – in particular

consumption. The continent will have the highest GDP of any other

China – has an abundance of such minerals, which will render it an

region in the world by 2030 and will account for two-thirds of global

important player in the energy market in the future. Considerable

energy demand growth. While coal will continue to be a major part

efforts have been made in the nuclear energy sector as well. There

of the growth, the share of oil and gas will increase as well. Today,

are now 112 nuclear reactors in operation in East and South Asia,

78 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

with 37 more under construction and plans to build an additional 84. The greatest growth in nuclear generation is expected in China, Japan, South Korea and India; this region accounts for 36 percent of the world’s new capacity, a share which is likely to increase by 2020.

In the past few decades, Asia has begun to take a lead in downstream energy businesses as well as renewable energy options like solar and wind power. Today, five of the top ten largest wind turbine manufacturers by annual market share are Asian; additionally, the top ten solar cell manufacturers are all from Asia.

“

Oil is a non-renewable energy source that will one day come to an end. Clearly, the world should

A spirit of collaboration Resource abundant countries are often different and far away from energy consumer countries, which leaves a lot of room for trade and cooperation. Several efforts have already been made in

regard oil and gas as valuable resources that need to be used with care. As the UAE’s economy grows at a fast pace, there is an urgent need to continue

this direction. For instance, Nepal and India are stepping closer to

investing heavily in new power plants and to create

announcing the trade of electricity between the two countries. India

a balanced energy portfolio, in which gas, nuclear

has similar agreements with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan,

and renewables will all play an important role. That

paving the way for hydropower cooperation. Such cooperation is beneficial to all parties as each secures either greater revenues

is why the UAE’s own domestic energy policy calls

or greater supply of electricity. Energy cooperation, thus, has the

for a balanced portfolio in which hydrocarbons,

potential to facilitate peace through economic dependency, which

nuclear and renewable energy all play a part.

will play an important role in promoting economic growth in Asia.

H. E. Mohamed bin Dhaen Al Hamli Minister of Energy, UAE

”

Hindalco2, the metals flagship company of the US$ 35 billion Aditya Birla Group with operations in more than 50 countries, is the world's largest aluminium rolling company and one of the three biggest producers of primary aluminium in Asia, with the world’s largest single location copper smelter. www.hindalco.com

The Keppel Group of Companies2 is the infrastructure leader in Singapore with Keppel Offshore & Marine, Keppel Integrated Engineering, Energy, Telecommunications & Transportation. www.kepcorp.com

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world. ADIA manages a substantial global investment portfolio which is highly diversified across two dozen asset classes, investing in all international markets, equities and treasuries, infrastructure and real estate. www.adia.ae

Scomi is a Malaysia based global service provider in the oil and gas industry. www.scomi.com Saudi Basic Industries Corporation1 is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chemicals, fertilizers, plastics and metals. It is also the Middle East's largest company by market capitalization, revenue and profits. www.sabic.com

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation1 is one of the largest Asia-based oil and gas exploration companies. It produces 77% of India's total crude production and 87% of natural gas production. www.ongcindia.com

PETRONAS1 is the national oil company of Malaysia, vested with the entire ownership and control of the petroleum resources in the country, and ranked among the FORTUNE Global 500ÂŽ largest corporations in the world. www.petronas.com

A glimpse of Asia's might in the Industry, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority implements and conceptualises new and innovative development initiatives across the world. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. www.rak-ia.com

Reliance Industries Limited1 is India's largest company by market capitalisation with interests in petrochemicals, refining and oil and gas, SEZ development and telecom. Reliance Industries has been featured in Forbes list of World's 100 Most Respected Companies. www.ril.com

Semen Gresik2 is Indonesia's largest cement producer. www.semengresik.com Industries Qatar's2 operations range from the metal industry to petrochemicals and the group operates a number of world-class production facilities in Qatar and the UAE. www.industriesqatar.com.qa

DUBAL owns and operates one of the world's largest aluminium smelters with a capacity of 1 million metric tonnes per annum, and casting operations with a capability of more than 1,161,000 metric tonnes per annum. www.dubal.ae

Qatar Petroleum is the world's third largest oil and gas company in terms of reserves. www.qp.com.qa Petroleum Development Oman is a major exploration and production company in the Sultanate of Oman with combined hydrocarbons production in excess of 1 million barrels per day. It accounts for more than 70% of the country's crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural gas supply. www.pdo.co.om

Masdar, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Government-owned Mubadala Development Company, operates to reach the broad boundaries of the renewable energy and sustainable technologies industry. www.masdar.ae

GMR Group is a fast-growing infrastructure enterprise in India, with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure, including SEZ. www.gmrgroup.in 80 | Thethe ABLF Journey of Glory TAQA, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company2 is a leading company based in the capital of the UAE with interests in power, infrastructure and finance. www.taqa.ae

Indorama Corporation, a leading Indonesia-established company, is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals and the world's largest manufacturer of polyester and PET & PTA. www.indorama.com

Suzlon is a wind power company from India. The company is the largest wind turbine manufacturer in Asia and the fifth largest worldwide in terms of market share. It is also the world’s most valuable wind power company In terms of net worth. www.suzlon.com

Investment Corporation of Dubai is the investment arm of the Government of Dubai with a portfolio comprising of all wholly or partly owned government businesses and embraces a global investment strategy. www.icd.gov.ae

PTT Public Company Limited1 is the largest corporation in Thailand and is involved in electricity generation, petrochemical products, oil and gas exploration and production, and gasoline retailing. www.pttplc.com

National Petroleum Construction Company is a UAE-based global construction corporation providing EPC services in the development of offshore and onshore oil and gas fields for the Arabian Gulf and regional markets. www.npcc.ae

Oman Oil, wholly owned by the Government of Oman, boasts a power portfolio of investments that include exploration & production, infrastructure & shipping, refining & marketing, petrochemicals, aluminium and power. www.oman-oil.com

Infrastructure & Energy sectors Banpu Public Company Limited2 is one of the foremost energy companies in Thailand, and a leading

“

Good business leaders

regional coal player through its operations in Indonesia and its investments in China. www.banpu.com

SembCorp Industries Limited2 is a Singapore based provider of infrastructure services including utilities, engineering, construction, environmental and marine engineering. www.sembcorp.com

create a vision,

articulate the vision,

passionately own the vision,

and relentlessly drive it to completion. jack Welch Former CEO of General Electric & Author

GVK Group is a diversified business enterprise with interests in power generation, airport operations, roads, urban infrastructure, bio-science and manufacturing. www.gvk.com

Temasek Holdings is an Asian investment company headquartered in Singapore

”

and owns a diversified US$ 193 billion portfolio. www.temasek.com.sg

Adaro Energy2 is the largest single-site coal producer in the Southern hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. www.adaro.com

Dubai World is a respected global holding company with huge interests in infrastructure and financial services. www.dubaiworld.ae

IDFC is India's leading integrated infrastructure finance player that provides end to end financing and project implementation services. www.idfc.com

Jindal Steel & Power2 is a leading India based global player in steel, power, mining and infrastructure.

It is part of the US$ 15 billion diversified O.P Jindal Group. www.jindalsteelpower.com 1. Fortune Global 500 company

The Siam Cement Public Company Limited2 is an industry leader in chemicals, paper and cement

2. Forbes Global 2000 company

with over 24,000 employees, and handles more than 64,000 The product ABLFitems.

Journey www.scg.co.th of Glory | 81

“

In the past few years, intra-economic activities within Asia have gone up tremendously whether it is in trade or also in investment. I think it is important for us to explore new opportunities that will further bolster such economic relationships within the Asian community. The ABLF provides a forum for such dialogue and can become the Davos [World Economic Forum] of Asia.

�

H. E. Gita Wirjawan Minister of Trade, Indonesia Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)

82 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Six rising Asian economic centres represented at one significant event

The Participating Countries

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

The ABLF Awards welcomed participation from six of the fastest growing countries in Asia, whose incredible growth stories have garnered the world’s attention. Representatives from each country, who attended the event came together for a common purpose – to ensure that Asia continues on its growth trajectory with support from each country’s leadership and business organisations, and to ensure their own country's participation in the celebrations.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 83

ABLF Awards 2011 The REGIONS OF FOCUS

United Arab Emirates Oman

The Gulf 84 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Abu Dhabi Structured growth powered by sharp economic vision

Yusuffali M. A. Managing Director, EMKE Group; Director Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI); Member, Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians, Government of India On the ABLF Awards’ Asia mandate “My heartiest congratulations to the ABLF Awards on bringing together the spirit of Asia. As an Asian Business Awards Middle East 2007 alumnus, it gives me great pride to see that the mandate of the event is Asia-focused. Collaboration is important, now more than ever, for Asia to achieve its full potential as the global economic torchbearer of the future.”

Dubai Front lining world-class infrastructure and development

Sultan Bin Sulayem Chairman, DP World On the ABLF Awards’ sectors of focus “For well over three decades, the world's collective progress has been measured by the trade flow between countries and continents. With around 90 percent of global trade carried by the international shipping industry, development of marine infrastructure offers the only sustainable way to grow a nation’s trade.”

Muscat Ancient philosophies shaping a new business vision

Pankaj Khimji Director, Khimji Ramdas On the ABLF Awards’ regions of focus “It is very encouraging to have an event like the ABLF Awards because we’ve suddenly reinforced the fact that Asia is a force.

We have an area, a large powerhouse which is self-sufficient India being the granary, South East Asia being the edible oil and the production base and the Middle East being the energy source. Within the three, you probably don’t need a fourth factor. We need to recognise our achievements and the ABLF Awards is a wonderful event in recognising the same.”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 85

ABLF Awards 2011 The REGIONS OF FOCUS New Delhi

Mumbai

India 86 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

New Delhi Building the nation’s economy for an empowered future H. E. Anil Wadhwa Ambassador of India to Thailand On the ABLF Awards’ Asia mandate “The organisation of the ABLF Awards for recognising important personalities in selected economic fields as well as those who have made a contribution in the enhancement of relations between India and the respective countries in Asia is a welcome development. It is imperative more than ever for Asia to maintain strong economic and political relations that are not only eventually gainful but also benefit the wider Asian region and of course the global market. An event such as the ABLF Awards creates the opportunity for better and I am certain that it will reinforce the strong ties between India and other countries across Asia towards success.”

Mumbai India's business barometer Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair Chairman, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts On the ABLF Awards ceremony “The world has seen a dramatic and significant change in the way it does business, with the Asian economy now leading the way. Asia is no longer just an emerging market but has taken centre stage in driving the global economy. There is surely no better time than now for the ABLF Awards to become the most relevant award in the world for showcasing Asian business. This award, which recognises excellence in leadership and entrepreneurship, will significantly raise the profile of its winners. Going forward it should become the most relevant and coveted business award in the world.”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 87

ABLF Awards 2011 The REGIONS OF FOCUS

MALAYSIA Singapore

Indonesia

South-East Asia 88 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Kuala Lumpur Leveraging the power of an industrialised market economy

H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung Malaysian High Commissioner to India On the ABLF Awards’ celebration of the Asian moment “It was a pleasure to attend the ABLF Awards event in New Delhi and to see countries of Asia come together in one forum.

There is no doubt that Asia deserves to be on the forefront of global attention, given its influence and importance in economic matters and especially the human resource sectors.”

Singapore The soaring success of a highly developed market-based economy

H. E. Karen Tan Singapore High Commissioner to India On the ABLF Awards’ regions of focus “I think the ABLF is an excellent initiative. In a globalised world, I think there is no shortage of opportunities for us to get to together and this award platform is something that will bring the Gulf, India as well as South-East Asia together, and I hope this will also be the start of closer collaboration not just between South-East Asia and India but also between South-East Asia, India, and the GCC countries.”

Jakarta Strengthening industry and natural resource management for economic growth

Adrianto Machribie President Commissioner, PT Austindo Group On The Big Night - the ABLF Awards ceremony “I congratulate the organisers of the ABLF Awards for the fabulous event. It was truly a get-together of Asia and I was proud to represent the Indonesian business community at such a prestigious forum. I think it is significant that the world is beginning to recognise that the central gravity of global economic development has shifted to Asia.”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 89

90 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

5

Anatomy of the ABLF Awards • The Grand Jury • The Criteria • The Trophies

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 91

An international global advisory of 13 business and economic policy leaders.

The ABLF Awards Grand Jury

For the first time in the business awards industry, the award nominees and winners were determined not by a single institution with its own associations and allegiances, but through a global nomination portal and by a group of independent personalities

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

across various knowledge realms who have global presence, experience and interest in Asia Rising.

The ABLF Awards Grand Jury consisted of a high-profile group of industry experts, economic commentators and international leaders from government, business, academics, advisory and other professional disciplines. Bringing a wealth of multi-disciplinary expertise and industry knowledge, the panel honoured 14 outstanding individuals from across Asia whose successes are inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire region.

92 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The Grand Jury

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 93

Rajiv Luthra FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER LUTHRA & LUTHRA LAW OFFICES

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY LEADER Visionary. Legal Doyen. Humanitarian.

The name of Luthra & Luthra resounds in corporate India with the power of integrity strengthened by experience and excellence.

Founded by ace lawyer Rajiv Luthra, the firm is legend in Indian corporate law, specialising in tax, regulatory and compliance laws.

In 1991, Mr Luthra’s considerable expertise and brilliance was set to task, advising the ambitious and powerful leaders of corporate India on matters of foreign investment and project finance. His firm has been recognised for its outstanding work in the category of ‘Global PFI/PPP Deals’ and as the best in the Asia-Pacific Project Finance league tables by Dealogic Global Review. Mr Luthra has been nominated by the Planning Commission of India to an expert panel to formulate a ‘National Competition Policy’ for the 11th Five Year Plan. He has been featured by ‘Lawyer.com’ amongst its top 40 ‘to have been making waves outside the UK’ and he has been ranked amongst ALB’s Hot 100 Lawyers. He is listed as a leading business lawyer in Chambers Global Leading Lawyers, ILFR 1000, Asia Law, Legal 500 and Practical Law Company.

Mr Luthra is a regular commentator on legal and economic issues, and his articles and opinions frequently appear in international

94 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY publications. He attributes his firm’s accomplishments to several key factors, but maintains that the democratic decision-making process within his firm has been a winning factor. “Excellence, reliability and

“

responsibility are hallmarks of the kind of service provided at Luthra & Luthra and that is uncompromised,” he says.

The ABLF Awards have done a wonderful job of focusing attention on the entrepreneurship and business spirit of the Gulf, South-East Asia

The erudite lawyer’s hectic schedule has not limited him from contributing to India’s success story beyond the realm of the legal world. He supports several social causes and two such projects

and India, a region which will be the world’s

dear to his heart are ‘Mogly’s Gurukul’, a spiritual learning centre

engine of economic growth and innovation in

that his wife, Gayatri Luthra, started recently, and a project based

the years to come. It is also appropriate that

on educating people about ‘Girl Child Abuse’. At the Ministry of

the inaugural edition of the Awards was hosted

Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, GOI, Rajiv Luthra serves as a Member of the Round Table on Legal

in India, since it can serve as a bridge, both

Education. He is also on the Advisory Board to the National Law

geographically and culturally, between the Gulf

School, University of India, Bangalore. On a personal front, he is a

and South-East Asia.

traveller, golf aficionado and is currently learning Urdu.

”

Mr Luthra’s knowledge in matters relating to industry and business, and his impeccable reputation, combined with his endearing humility made him an integral part of the ABLF Grand Jury – bringing a voice of reason and expertise to the deliberation process.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 95

Rajen Kilachand Chairman & President Dodsal Group

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY LEADER Business Leader. Philanthropist. Historian.

Rajen A. Kilachand’s reputation as a visionary business leader is eclipsed only by his work as a career philanthropist. With a personal commitment of over US$ 50 million to core philanthropic initiatives that span healthcare, vocational training and education, Mr Kilachand is the Chairman and President of the Dodsal Group, a multibillion dollar trans-global organisation.

His career trajectory that spans taking Dodsal from a US$ 200 million multi-retail interest company to a world-class multi-billion dollar group, is built on cutting-edge technology, expertise, integrity and an unswerving commitment to excellence. The Dodsal Group is, today, one of the leading players in the Engineering, Procurement and Construction sector, and has diversified to encompass businesses that include Trading and Distribution; Exploration & Production; Casual Dining Restaurants; and Manufacturing, for which, he has been felicitated with accolades and recognition at global levels.

Mr Kilachand has made healthcare and education initiatives in India, UAE, USA, Europe, the Middle East and Africa his leading CSR and personal mandate. His passion for art, music and culture has also propelled him to launch and encourage numerous initiatives

96 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY in India and the UAE. His social initiatives span a vivid spectrum – from being one of the key sponsors of the New Orleans Jazz Festival, to supporting healthcare initiatives in remote Indian villages, to sponsoring cultural and historical showcases of India across the world, funding Aids awareness programmes in Africa and Papua New

“

Guinea, to being the first Indian who extended generous support to ‘Dubai Cares’, an initiative close to the UAE Vice-President and Prime

The ABLF Awards concept really is so perfect

Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

because the timing is perfect, it is in the right

Rashid Al Maktoum’s heart. Most recently, Mr Kilachand pledged

location and its target is perfect because it is the only event of its kind that I know of on a global

US$ 25 million to the Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College to his alma mater, Boston University, in the USA.

level that showcases the rise of the economies

While the community and the underprivileged gain from Mr

of Asia.

Kilachand’s open heartedness and sense of social responsibility,

”

his firm belief in corporate governance means the 4,000 strong workforce of the Dodsal Group enjoy impeccable working conditions, health coverage and lifestyle options that are exemplary and set benchmarks for leading multinational companies of the world. While his contributions to the corporate world as well as his important work in philanthropy have earned him reputation and respect from across the world, Mr Kilachand lives true to his personal mandate in life – to be the very best human being that one can possibly be.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 97

Mohamed Sultan Al Owais Ambassador of the UAE to India Embassy of UAE, New Delhi

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Diplomat. Mentor. Culture Custodian.

“

The ABLF Awards brings key business sectors that are the drivers of the global economy to public focus and reiterates the importance of corporate governance, sustainability and best business practices within these dynamic businesses.

”

H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais’ comment on India-UAE relations The historical and close ties between India and the UAE, marked by long standing relations between the people of the two countries, are now being transformed into a strong partnership. The leaders of the two countries continuously enhance bilateral relations, which underlines the importance of strengthening co-operation in all fields, especially trade, economy, industry and investment.

98 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY

Humaid Al Maani Ambassador of Oman to India Embassy of Oman, New Delhi

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Diplomat. Humanitarian. Orator.

“

The ABLF Awards are important for Asia and will definitely contribute positively to the enhancement of the Asian economy, Asian business-people and the Asian leadership. There is no doubt this event will encourage more economic liberalisation between all the countries, through joint ventures and partnerships.

”

H. E. Humaid Al Maani’s comment on Indo-Omani relations With the dawn of a new century, giving new dynamism to IndoOmani relations is imperative. The challenge before us is to make the exchanges and interaction beneficial to the people and the wealth of our relations, as well as commensurate with the potential of the two countries, in all fields: scientific, economic and cultural.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 99

M. K. Lokesh Ambassador of India to The UAE Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Diplomat. Scholar. Traveller.

“

The ABLF Awards 2011 have put Asian economies in the spotlight for their inspiring business leadership and radical advancements in the sectors of industry, infrastructure and energy.

Often

overlooked,

these

sectors

drive

the

national economy and are essential measures for gauging success.

”

H. E. M.K. Lokesh’s comment on India-UAE relations Growing India-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute to the stability and strength of a rapidly diversifying and deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries. Both sides are striving to further strengthen these ties for mutual benefits.

India‑UAE trade, today, is in excess of US$ 67 billion making the UAE India’s largest trading partner.

100 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY ABLF Awards 2011 JURY Member & Chief Event Host

Pranay Gupte

Author. Political & Economic Commentator.

Opinion Leader.

“

International Journalist & Editor

The ABLF Awards has correctly identified the essence of Asia – resourcefulness, enterprise, emphasis on education, and collaboration with like-minded countries.

”

Veteran international journalist, editor, author, and media consultant, Pranay Gupte has been a foreign correspondent at The New York Times, a global-affairs columnist at Newsweek, and a contributing editor at Forbes and Asian Finance magazines, and also writes for various international publications.

Mr Gupte was Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Al Arabiya’s Englishlanguage website and Web TV. He was a senior media advisor for four years in the government of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. He has produced 50 documentaries for public television, and has written or co-written 14 books; he also co-authors books with major world figures and CEOs.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 101

Nadia Zaal Co-FOUNDER & CEO ZAYA

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY Member & Business Celebrity Host Pioneer. Business Architect. Peacemaker.

Pioneering Emirati businesswoman, Nadia Zaal, has won the reputation of being one of the region’s most dynamic and progressive business minds. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UAE-based Zaya, a boutique developer specialising in high-end real estate.

Ms Zaal has extensive experience in project development, and structuring and funding in the GCC’s energy sector, having led one of the region’s largest IPOs for the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company. She is also a former board member of Taweelah Asia Power Company, which completed the largest energy financing deal in the Gulf. Nurai Island, Ms Zaal’s current brainchild, has set the industry abuzz with excitement for its truly unique concept, unrivalled in the quality and boldness of its vision and was voted the ‘Most Luxurious Project in the World’ by Newsweek magazine.

Ms Zaal was also the driving force behind the US$ 2 billion Al Barari Project – Dubai’s über luxurious and exclusive gated community.

Ms Zaal combines astuteness and intelligence with dynamism and forward-thinking and is driven by a desire to produce the ultimate in residential luxury and spaces with soul. As an eternal optimist, and

102 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY one who continuously strives for personal growth, taking charge of the reins of her family’s realty business at a young age has given her the experience and determination to succeed in every undertaking.

“

Tonight, at the ABLF Awards, we celebrate the birth of a bright new vision… a vision built on ancient friendships within Asia and forged across centuries of goodwill.

”

Nadia Zaal's address at The Big Night "Being a part of the ABLF Awards allows me to honour, in my own way, the age-old dynamic alliance between India and the GCC, especially my beloved country, the UAE. As the global economy shifts its epicentre from the West to East, there is a powerful synergy among the communities of the Middle East & South Asia in realising the dream of making this an ‘Asian Century’.

Two luminaries in this newfound and emerging galaxy – India and the UAE – have a history of longstanding alliances built on strong foundations of historical, cultural and business relations. In this ambience of friendship, goodwill and understanding, the two countries are on course to fully rediscover historic ties for mutual benefit. This process is being enriched not only by the leaders and governments, but through the intervention of intellectuals, industrialists, business tycoons and other visionary citizens from both countries.

Today, there is a lot to be optimistic about. The new Asian dynamic tells a story of hope, opportunity and tenaciousness in the face of everyday challenges.

Our decisions and activities are firmly rooted in vision and inspiration, but most of all in hard work, and I personally look forward to seeing the immense developments of the region unfold in the years to come."

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 103

Pranav Adani MANAGING DIRECTOR ADANI AGRILOGISTICS AND ADANI WILMAR

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Young Leader. Orator. Brand Innovator.

“

Platforms like the ABLF Awards actually show the leadership in the Asian countries and particularly highlight them, which is very important, and it is high time an event like this was initiated.

”

Pranav Adani is the brand guardian for brand ‘Adani’ and leads its marketing initiatives in the FMCG and agro sectors, and is credited with building the 'Fortune' brand. Under his stewardship Adani Wilmar has registered exponential growth and the company has become the largest selling edible oil brand in India.

Mr Adani is a member of the CII National Council on Agriculture, the CII National Council on FMCG and the Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO). Mr Adani provides strategic leadership and directs the marketing as well as communication teams of the Group to achieve its stated vision: “To be a globally preferred business associate — an entrepreneurial organisation having responsible concern for employees, society, ecology, and stakeholder value.”

104 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY

Sanjey Roy VICE PRESIDENT DLF LIMITED

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Team Leader. Author. Communications EXPERT.

“

The ABLF has started this initiative at a time when the Asian economy is growing very rapidly and is likely to grow more rapidly in the future. Organising such an event and recognising the industry of Asia in the field of infrastructure, in the field of energy,

”

will certainly go a long way.

Sanjey Roy presently looks after the Corporate Communications function and is the spokesperson for DLF. He has enjoyed a long and celebrated career in media, with over 20 years’ experience, of which, he has spent 16 years as a journalist at the Hindustan Times.

Mr Roy left journalism to pursue a career in the corporate sector where he has been recognised by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) as the 'Best Communicator'. He has written numerous papers and books, and is a regular guest lecturer at some of Delhi’s premier management and communications institutes. He is also the Founder President of the Association of Desk Journalists and a former Secretary General of the Press Club of India.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 105

Mohammed Sharaf

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER

Chief Executive Officer DP World

There is no doubt in my mind going forward that

“

Business Veteran. MAVERICK. Strategist.

the Asian economy is going to lead the global economy. Experts believe that the growth will be in the emerging markets. However, if Asia wants to truly develop and lead the global economy, then infrastructure is the backbone for that development and the ABLF is right on target.

”

Mohammed Sharaf, the first CEO of DP World, boasts over two decades of experience in the transport and logistics business. He joined Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) in 1992 and rose rapidly through the organisation. He was the first Managing Director of the newly established Dubai Ports International (DPI), the international ports management arm of Dubai Ports.

Under Mr Sharaf’s reign, DP World has experienced phenomenal growth through investment in developing existing and new facilities round the world. DP World is now one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world and has the widest network of any, with 51 terminals spanning 24 countries and five continents.

106 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY

P. Mohamed Ali Vice Chairman & MD Galfar

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER

“

Mentor. Visionary. Power Leader.

The ABLF Awards is a breakthrough initiative because it brings to light the powerful sectors that have driven Asia’s growth. Asia stands on the cusp of great change, and the leaders who have contributed to its success deserve international recognition.

”

Dr P. Mohamed Ali laid the foundation of Galfar Group and Mfar Group with Sheikh Dr Salem Said Al Fannah Al Araimi. With an impeccable innings of over 30 years in the sector, Dr Ali has been instrumental in building Galfar into a world-class business organisation. Over the years, Galfar has extended its operations and business interests to the UAE, Qatar and India. The company has set benchmarks in the industry for timely completion of projects, quality of execution and adherence to safety standards.

In recognition of his contributions in the educational, social services and business sectors, Dr Ali has received several national and international awards and accolades, including the coveted Bharatiya Pravasi Samman from the Government of India in 2004.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 107

Roberto Zagha Country Director - India World bank

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER Economist. Teacher. Strategist.

“

The time has come for Asia and the world will change very dramatically in the next 50 years. India and China are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy and we should expect that in about 40 or 50 years they will be the dominant players in the world economy.

”

Previously a Senior Advisor in the World Bank vice Presidency in charge of economic policies and poverty reduction strategies, Roberto Zagha is presently the Country Director of the World Bank Office in India. Mr Zagha helps the World Bank in its mission to cater to the needs of the international community, providing technical assistance within the highly volatile fiscal world, to enable developing countries to address important infrastructural requirements.

Roberto Zagha’s previous assignments in the Bank include Director for South Asia for the Bank department in charge of economic policies and poverty reduction in South Asia; Lead Economist for India, and several assignments in Africa, India and South America.

108 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE GRAND JURY

Gerardo D. Paolera

ABLF Awards 2011 JURY MEMBER

PRESIDENT Global Development Network

It is no secret that Asia is the most dynamic area

“

Economic Historian. Academician. Thinker.

in the world; therefore, such events are important, not only to maintain the momentum, but also as an example for other citizens to pursue the kind of endeavours that these well accomplished businessmen and businesswomen have achieved.

I think the ABLF is a very important platform and I hope it continues for many years.

”

Dr Gerardo Della Paolera assumed charge as the Global Development Network’s third President in August 2009. He is wellknown for his outstanding work as the Founding President and Rector of Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in Argentina.

Apart from his extensive experience in educational administration, Dr Paolera is also a world-renowned expert on Latin-American economic history. He has taught at the London School of Economics, Stanford University, Northwestern University and the International Monetary Fund. Along with his background in academia, Dr Paolera has extensive experience in the finance and consulting industries.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 109

A set of criteria developed by leading authorities in government, law and business, who set the parameters for the ABLF Awards Grand Jury to shortlist the winners in each award category.

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

The ABLF Awards Criteria

Of the hundreds of nominations received on the ABLF Awards portal, the event architects shortlisted nominees based on the criteria laid out on the following pages, which were then passed on to the Jury for final deliberation.

110 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Global Asian Award Category

Business & Financial

The ABLF Global Asian is a powerful individual whose

Criteria

business footprint and commitment to excellence have engaged

Criteria 1

By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors

2

By leadership: Legendary innings. An example to a generation of achievers

3

By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues

4

By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence

5

By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade

6

Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations

7

Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

8

Accolades and recognition: National and international awards

9

Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

10

Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 20,000 internationally

11

Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward community, national and global altruistic initiatives

12

Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments

13

Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities

14

Knowledge-driven: Active interest and awareness in matters of global and national consequence

15

Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance

international interest and attention. A visionary with an unswerving commitment to his/her business, his/her country and the region, the Global Asian is a game changer who has earned his/her place in the highest echelons of the business community.

Social Criteria

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 111

ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award Category

The ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award is a heartfelt

Criteria 1

By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors

2

By leadership: Path-breaking and sustainable leadership

3

By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues

4

By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence

5

By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade

6

Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations

7

Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

8

Accolades and recognition: National and international awards

9

Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

10

Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds

11

Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

12

Knowledge-driven: Lead presence at industry forums and related discussions

13

Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments

14

Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities

15

Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance

Business &

felicitation of a true visionary. This achiever wields his/her immense

Financial

influence to mentor a generation of business leaders with an old

Criteria

world wisdom and sharp business acumen. Consistently placing team, community and country on his/her lead agenda, this leader is driven by his/her vision to leave the world a better place than he/she found it, and has spent a lifetime nurturing and sharing values of excellence, innovation and sustainability, alongside social responsibilities and philanthropy. He/she embodies the spirit of life, light and inspiration, an individual whose name and good work is destined to go down in the brightest annals of history.

Social Criteria

112 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Woman of Power Award Category

The Asian woman is a definitive emerging business energy to be reckoned with.

The ABLF Woman of Power effortlessly

Business &

Criteria 1

By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors

2

By leadership: Inspiring leadership and an example for young women in business

3

By contribution: Key member of a decision-making team

4

By innovation: Significant contribution to new business growth strategies

5

Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations

6

Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds and as an exemplary role model for young women

7

Accolades and recognition: National and international awards

8

Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

9

Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

10

Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

11

Path-blazer: History-making presence in industry

12

Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor by a generation of young women and demonstrates appropriate qualities

13

Activist: Supports women's issues in business and society

14

Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments

15

Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance

Financial Criteria

straddles a traditional and conventional social environment and a cutting edge modern business world; she is commanding, influential and embodies the culture and values of Asia. She is committed to excellence, innovation and healthy interpersonal relationships within her business environment. Above all, she is an achiever who cherishes family and community values, and achieves a balance between her work and her home and is held as a role model for women achievers around the world.

Social Criteria

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 113

ABLF Business Excellence Award Category

The ABLF Business Excellence Award recognises and

Criteria 1

By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector

2

By leadership: Powerful decisionmaking team

3

By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence

4

By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues

5

Business elite vanguard: Lead position in the sector of business

6

By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business

7

Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations

8

Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 5,000 internationally

9

Reputation: Impeccable record and certification for HSE and HSQ

10

Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets

11

Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

12

CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

13

Accolades and Recognition: National and international awards

14

Sharpening skill sets : Consistently invests in employee training programmes to ensure optimisation of HR skills

15

Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

celebrates business organisations that adopt a holistic approach to building and sustaining both business excellence and developing human resources. Developing excellence as a united sustained effort and innovation as a natural work style, this power house organisation has continually channelled energies to create outstanding work environments that promote commitment, reinforce best business practices, and consistently sharpen the skill

Business & Financial Criteria

sets of its employees; ensuring optimum utilisation of both human resource potential as well as opportunity capital.

114 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Business Courage Award Category

The ABLF Business Courage Award recipient is a formidable

Criteria 1

By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector

2

By leadership: Fearless, risk-taker and an example for entrepreneurs

3

By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring unchartered territory

4

Brave innovations: Business leader pioneering unconventional initiatives and new business growth strategies

5

By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business

6

Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets

7

Innovation: Record of at least one pioneering initiative

8

By courage: Leadership during times of crisis

9

Power network: Forges ground-breaking business relationships

10

Courage under fire: Record of one major achievement during the economic crisis

11

Accolades and recognition: National and international awards

12

Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

13

CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

14

Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

15

Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 2,000 internationally

businessman who defines the essence of a true leader, one who leads effortlessly during times of plenty and times of crisis, ensuring the safety of both company as well as its human resource capital.

This profile is bold, decisive and a true warrior of light. His/her spirit embodies the energy of manifestation. He/she creates success as a habit, and passionately leads his/her people towards greater

Business & Financial Criteria

success with vision, innovation and compassion.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 115

Every status has a symbol

The ABLF Awards Trophy

The ABLF Awards trophy is a 13-inch, 24-carat gold-plated masterpiece. Intricate embossed features and a traditional

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

silhouette proudly symbolise its Asian origins, while the stunning gold faรงade epitomises the intrinsic prosperity and stability in the ABLF constituencies of the Gulf, India and South-East Asia.

Signature precious gemstones embedded on the trophy reflect their singular and inherent metaphysical value on each unique ABLF Award category.

116 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The

unrivalled

metaphor

of

pure

brilliance,

the

‘Diamond’ is symbolic of abundance, balance and clarity, a perfect fit for the ABLF Global Asian Award and the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award. This precious gemstone is embedded in the award trophies, custom created for the two most important awards of The Big Night, the ABLF Awards inaugural award ceremony.

The radiant ‘Ruby,’ associated with prosperity, generosity and integrity, breathes the power of confidence through its elemental signature, complementing the stature of the ABLF Woman of Power. The precious gemstone featured on the award is a beacon heralding the rise of a powerful new business energy.

The luminous ‘Sapphire’ has been revered through millennia for its ancient associations with values of truth, consistency and boundless energy. As the sacred talisman of the ABLF Business Excellence Award, this gem that shines forth from the trophy channels the intrinsic qualities of an award-winning business organisation.

The precious ‘Emerald’ that has graced crowns and embellished thrones of the oldest dynasties in history is archetypal of courage, strength and wisdom. This ancient gem best symbolises the energy of the ABLF Business Courage Award and sparkles in splendour on the custom-built trophy.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 117

A cutting-edge web portal attached to leading media of the world that hosts the ABLF Awards process.

THE ABLF AWARDS WEB PORTAL

The ABLF Awards series features a single window interface

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

www�.�ablfawards.com, which hosts the Awards story, background, mandate and nomination process, making it a completely integrated information and activation epicentre for the ABLF Awards. The Awards website is the one-stop resource centre for all information related to the event, featuring profiles of the winners, the Event Presenters, Supporters and Associates, details of The Big Night, the ABLF Grand Jury, and pictures from the event in New Delhi.

118 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The web portal was also the nomination centre for the ABLFÂ Awards 2011. Over a 10-day campaign, the website drew over 20,000 unique visitors and more than 50,000 nominations were made across three award categories.

Minister Kamal Nath with Malini N. Menon, Founder & Managing Director of Indian Expressions, at the official launch of the ABLF Awards web portal on September 1, 2011.

The ABLF Awards 2011 web portal - www.ablfawards.com

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 119

120 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

6

The ABLF Awards Communications • The Right Media Voice • The Event Collateral

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 121

A powerful, world-class venue

New Delhi, India - the alpha city of modern India

New Delhi provided the perfect backdrop for the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2011. In recent times, the city has garnered a reputation as a world-class events venue and as the capital of one of the fastest growing countries in the world, New

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

Delhi takes centre-stage in Asia’s vibrant event environment.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards lends itself perfectly to the growing portfolio of business and economic forums held in New Delhi, including the World Economic Forum’s India Economic Summit and the India Today Conclave.

Although the ABLF Awards is an annual event that will manifest in different Asian cities each year, New Delhi will always hold the distinction of hosting the inaugural event.

122 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Media and global PR outreach through leading broadcasters, publications and news agencies with a combined reach of over 50 million.

The Right Media Voice

What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

The ABLF Awards media campaign, beginning August 2011 was a four-month comprehensive operation that spanned online, direct mail, print and television features that garnered considerable global interest through its international media partners. The campaign was further strengthened by feature programmes and media coverage in the run-up to the event and repeat telecasts and special features on partner channels after the grand awards ceremony in New Delhi.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 123

CNBC ARABIA

IANS

CNBC Arabia is the only 24-hour Arabic language financial and

The Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) is a full-fledged, 24/7 agency

business information television channel that covers regional and

that publishes real-time news from India, South Asia and news of

international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. CNBC

interest from this region around the world. Given its collaborations

Arabia is the only business-focused channel that delivers live

with international news organisations, IANS is often used by media

regional market data in the Middle East market, providing both

as a one-stop source of all news - both domestic and international.

ticker and analytical reporting.

ZEE NETWORK

INDIA TODAY

With a reach of more than 120 countries and access to more than

India Today is the leading news magazine in the country and is the

500 million viewers globally, Zee TV MENAP is the largest media

most widely read publication in India with a circulation of 1.1 million

franchise serving the South Asian diaspora. The US$ 5 billion

every week and a readership of more than 15 million. India Today is

network’s Middle East footprint has a viewership of over 2.6 million

what Indian journalism is judged by, for integrity and for the ability

South Asians in the MENAP region.

to bring an unbiased and incisive perspective to arguably the most dynamic yet perplexing region in the world.

124 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 The right media voice

CNBC-TV18

FORBES INDIA

CNBC-TV 18 is India’s no. 1 business medium and the undisputed

Forbes India is India’s most influential business magazine delivering

leader in business news. The channel’s benchmark coverage extends

sharp, in-depth and engaging stories by looking at global and

from corporate news, financial markets coverage, expert perspective

domestic issues from an Indian perspective.

on investing and management to industry verticals and beyond.

“

It was finally left to the ABLF Awards to bring West Asia and South-East Asia together with India as the fulcrum. Hats off to the ABLF and its hugely talented founder, Ms Malini Menon, for spearheading this pioneering concept in such a spectacular fashion. Media needs to play its part and we are privileged to take forward an idea that promises to

”

be a win-win for all players in the region.

Manoj Mohanka Non-Executive Chairman, Network 18

NETWORK 18

The Network18 Group is one of India's leading media companies with interests in television, internet, filmed entertainment, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. The group operates India's leading television broadcasting and distribution assets, including India's leading news channels – CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN and IBN 7. Network 18 also operates an impressive array of digital, publishing and e-commerce assets, including one of India's largest internet players, Web18, which houses the country's leading web content properties such as moneycontrol.com, ibnlive.com, in.com and firstpost.com.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 125

ABLF The ABLF Awards PR outreach

126 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

F

ABLF Awards 2011 The right media voice

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 127

The ABLF media profile

128 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 The right media voice

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 129

Forbes India magazine Volume 3 • Issue 23 • November 18, 2011

130 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 131

Over 5 hours of event coverage on television channels and the internet

132 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 133

134 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Direct communication with business leaders from the sectors of focus without event overexposure in conventional communication mediums.

The Event Collateral

What set the ABLF Awards communication campaign apart, was its intelligent use of communication mediums, creating the right

What defines the communication at

amount of noise in target segments that are specific and insular.

The direct mailing channel was leveraged using a comprehensive

the ABLF Awards and gives it a

database of top Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sector associates, partners and related government entities.

leading edge?

The database also included media heads, opinion leaders and various other faculties related to the ABLF sectors and regions of focus.

The event communications were designed with great attention to detail and produced in-house adhering strictly to the brand strategy and guidelines, garnering much appreciation and accolades from the ABLF associates and invitees.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 135

ABLF Awards 2011 The Event Collateral

136 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 137

138 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

7

Vanguard of The ABLF Awards • The Presenters • The Supporters • The Associates

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 139

What leads up to a great event?

140 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Endorsement - world leaders supporting a breakthrough event.

Fit, relevance and a common vision and mission.

The elite presenters of the ABLF Awards 2011 are a dynamic duo renowned across Asia for their fierce leadership and pioneering approach that has transformed the landscape of Indian business in Industry, Infrastructure and Energy. The two

What are the qualities that determine

powerhouse organisations are built on the values of innovation, entrepreneurship,

a great sponsorship association?

integrity,

excellence,

sustainability

and

philanthropy – the very mandates the ABLF series was created to highlight and celebrate.

With their enthralling success stories, the ABLF Awards Presenters continue to raise the benchmark of industry performance in the feature sectors with an unwavering commitment to excellence as they cement their place as industry leaders.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 141

Adani & ABLF

Adani & ABLF

Adani & ABLF

The Adani brand refresher includes a logo change that was formally unveiled in February 2012. ABLF is happy to reflect this change in the post ABLF 2011 communications leading with the 'History Makers of The New Asian Century - The ABLF Journey of Glory'.

Adani & ABLF

142 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Adani & ABLF

Adani & ABLF

ABLF AWARDS 2011 THE PRESENTERS

Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group

The Adani Group is an Indian conglomerate with global interests in

Adani Group also owns infrastructure interests in Indonesia and

Infrastructure, Energy, Mining, Ports, Shipping and Agri-trade. The

Australia including coal mines and ports. It recently acquired rights

group is led by first generation entrepreneur, Mr Gautam Adani,

to develop the Abbot Point Coal Terminal in Queensland, Australia.

whose inspiring career trajectory features an extraordinary journey – from a stint as a diamond sorter to creating and sustaining one of

As a responsible corporate, the Adani Group is governed by three

the most inspiring success stories in India.

core values: trust, courage and innovation. Its business strategies have bequeathed new meaning to the collaboration paradigm -

The US$ 6 billion Adani Group owns the state of the art Mundra

to dovetail business plans and strategies with those of the nation

Port in the western state of Gujarat, the first private port in India.

by participating in the great Indian growth story and delivering

The port operates the world’s largest automated coal import

sustainable value to its stakeholders.

terminal. The group is also developing a multi-product world-class manufacturing hub in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to

Adani Group’s vision of raising the bar for India Inc. is clearly

the port to facilitate exports.

reflected in its association with the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards, a landmark event that is a corporate-cultural

Adani Group is also actively investing in renewable energy and

zeitgeist, celebrating the Asian spirit of collaboration and honouring

plans to generate 40 MW of solar power. The Adani Group aims to

the new torch-bearers of the Asian business-space.

become one of India’s largest electricity generation utilities by 2020.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 143

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF

ABLF AWARDS 2011 THE PRESENTERS

DLF Limited is India’s leading real estate company; its primary

DLF’s mission is to continue to build world-class real estate

business is to develop residential, commercial and retail spaces.

assets with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and

The company has a unique business model with earnings arising

customer service and thereby contribute to and benefit from the

from development and rentals. Its exposure across businesses,

growth of the Indian economy. DLF reflects the powerful energy

segments and geographies mitigates any down cycles in the market.

of accomplishment; to retain its position as an industry leader, it constantly strives to deliver the promise of a modern era,

With over six decades of excellence, DLF has the distinction of

encouraging millions of people to dream of a better quality of life,

developing commercial projects and IT parks that are at par with

scale new heights of success and live the new tomorrow today.

the best in the world. DLF has become a preferred name with many Fortune 500 companies and among leading Indian corporate giants,

By presenting the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards, a

such as GE, IBM, Microsoft, Canon, Bank of America, Infosys, CSC,

landmark event that celebrates the key nation-building sectors

Symantec and Sapient, among others. It is credited with introducing

of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, DLF Limited reiterates its

and pioneering the revolutionary concept of developing commercial

mandate of ‘Building India’, while highlighting its commitment to

complexes in the vicinity of residential areas.

celebrating excellence on a global level.

DLF also pioneered the retail revolution in the country and brought about a paradigm shift in the industry by redefining shopping and leisure experiences with the launch of City Centre in Gurgaon in 2000. It also runs India’s first luxury mall - Emporio.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 145

ABLF AWARDS 2011 THE SUPPORTERS

Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World

DP World is

one of the top three marine terminal operators in the world by both throughput and capacity

Around the world, DP World handles close to

1,200

120,000

DP World operates around

giant gantry cranes across the world

containers a day

DP World serves around

58,000

DP World’s team of people is truly global, made up of more than nationalities

30,000

146 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

90

160a day

vessels a year – or nearly

DP World & ABLF

At a time when Asia is consolidating its giant strengths with brave new collaborations that promote active globalisation, DP World has forged ahead and established the UAE’s presence in the global arena with the pride of an unparalleled marine infrastructure system that supports the key commercial activity of Dubai – trade and commerce. DP World is today a giant in marine terminal operations with world-class facilities that have promoted international trade and supported the dynamic economic development of the region. DP World leverages the Asia-connect by supporting the ABLF Awards series that is dedicated to showcasing the important role of infrastructure development in shaping the future of the global economy.

DP World operates more than 60 terminals across six continents, with container handling generating around 80 percent of its revenue. The company currently has new developments and major expansions underway in nine countries.

DP World aims to enhance their customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.

DP World & ABLF In 2010, DP World handled nearly 50 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia, with a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East.

DP World’s bearing and role in Asia’s historical re-emergence as a leading economic power centre is perfectly aligned with the tremendous infrastructure growth potential of the region.

DP World & ABLF

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 147

ABLF AWARDS 2011 THE SUPPORTERS

Rajen A. Kilachand (C), Chairman, Dodsal Group with Sameer Kilachand (L) and Nikhil Kilachand (R)

Engineering, Procurement & Construction

Dodsal Group has successfully implemented projects in over 72 countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia, in all kinds of adverse topographical conditions. Over the next few years, Dodsal is poised to break new ground in India's space and defence industries, thus, making a substantial contribution to the country's defense sector.

The Agency Division of Dodsal Group has grown from strength to strength, facilitating a common marketplace for customers and manufacturers worldwide. The Agency Division oers a wide range of raw materials for the Energy and Automotive sectors with special emphasis on high tech and premium products.

&Trading

Casual Dining

Distribution

Restaurants

Dodsal Group runs 59 Pizza Hut and KFC outlets, with franchise rights from Yum! Brands Inc., in major metropolitan cities in India. The restaurants have earned revenues of over USD 36 million annually and Dodsal will add another 45 restaurants to its impressive portfolio through organic and inorganic growth over the next three years.

&Production

Exploration

The Dodsal Group's venture into mining includes exploration of gold, multi-metals and precious stones. The group is also expanding its hydrocarbon search for oil and natural gas and in the energy sector.

Manufacturing

Dodsal Group has revived its manufacturing business in India and stepped up the stakes in the sector with several ground breaking initiatives that are set for rollout over 2012.

148 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Dodsal & ABLF

A multinational organisation, the Dodsal Group’s interests in Industry, Infrastructure and Energy presented a unique opportunity for a long term association with the ABLF Awards. Having established a credible reputation in these sectors globally, the Dodsal Group is today recognised as one of the leading forces in the region with some of the most prestigious projects and contracts on their roster. Dodsal’s impeccable reputation as an organisation that places importance on integrity, sustainability and employee welfare, substantiated by over 120 high-profile international awards, makes the ABLF Awards series and the Dodsal alliance a perfect long-term partnership.

Dodsal

Group

is

a

Dubai-based

diversified

multinational

conglomerate which operates in the areas of Trading and Distribution;

Engineering,

Procurement

and

Construction;

Exploration and Production; Casual Dining Restaurants; and Manufacturing and has new interests in horticulture and floriculture development.

Dodsal's leadership’s vision for the company to become a key player in the nuclear, defence and space industry has come

Dodsal & ABLF

to fruition with the recent US$ 150 million joint venture with Atomenergomash, a Russian heavy equipment engineering company, to manufacture and supply power equipment for Nuclear Power Projects, Thermal Power Projects and the Oil and Gas industry in India.

The Dodsal Group’s focus is now shifting to new avenues, and over the next decade, its future holds more promising forays into newer, more exciting industries, including space exploration and defence, marking a new and exciting time for it in the 21st century.

Dodsal & ABLF

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 149

Ablf Awards 2011 The Supporters

Dr P. Mohamed Ali, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Galfar

Oman’s

largest

construction company

28,000

strong, well-motivated multi-national work force

fleet strength of

7,000

150 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

PDO’s biggest contractor

equipment

Galfar Engineering & Contracting SOAG’s vision and commitment to the highest quality standards and recognised safety performance in cutting-edge industrial and civil infrastructure makes its association with the ABLF Awards series a strong and mutually beneficial equation. The business footprint and capabilities of Galfar regionally extend to the ABLF constituencies and intrinsically reflect the core sectors of the Forum - Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, setting the stage for a winning partnership in the years to come.

GALFAR & ABLF

Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG is one of the largest, multidisciplined engineering, contracting and construction companies in the Sultanate of Oman. Established in 1972, Galfar has today grown into one of the largest construction companies in the Middle East with a turnover of over US $1 billion and an impeccable reputation for excellence in construction quality, safety, performance, employee satisfaction and social responsibility.

The company provides project management and construction services for various projects, including commercial and residential complexes, educational institutions, industrial structures, ports

GALFAR & ABLF

and harbours, hospitals, water retaining structures, monuments, and cross-country water line networks. It also offers cross-country oil and gas pipelines and flow lines of various materials. Galfar is involved in the erection and commissioning of static and rotary equipments; construction of oil storage tanks, corrosion protection, chemical injection and water injection projects; control and automation systems, electrical power generation and distribution, and the construction of roads and bridges, making it a leading infrastructure-relevant business entity of the region.

GALFAR & ABLF

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 151

Abu Dhabi, today, has risen to the focal point of international attention with opinion leaders, media-watchers, business commentators and economic analysts declaring that the emirate is not just the economic hope of tomorrow, but a radiant energy that powers new business directions in Asia and globally. Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest sovereign fund in the world in terms of total asset value.

The business and economic culture of the emirate is one of conservative but aggressive business development which has been in a high gear over the last decade. An autonomous institution that globally represents the huge trade interests of the capital city, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry supports the ABLF Awards series. The ADCCI’s mission is to ensure the UAE’s participation in a showcase of Asian business excellence which features urbanisation (Abu Dhabi Plan 2030) as well as financial transformation, also leveraging a dynamic Asian gateway through the ABLF Awards series’ immense networking opportunities.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry strives to establish its position as a pioneering policy advocate in Abu Dhabi and is a partner to the private sector and the leading voice for the business community based in the emirate. The ADCCI assists in the growth of businesses via communication networks with local and foreign companies and enjoys a favourable professional reputation in business consultancy in addition to having an audible say with decision-makers and partners.

The ADCCI’s aim is to create an environment in which businesses can flourish and grow by providing feasibility studies and market-

H. E. MOHAMED HELAL AL MUHAIRI DIRECTOR GENERAL ABU DHABI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

152 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

specific information and research via its impressive network while also facilitating a dialogue between local and foreign companies.

Ablf Awards 2011 The Associates

“

The development of the Industry, Infrastructure and Energy sectors is paramount to any nation’s progress and the Asian Business Leadership Forum has succesfully engaged in a remarkable effort of showcasing the talent and resource across Asia within these key areas of growth. ADCCI's presence at the inaugural event in New Delhi marks the begining of an important association.

MOHAMED HELAL AL MUHAIRI

”

The ADCCI plays an important role as a supporter of and contributor to the process of economic development in Abu Dhabi, and its strong ties with international business organisations, chambers of commerce and companies mean that it stands out unrivalled in the field of international relations.

Furthermore, the ADCCI is in pursuit of enhancing its image as a leading international business organisation, while streamlining its processes and procedures to provide highly sophisticated, state-ofthe-art services for its members, thus, helping them contribute to building Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic future.

The ADCCI headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 153

Indonesia is the largest economy of South-East Asia and an aggressive and key player in the new business economy of Asia with significant foreign investments in the infrastructure and energy sectors. As an associate of the ABLF Awards series, BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board of Indonesia) represents South-East Asia in their capacity as the government authority on matters relating to foreign investment in Indonesia. Led by its dynamic chairman, Gita Wirjawan, who is also the Minister of Trade for Indonesia, BKPM is a shining example of strong corporate governance at a government level. The ABLF Awards series strengthened its association with Indonesia through BKPM, accessing the tremendous business potential and energy of the nation.

Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal (BKPM) is an investment service agency of the Indonesian Government created with a purpose to effectively implement the enactment of law on foreign as well as domestic investment. The company is mandated as an advocacy agency for investors and is tasked with formulating government policy on investment, both domestic and from abroad.

BKPM aims to stimulate realisation of a more conducive climate for investment and enhance the role of investment institutions and system information in Indonesia. In order to carry out these functions, BKPM has the authority to prepare macro-level national

H. E. GITA WIRJAWAN Minister of Trade, Indonesia CHAIRMAN, BKPM (INDONESIA INVESTMENT COORDINATING BOARD)

planning on investment; formulate investment policies to support macro-level development; and grant approvals and control investments with highly sophisticated and high-risk strategic technology in its implementation.

154 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Ablf Awards 2011 The Associates

H. E. Gita Wirjawan

H. E. Gita Wirjawan is the Minister of Trade for Indonesia and the Chairman of BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board).

“

A well-known figure in the Indonesian business community, his

The ABLF Awards could not have come at a

resume boasts a stint as Vice Chairman and Head of JP Morgan Indonesia, after which he founded his own company, Ancora

better time for the six countries involved to be

Capital, a private equity fund that primarily focused on investments

participating in this event. This is a good time for

in the natural resources and mining sector.

us to not only look back in terms of what we have done right, but hopefully for the purpose of looking into what needs to be corrected to maintain, if not enhance that trajectory going forward.

Gita Wirjawan

�

A Harvard graduate, he has played a significant role in some of the biggest partnerships and transactions in Indonesia over the past decade, specifically in the areas of telecommunications.

As Chairman of BKPM, Mr Wirjawan is well known for his ability to leverage important business relationships to promote international investment into the Indonesian economy. Now, in his new role as Minister of Trade, he is charged with promoting economic growth while protecting Indonesia’s international trade interests.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 155

One of the oldest countries of the region, Oman commands both respect and goodwill in the global business arena. Since the liberalisation of its economy in 2000, Oman’s presence and energy in international business is on the rise. Industry, Infrastructure and Energy play integral roles in the economic business-scape of the nation. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry facilitates and manages cross-investment opportunities for the country, making them important and strategic associates, representing the spirit and vibe of the Gulf at the inaugural ABLF Awards. A large high-profile delegation from Oman, led by the Chairman, His Excellency Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji, attended The Big Night, attesting to the country’s commitment to forums like the ABLF Awards series to ensure a collaborative future for the Asian Century.

Established in 1973 by virtue of a Royal Decree as a public utility organisation, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is the apex body of Oman’s private sector, which represents the country at the local and international levels and acts as a catalyst in activating the Sultanate’s national economy. The OCCI also plays a significant role in implementing the country’s developmental plans aimed at diversifying its national income sources.

The OCCI activates economic work in the Sultanate through participation in the development plans and initiatives undertaken to diversify sources of income for the national economy. The OCCI

H. E. KHALIL ABDULLAH AL KHONJI CHAIRMAN OMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

156 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

also promotes economic and trade relations and supports joint businessmen’s councils with Arab and foreign countries in order to facilitate more international networking.

Ablf Awards 2011 The Associates H. E. Khalil abdullah Al KhonjI

H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji was handpicked by the Sultan of Oman to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) in 2007. After completing a four-

“

year term as Chairman, a Royal Decree renewing his chairmanship for a further four years was issued in December 2011.

We are honoured to be here at the ABLF Awards and I hope that this initiative gets more and

As the Chairman, Mr Khonji’s remarkable contributions towards

more countries in Asia together because it is

realising the organisation’s common goals have ensured that the

very important to recognise the achievers in this

OCCI is always abreast of the latest developments in the whole spectrum of commerce and industry.

region and put them in the global spotlight. All eyes are now on Asia, and the most important

On taking over as OCCI chairman, Mr Khonji set in motion a

thing for the Asian leaders is to manage and

number of projects, including modernisation of the chamber and

sustain this development.

”

providing the youth and qualified personnel with a huge number of opportunities for growth and improvement.

Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji A graduate in Industrial Management and Technology from the University of Northern Colorado, USA, Mr Khonji hails from a renowned Omani family which has long been associated with commerce and industry in Oman, which goes to explain his extensive and well-rounded knowledge and interest in the sectors and his dedication to furthering the Omani economic story.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 157

158 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

8

ABLF Awards 2011 The Celebration • The Big Night • The Winners • The Photo Gallery

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 159

Preparation is key

Attendance – reaching out to the business world with 2,000 invitations even though you expect only 200 attendees.

What leads up to a great event?

Delivery – impeccable delivery where every last detail from set-up to menu is carefully orchestrated.

The ABLF Awards collateral was the result of months of strategy, design and discussions which began with the launch of the official web portal - www.ablfawards.com.

160 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

“

The ABLF Awards is an excellent initiative

to

celebrate

Asian

achievements on a global scale.

From its mandate to its 13‑inch, 24-carat goldplated trophy that epitomises the prosperity and stability of Asia, the event is a winner and I am very

In addition to the research that went into the premise of the ABLF Awards, the team also researched every aspect of the event setup, invitations and collateral to ensure the ABLF Awards package

glad to be here today to represent Mr Ratan Tata

was cohesively promoted to business leaders, media, government

and the Tata Group at this prestigious event.

officials and diplomats.

Bharat Wakhlu Resident Director, Tata Services

“

I applaud the ABLF Awards initiative, the

which

importance

”

showcases of

Industry,

Infrastructure and Energy in Asia. Knowledge

Introductory emails were sent to over 2,000 business leaders and government heads to generate awareness among the sectors of focus. The emails were tailored to capture the attention of the targeted audience comprising of the leadership and top management of public and private sector companies as well as statesmen and government officials, not just from Asia but globally. This phase of the communication campaign ensured a high reach for the event.

and education are an intrinsic part of soft infrastructure and with Asia placing increasing importance on human resource development,

Although the awards ceremony was an exclusive closed‑door event for only 200 VIP guests, the well designed publicity and PR outreach strategy ensured global awareness.

the stage is set for the region to optimise its potential.

”

Dr. Joseph v. G. Founder & Chairman, Garden City Group of Institutions; Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Bangalore, India

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 161

THE BIG NIGHT The grand awards ceremony of the ABLF

Accolades for the leaders who walk the path of excellence

The Big Night was the spectacular gold carpet evening of the inaugural ABLF Awards Ceremony on October 3, 2011.

An extraordinary evening of bilateral networking, friendship and

How did the ABLF Awards manifest?

celebration, The Big Night featured a distinguished guest profile of Asian dignitaries, business stalwarts and world personalities, with the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi providing the perfect ambient setting for the event in India’s first city.

Featuring memorable keynote addresses by H. E. Kamal Nath, Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI and H. E. Kapil Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Human Resource Development and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, GOI, the evening witnessed the gathering of Asia's leading power brokers to celebrate the achievements of Asia’s business stalwarts.

162 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The evening began with a gold-carpet walk down the ABLF

business leaders mingled with diplomats and government officials,

story walls, which pictorially represented the story of the Asian

the prevailing feeling at the event was one of camaraderie and a

Moment, the leaders and architects of modern Asia, the journey

positive outlook for Asia.

of the ABLFÂ Awards, its concept and its Presenters, Associates and Supporters. The VIP guests who attended the event all signed the

In a revolutionary new format, the awards of the night were

custom-designed ABLF Signature Wall, a keepsake memorabilia

presented by high-ranking statesmen, who were joined on stage

that attests to the calibre of eminent men and women gathered on

by the ABLF Awards presenters and diplomats from participating

that evening to celebrate Asian achievements.

nations. The calibre of talent awarded at the inaugural ABLF Awards is testament to the collective power of human enterprise and the

The venue was set up in the traditional ABLF Awards colours of black

belief that with true determination, businesses led by inspiring

and white with touches of gold. The menu planned by the ABLF

leaders can overcome adversities and lead on to greater successes.

Awards team and executed by the Taj Palace Hotel reflected the culinary influences of the different regions that were represented

The anticipation that began with the launch of the campaign in

at the event, keeping in mind the inclusive and collaborative nature

August culminated at the Big Night, as the ABLF guests left with

of the ABLF Awards mandate.

memories of an evening that not only celebrated Asian leadership, but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and encouraged new

The pre-awards presentation part of the evening provided a

economic and business partnerships.

networking opportunity for the who’s who of corporate Asia. As

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 163

The Winners

164 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Global Asian Award ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award

The Award Categories

ABLF Woman of Power Award ABLF Business Excellence Award ABLF Business Courage Award

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 165

ABLF GLOBAL ASIAN AWARD

166 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Global Asian is a powerful individual whose business footprint and commitment to excellence has engaged international interest and attention. A visionary with an unswerving assurance to his/her business, country and the region, the Global Asian is a game-changer who has earned his/her place in the highest echelons of the business community and is a key architect of ‘Asia Rising’.

In its inaugural year, the ABLF Awards Grand Jury made a unanimous decision to present the ABLF Global Asian Award as a posthumous honour to the late Dhirubhai Ambani, often considered the original Global Asian for his inspirational and honest leadership of one of India’s leading business houses and his immeasurable contribution to the Indian growth story.

The universally revered symbol of incomparable beauty, the Diamond, represents the spirit of the conqueror, the energy, the perfection and the vitality of the ABLF Global Asian.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 167

ABLF GLOBAL ASIAN AWARD

“

My father had a very firm belief in the country’s youth and in investing in talent. His view was more than entrepreneurship; it was really a passion to build an institution in India. The aspiration is really not to be the best in the community or best in the country, but to be the best in the world.

”

Mukesh Ambani on his father's legacy of inspiration

168 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

The late Dhirubhai Ambani Founder Chairman Reliance Group

culture. Mr Ambani revolutionised capital markets and created billions of rupees in wealth for his company’s stakeholders, and in turn for India.

In 2000, he was credited with being India’s “greatest creator of wealth in the century” by a poll among Indians.

When he passed away in 2002, the nation went into mourning. India’s then Prime Minister Vajpayee remarked, “The country has lost an iconic proof of what an ordinary Indian fired by the spirit of enterprise and driven by determination can achieve in his lifetime.” He had, through his grit and intellect, transformed an INR 1.5 lakh company into one worth over INR 75,000 crores in his lifetime. The key to his success was what he described

A legend in the business world who showed India a new way to think, the

to be a common thread in his success story - relationship and trust. He

late Dhirubhai Ambani was a visionary who redefined how businesses

stated that this was the foundation of the growth of his group.

function. What made his success so exemplary was the fact that he rose from being a small-time worker like many others in the 1950s to

Mr Ambani was also a philanthropist with a big heart. His initiatives in

create one of India’s largest conglomerates, Reliance Industries, which

education, healthcare and community development have transformed the

spans petrochemicals, communications, power and textiles. He was the

lives of thousands of people across India. The Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

epitome of the rags to riches story and is an inspiration to millions of

in Lodhivali provides free outpatient and subsidised inpatient treatment for

Indians who dream of making it big.

needy and poor patients as well as for senior citizens, while his foundation continues to provide education and social infrastructure in Maharashtra,

Born Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, he was called Dhirubhai out of

Gujarat and elsewhere to foster social development.

fondness and affection by his family, friends and colleagues. He had an affable personality which won him friends and respect through his life.

The original Global Asian, Dhirubhai Ambani’s message and dream lives

He attributed his success to thinking “big, fast and ahead”. He asserted

on and continues to inspire the collective imagination of India’s youth.

that ideas are no one’s monopoly as he broke into an elite league

His vision for Reliance was indeed a vision for a new India. He once

dominated by India’s then incumbent business houses.

famously said, “Our dreams have to be bigger. Our ambitions higher. Our commitment deeper. And our efforts greater. This is my dream for Reliance

The group he founded in 1958 went on to become the first Indian

and for India.” For his contribution to shaping India and, by association,

company to feature in the Forbes 500 list and employs over 85,000

Asia’s economic growth, Mr Dhirubhai Ambani was the unanimous choice

people today. Reliance has been credited with shaping India’s equity

of the ABLF Awards Grand Jury for the inaugural ABLF Global Asian Award.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 169

ABLF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

170 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award is a heartfelt felicitation of a true visionary. This achiever wields his/her immense influence to mentor a generation of business leaders with old world wisdom and sharp business acumen. Consistently placing team, community and country on his/her lead agenda, this leader is driven by his/her vision to leave the world a better place than he/she found it, and has spent a lifetime nurturing and sharing values of excellence, innovation and sustainability alongside social responsibilities and philanthropy. He/she embodies the spirit of life, light and inspiration, an individual whose name and good work is destined to go down in the brightest annals of history.

The unrivalled metaphor of pure brilliance, the Diamond embedded on the trophy is symbolic of abundance, balance and clarity; the perfect metaphor for the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 171

“

The success of a healthy forward looking country is based on three pillars: government, business and arts.

They each complement one other. If you have arts and no business – then you will not succeed; without business how will the arts be enhanced? How will they grow? If you have business without arts, then it is like a man without soul. A government that is not concerned with business and arts is lost as well. I have been fortunate that I have been able to contribute, in my humble way to the growth of our country, where all three spheres have been allowed to flourish in a rigid society.

”

172 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

THE GULF

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair Founding Chairman The Zubair Corporation

Zubair was active in many ways to help achieve this goal. He became the Chairman of the Founding Committee for establishing the First Chamber of Commerce in Oman, and in 1972 when it was finally formed, he became its first President. He was also a member in a number of Committees, including the Commercial Dispute Committee. He also took an active role in establishing several national level companies in areas such as Power, Banking, Insurance and Construction.

His Excellency, in addition to his role as Advisor to His Majesty for Economic Planning, is member of a number of Government Councils and Committees, including the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, the Supreme Committee for Economic Plans, the Economic Co-ordination Committee It was in 1967 when, as the Sultanate of Oman exported its first shipment

and the High Committee for Conferences.

of crude oil, His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair established a company to trade in electrical equipment, tools and building materials to meet the

In order to preserve Oman’s rich cultural history for future generations, His

requirements of oil companies and their contractors.

Excellency transformed his family house in old Muscat into a Museum. ‘Bait Al Zubair’ specialises in Omani heritage and history, and exhibits the family

His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair has been an icon in Oman’s

and his own collections that extend to many hundreds of years. Today,

development, and over the last 44 years, The Zubair Group has grown

it is the most visited museum in Oman. Having handed over the reins of

into a highly respectable group in the region and is considered a leader in

the Zubair businesses to his able sons, His Excellency devotes his time to

the diversified business segments it has interests in. The group has been

support the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, developing it further as a not-for-

bringing technology and expertise from around the world into the Sultanate

profit organisation, participating in the development of arts and cultural

of Oman and beyond. It has participated in the creation, promotion and

activities in the Sultanate of Oman and providing the focus for all Social

growth of the country’s national infrastructure, culture, tourism and

Responsibility initiatives.

industry. It comprises of a diverse range of hallmark companies, strategic business units and joint ventures that operate in Oman, the Middle East,

A deserving recipient of the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award, His Excellency

India, the Far East, Europe and the USA.

Mohammad Al Zubair has enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling journey of assisting the development of Oman economically, socially and culturally, in

In 1970, when the Sultan of Oman embarked on a dynamic development

addition to his many accomplishments as a father, a government figure, an

plan to transform Oman into a modern state, His Excellency Mohammad Al

art lover, and the head of one of Oman’s most prominent business families.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 173

ABLF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

“

I think the Tata Group’s greatest contribution to the growth of the Indian economy and Indian industry probably happened in the preindependence era. The Group’s investments in industries such as steel, textiles, power and hotels were certainly driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, but they were driven even more, I think, by a desire to make India self-sufficient and independent of its colonial masters then.

”

174 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

INDIA

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

Ratan Tata CHAIRMAN TATA GROUP

as well as technologies. Under his leadership, the Group has acquired iconic brands such as Tetley, Jaguar, Land Rover and steel giant Corus. He redefined frugal innovation in his pursuit to deliver on the promise he had made to the public of a car worth INR 100,000, less than half of the next best alternative. The acquisition spree and his unwavering ambition have made Mr Tata an iconic Asian figure and a well-known name in the business community and media around the world.

His success story, however, is not one of ruthless business growth and Few people command public respect and position as this iconic Asian

mergers and acquisitions. It is instead about creating stakeholders in

whose gentle demeanour belies the cutting-edge sharpness of a keen

success, upholding business ethics, promoting employee welfare and

business mind that has led one of India’s most celebrated business

bringing a human face to a multinational corporation such as the Tata Group.

institutions for over three decades.

Loyalty to the company by the 400,000 strong workforce is unwavering, Ratan Tata is a rare business tycoon, widely respected as a dignified

and Ratan Tata has ensured that employees are treated with the dignity

gentleman who has upheld the most stringent of ethical standards in his

they deserve and are respected for the assets they are. Mr Tata’s

quest to see the Tata Group become a leading global conglomerate. He was

commitment to CSR is also second to none, with the group investing close

appointed as Chairman of the Group in 1981, just as India made its first big

to INR 450 crore in projects around India that have funded literacy, clean

steps towards ending the restrictive ‘licence raj’, a system of regulations

water, agricultural and healthcare-related projects in 2010.

which had crippled entrepreneurship and business growth. He used this opportunity to reinvent the companies of his Group and helped it expand

Mr Tata has guided his group of companies to become a hallmark in

around the world. Today, the Tata Group operates in over 80 countries

unrestrained luxury through its hotel and luxury cars businesses, and at the

in sectors which range from steel, tea and consulting, to cars, hotels,

same time has become a household name owing to the quality products

telecommunications and energy. During his tenure, the group’s revenues

and services it provides to the common man.

have grown nearly twelve-fold to US$ 67.4 billion in the past year.

He is loved and admired by the public, feared yet respected by his rivals, The stories of his integrity and philanthropy are legion; as are his business

and courted by regional and international governments for investments.

forays that have created national and international business history. In

Mr Tata is the undisputed choice for the inaugural edition of the ABLF

recent years, Mr Tata has determinedly worked to expand his group offshore

Lifetime Achievement Award for his unyielding commitment to the basic

by expanding its production capacity and acquiring international brands

tenets of good business practices, integrity, philanthropy and excellence.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 175

ABLF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

South-East Asia

“

Gopinath Pillai is an extraordinary human being, highly disciplined, with unquestionable integrity and capability. His professional achievements as well as his status as Ambassador-at-large have ensured that his Indian origins are celebrated in his home country of Singapore.

”

PNC Menon, Chairman, Sobha Developers

176 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS Gopinath Pillai is the Executive Chairman of Savant Infocomm Pte Ltd. An Ambassador-at-Large with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has also served as Singapore’s High Commissioner to Pakistan and was Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Iran between 1990 and 2008. Mr Pillai is Chairman of the Management Board of the Institute of South Asian Studies, as well as Deputy Chairman of Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital Limited.

Mr Pillai has varied business interests in education, logistics and information technology. He is Chairman of Gateway Distriparks Ltd, and

Gopinath Pillai Executive Chairman Savant Infocomm

its subsidiary, Snowman Frozen Foods Ltd, as well as the Director of AIM listed AEC Education Plc. He served as General Manager of Intraco Limited.

He serves as the Chairman of Windmill International Pte Ltd (WIL).

Gopinath Pillai is also a Trustee of NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd. having been its founding Chairman between 1983-1993. He is also a former president of the National University of Singapore Society.

Having worked as the Chairman of the largest supermarket chain in Singapore for a period of 10 years and as Chairman of its Warehousing subsidiary, he has extensive experience in areas of finance, industry and trading. He serves as a Director of AEC.Edu Group Pte Ltd., KSP Investments Pte Ltd., Gateway Rail Freight Ltd. and Aec Education Plc.

In his capacity as both a diplomat and a business leader, Mr Pillai’s achievements and contributions to Singapore’s economy have ensured peaceful international relationships for the country. Gopinath Pillai does full justice to the criteria for the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 177

ABLF WOMAN OF POWER AWARD

178 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Woman of Power effortlessly straddles a traditional and conventional social environment and a cutting-edge modern business world, is commanding, influential and embodies the culture and values of Asia. She is committed to excellence and innovation, and maintains healthy interpersonal relationships within her business environment. Above all, she is an achiever who cherishes family and community values and achieves a balance between her work and her home, and is held as a role model for women achievers around the world. The ABLF Awards celebrates the women of Asia who command respect and admiration globally for their effective role in the new Asian business space.

Associated with prosperity, generosity and integrity, the radiant Ruby breathes the power of confidence through its elemental signature, perfectly complimenting the stature of the ABLF Woman of Power.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 179

ABLF WOMAN OF POWER AWARD

“

We see that the synergy between Asian countries is key in the new world order. The seamless relationship between these countries has never been stronger, and it now encompasses the world of new technologies. So leveraging on this has all the makings of a formidable, globally competitive business zone in the area of Information Technology. Institutions such as the ABLF will certainly be the catalyst in enabling the synergy for the benefit of the stakeholders.

�

180 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

THE GULF

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

Hind Bahwan DIRECTOR SUHAIL BAHWAN GROUP

India and the United States. Under her leadership, the company has won numerous prestigious international awards.

Hind Bahwan firmly believes that business organisations have a deep social responsibility. With this view, Bahwan CyberTek developed a joint venture with the Government of Oman and Omantel to cater for Gulf Air at Knowledge Oasis Muscat, the largest IPCC-based call centre in the country, which has created jobs for more than 400 Omani nationals directly and indirectly.

Hind Bahwan founded Bahwan CyberTek Group, which today is a US$ 100

She has also been instrumental in creating a thought leadership initiative

million multinational company in the IT, ITES, BPO and R&D space with

between Bahwan CyberTek and DHL, forming a 4th Party Logistics (4PL)

solutions delivered in 20 countries across four continents.

organisation for Petroleum Development Oman – the first of its kind in the Middle East region and the oil and gas sector across the world.

Ms Bahwan has what many consider a “technology” background – she is a graduate in Computer Science, a Harvard Business School alumnus

Ms Bahwan recently expanded her activities to create Bahwan

and a Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar in leadership and

Enterprises – a company involved in strategic diversification for the

management. Hind Bahwan has grown her professional skills within the

local and international markets. The company is currently involved in

multibillion dollar Suhail Bahwan Group. In her capacity as one of the

the development of infrastructure projects in Oman through association

Directors of Suhail Bahwan Group she is recognised throughout the Middle

and partnership with reputed international companies in the field of

East as an enterprising and dynamic young businesswoman.

power generation, water and waste water renewal, energy, oil and gas, railways and transportation, construction and real estate development,

Hind Bahwan strongly believes in the philosophy that “from adapting to

dredging and marine engineering and also security. Ms Bahwan also

change to anticipating change, today’s businesses need to create the

plays a leading role in working with government and other commercial

change to stay ahead.” An unswerving commitment to this philosophy

companies in the joint pursuit of creating a digital society in Oman.

has been the core of Bahwan CyberTek’s business and commitment to its customers for over a decade.

Hind Bahwan has single-handedly raised the profile of Arab women in the Gulf. Committed to building a world-class organisation while ensuring

In Bahwan CyberTek, she has created a global IT organisation providing

the well-being of her staff, Hind Bahwan embodies the qualities of an

world-class products and services. Bahwan CyberTek today links four

ABLF Woman of Power.

nations known for excellence in IT and ICT: Oman, the United Arab Emirates,

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 181

ABLF WOMAN OF POWER AWARD

INDIA

“

Following the global financial crisis, emerging markets like India and China will be the key drivers of global economic growth. The strength of India’s economic growth is likely to present many business opportunities and I believe that infrastructure development will present the next big opportunity for our businesses.

”

182 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

Chanda Kochhar Ceo & Managing Director Icici Bank

and expansion of distribution and scale; ICICI Bank achieved a leadership position in this business. During 2006 and 2007, she successfully led the bank’s corporate and international banking businesses during a period of heightened activity and global expansion by Indian companies.

From 2007 to 2009, Chanda Kochhar was the Joint Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer during a critical period of rapid change in the global financial landscape. She was promoted to Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank in 2009 and is responsible for the bank’s diverse operations in India and overseas. Ms Kochhar also chairs the boards of the bank’s principal subsidiaries, which include India’s leading private sector life and general insurance companies.

In addition to her responsibilities at the ICICI Group, Ms Kochhar is a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry, the Board of Trade, High-Level Committee on Financing Infrastructure and the USIndia CEO Forum. She is a Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Chanda Kochhar is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Managing

of ICICI Bank Limited, India’s second-largest bank and the largest in the

Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association, Council of Scientific and

country’s private sector. She is widely recognised for her role in shaping the

Industrial Research Society and Executive Board of the Indian School

retail banking sector in India and for her leadership of the ICICI Group, as

of Business. She is also a member of the Board of the International

well as her contributions to various forums in India and globally.

Monetary Conference and was co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in 2011.

Ms Kochhar began her career as a Management Trainee in 1984 and was elevated to the Board of Directors of ICICI Bank in 2001. She was

Ms Kochhar has cemented her position as one of India’s foremost opinion

instrumental in establishing ICICI Bank during the 1990s, and subsequently

leaders and has played an integral role in raising the profile of Indian

headed the infrastructure finance and corporate banking business in ICICI.

women in business, thus serving as inspiration to a whole new generation of young, impressionable Indian women, which makes her the ideal

In 2000, Ms Kochhar took on the challenge of building ICICI Bank's nascent

recipient of the ABLF Woman of Power Award.

retail business, with strong focus on technology, process re-engineering

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 183

“

You need passion to pursue your dreams and the right people who share your vision to help you build a successful business. Perseverance and patience will help you overcome difficult times. Performance is critical to winning the trust of your customers as well as future orders.

Seek partnerships to complement and leverage on each other’s strengths.

Identify the ‘plus’ factor in your business to differentiate yourself from your competitors for that competitive edge.

”

184 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF WOMAN OF POWER AWARD

South-East Asia

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS Olivia Lum, Group President & CEO of Hyflux Ltd, started her corporate life as a chemist at Glaxo Pte Ltd. In 1989, she founded Hydrochem (S) Pte Ltd, the precursor to Hyflux Ltd, a fully-integrated water solutions company listed on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange.

Ms Lum is the driving force behind Hyflux’s growth and business expansion and is responsible for the policy and strategy formulation and corporate direction. Her vision has transformed a fledgling company of three into a global group that employs over 2,000 staff in Singapore, Malaysia, China,

Olivia Lum Group President & CEO Hyflux Group of Companies

India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

A former Nominated Member of the Singapore Parliament, Ms Lum holds several positions in public service. She sits on the board of various organisations, including the Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council and the Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council. She is currently the President of the Singapore Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility.

In June 2011, she became the first Singaporean and the first woman to be named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year. Ms Lum has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore.

Ms Lum’s determination to overcome the odds and succeed in a competitive business environment is an inspiration for men and women alike. The ABLF Grand Jury, impressed by her ambition and pioneering role in Asian business, chose Olivia Lum as the ABLF Woman of Power.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 185

ABLF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

186 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Business Excellence Award recognises and celebrates business organisations that adopt a holistic approach to building and sustaining both business excellence and developing human resources. Cultivating excellence as a united, sustained effort and innovation as a natural work style, this award recipient is a power house organisation that has continually channelled energies to create outstanding work environments that promote commitment, reinforce best business practices and consistently sharpen the skillsets of its employees to ensure optimum utilisation of both human resource potential as well as opportunity capital.

The luminous Sapphire shines forth from the ABLF Business Excellence Award trophy, channeling the values of truth, consistency and pure energy that are the intrinsic qualities of an award-winning business organisation.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 187

“

We are honoured to be recognised by our Asian peers at such a prestigious global platform. Over the years, Jafza has emerged as one of the most dynamic free zones in the Middle East and we have been fortunate to have a supportive network of strategic partners, stakeholders and employees who have facilitated our steady growth and development. This award emboldens us to continue our efforts towards achieving higher standards of excellence and further strengthen Dubai as well the UAE’s position as a vibrant commercial hub of the region.

”

188 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

THE GULF

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

Salma Hareb CEO JAFZA & ECONOMIC ZONES WORLDWIDE

Salma Hareb was recently named the ‘Woman CEO of the Year’ for her exceptional leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, strategic management skills and inspiring initiatives at the prestigious Women in Leadership (WIL) Forum 2010. She also topped Forbes Arabia’s list of the 50 most powerful Arab business women in 2008.

Under her leadership, over the last six years, EZW and its business units have won more than 30 prestigious awards. Most recently, Jafza won the prestigious Dubai Quality Award (DQA) for excellence in the service sector in 2011. In 2010, EZW won the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Award’ while Jafza was recognised as the ‘Logistics Hub of the Year’ at the Supply Salma Hareb made history when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer

Chain and Transport Awards. In 2009 EZW bagged more than a dozen

of Jafza in 2005, becoming the first woman in the MENA region to be the

awards, which included ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Best Logistics Park’

head of a free zone. Her responsibilities widened when she took on the

at the Middle East Logistics Awards, ‘Arabia CSR’ at the Arabia Corporate

mantle of CEO - Economic Zones World, a state-owned global developer

Social Responsibility Awards, ‘Employer of the Year’ at Annual GCC Human

of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks (formally

Resources Excellence Awards and ‘CIO top 20’ award at CIO Executive

launched in 2007). Ms Hareb today oversees global operations covering

Forum and Awards in the Middle East. Ms Hareb completed her education

business parks within the UAE – Jafza, TechnoPark, Dubai Auto Zone - as well

in the UAE and the UK, in the fields of Medical Sciences, Information

as Gazeley, a global developer and provider of sustainable logistics space.

Technology and Business Studies.

As CEO, Salma Hareb has spearheaded innovative product development

By making Jebel Ali Free Zone one of the most customer-friendly

to provide greater value to EZW customers. Ms Hareb has also been

organisations in the region, and possibly the world, Ms Hareb has not

instrumental in the creation of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, a joint initiative

only changed the dynamics of the free zones business in the region, and

with Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Dubai Logistics Corridor is one of the

quite possibly the world, but has also contributed towards its tremendous

world’s largest multi-model logistics platforms that links Jebel Ali Port and

growth over the past two years, making her a truly deserving winner of the

Jafza to Dubai World Central, which is home to Dubai Aviation City and Al

ABLF Business Excellence Award.

Maktoum International Airport. The corridor facilitates transportation of goods from one mode to another in under 1 hour from the current 4 hours, which in real terms is a quadrupling of Dubai’s logistics efficiencies.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 189

ABLF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

“

It is heartening to note that India is on its way to regain its pre-eminent position in the world of business.

Though we have a long way to go to reach that position, we have made a good beginning to realise our potential. The young population, the entrepreneurial spirit, high savings rate coupled with a large domestic market augur well for us. It is important to build on the momentum and the opportunities that the world has provided us with.

�

190 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

INDIA

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

Shashi Ruia CHAIRMAN ESSAR GROUP

Mr Ruia has masterminded the group’s business strategy and consolidated a range of activities through backward and forward integration. This has enabled the group to unleash unique synergies across its businesses.

The 21st century for the Essar Group has been all about consolidating and growing the businesses, with mergers and acquisitions, new revenue streams and strategic geographical expansion.

Mr Ruia is on several important national bodies and industry associations.

He was on the managing committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), an apex body of India’s trade and business associations. He has also been the Chairman of the prestigious Indo-US Joint Business Council and is a former president of the Indian National Shipowners Association (lNSA).

Mr Shashi Ruia, Chairman of Essar Group, is a first-generation entrepreneur and industrialist. He has made invaluable contributions towards

In 2007, Mr Ruia joined an elite list of achievers, which include the likes of

strengthening the core and infrastructure sectors in India and has steered

Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, to independently fund The Elders. The

the Essar Group to a premier position in the global industry.

Elders is a group of world renowned personalities, comprising Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and Muhammad Yunus, who have joined hands to tackle the

Along with his brother Ravi Ruia, Shashi Ruia laid the foundation of the

world’s most difficult problems.

Essar Group, which is today a multinational conglomerate with operations in more than 25 countries, with 75,000 employees, and revenues of US$ 17

Shashi Ruia's passion for education and mentoring young talent has made

billion. Essar is a leading player in the sectors of steel, oil and gas, power,

him one of India’s finest business leaders. He is proud of all the employees

communications, shipping ports and logistics, construction and minerals.

of Essar who have done well for themselves under his stewardship.

Mr Shashi Ruia’s vision saw the Essar Group gain a first mover advantage

Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern India, Shashi Ruia’s

in many of these businesses. For instance, when the telecom sector was

visionary leadership has turned Essar into one of the largest and most

opened up for private participation, Essar was among the first companies

respected business organisations in the world. His commitment to

to offer mobile services. In the USA, Essar has investments of over US$ 3

excellence, impeccable reputation as a leader and inspiring success story

billion in steel, coal and BPO, employing over 13,000 people.

made him the ideal choice for the ABLF Business Excellence Award.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 191

“

Asia is continuing to emerge as a region of growing opportunities. A young, entrepreneurial population is expanding rapidly, beckoning international businesses to tap the wealth of the region’s talent, drive and resourcefulness. Sound macro-economic policies and structural reforms have also laid a strong foundation for greater resilience to economic tremors. As an important gateway to the markets in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Asia is poised to be a key engine of global trade and businesses in the coming decades.

”

192 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS Stephen Lee Ching Yen is the Chairman of Singapore Airlines.

He is also the Managing Director of Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank Ltd (Taiwan) and Great Malaysia Textile Investments Pte Ltd, and the President of the Singapore National Employers Federation.

Amongst several other appointments, Mr Lee is a member of the Advisory

Stephen Lee Ching Yen CHAIRMAN SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Panel of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited and an Alternate Member of the Council of Presidential Advisers. He was Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation from 2002 to 2008, PSA International from 2002 to 2006 and International Enterprise Singapore from 1995 to 2002.

He was a Nominated Member of Parliament from 1994 to 1997. Mr Lee was awarded the Public Service Star in 1998 and the Distinguished Service Order in 2006 for his contributions to both the public and private sectors.

Mr Lee graduated from Northwestern University, Illinois, USA in 1973 with a Master of Business Administration.

Singapore Airline, often considered one of the best airlines in the world, provides a remarkable blueprint for a powerful business organisation that is committed to the core values of excellence, integrity and sustainability.

Mr Lee is a truly deserving winner of the ABLF Business Excellence Award for guiding the company to its incredible success.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 193

ABLF BUSINESS COURAGE AWARD

194 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Business Courage Award recipient is a formidable businessman who defines the essence of a true leader, one who leads effortlessly during times of plenty and times of crisis, ensuring the safety of both, company as well as its human resource capital.

This profile is bold, decisive and a true warrior of light.

His /her spirit embodies the energy of manifestation. He/she makes success a habit and passionately leads his/her people to greater heights with vision, innovation and compassion.

The precious Emerald, the archetypal talisman of courage, strength and wisdom, is the ancient gem that symbolises the energy of the ABLF Business Courage Award and sparkles in splendour on the award trophy.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 195

ABLF BUSINESS COURAGE AWARD

THE GULF

“

The ABLF Awards is a fantastic opportunity for business people from the region to get together. I am very proud of the UAE, which is blessed with a visionary government that works very hard for its people. Our achievements as a group will always give us a platform to showcase excellence and with further cooperation in Asia we can definitely conquer the world.

”

196 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS Ghaith Al Ghaith is the CEO of Dubai’s first low cost airline, flydubai. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the airline and works closely with its Chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Mr Ghaith was previously with the Emirates Group, where he held the position of Executive Vice-President Commercial Operations Worldwide, until March 2008. Prior to this position he was Senior General Manager of Commercial Operations for the Middle East, Africa and CIS.

Ghaith Al Ghaith CEO FLYDUBAI

Mr Ghaith, a UAE national, was born in 1963 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, USA.

Mr Ghaith has a long track record in the airline industry and was recently named Aviation CEO of the Year at the 2009 CEO Middle East Awards.

In a competitive market, Ghaith Al Ghaith has successfully turned flydubai into the region’s leading low-cost carrier. Launched amid the global economic crises, Ghaith Al Ghaith used his expertise in aviation to build a name that is respected and favoured, making him truly deserving of the ABLF Business Courage Award.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 197

ABLF BUSINESS COURAGE AWARD

INDIA

“

L&T is a vehicle which is run by four wheels - the front two wheels are training and HR and the rear two wheels are technology and IT and the spare wheel is sheer devotion. This is what takes L&T forward - driven by values, culture and tradition.

”

198 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS

A. M. Naik CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR LARSEN & TOUBRO

every critical activity in the company against international standards. The international thrust under Mr Naik has seen spectacular breakthroughs into the Gulf, US and South-East Asia.

Mr Naik has always put the nation before self and company, and in the process, has helped create an organisation where nationalism and patriotism are embedded in the very consciousness of the employees.

At an event to commemorate L&T’s 70 year record, a senior Union Minister coined a unique phrase, describing L&T as “India’s only ‘national sector’ company”. L&T is a ‘private sector partner’ to India in key national endeavours. It has made critical contributions to India’s first nuclearpowered submarine, India’s first moon mission, and the successful PSLV

A. M. Naik heads Larsen & Toubro, an organisation that is among the

programme. L&T has also provided indigenous engineering expertise

most admired companies in the country, reputed for the technological

for critical defence projects. Other national missions for which L&T

sophistication that characterises its projects and products, for its

either supplied vital equipment or offered critical construction services

contribution to the development of indigenous engineering capability

include the 'White Revolution' and the nuclear power programme. For his

and, most of all, for its inherent professionalism and the value systems

contributions to the country’s development, Mr Naik received the Padma

that lie at its core.

Bhushan from the Government of India in 2009.

Since joining the company as a Junior Engineer in 1965, Mr Naik rapidly rose

Mr Naik is a senior and active member of the Confederation of Indian

to positions of increasing responsibility as he moved from General Manager

Industry (CII) National Council and is also a member of the Board of Trade,

to Managing Director and CEO, culminating in his appointment as Chairman.

Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, Fellow of the Indian National

His broad global perspective has seen the company expanding its horizons

Academy of Engineers (INAE), and Member of the Board of Governors of

beyond domestic frontiers, positioning itself to become a true international

the Indian Institute of Management.

player. Transforming L&T into a world-class conglomerate has always been Mr Naik's dream. He has lead a broad-ranging, transformational process

In a little over four decades, Mr Naik has taken L&T from an Indian company

aimed at boosting shareholder value.

to an engineering giant that girdles the globe. For his determination and resolution to establish the reputation of Indian companies worldwide, Mr

Mr Naik infused a global perspective into L&T’s business orientation. He

Naik truly deserves the honour of the ABLF Business Courage Award.

changed mindsets and institutionalised systems to benchmark virtually

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 199

ABLF BUSINESS COURAGE AWARD

INDIA

“

I've always looked at strategy as the ability to look beyond the boundaries and find that one wrinkle that will actually make it successful. A willingness to adapt your business model to suit the economy is a necessity for success. India's role will continue to expand on the world stage as she becomes a larger part of the global economy.

�

200 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS Gautam Thapar is Chairman & CEO of India’s foremost diversified corporation, the Avantha Group. The US$ 4 billion Avantha Group is one of India’s leading business conglomerates. The Group has business interests in diverse areas, including pulp and paper, power transmission and distribution equipment and services, food processing, farm forestry, chemicals, energy, infrastructure, information technology (IT) and ITenabled services. With an impressive global footprint, the Group operates in more than 10 countries with 20,000 employees of 20 nationalities.

Gautam Thapar Chairman & Ceo Avantha Group

Group companies include Crompton Greaves Limited, India’s largest power equipment company, and Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT), India’s largest paper manufacturer, both listed on Indian stock exchanges. Mr Thapar sits on the boards of various companies in India and overseas. One of India’s youngest and brightest global business leaders, he has been appointed Board Member of the National Security Advisory Board, a key component of the National Security Council of India, the apex agency looking into the nation’s political, economic, energy and strategic security concerns.

Keen on giving back to society, Mr Gautam Thapar takes his social responsibilities very seriously. He is President of Thapar University, one of the top twenty technical schools in India. He is also the Chairman of The Aspen Institute India, which aims to internationalise India’s business, political and cultural leadership; and the President of All India Management Association (AIMA), the apex body of professional management in India.

Gautam Thapar is a true risk-taker who has shaped Avantha Group to be a company with heart. By implementing a green mandate at Avantha, he has raised awareness of environmentally friendly business practices in a rapidly developing economy, thus making him a truly inspiring ABLF Business Courage Award winner.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 201

“

When I graduated from business school, the common thinking was that Europe was the past, America is the present and Asia is the future.

As we gather here today I believe we can agree that for Asia, the future has indeed arrived. As business leaders we have a responsibility to Asia’s future generations to ensure sustainable and responsible growth. We can achieve this by balancing dynamic entrepreneurial leadership with corporate governance and managing the 'greed factor'. In accepting this award I wish to recognise my family and my management team for making our collective success possible.

”

202 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF BUSINESS COURAGE AWARD

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

ABLF Awards 2011 THE WINNERS ANJ, an Indonesian holding company wholly owned by the Tahija family, has investments in natural resources including food and energy, and in the financial and medical services sectors. In a national and global environment that continually faces new challenges, George Tahija enjoys leading and developing the Group’s culture, values, governance, businesses and social responsibility commitments.

Mr Tahija is Chairman of the Plenary Committee of the Trisakti University Foundation and a member of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia

George S. Tahija President Director & Ceo Pt Austindo Nusantara Jaya Indonesia

Chapter Advisory Board, the Board of Trustees of the Asia Business Council (ABC), Global Executive MBA Advisory Board, the Darden School, University of Virginia, and the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) Indonesia Chapter. Mr Tahija contributes to education, economic, environmental, and social development in Indonesia through his participation in various organisations including the Plenary Committee of the Trisakti University Foundation, the founding board of PSKD Mandiri School, Advisory Board of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia Chapter, and the Council’s Board of Trustee of the Asia Business Council (ABC).

The author of A Walk in the Clouds and photographer for Land of Water (Vol.I: From Bali to Komodo), Mr Tahija has summated Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia; and Mount Elbrus, Russia.

Whether it is innovation, the ability to think big and build scale, the quality of execution or of output, Mr Tahija has not left any stone unturned. He is truly deserving of the ABLF Business Courage Award for ensuring the sustained growth of his company in one of the fastest growing regions in the world and for inspiring excellence among forthcoming entrepreneurs in Asia.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 203

ABLF AWARDS 2011

204 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

THE BIG NIGHT Event Photo Gallery

For more images, view the photo gallery on www.ablfawards.com

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 205

H. E. Kamal Nath - Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI

H. E. Vayalar Ravi - Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI

H. E. Kapil Sibal - Union Cabinet Minister of Communications & Information Technology, GOI

H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji - Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry

H. E. Karen Tan – Singapore High Commissioner to India H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais – Ambassador of the UAE to India

H. E. Humaid Al Maani - Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India

H. E. Dato’ Tan Seng Sung – Malaysian High Commissioner to India

H. E. Karen Tan - Singapore High Commissioner to India

Mr Shashi Ruia - Chairman, Essar Group and winner of the ABLF Business Excellence Award (India)

Mr Rajiv Luthra – Founder and Managing Partner, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices

Ms Malini Menon - Founder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions

Mr Bharat Wakhlu - Resident Director, Tata Services

Mr Mohammed Eissa Al-Refaei - Director of International & Trade Relations, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Ms Nadia Zaal - Co-Founder & CEO, Zaya and celebrity host of the evening

Mr Anil Singh – Senior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent

Dr P. Mohamed Ali – Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Galfar

206 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Mr Pranav Adani – Managing Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar

Mr Rajeev Talwar - Managing Director, DLF Universal Limited

Mr Rajesh Adani – Managing Director, Adani Group

Mr Sanjey Roy - Vice President, DLF Limited

Mr V Balasubramanium - Group President, Reliance Industries Limited

Mr Shamsher K Sheriff – Secretary to the Vice President of India

Mr Venu Rajamony - Joint Secretary, Dept. of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI

Mr Adrianto Machribie - President Commissioner, PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya

Mr Rashad Al Zubair - Chairman, The Zubair Corporation

Ms Hind Bahwan - Director, Suhail Bahwan Group and winner of the ABLF Woman of Power Award (The Gulf)

Ms Salma Hareb - CEO, Jafza and winner of the ABLF Woman of Power Award (The Gulf)

Mr Gaith Al Gaith – CEO, flydubai and winner of the ABLF Business Courage Award (The Gulf)

Mr Dilip Cherian - Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations

Mr Sharief Habib Al Awadhi - Director General, Fujairah Free Zone

Mr Sadruddin Hashwani – Chairman, Hashoo Group of Companies

Mr Surinder Singh

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 207

Ms Shravani Dang - Group Vice President, Corporate Communications, Avantha Group

H. E. Richard Stagg – British High Commissioner to India

Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi – Deputy CEO, Jafza

Ms Hana Makarim – Special Staff to the Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)

Mr Pranay Gupte – International Journalist & Author and host of the ABLF Awards 2011

Dr Gerardo della Paolera – President, Global Development Network

Mr K. Venkataramanan - President, Operations, L&T, India

Mr Shashank Warty - Area Vice President, The Leela Palace Hotel and Resorts

Mr Neeraj Bharadwaj - Managing Director, Accel Partners

Mr Ashok Bajaj

Mr Manav Garewal - General Manager, AMAN, New Delhi

Mr Manoj Prasad - CEO and Managing Director, Signature Capital

Ms Rashmi Uday Singh - Author and TV Host

Ms Ruchi Chopra - Assistant Vice President Communications, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices

Mr Rajiv Dixit - Head of Municipal Operations, Hyflux

Mr Mana S. Sultan Al Suwaidi - Commercial Attache of the UAE to India

208 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 209

210 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The Gold-Plated ABLF Award Trophies The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 211

Minister Kapil Sibal makes his key-note address

Minister Vayalar Ravi on the ABLF Awards stage

Minister Kamal Nath makes his key-note address

Ms Nadia Zaal – co-presenter for the evening with Minister Kapil Sibal

Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal lighting the Ceremonial Lamp

Minister Kamal Nath and Minister Vayalar Ravi

Mr Rajeev Talwar and Minister Vayalar Ravi presenting the ABLF Business Courage Awards

Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal presenting the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Awards

Mr Pranav Adani and Minister Kamal Nath presenting the ABLF Business Excellence Awards

H. E. Kapil Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Communications & Information Technology and Minister of Human Resource Development, GOI, greets Mr Sadruddin Hashwani and Mr Pranay Gupte

H. E. Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI, with Mr Venu Rajamony and Dr P. Mohamed Ali

H. E. Kamal Nath , Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI, greets H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji, Chairman of the OCCI

212 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Minister Kamal Nath at the ABLF Awards Big Night

Minister Vayalar Ravi at the ABLF Awards Big Night

Minister Kapil Sibal at the ABLF Awards Big Night

Minister Vayalar Ravi, Minister Kamal Nath and Minister Kapil Sibal with H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji on the ABLF Awards stage

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 213

The Event Set-Up

214 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 215

216 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 217

218 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 219

ABLF Awards Event Photo Gallery

220 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 221

The Signature Wall The central feature of the ABLF Awards gold-carpet walk was the Signature Wall. All the guests, dignitaries, diplomats, award winners and country representatives signed the Signature Wall, making it a truly valued and cherished keepsake from the ABLF Awards Big Night.

222 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 223

The Winners

The ABLF Awards winners take the stage

224 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Global Asian Award The Award of the Night

Mr V. Balasubramanium speaks to Union Cabinet Minister Vayalar Ravi while accepting the ABLF Global Asian of the Year honour for Mr Dhirubhai Ambani

H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji and Mr V. Balasubramanium, with Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 225

ABLF Business Excellence Award

Minister Kamal Nath presents the ABLF Business Excellence Award to Ms Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza

H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Business Excellence Award on behalf of Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen, Chairman of Singapore Airlines

226 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Mr Shashi Ruia, Chariman of Essar Group, accepts the ABLF Business Excellence Award

ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr Rashad Al Zubair accepts the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman of the Zubair Corporation Mr Rashad Al Zubair and Minister Kapil Sibal

Mr Bharat Wakhlu accepts the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, from Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal

H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Gopinath Pillai, Executive Chairman of Savant Infocomm

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 227

ABLF Business Courage Award

Mr Gaith Al Gatih , CEO of flydubai, receives the ABLF Business Courage Award

Mr Adrianto Machribie receives the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr George Tahija, President Director & CEO of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya

Mr K. Venkataramanan receives the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr A. M. Naik, Chairman & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro

Ms Shravani Dang accepts the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr Gautam Thapar, Chairman & CEO of Avantha Group

228 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Woman of Power Award

Minister Kapil Sibal presents the ABLF Woman of Power Award to Ms Hind Bahwan, Director of Suhail Bahwan Group

Ms Hind Bahwan with her ABLF Woman of Power Award

Mr Rajiv Dixit who accepts the Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Olivia Lum, Group President and CEO of Hyflux Ms Shilpa Kumar receives the ABLF Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Chanda Kochhar, CEO & Managing Director of ICICI Bank

ABLF Awards 2011 Photo gallery The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 229

“

The ABLF Awards 2011 platform gives credence where it is due, to the top leaders of

” “

current business affairs across Asia as a whole.

H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

I support the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards effort and initiative to celebrate the achievements of Asia in a common forum and its mandate of strong leadership commitments to excellence, sustainability and development.

”

H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman, Dubai World; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group

“

I want to congratulate the Asian Business Leadership Forum for hosting this beautiful event. This is an interesting time, economically and geo-politically in Asia and I believe this event is important for exchanging and producing new ideas that can prove useful for cross-border purposes.

”

H. E. Gita Wirjawan Minister of Trade, Indonesia; Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)

230 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF Awards 2011

“

Events such as the ABLF Awards create a platform of engagement and interaction.

Asia is going to be the engine of economic growth and countries in Asia will remain in their own way important participants in that growth.

H. E. Kamal Nath Union Cabinet Minister, Urban Development, Government of India

“

”

The ABLF Awards provide an ideal opportunity and an ideal platform to showcase the leadership in Asia and the business community to the rest of the world and show how the leadership can solve the problems, not just of Asia but the rest of the world.

”

H. E. Kapil Sibal Union Cabinet Minister, Human Resource Development and Communications & Information Technology, Government of India

“

The issue of Asia’s economic development has captured the attention of the world as the centre of global growth and power shifts from the West to Asia. I commend the ABLF Awards for building such a significant event that showcases how Asian business entities have played a defining role in the rise of Asia.

H. E. Vayalar Ravi Union Cabinet Minister, Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India

”

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 231

232 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

9

Afterword • The ABLF IP Creators & Architects • Chronicling the Rise of Asia • Acknowledgements

• Index, References & Photo Credits • Future Perfect - ABLF Awards 2012

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 233

234 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

The ABLF IP Creators & Architects Expressions showcases visionaries and architects of Asia who have firmly cemented an age-old friendship with strong business initiatives and alliances and helped place Asia on the cusp of a sweeping economic renaissance.

With a portfolio of over 500 successful events, Indian Indian Expressions is a leading Middle East-based event strategy,

Expressions’ initiatives facilitate joint venture projects, M&A

design and IP development company that owns and manages

deals and big-ticket investments through powerful custom-

event properties that are Asia-centric, Asia-focused and Asia-

created networking opportunities.

inspired for the global market.

For almost two decades, Indian Expressions has specialised The Indian Expressions mandate is to showcase Asia and key Asian

in creating and delivering networking infrastructure that

achievements through a number of specialty programmes, events,

facilitates the launch of new businesses, events and initiatives

business forums, conclaves, PR junkets, business awards and

by securing funds, offering professional advisory services and

high‑profile publishing initiatives.

creating custom-built PR solutions for India and GCC markets through its extensive corporate network.

Indian Expressions brings together business forces from India, the Gulf and South-East Asia in joint ventures with cross-investment

Indian Expressions owns, co-owns and manages brand, event

agendas by creating dynamic networking forums that facilitate

and publishing IP portfolios, such as the ‘Asian Business Awards

the great business potential between these mega economies.

Middle East™’, 'TopicIndia.com', the ‘Images of Success™’ series

Focusing on the dynamic business regions that are on a rapidly

and the ‘ICLF Series’, among others.

rising growth trajectory since the turn of the decade, Indian

Images of Indian Expressions’ events

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 235

Chronicling the Rise of Asia MALINI N. MENON FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, INDIAN EXPRESSIONS

The Mandate In 2012, the ABLF series will reiterate its mandate of showcasing excellence in the powerful business sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy - the key drivers of the global economy - and continue on its trajectory of bringing these sectors out of their ivory towers and

Thank you for taking the time to look through this inaugural volume

into the mainstream news arena and public focus, while celebrating

of History-Makers of the New Asian Century – the ABLF Journey of Glory,

them with the importance and consequence they deserve.

the official signature publication of the Asian Business Leadership Forum and Awards. I hope you have enjoyed the feature articles,

The Regions of Focus

commentaries and Asian perspectives from the ABLF Awards Jury,

The ABLF Awards 2011 focused on the UAE, Oman, India, Malaysia,

the award winners and key ABLF supporters on what is now being

Singapore and Indonesia - the six constituencies that have played

called the Asian Century or the great Asian renaissance.

a powerful role in the story of Asia Rising. In 2012, we are proud to add four new powerful constituencies from the ABLF's regions of

Here is a top line summary of the key features of the upcoming

focus - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Thailand.

events of the ABLF property in 2012.

Picking the best Setting the stage for the ABLF in 2012

The 2011 ABLF Awards Grand Jury featured some of the leading

At Indian Expressions, we have taken great care to build the Asian

voices in business, diplomacy, law, media, finance, academics and

Business Leadership Forum IP as a zeitgeist event series that

research. Key members of the 2011 Jury will stay on to steer the

encapsulates the story of Asia in the global business-scape while

newly structured ABLF Awards Strategic Advisory Panel (SAP). The

presenting the Asian spirit of excellence through celebration,

SAP will function as mentors for the 2012 edition of the event series

conversation and collaboration.

and will lead the selection process for the ABLF Awards 2012 Grand

236 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

ABLF AWARDS Afterword Jury. The members of the SAP will also leverage their expertise in the

Your opinion matters – tell us where you want to see us next.

sectors of focus to set the business and social criteria for the ABLF Awards 2012. Keeping in line with making the award series more

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2012 invites you to

accessible and media friendly, we invite you to share your opinion

nominate a host constituency with a rationale for your choice. Log

on the various ABLF processes. To nominate a jury member with

on to www.‍ablfawards.com to nominate a city.

an international profile, please log on to www.ablfawards.com

Leveraging the knowledge paradigm Introducing a New award category -

The Asian Business Leadership Forum in June 2012 is a prelude

The ABLF Statesman Award

to the second edition of the ABLF Awards in November 2012 and

The ABLF Awards 2011 celebrated the achievements of Asian

will feature the iconic achievers, presenters and participants of the

business leaders through five key award categories. This year, a

inaugural event, bringing them together in a colloquium that reflects

new award category - the ABLF Statesman Award - will recognise

the business zeitgeist of Asia and chronicles history as it is made.

three regional government leaders whose innovative approach to the development of the key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and

As the ABLF series scales new heights every year through satellite

Energy have shaped positive government policy, an inspirational

events, talk shows, roundtable conferences and think-tanks, Indian

achiever of government and public service, who actively contributes

Expressions remains committed to impeccable standards of

to the growth trajectory of his/her nation’s economy and

delivery to ensure that the ABLF property becomes the foremost

international relations globally.

showcase of leadership and excellence in Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, winning global respect and recognition.

A New Host City for the awards Moving forward, the ABLF Awards will be held in a rising economic centre of Asia each year, celebrating the spirit of enterprise that has catapulted Asia's proud leadership and re-emergence as a leading light in the world economic scenario.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 237

The ABLF Awards Event Architects are sincerely grateful to the following people for their support, guidance and encouragment towards the development of the event property.

H. E. Kamal Nath, Union Cabinet Minister of Urban Development, GOI; H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, UAE; H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group;

Acknowledgements

H. E. Kapil Sibal, Union Cabinet Minister of Human Resource Development; Communications & Information Technology, GOI; H. E. Vayalar Ravi, Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, GOI; H. E. Gita Wirjawan, Minister of Trade, Indonesia and Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board); Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, India; Mr Pranav Adani, Managing Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar, India; Mr Rajiv Singh, Vice Chairman, DLF Limited, India; Mr Rajeev Talwar, Managing Director, DLF Universal Limited, India; Mr Ravi Sharma, CEO, Adani Power Limited, India; Mr Rajiv Luthra, Founder & Managing Partner, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, India; H. E. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand;

238 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

Mr Venu Rajamony, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions), Department

of

Economic

Affairs,

Ministry

of

Finance,

GOI;

H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais, Ambassador of the UAE to India; H. E. Humaid Al Maani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India; H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung, Malaysian High Commissioner to India; H. E. Karen Tan, Singapore High Commissioner to India; H. E. Khalil Al Khonji, Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Ambassador Prakash Shah, Former Indian Diplomat; Mr Mohammed Eissa Al-Refaei, Director of International & Trade Relations, ADCCI; Mr Yusuffali M. A., Managing Director, EMKE Group, UAE; Mr PNC Menon, Chairman, Sobha Developers; Mr Anil Wats, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, DP World, UAE; Mr Pranay Gupte, International journalist; Mr Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, Director General, Fujairah Free Zone Authority; Ms Anita George, Director, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC); Mr Vijay Wanchoo, Senior Vice President & General Manager, The Imperial, New Delhi; and Dr N Janardhan, GCC-India Specialist and Research Analyst, Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, UAE.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 239

INDEX A Adani, Gautam 8, 38, 143 Adani, Pranav 58, 104, 207, 212, 216, 219, 222 Adani, Rajesh, 207, 216, 219 Ahmed, Talmiz 8 Ali, P. Mohamed 8, 27, 107, 150, 206, 212, 216, 218, 224 Ambani, Dhirubhai 168, Ambani, Mukesh 8 Awadhi, Sharief Al 207, 217, 218, 220 B Bahwan, Hind 180, 207, 216, 222, 224, 229 Bajaj, Ashok 210, 217 Balasubramanium, V. 207, 218, 224, 225 Bharadwaj, Neeraj 208 C Cherian, Dilip 67, 207, 218, 221 Chopra, Ruchi 208 D Dang, Shravani 208, 224, 228 Dixit, Rajiv 208, 216, 222, 224, 229 G Gandhi, Mahatma 10 Gandhi, Sonia 8, 14 Garewal, Manav 208, 217 George, Anita Marangoly 66 Ghaith, Ghaith Al 196, 207, 217, 218, 219, 223, 224, 228 Gupte, Pranay 101, 208, 212, 217, 224, 226 H H. E. Anand Sharma 8 H. E. Anil Wadhwa 87 H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung 89, 206, 216, 218 H. E. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 8 H. E. E. Ahmad 8 H. E. George Yeo 8 H. E. Gita Wirjawan 8, 75, 154, 230 H. E. Humaid Al Maani 99, 206, 217, 220 H. E. Kamal Nath 8, 24, 27, 30, 77, 119, 206, 212, 213, 221, 222, 224, 225, 226, 227, 231 H. E. Kapil Sibal 30, 32, 34, 206, 212, 213, 216, 218, 219, 221, 222, 224, 225, 227, 229, 231 H. E. Karen Tan 89, 206, 216, 217, 221, 224, 226, 227 H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji 8, 156, 206, 212, 213, 216, 217, 220, 224, 225 H. E. Lim Hng Kiang 8 H. E. M. K. Lokesh 100 H. E. Mari Elka Pangestu 8 H. E. Mohamed Bin Dhaen Al Hamli 79 H. E. Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi 152 H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais 98, 206, 218, 220, 222 H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair 172 H. E. Pranab Mukherjee 8 H. E. Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash 8

240 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

H. E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi 8 H. E. Richard Stagg 27, 208, 209, 217 H. E. Vayalar Ravi 8, 28, 30, 206, 212, 213, 216, 220, 224, 225, 227, 228, 230 H. E. Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah 8 H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8, 22, 230 H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 16 H. H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum 8 H. H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 8 H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 8, 16 H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan 8, 20, 230 H. H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8 H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi 8, 16 H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan 8, 10 H. M. King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud 8 H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said 8, 10 Hareb, Salma 188, 207, 217, 219, 222, 224, 226 Hashwani, Sadruddin 63, 207, 212, 216, 217, 220, 221 J Janahi, Ibrahim Mohammed Al 208, 217, 219, 222 K Khimji, Pankaj 85, 209, 216, 217 Kilachand, Nikhil 148 Kilachand, Rajen 8, 63, 96, 148 Kilachand, Sameer 148 Kochhar, Chanda 182 Krishna, S. M. 8 Kumar, Shilpa, 224, 229 L Lum, Olivia 184 Luthra, Rajiv 94, 206, 216, 218, 220, 223 M M.A., Yusuffali 8, 85 Machribie, Adrianto 89, 207, 217, 223, 224, 228 Makarim, Hana 208, 217, 222 Menon, Malini N. 119, 206, 212, 216, 217, 221, 224, 230, 236 Mohanka, Manoj 125 Murthy, Narayana 8 N Naik, A.M. 198 Nair, C.P. Krishnan 87 P Paolera, Gerardo della 109, 208 Pillai, Gopinath 176 Prasad, Manoj 208, 216, 217, 219, 223 President Pratibha Patil 8, 14 President S. R. Nathan 8 President Sukarno 11

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 8 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 8 Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong 8 Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew 8, 11 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 8, 14 Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao 8 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 8 Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman 11 R Rajamony, Venu 60, 207, 212, 217, 218, 219, 222 Refaei, Mohammed Eissa Al 206, 223 Roy, Sanjey 105, 207, 220 Ruia, Shashi 190, 206, 219, 221, 224, 226 S Sharaf, Mohammed 106 Sheriff, Shamsher K. 207, 209, 216, 218 Singh, Anil 66, 206, 222 Singh, Kushal Pal 8, 39 Singh, Rashmi Uday 208, 223 Singh, Surinder 207, 217, 221, 223 Soeryadjaya, Edwin 8 Sulayem, Sultan Bin 8, 85, 146 Suwaidi, Mana Sultan Al 208, 217, 218, 219, 220 T Tahija, George S. 202 Talwar, Rajeev 58, 207, 212, 218, 221, 223 Tata, Ratan 8, 174 Thapar, Gautam 200 V Venkataramanan, K. 208, 209, 216, 223, 224, 228 V.G, Joseph 161 W Wakhlu, Bharat 161, 206, 216, 219, 220, 224, 227 Warty, Shashank 208 Wats, Anil 63 Y Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Mohd.

Yassin 8 Yen, Stephen Lee Ching 192 Z Zaal, Zaal Mohammed 8 Zaal, Nadia 102, 206, 212, 216, 218, 219, 224 Zagha, Roberto 108 Zubair, Rashad Al 207, 209, 216, 217, 222, 224, 227

References • Al Jazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/ • Asian Development Bank http://www.adb.org • Asian Development Bank Institute http://www.adbi.org • Bar & Bench http://barandbench.com • BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk

• Bloomberg Businessweek http://investing.businessweek.com • BP Global http://www.bp.com • Curious Cat http://investing.curiouscatblog.net • Exxon Mobil http://www.exxonmobil.com

• • • • • •

The Oil & Gas Year http://www.theoilandgasyear.com The Straits Times http://www.straitstimes.com The Wall Street Journal http://topics.wsj.com The World Bank http://web.worldbank.org United Nations http://www.un.org United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific http://www.unescap.org

• United Nations Global Compact http://www.unglobalcompact.org/

• University of Chicago – School of Business http://www.chicagobooth.edu

• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

• World Nuclear Association

• • • • • • •

• World Steel Association http://www.worldsteel.org

• • • • • •

http://www.bostonfed.org

Financial Times http://www.ft.com Forbes Global http://www.forbes.com Forbes India http://forbesindia.com Fortune Global Global Issues http://www.globalissues.org Hindustan Times http://www.hindustantimes.com India and the World – A Blueprint for Partnership & Growth India's Century India Law Journal http://www.indialawjournal.com Inpec http://inpec.in/ Iowa State University http://www.soc.iastate.edu JSTOR http://www.jstor.org Knowledge @ Wharton http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/

• Luthra & Luthra Law Offices http://www.luthra.com • M K Gandhi http://www.mkgandhi.org • McKinsey Quarterly http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com

• Moneylife http://www.moneylife.in • National Institute of Open Schooling http://nos.org

• Oman Ministry of Information http://www.omanet.om

• Peterson Institute for International Economics • • • • • • • •

http://www.piie.com

Platts http://www.platts.com President of India http://presidentofindia.nic.in PricewaterhouseCoopers http://www.pwc.com Prime Minister of India website http://pmindia.nic.in

Rediff http://ia.rediff.com Sage Journals http://wes.sagepub.com Shanghai-China http://shanghaichina.ca South Asian Network of Economic Research Institutes http://www.saneinetwork.net/ • Tata Group http://www.tata.com • The Big Picture http://www.ritholtz.com • The Economic Times http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

• The Economist http://www.economist.com • The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk • The National Bureau of Economic Research http://www.nber.org

• The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com

http://www.world-nuclear.org

HISTORY MAKERS OF THE NEW ASIAN CENTURY - THE ABLF JOURNEY OF GLORY CONTENT, COPY, DESIGN & PRODUCTION Indian Expressions Team in Dubai led by Malini N. Menon Keshav N. Menon Mariya Shabbir Padrawala Maclein Cornelio Parinaaz Navdar Natasha Katrak Anton Rodionov Rodel Rivas Doreen Mattisson

Photo Credits • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adani Group - p.38 Abhijit Bhatlekar/Bloomberg News - p.39 International Monetary Fund - p.60 DP World - p.63 above right ForumBlog.org, World Economic Forum p.66 above Photo Division, Government of India - p.77 Beno Saradzic - p.85 above left DP World - p.85 centre right Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry - p.85 below left Anil Wadhwa - p.87 above The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts p.87 below Luthra & Luthra Law Offices - p.94 Dodsal Group - p.96 Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi - p.100 Pranay Gupte - p.101 Zaya - p.102 Adani Group - p.104 DP World - p.106 Roberto Zagha - p.108 Manoj Mohanka - p.125 Adani Group - p.142-143 DLF Limited - p.144 DP World - p.146-147 Dodsal Group - p.148-149 Galfar - p.149-151 Abu Dhabi Chamber - p.152-153 Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry - p.156 Dr. Joseph V. G. - p.161 Reliance Group - p.168 The Zubair Corporation - p.172 RealWire - p.174 Murali D - p.176 ICICI Bank - p.182 Hyflux Ltd. - p.184 Singapore Airlines - p.192 Larsen & Toubro Ltd. - p.198 Avantha Group - p.200 PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya - p.202 International Monetary Fund - p.240

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 241

SAUDI ARABIA KUWAIT QATAR FUTURE Perfect OMAN ABLF AWARDS 2012 UAE INDIA “ MALAYSIA THAILAND ” SINGAPORE INDONESIA The rise of Asia in the global economy is really the defining economic success story of modern

times. And so today, it is no surprise that Asia is

propelling the global recovery. Asia has once again taken the global central stage and plays a crucial role - today and in the future.

Christine Lagarde Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF)

ABLF AWARDS 2012 Future perfect

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards premise reiterates the focus on sustaining the Asian business energy, the juggernaut that holds the key to unlocking tremendous economic potential that can bring about great change and empowerment globally.

What began as a forum for business celebration between the Gulf and India - with the launch of the Asian Business Awards Middle East in 2007 - has emerged and risen to include powerful South-East Asian countries in addition to the Gulf and India with a mandate of celebrating the high-growth sectors of economy. As the event property grows, the ABLF will feature several networking events to facilitate cross-investment opportunities each year in addition to roundtable discussions made for television, featuring the foremost thought leaders in the Asian business community.

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 243

An Asian future is rising.

ABLF AWARDS 2012 Mark your presence.

Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards The spirit of Asia comes together in Celebration, Conversation & Collaboration History-Makers of the News Asian Century – The ABLF Journey of Glory is the signature publication of the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards. An international event of Asian significance, the ABLF Awards showcases the sunshine sectors of Industry, Infrastructure & Energy and brings together the Asian nations of the world in an annual event series that celebrates the rise of Asia in the global consciousness through revival of old-school values for a brand new 'global business world'.

The inaugural 2011 showcase honoured and celebrated business achievers from across the three key regions of the Asian juggernaut – the Gulf, India and South-East Asia - and paid tribute to exemplary leaders who have stood strong in the face of the economic downturn and played a significant role in the story of 'Asia Rising'. © Indian Expressions Event Strategy & Design Consultancy 2011 www.indianexpressions.com

www.ablfawards.com

246 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

This is the die-cut for the pocket-folder.

PAPER : Cordenons Stardream Antique Gold 285gsm

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 247