ablf awards 2011 coffee-table book

The ABLF Journey of Glory | 1

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Volume 1

CoNTeNTS

Messages from the Leadership

Setting the Stage

Witness Asia Rising

Key Pivots of the ABLF Series

Anatomy of the ABLF Awards

The ABLF Awards Communications

Vanguard of the ABLF Awards

ABLF Awards 2011 - The Celebration

Afterword

Acknowledgements

References & Photo Index

Future Perfect – ABLF Awards 2012

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ABLF AWARDS 2011

8 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

THE ABLF EVENT SERIES IS DEDICATED

TO

&THEIR VISIONARY LEADERS

THE GREAT COUNTRIES OF MODERN ASIA


THE ABLF EVENT SERIES IS DEDICATED

TO

&THEIR VISIONARY LEADERS

THE GREAT COUNTRIES OF MODERN ASIA

ABLF AWARDS 2011


THE ABLF AWARDS 2011 CONSTITUENCIESVOICES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS

“No matter how many buildings,

foundations, schools and hospitals we

build, or how many bridges we raise,

all these are material entities. The real

spirit behind the progress is the human

spirit, the able man with his intellect

and capabilities.”

H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Father of the Nation & Late President of

the UAE

“I am working for Oman - the country and

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

country and my people in the situation I

imagined from the very first day I assumed

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

rather than a man with authority.”

H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said

Sultan of Oman

“There are seven sins in the world: wealth

without work, pleasure without conscience,

knowledge without character, commerce

without morality, science without humanity,

worship without sacrifice and politics

without principle.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Father of the Nation, India


THE ABLF AWARDS 2011 CONSTITUENCIESVOICES OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS

“Reach your ambition as high as the skies.

Dream as high as the skies. Because even if

you fall, it will be among the stars.”

President Sukarno

Founding Father, Indonesia

“It is essential to rear a generation at the

very top of society that has all the qualities

needed to lead and give the people

the inspiration and the drive to make

them succeed.”

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew

Founding Father, Singapore

“Our future depends on how well many

different kinds of people can live and

work together.”

Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman

Founding Father, Malaysia


meSSageS from The leaderShip• royal meSSageS

• KeyNoTe addreSSeS

• ViSioNarieS aT The helm

1

“ 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.”“ 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.”

LEADERSHIP 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.”

SmT. praTibha paTilpreSideNT of iNdia

dr. maNmohaN SiNghprime miNiSTer of iNdia

SmT. SoNia gaNdhipreSideNT, iNdiaN NaTioNal CoNgreSS


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.

LEADERSHIP 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.”

“ 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.”

“ 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 Khalifa biN Zayed al NahyaNpreSideNT of The uae

h. h. SheiKh Saud biN Saqr al qaSimiruler of raS al Khaimah, uae

h. h. SheiKh mohammed biN raShidal maKToumViCe-preSideNT & prime miNiSTer of The uae aNd ruler of dubai


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 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.


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.

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

h. h. SheiKh NahayaN mabaraK al NahayaNuae miNiSTer of higher eduCaTioN aNd SCieNTifiC reSearCh


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

Emirates is instituting appropriate structural reforms to promote

strong domestic growth. We strive for a competitive advantage in

the regional and global market place.

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

the Asian economies has major global ramifications and holds great

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.”

“ I fully support the premise of the Asian Business

Leadership Forum, as the rising stature of the

Asian economies has major global ramifications

and holds great potential for inclusive growth. 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.”


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

h. h. SheiKh ahmed biN Saeed al maKToumChairmaN, 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


A RoyAl MessAge

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

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

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

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

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

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

is also gaining pace. Dubai has really accomplished the goal for

Emirates because when you have a destination you always want to

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

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

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

within the airport who have worked towards making Dubai a brand

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

together to achieve that common goal.

“ 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

West and the East.

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

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

business excellence on a global scale. Accompanied by advancement

in infrastructure and industry, the UAE continues to strive further

and test its limits. 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.”

Minister Kamal Nath speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011


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.

Asia on the Fast TrackMinister Kamal Nath speaks on the Asian growth phenomenon at the ABLF Awards 2011

h. e. Kamal NaThuNioN 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.”


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

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

is now driving global economic growth. Who would have thought

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

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

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

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

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

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

But today, in this dramatic change which is taking place, it is Asia,

Asian business, and Asian business leaders, which are driving the

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

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

significant change which is taking place.

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

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

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

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

government, whereas in the Western world, the governments are

giving money to their financial systems to help them survive and

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

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

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

As Minister Sibal mentioned, the last decade has seen globalisation

as never before but at the heart of globalisation was global

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

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

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

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

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

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

an economic agreement. Within Asia, India has regional agreements

with the SAARC countries, which includes Pakistan.

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

the challenges of the European and of the North American

economies are very different from the challenges we face. Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

difference which we can see starkly in front of us.


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,

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

entrepreneurial abilities all over the globe.

India today has greater investments in Australia. Just the Indian

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

where Asian countries are becoming investors. Previously it was the

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

Asian companies, Asian countries are huge investors abroad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

all those who have put this event together because it recognises

leadership, it recognises talent, it recognises entrepreneurship and

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

Awards and to Malini for putting this event together for recognising

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

are going to drive the global economy in the future.

Thank you and enjoy your evening.”

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

Minister Vayalar Ravi at the ABLF Awards 2011


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

h. e. Vayalar raViuNioN CabiNeT miNiSTer,oVerSeaS iNdiaN affairS,goVerNmeNT of iNdia

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

by Indian Expressions. Let me extend my compliments to the

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

“ Asia has all the right ingredients for building an

undefeatable economy and achieving its goals.

It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms

and institutions.”


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


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

of the underprivileged in Asia have access to education, healthcare

and employment opportunities.

Asia has the right ingredients for building an undefeatable economy

and achieving its goals. It has the vision, the plan, the mechanisms

and institutions. What is needed is a greater sense of urgency,

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

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

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

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

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

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

that drive these organisations invariably reflect on the values that

the leadership upholds in its work. 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. Despite

the economic crisis, India has been able to weather the storm and

continued to perform well.

There are numerous development challenges that all of us face,

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

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

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

fundamentals in Asia are flush with robust foreign exchange

reserves, a booming capital market, Foreign Direct Investments of

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

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011


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.

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 New Age of Asian LeadershipMinister Kapil Sibal speaks on Asian leadership at the ABLF Awards 2011

h. e. Kapil SibaluNioN CabiNeT miNiSTer,humaN reSourCe deVelopmeNTCommuNiCaTioNS & iNformaTioN TeChNology,goVerNmeNT of iNdia

“ 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.”


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

flown in airplanes and leadership is about accepting the challenges

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

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

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

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

Distances today have no meaning, territorial boundaries have no

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

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

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

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

challenges that have never been dealt with before.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister Kapil Sibal speaking at the ABLF Awards 2011


reason why challenges are far greater is because when two-fifths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

but which are sustainable.

Now, that challenge has never been confronted by civilisation, ever

before. And it is in the context of that challenge that we, today,

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

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

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

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

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

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

actually exploit those resources which are depleting, you actually

question the very survivability of the human race. I don’t think that

the business community thus far has thought of that challenge.

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

and amongst the awardees I recognise there are lots of women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

world moves forward and produces many more women leaders it

will add to the GDP growth by not less than 3 to 4 percent.

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

award ceremony, start emphasising and encouraging the women

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

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

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

corporate room as well as the outside world.

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

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

KEYNOTE ADDRESS


ABLF AWARDS 2011The 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.

ABLF2011

ABLF2011

The Adani Group is a global business conglomerate, with

a formidable presence in multiple business sectors across

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

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

largest real-estate development company is a name

synonymous with global standards, new generation

workspaces and lifestyles.


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.

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.

Gautam AdaniChairmaNadaNi group

VISIONARIES AT THE HELM

“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

potential of Asia and investing in the Asian region and

hence our support and endorsement of this initiative.”


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.

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.

Kushal Pal SinghChairmaNdlf limiTed

VISIONARIES AT THE HELM

"Urban development in India will be the biggest

sunrise industry that any country has seen in any

part of the world."


SeTTiNg The STage2


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.


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.


Recognition for pioneers and leaders of industry.

Rewards for effort and enterprise.

Accolades for work well done.

Showcase and celebrate excellence in business.

What are the core mandates of any

significant business award event?


People like to be recognised and appreciated.

Award events are great motivators.

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.

What makes award events important?


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

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.’

What does it take to build Reputation

& earn Recognition?

Why is ‘Relevance’ so important?

Reputation and Relevance in the business-spaceWhat paves the way to Recognition?


This ‘global perspective’ - how does

it happen?

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.

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.


How does the Asian business

community benefit from hosting a

landmark award event property?

The award recipient, through recognition, is given

responsibility and power to re-unify a fragmented Asian

business community in a post-recession era through

conversation, collaboration and goodwill.


How does the global business

community benefit from such a

landmark event property?

Revival of old-school values for a brand new ‘global business world'

focusing on the great Asian business revolution.

Reconstruct and empower fractured and distanced relationships

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

Readdress old issues with new business solutions.

Rewrite and create new business legacies.


What factors define a relevant

business award event in today's

challenging times?

Regions most relevant to global economic growth.

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

Leadership qualities that will define the new Asian Century.

Leadership achievements in the mandated regions and sectors

that deserve celebration on a global scale.


iN TheSe TimeS of

uNpreCedeNTed ChalleNgeS


wheN greaT ChaNge iS immiNeNT...

old giaNTS awaKeN...

To herald The riSe of a braVe New era


wiTNeSS aSia riSiNg

• The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum

• aSia - The momeNT

• The aSiaN buSiNeSS leaderShip forum awardS

3


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?

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

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.


a New plaTform for

a New era of KNowledge

The Asian Business Leadership Forum is a business and

knowledge platform that seeks to bring together the most

powerful and influential voices that shape Asia's thought and

define its future. Featuring Asia’s foremost thought leaders,

business executives, the ABLF Awards 2011 alumni, academics,

representatives of corporate houses and trade organisations,

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

infrastructure and energy, the ABLF will share insights on critical

issues such as the outstanding growth trajectories of these key

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

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

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 energy dynamic of knowledge & conversation

will lead the Asian Business Leadership Forum

events just as the energy dynamic of celebration

& recognition is on showcase at the ABLF Awards

events. Ideated and architected in association

with leading political, government and business

strategists in Asia, the Forum is the power-engine

of its celebratory arm, the ABLF Awards. Both event

properties work in synergy with each other and in

perfect tandem.”maliNi N. meNoNFounder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions


“ The ABLF event has proven to be

an extraordinary effort in bringing

the Gulf, India and South-East

Asia together at one spectacular business event. I

commend the effort.”rajeeV TalwarManaging Director, DLF Universal Limited

“ The Asian Business Leadership

Forum provides a good platform

to look at leadership which is now

largely emerging from Asian countries. Demand-

driven economies provide big opportunities for

business and it is important to highlight the

leadership in these countries.”praNaV adaNiManaging Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar

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

Forum on Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, and formally

presented as a TV episode across global television partners with a

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

the first of a series of events that will archive valuable information

about the three business sectors within Asia.

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

participating constituencies of the ABLF. Such a sharing of

insights and discussion of ideas will create new opportunities for

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 SiNghPrime Minister of India

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.

iNduSTry • iNfraSTruCTure • eNergy

Leveraging the new drivers of the global economy


“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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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, magnetic-

levitation 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.

Asia - The Moment

“ The discussion on the Asian

Century essentially arises

from the fact that before the

Industrial Revolution, 60 percent of the world’s

GDP came from Asia. In the 40 years since the

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

to continue, then Asia is going to be the largest

contributor to global GDP.”VeNu rajamoNyJoint Secretary, Multilateral Institutions Division, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI


Asian countries are pioneering the next generation of energy

technology and their companies are excelling in building world-class

highways, airports and other infrastructure around the world. The

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

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

space race to the moon today.

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

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

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

The Asian story has for long been synonymous with conservative

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

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

edge business excellence has gained increasing prominence.

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

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

But the process of rediscovering the old bonhomie is now well

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

amid Western economic gloom.

The growTh STory

Industry observers predict that should Asia continue to grow on

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

output, trade, and investment, while also enjoying widespread

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

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

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

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

2050, Asia could regain the dominant global economic position it

held nearly 250 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution.

Asia has the advantage of using the latest technologies from the

West, thereby leapfrogging intermediate technologies. This is being

used to optimum levels in several sectors such as medicine and

telecommunications. There is also a substantive shift taking place in

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

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

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

framework that celebrates regional cooperation and cements global

economic relationships to foster a shared global agenda.

a foCuS oN CouNTrieS

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

boasts high standards of living and a vibrant production and

technology sector and its growth story is reflected well in the

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

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

The accomplishment of this economic revolution has helped China

ABLF AwArds 2011


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

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

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

lauded private companies for their strong performance globally

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

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

too have realised the importance of hedging against economic

dependence on oil reserves by working towards developing other

sectors. This too has seen success to various degrees. South-East

Asia, on the other hand, has followed East Asia’s accomplishments

with a successful mix of liberalisation, protection of key industries

and accumulation of knowledge capital.

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.

The oNSeT of The aSiaN CeNTury

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

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

been one of the most successful stories of economic development

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

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

the Asian region. Experts believe that this dramatic transformation

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

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

economy will accelerate. The Asian community must thus work

towards openness, freedom, diversity and cosmopolitanism in

order to consolidate the Asian Century.

“ The 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 KilaChaNdChairman & 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 haShwaNiChairman, 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 continent-

sized 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.

aNil waTSCOO and EVP, DP World



By bringing together an intellectual forum of powerful

Asian nations in an annual event series that celebrates

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 post-

recession 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.

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 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

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

Accolades for the leaders who walk the

path of excellence


increased. Over the past decade, Asia has become the centre of global

energy and commodity markets as demand for these resources

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

of Asia and its subsequent impact on global consumption levels

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

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

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

outstanding business practices, which demonstrate environmental

stewardship, economic vitality and social responsibility.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards highlights the

key business qualities of entrepreneurship, philanthropy,

sustainability, integrity, excellence, commitment and innovation,

“ The ABLF Awards is a platform

where Asia comes together. It is

the only platform that we have

seen so far which brings all three important

regions together. Everybody is actually looking

towards Asia; this is where it is all happening -

the people, the human resources - this is where

it is all coming from.”aNil SiNghSenior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World Subcontinent

“ Events like the ABLF Awards

help in bringing together like-

minded entrepreneurs, business

leaders, government policy-makers and civil

society representatives from Asia on the same

platform to share ideas. Asia is really the engine

of economic growth at this point in time in the

global economy and as the world goes through

one crisis after the other, the importance of this

region becomes critical.”aNiTa maraNgoly georgeDirector, Infrastructure, International Finance Corporation (IFC)


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

draws on the collective expertise and business ethics of present-

day business icons to provide actionable recommendations for the

region’s growing economic capabilities.

The ABLF Awards 2011 acknowledged not only the significant

constraints and barriers to achieving success, but also the efforts

of and progress achieved by eminent leaders and organisations in

Asia during an especially trying period, while initiating dialogue on

sustainable business ideas.

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

Forum, a premium industry and business platform which will

include cutting-edge symposiums, forum discussions, television

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

echelons of Asian business history.

“ Any award ceremony, is

fundamentally about the winners

but actually it is more about the

energy it releases. The ABLF Awards ceremony was

a shining example of this in the way it focused on

the two ‘energy chakras’ of the contemporary world

economy – Asia and Infrastructure. To make it even

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

forces metaphorically to be champions for a unique

change. A celebration therefore of a congruence of

interests – economic and geographic. Bravo.”dilip CheriaNConsulting Partner, Perfect Relations


SUSTAINABILITYENTREPRENEURSHIP

INTEGRITY

EXCELLENCEINNOVATION

PHILANTHROPYCOMMITMENT


SUSTAINABILITYENTREPRENEURSHIP

INTEGRITY

EXCELLENCEINNOVATION

PHILANTHROPYCOMMITMENT

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;

the state of being whole, honest and undiminished

INNOVATION To make changes, to create something extraordinary,

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

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

PHILANTHROPY Altruistic concern for human welfare, advancement;

endowments of money, property or institutions; social responsibility;

acts of generosity

What are the key qualities of an

exemplary business organisation?


Key piVoTS ofThe ablf SerieS• The SeCTorS of foCuS

• The regioNS of foCuS

4


What defines the term

‘drivers of global economy’?

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

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

petrochemicals. In a predominantly agriculture-based economy,

such pockets of industrialised cities are capable of generating

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.


What are the drivers of global

economy that are on showcase at

the ABLF Awards?

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

not traditionally court media attention, these sectors need to be

brought out of their ivory towers and into the public spotlight to

highlight the significant roles they play in developing economies.

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.

74 | The ABLF Journey of Glory74 | The ABLF Journey of Glory

iNduSTryThe process of industrialisation has paved the way for a societal

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

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

Japan set the foundation for the wave of industrialisation that

followed. Leaders of these nations were instrumental in creating

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

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

sector grew, thus facilitating industries.

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

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

generation of plants in the automotive sector. In the near future,

Asia is expected to lead the world in renewable energy equipment

production due to extensive research and development in this field.

The baCKboNe of New-age eCoNomieS

Asia contributed 45 percent to the world’s manufacturing output

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

25 percent and industrialised nations contributing 20 percent, the

possibility of Asia surpassing the Western foothold in the industrial

sector appears increasingly real.

Steel forms the backbone of developed and emerging economies

for its extensive use across sectors. Consequentially, Asia has

emerged as the world leader in steel production and consumption.

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

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

69 percent of world production. Steel consumption by China and

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

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

raw materials, including coal. A favourable policy environment and

consolidation is needed to strengthen the sector.

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

Asian companies are rivalling European and American companies

that once dominated the market, creating new segments and

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

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

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

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

2010 witnessed an increase, with Asia contributing close to 50

percent to global automotive production.

ABLF AwArds 2011THE sECTOrs OF FOCUs


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

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

generation to power industries too.

The heavy industry sector forms the muscle of the economy as it

transforms national income measures, lifestyles and the standards

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

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

“ 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

fiscal view of things and decide on which industries

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

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

ability to manufacture goods and services in a big

way, which will allow us to position ourselves as a

knowledge-based economy.”h. e. giTa wirjawaNMinister of Trade, IndonesiaChairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)



iNfraSTruCTureInfrastructure plays a vital role in an economy as it has the

characteristics of intermediate and final products and services.

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

production and the flow of information, thus, improving productivity

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

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

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

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

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

intermediate stages of infrastructure development.

However, in order to sustain or trigger development in some regions

within Asia, infrastructure needs to be given a further push. The

World Economic Forum estimates that the cost of building transport

hubs, telecom facilities, and other infrastructure across Asia will

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

has enough money in private savings, sovereign wealth funds and

central bank reserves to fund infrastructure creation and upgrades.

The fouNdaTioN of eCoNomiC growTh

Asia has had varied experiences in infrastructure creation. Different

countries are in different stages of development, and different


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

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

infrastructure to radically transform the landscape of the country. In

India however, while private enterprises, in concert with government

agencies, have delivered world class airports, metro rail systems

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

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

has recently bolstered its efforts to provide infrastructure in order

to fuel growth and development. Other forms of infrastructure too

have experienced a boost, such as mass transit rails which are being

constructed or considered for a dozen Indian cities.

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

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

region has seen a massive infrastructure boom in recent decades.

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

from oil revenues to create a more sustainable economy, they

have worked to create modern business and financial districts,

and tourism havens. South-East Asian nations too have been at

the forefront of infrastructure creation. Singapore and Malaysia

have led infrastructure development in the region while Indonesia,

Thailand, Vietnam and other countries are catching up.


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

searches for newer business opportunities. The role of corporate

social responsibility too can be significant in this sector.

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.

“ 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

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

urban transportation. Investment in infrastructure

fuels the growth of industry, which makes India

not only a stable investment destination but a very

attractive investment destination.”h. e. Kamal NaThUnion Cabinet Minister, Urban Development, Government of India


eNergyIf infrastructure is the foundation of modern Asian economies,

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

come from rapid industrialisation and infrastructure creation, both

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

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

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

Policy reforms by governments in the energy sector have been

influenced by their goals to achieve energy security. The security

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

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

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

of supply which may occur due to unavailability of natural resources

or supply chain breakdowns. Thus, countries are employing energy

policies which encourage diversification into varied energy sources.

The hearT of eCoNomiC deVelopmeNT

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

increase by 40 percent from the figure in 2001.

While the U.S. was once the largest energy user in the world at

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

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

will be significant growth in the coal sector, notwithstanding the

pressure against it for environmental reasons. The largest growth,

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

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

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

Asian countries have a high incidence of solar intensity, which

makes them appropriate for diversifying into this source of energy.

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

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

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

important player in the energy market in the future. Considerable

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

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

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.

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

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

announcing the trade of electricity between the two countries. India

has similar agreements with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan,

paving the way for hydropower cooperation. Such cooperation is

beneficial to all parties as each secures either greater revenues

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

potential to facilitate peace through economic dependency, which

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

“ Oil is a non-renewable energy source that will one

day come to an end. Clearly, the world should

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

investing heavily in new power plants and to create

a balanced energy portfolio, in which gas, nuclear

and renewables will all play an important role. That

is why the UAE’s own domestic energy policy calls

for a balanced portfolio in which hydrocarbons,

nuclear and renewable energy all play a part.”h. e. mohamed biN dhaeN al hamliMinister of Energy, UAE


A glimpse of Asia's might in the Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sectors

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAQA, the 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

GMR Group is a fast-growing infrastructure enterprise in India, with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure, including SEZ. www.gmrgroup.in

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 500® largest corporations in the world. www.petronas.com

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

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

Qatar Petroleum is the world's third largest oil and gas company in terms of reserves. www.qp.com.qa

The Keppel Group of Companies2 is the infrastructure leader in Singapore with Keppel Offshore & Marine, Keppel Integrated Engineering,

Energy, Telecommunications & Transportation. www.kepcorp.com

Scomi is a Malaysia based global service provider in the oil and gas industry. www.scomi.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

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

Semen Gresik2 is Indonesia's largest cement producer. www.semengresik.com


A glimpse of Asia's might in the Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sectors

“ Good business leaders

create a vision,

articulate the vision,

passionately own the vision,

and relentlessly drive it to completion.”jaCK welChFormer CEO of General Electric & Author

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

Dubai World is a respected global holding company with huge interests

in infrastructure and financial services. www.dubaiworld.ae

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

SembCorp Industries Limited2 is a Singapore based provider of infrastructure services including

utilities, engineering, construction, environmental and marine engineering. www.sembcorp.com

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

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

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

with over 24,000 employees, and handles more than 64,000 product items. www.scg.co.th

Adaro Energy2 is the largest single-site coal producer in the Southern

hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. www.adaro.com

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

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

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

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

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

1. Fortune Global 500 company

2. Forbes Global 2000 company


“ 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 wirjawaNMinister of Trade, IndonesiaChairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)


What sets the ABLF Awards apart?

Six rising Asian economic centres represented at

one significant event

The parTiCipaTiNg CouNTrieS

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.


ABLF AwArds 2011The reGIONs OF FOCUs

The Gulf

Oman

United ArAbemirAtes

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.”

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’ 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.”

paNKaj KhimjiDirector, Khimji Ramdas

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.”

SulTaN biN SulayemChairman, DP World

abu dhabiStructured growth powered by

sharp economic vision

dubaiFront lining world-class infrastructure

and development

muSCaTAncient philosophies shaping a

new business vision



IndIa

MuMbai

New Delhi


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.”

h. e. aNil wadhwaAmbassador of India to Thailand

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.”

CapT. C. p. KriShNaN NairChairman, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts

New delhiBuilding the nation’s economy for an empowered future

mumbaiIndia's business barometer



South-EaStaSia

MALAYSIA

Singapore

IndonesIa


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.”

h. e. daTo' TaN SeNg SuNgMalaysian 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.”

h. e. KareN TaNSingapore High Commissioner to India

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.”

adriaNTo maChribiePresident Commissioner, PT Austindo Group

Kuala lumpurLeveraging the power of an

industrialised market economy

SiNgaporeThe soaring success of a highly developed

market-based economy

jaKarTaStrengthening industry and natural resource

management for economic growth



aNaTomy of The ablf awardS• The graNd jury

• The CriTeria

• The TrophieS

5



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

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.


The graNd

jury


Rajiv LuthrafouNder & maNagiNg parTNerluThra & luThra law offiCeS

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

ablf awardS 2011 jury leader


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 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

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

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

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

Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education,

GOI, Rajiv Luthra serves as a Member of the Round Table on Legal

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

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

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 Awards have done a wonderful job

of focusing attention on the entrepreneurship

and business spirit of the Gulf, South-East Asia

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

engine of economic growth and innovation in

the years to come. It is also appropriate that

the inaugural edition of the Awards was hosted

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

geographically and culturally, between the Gulf

and South-East Asia.”

ABLF AwArds 2011 THE GrANd JUrY


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

Rajen KilachandChairmaN & preSideNTdodSal group

buSiNeSS leader. philaNThropiST. hiSToriaN.

ablf awardS 2011 jury leader


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

Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

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

US$ 25 million to the Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors

College to his alma mater, Boston University, in the USA.

While the community and the underprivileged gain from Mr

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 Awards concept really is so perfect

because the timing is perfect, it is in the right

location and its target is perfect because it is the

only event of its kind that I know of on a global

level that showcases the rise of the economies

of Asia.”



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.

Mohamed Sultan Al OwaisambaSSador of The uae To iNdiaembaSSy of uae, 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.”

Humaid Al MaaniambaSSador of omaN To iNdiaembaSSy of omaN, New delhi

H. E. Humaid Al Maani’s comment on Indo-Omani relations

With the dawn of a new century, giving new dynamism to Indo-

Omani 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 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.”

M. K. LokeshambaSSador of iNdia To The uaeembaSSy of iNdia, abu dhabi

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.

diplomaT. SCholar. TraVeller.



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 English-

language 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.

Pranay GupteiNTerNaTioNal jourNaliST & ediTor

ablf awardS 2011 jury member & Chief eVeNT hoST

“ The ABLF Awards has correctly identified the

essence of Asia – resourcefulness, enterprise,

emphasis on education, and collaboration with

like-minded countries.”

auThor. poliTiCal & eCoNomiC CommeNTaTor. opiNioN leader.



Nadia ZaalCo-fouNder & CeoZaya

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

ablf awardS 2011 jury member & buSiNeSS CelebriTy hoST


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.

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."

“ 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.”



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.”

“ 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 AdanimaNagiNg direCToradaNi agrilogiSTiCS aNdadaNi wilmar

youNg leader. oraTor. braNd iNNoVaTor.



“ 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.

Sanjey RoyViCe preSideNTdlf limiTed

Team leader. auThor. CommuNiCaTioNS experT.




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.

“ There is no doubt in my mind going forward that

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 Chief exeCuTiVe offiCerdp world

buSiNeSS VeTeraN. maVeriCK. STraTegiST.



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 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.”

P. Mohamed AliViCe ChairmaN & mdgalfar

meNTor. ViSioNary. power leader.




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.

“ 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.”

Roberto ZaghaCouNTry direCTor - iNdiaworld baNK

eCoNomiST. TeaCher. STraTegiST.



Dr Gerardo Della Paolera assumed charge as the Global

Development Network’s third President in August 2009. He is well-

known 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.

“ It is no secret that Asia is the most dynamic area

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.”

Gerardo D. PaolerapreSideNTglobal deVelopmeNT NeTworK

eCoNomiC hiSToriaN. aCademiCiaN. ThiNKer.





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.

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.


ablf global aSiaN award

Category Criteria

Business &

Financial

Criteria

1By relevance to context: Presence in the Industry, Infrastructure or Energy sectors

2By leadership: Legendary innings. An example to a generation of achievers

3By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring new avenues

4By brand-creation/management: Building and sustaining a business brand with a global presence

5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade

6Responsibility: Dovetails sustainability principles into business operations

7Accountability: Follows corporate governance norms and promotes employee welfare initiatives

8Accolades and recognition: National and international awards

9Grace: History and capability of handling business setbacks

10Strong employer: Company with human resource strength of over 20,000 internationally

Social

Criteria

11Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward community, national and global altruistic initiatives

12Ambassadorship: Promotes and upholds his/her country’s values in international environments

13Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities

14Knowledge-driven: Active interest and awareness in matters of global and national consequence

15Participatory: Contribution to event space and occasions that have global relevance

The ABLF Global Asian is a powerful individual whose

business footprint and commitment to excellence have engaged

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.


ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT award

Category Criteria

Business &

Financial

Criteria


2By leadership: Path-breaking and sustainable leadership



5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business across a decade





Social

Criteria

10Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds

11Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

12Knowledge-driven: Lead presence at industry forums and related discussions


14Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor and demonstrates appropriate qualities


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 an 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.


ablf womaN of power award

Category Criteria

Business &

Financial

Criteria


2By leadership: Inspiring leadership and an example for young women in business

3By contribution: Key member of a decision-making team

4By innovation: Significant contribution to new business growth strategies


6Inspirational: To a new generation of business minds and as an exemplary role model for young women




Social

Criteria

10Philanthropy: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

11Path-blazer: History-making presence in industry

12Mentorship: Perceived as a mentor by a generation of young women and demonstrates appropriate qualities

13Activist: Supports women's issues in business and society



The Asian woman is a definitive emerging business energy to

be reckoned with. The ABLF Woman of Power effortlessly

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.


ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe award

Category Criteria

Business &

Financial

Criteria

1By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector

2By leadership: Powerful decision-making team



5Business elite vanguard: Lead position in the sector of business

6By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business



9Reputation: Impeccable record and certification for HSE and HSQ

10Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets


12CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives

13Accolades and Recognition: National and international awards

14Sharpening skill sets : Consistently invests in employee training programmes to ensure optimisation of HR skills


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. 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

sets of its employees; ensuring optimum utilisation of both human

resource potential as well as opportunity capital.


ablf buSiNeSS Courage award

Category Criteria

Business &

Financial

Criteria

1By relevance to context: Presence in Industry, Infrastructure or Energy Sector

2By leadership: Fearless, risk-taker and an example for entrepreneurs

3By wealth-creation/management: Business revenues and exploring unchartered territory

4Brave innovations: Business leader pioneering unconventional initiatives and new business growth strategies

5By endurance quotient: Steady growth and advancement in business

6Contemporary: Continually explores new opportunities in unexplored markets

7Innovation: Record of at least one pioneering initiative

8By courage: Leadership during times of crisis

9Power network: Forges ground-breaking business relationships

10Courage under fire: Record of one major achievement during the economic crisis



13CSR: Publicly documented contribution toward altruistic initiatives



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 creates success

as a habit, and passionately leads his/her people towards greater

success with vision, innovation and compassion.



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

silhouette proudly symbolise its Asian origins, while the stunning

gold façade 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.


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.



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

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.


The web portal was also the nomination centre for the ABLF 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.

The ABLF Awards 2011 web portal - www.ablfawards.comMinister 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 awardSCommuNiCaTioNS• The righT media VoiCe

• The eVeNT CollaTeral

6



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

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.



Media and global PR outreach through leading

broadcasters, publications and news agencies with a

combined reach of over 50 million.

The righT media VoiCe

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.


ZEE NETWORK

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

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

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

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

South Asians in the MENAP region.

CNBC ARABIA

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

business information television channel that covers regional and

international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. CNBC

Arabia is the only business-focused channel that delivers live

regional market data in the Middle East market, providing both

ticker and analytical reporting.

INDIA TODAY

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

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

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

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

to bring an unbiased and incisive perspective to arguably the most

dynamic yet perplexing region in the world.

IANS

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

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

interest from this region around the world. Given its collaborations

with international news organisations, IANS is often used by media

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


CNBC-TV18

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

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

from corporate news, financial markets coverage, expert perspective

on investing and management to industry verticals and beyond.

FORBES INDIA

Forbes India is India’s most influential business magazine delivering

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

domestic issues from an Indian perspective.

ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voice

“ 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 mohaNKaNon-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 Awards PR outreachABLF


ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voiceABLF

128 | The ABLF Journey of GloryABLFThe ABLF media profile


ABLF AwArds 2011The righT mediA voice

ABLF


Forbes India magazine

Volume 3 • Issue 23 • November 18, 2011


Over 5 hours of event coverage on

television channels and the internet


What defines the communication at

the ABLF Awards and gives it a

leading edge?

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

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

The direct mailing channel was leveraged using a comprehensive

database of top Industry, Infrastructure & Energy sector associates,

partners and related government entities.

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.


ABLF AwArds 2011The evenT CoLLATerAL


VaNguard of The ablf awardS• The preSeNTerS

• The SupporTerS

• The aSSoCiaTeS

7


What leads up to a great event? Endorsement - world leaders supporting a breakthrough event.


What are the qualities that determine

a great sponsorship association?

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

powerhouse organisations are built on the values of innovation,

entrepreneurship, 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.


AdAni & ABLF

AdAni & ABLF

AdAni & ABLF

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'.


The Adani Group is an Indian conglomerate with global interests in

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

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

whose inspiring career trajectory features an extraordinary journey

– from a stint as a diamond sorter to creating and sustaining one of

the most inspiring success stories in India.

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

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

The port operates the world’s largest automated coal import

terminal. The group is also developing a multi-product world-class

manufacturing hub in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to

the port to facilitate exports.

Adani Group is also actively investing in renewable energy and

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

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

ABLF AWARDS 2011THE PRESENTERS

Adani Group also owns infrastructure interests in Indonesia and

Australia including coal mines and ports. It recently acquired rights

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

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

core values: trust, courage and innovation. Its business strategies

have bequeathed new meaning to the collaboration paradigm -

to dovetail business plans and strategies with those of the nation

by participating in the great Indian growth story and delivering

sustainable value to its stakeholders.

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

reflected in its association with the Asian Business Leadership

Forum Awards, a landmark event that is a corporate-cultural

zeitgeist, celebrating the Asian spirit of collaboration and honouring

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

Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF

DLF & ABLF


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

business is to develop residential, commercial and retail spaces.

The company has a unique business model with earnings arising

from development and rentals. Its exposure across businesses,

segments and geographies mitigates any down cycles in the market.

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

developing commercial projects and IT parks that are at par with

the best in the world. DLF has become a preferred name with many

Fortune 500 companies and among leading Indian corporate giants,

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

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

and pioneering the revolutionary concept of developing commercial

complexes in the vicinity of residential areas.

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.

ABLF AWARDS 2011THE PRESENTERS

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

assets with the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and

customer service and thereby contribute to and benefit from the

growth of the Indian economy. DLF reflects the powerful energy

of accomplishment; to retain its position as an industry leader,

it constantly strives to deliver the promise of a modern era,

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

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

By presenting the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards, a

landmark event that celebrates the key nation-building sectors

of Industry, Infrastructure and Energy, DLF Limited reiterates its

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

celebrating excellence on a global level.


one of the top three marine terminal operators in the world

by both throughput and capacity

DP World is

people is truly global,DP World’s team of

30,000made up of more than90nationalities

Around the world,DP World handles close to

120,000containers

a day

58,000vessels a year – or nearly

DP World serves around

a day160

DP World operates around1,200giant gantry

cranes acrossthe world

ABLF AWARDS 2011THE SUPPORTERS

Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World

one of the top three marine terminal operators in the world

by both throughput and capacity

DP World is

people is truly global,DP World’s team of

30,000made up of more than90nationalities

Around the world,DP World handles close to

120,000containers

a day

58,000vessels a year – or nearly

DP World serves around

a day160

DP World operates around1,200giant gantry

cranes acrossthe world


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.

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

DP WorlD & ABlF

DP WorlD & ABlF


Engineering, Procurement& Construction

Manufacturing

Casual DiningRestaurantsDistribution&Trading

ExplorationProduction&

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.

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 offers a wide range of raw materials for the Energy and Automotive sectors with special emphasis on high tech and premium products.

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.

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.

ABLF AWARDS 2011THE SUPPORTERS

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

Engineering, Procurement& Construction

Manufacturing

Casual DiningRestaurantsDistribution&Trading

ExplorationProduction&

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.

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 offers a wide range of raw materials for the Energy and Automotive sectors with special emphasis on high tech and premium products.

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.

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.


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

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

DoDsal & aBlF

DoDsal & aBlF


PDO’sbiggest

contractor

fleet strength of

7,000equipment

strong, well-motivatedmulti-national work force28,000

construction company

Oman’slargest

Ablf AwArds 2011The supporTers

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

PDO’sbiggest

contractor

fleet strength of

7,000equipment

strong, well-motivatedmulti-national work force28,000

construction company

Oman’slargest


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 Engineering & Contracting SAOG is one of the largest, multi-

disciplined 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

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

GALFAR & ABLF

GALFAR & ABLF


h. e. mohamed helal al muhairidireCTor geNeralabu dhabi Chamber of CommerCe & iNduSTry

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-

specific information and research via its impressive network while

also facilitating a dialogue between local and foreign companies.

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 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-of-

the-art services for its members, thus, helping them contribute to

building Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic future.

Ablf AwArds 2011The AssociATes

The ADCCI headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE


h. e. giTa wirjawaNmiNiSTer of Trade, iNdoNeSiaChairmaN, bKpm (iNdoNeSia iNVeSTmeNT CoordiNaTiNg board)

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

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.

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.


“ The ABLF Awards could not have come at a

better time for the six countries involved to be

participating in this event. This is a good time for

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


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

resume boasts a stint as Vice Chairman and Head of JP Morgan

Indonesia, after which he founded his own company, Ancora

Capital, a private equity fund that primarily focused on investments

in the natural resources and mining sector.

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.


h. e. Khalil abdullah al KhoNjiChairmaNomaN Chamber of CommerCe & iNduSTry

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

also promotes economic and trade relations and supports joint

businessmen’s councils with Arab and foreign countries in order to

facilitate more international networking.

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.


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.

As the Chairman, Mr Khonji’s remarkable contributions towards

realising the organisation’s common goals have ensured that the

OCCI is always abreast of the latest developments in the whole

spectrum of commerce and industry.

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

number of projects, including modernisation of the chamber and

providing the youth and qualified personnel with a huge number of

opportunities for growth and improvement.

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.


“ We are honoured to be here at the ABLF Awards

and I hope that this initiative gets more and

more countries in Asia together because it is

very important to recognise the achievers in this

region and put them in the global spotlight. All

eyes are now on Asia, and the most important

thing for the Asian leaders is to manage and

sustain this development.” Khalil abdullah al KhoNji


ablf awardS 2011The CelebraTioN• The big NighT

• The wiNNerS

• The phoTo gallery

8


What leads up to a great event?

Preparation is key

Attendance – reaching out to the business world with 2,000

invitations even though you expect only 200 attendees.

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.


“ The ABLF Awards is an excellent

initiative to celebrate Asian

achievements on a global scale.

From its mandate to its 13-inch, 24-carat gold-

plated trophy that epitomises the prosperity and

stability of Asia, the event is a winner and I am very

glad to be here today to represent Mr Ratan Tata

and the Tata Group at this prestigious event.”bharaT waKhluResident Director, Tata Services

In addition to the research that went into the premise of the ABLF

Awards, the team also researched every aspect of the event set-

up, invitations and collateral to ensure the ABLF Awards package

was cohesively promoted to business leaders, media, government

officials and diplomats.

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.

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.

“ I applaud the ABLF Awards

initiative, which showcases

the importance of Industry,

Infrastructure and Energy in Asia. Knowledge

and education are an intrinsic part of soft

infrastructure and with Asia placing increasing

importance on human resource development,

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


How did the ABLF Awards manifest?

THE BIG NIGHTThe 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

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.


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

story walls, which pictorially represented the story of the Asian

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

of the ABLF Awards, its concept and its Presenters, Associates and

Supporters. The VIP guests who attended the event all signed the

custom-designed ABLF Signature Wall, a keepsake memorabilia

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

that evening to celebrate Asian achievements.

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

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

Awards team and executed by the Taj Palace Hotel reflected the

culinary influences of the different regions that were represented

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

of the ABLF Awards mandate.

The pre-awards presentation part of the evening provided a

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

business leaders mingled with diplomats and government officials,

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

positive outlook for Asia.

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

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

by the ABLF Awards presenters and diplomats from participating

nations. The calibre of talent awarded at the inaugural ABLF Awards

is testament to the collective power of human enterprise and the

belief that with true determination, businesses led by inspiring

leaders can overcome adversities and lead on to greater successes.

The anticipation that began with the launch of the campaign in

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

memories of an evening that not only celebrated Asian leadership,

but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and encouraged new

economic and business partnerships.


ThewiNNerS

ABLF Global Asian Award

ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award

ABLF Woman of Power Award

ABLF Business Excellence Award

ABLF Business Courage Award

The Award Categories



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.


“ 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


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

to be a common thread in his success story - relationship and trust. He

stated that this was the foundation of the growth of his group.

Mr Ambani was also a philanthropist with a big heart. His initiatives in

education, healthcare and community development have transformed the

lives of thousands of people across India. The Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

in Lodhivali provides free outpatient and subsidised inpatient treatment for

needy and poor patients as well as for senior citizens, while his foundation

continues to provide education and social infrastructure in Maharashtra,

Gujarat and elsewhere to foster social development.

The original Global Asian, Dhirubhai Ambani’s message and dream lives

on and continues to inspire the collective imagination of India’s youth.

His vision for Reliance was indeed a vision for a new India. He once

famously said, “Our dreams have to be bigger. Our ambitions higher. Our

commitment deeper. And our efforts greater. This is my dream for Reliance

and for India.” For his contribution to shaping India and, by association,

Asia’s economic growth, Mr Dhirubhai Ambani was the unanimous choice

of the ABLF Awards Grand Jury for the inaugural ABLF Global Asian Award.

The late Dhirubhai AmbanifouNder ChairmaNreliaNCe group

ABLF AwArds 2011THE wINNErs

A legend in the business world who showed India a new way to think, the

late Dhirubhai Ambani was a visionary who redefined how businesses

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

create one of India’s largest conglomerates, Reliance Industries, which

spans petrochemicals, communications, power and textiles. He was the

epitome of the rags to riches story and is an inspiration to millions of

Indians who dream of making it big.

Born Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, he was called Dhirubhai out of

fondness and affection by his family, friends and colleagues. He had an

affable personality which won him friends and respect through his life.

He attributed his success to thinking “big, fast and ahead”. He asserted

that ideas are no one’s monopoly as he broke into an elite league

dominated by India’s then incumbent business houses.

The group he founded in 1958 went on to become the first Indian

company to feature in the Forbes 500 list and employs over 85,000

people today. Reliance has been credited with shaping India’s equity



ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT award


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 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.”

ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardThe gulf

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

and the High Committee for Conferences.

In order to preserve Oman’s rich cultural history for future generations, His

Excellency transformed his family house in old Muscat into a Museum. ‘Bait

Al Zubair’ specialises in Omani heritage and history, and exhibits the family

and his own collections that extend to many hundreds of years. Today,

it is the most visited museum in Oman. Having handed over the reins of

the Zubair businesses to his able sons, His Excellency devotes his time to

support the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, developing it further as a not-for-

profit organisation, participating in the development of arts and cultural

activities in the Sultanate of Oman and providing the focus for all Social

Responsibility initiatives.

A deserving recipient of the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award, His Excellency

Mohammad Al Zubair has enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling journey of

assisting the development of Oman economically, socially and culturally, in

addition to his many accomplishments as a father, a government figure, an

art lover, and the head of one of Oman’s most prominent business families.

H. E. Mohammad Al ZubairfouNdiNg ChairmaNThe Zubair CorporaTioN

It was in 1967 when, as the Sultanate of Oman exported its first shipment

of crude oil, His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair established a company

to trade in electrical equipment, tools and building materials to meet the

requirements of oil companies and their contractors.

His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair has been an icon in Oman’s

development, and over the last 44 years, The Zubair Group has grown

into a highly respectable group in the region and is considered a leader in

the diversified business segments it has interests in. The group has been

bringing technology and expertise from around the world into the Sultanate

of Oman and beyond. It has participated in the creation, promotion and

growth of the country’s national infrastructure, culture, tourism and

industry. It comprises of a diverse range of hallmark companies, strategic

business units and joint ventures that operate in Oman, the Middle East,

India, the Far East, Europe and the USA.

In 1970, when the Sultan of Oman embarked on a dynamic development

plan to transform Oman into a modern state, His Excellency Mohammad Al




“ I think the Tata Group’s greatest

contribution to the growth of the

Indian economy and Indian industry

probably happened in the pre-

independence 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.”

ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardiNdia

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

mergers and acquisitions. It is instead about creating stakeholders in

success, upholding business ethics, promoting employee welfare and

bringing a human face to a multinational corporation such as the Tata Group.

Loyalty to the company by the 400,000 strong workforce is unwavering,

and Ratan Tata has ensured that employees are treated with the dignity

they deserve and are respected for the assets they are. Mr Tata’s

commitment to CSR is also second to none, with the group investing close

to INR 450 crore in projects around India that have funded literacy, clean

water, agricultural and healthcare-related projects in 2010.

Mr Tata has guided his group of companies to become a hallmark in

unrestrained luxury through its hotel and luxury cars businesses, and at the

same time has become a household name owing to the quality products

and services it provides to the common man.

He is loved and admired by the public, feared yet respected by his rivals,

and courted by regional and international governments for investments.

Mr Tata is the undisputed choice for the inaugural edition of the ABLF

Lifetime Achievement Award for his unyielding commitment to the basic

tenets of good business practices, integrity, philanthropy and excellence.

Ratan TataChairmaNTaTa group

Few people command public respect and position as this iconic Asian

whose gentle demeanour belies the cutting-edge sharpness of a keen

business mind that has led one of India’s most celebrated business

institutions for over three decades.

Ratan Tata is a rare business tycoon, widely respected as a dignified

gentleman who has upheld the most stringent of ethical standards in his

quest to see the Tata Group become a leading global conglomerate. He was

appointed as Chairman of the Group in 1981, just as India made its first big

steps towards ending the restrictive ‘licence raj’, a system of regulations

which had crippled entrepreneurship and business growth. He used this

opportunity to reinvent the companies of his Group and helped it expand

around the world. Today, the Tata Group operates in over 80 countries

in sectors which range from steel, tea and consulting, to cars, hotels,

telecommunications and energy. During his tenure, the group’s revenues

have grown nearly twelve-fold to US$ 67.4 billion in the past year.

The stories of his integrity and philanthropy are legion; as are his business

forays that have created national and international business history. In

recent years, Mr Tata has determinedly worked to expand his group offshore

by expanding its production capacity and acquiring international brands




“ 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

ablf lifeTime aChieVemeNT awardSouTh-eaST aSia

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

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.

Gopinath PillaiexeCuTiVe ChairmaNSaVaNT iNfoComm




ablf womaN of power award


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.


“ 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.”

ablf womaN of power awardThe gulf


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.

She has also been instrumental in creating a thought leadership initiative

between Bahwan CyberTek and DHL, forming a 4th Party Logistics (4PL)

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 recently expanded her activities to create Bahwan

Enterprises – a company involved in strategic diversification for the

local and international markets. The company is currently involved in

the development of infrastructure projects in Oman through association

and partnership with reputed international companies in the field of

power generation, water and waste water renewal, energy, oil and gas,

railways and transportation, construction and real estate development,

dredging and marine engineering and also security. Ms Bahwan also

plays a leading role in working with government and other commercial

companies in the joint pursuit of creating a digital society in Oman.

Hind Bahwan has single-handedly raised the profile of Arab women in the

Gulf. Committed to building a world-class organisation while ensuring

the well-being of her staff, Hind Bahwan embodies the qualities of an

ABLF Woman of Power.

Hind BahwandireCTorSuhail bahwaN group

Hind Bahwan founded Bahwan CyberTek Group, which today is a US$ 100

million multinational company in the IT, ITES, BPO and R&D space with

solutions delivered in 20 countries across four continents.

Ms Bahwan has what many consider a “technology” background – she is

a graduate in Computer Science, a Harvard Business School alumnus

and a Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar in leadership and

management. Hind Bahwan has grown her professional skills within the

multibillion dollar Suhail Bahwan Group. In her capacity as one of the

Directors of Suhail Bahwan Group she is recognised throughout the Middle

East as an enterprising and dynamic young businesswoman.

Hind Bahwan strongly believes in the philosophy that “from adapting to

change to anticipating change, today’s businesses need to create the

change to stay ahead.” An unswerving commitment to this philosophy

has been the core of Bahwan CyberTek’s business and commitment to its

customers for over a decade.

In Bahwan CyberTek, she has created a global IT organisation providing

world-class products and services. Bahwan CyberTek today links four

nations known for excellence in IT and ICT: Oman, the United Arab Emirates,



“ 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.”

ablf womaN of power awardiNdia


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 US-

India CEO Forum. She is a Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian

Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Managing

Committee of the Indian Banks’ Association, Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research Society and Executive Board of the Indian School

of Business. She is also a member of the Board of the International

Monetary Conference and was co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s

Annual Meeting in 2011.

Ms Kochhar has cemented her position as one of India’s foremost opinion

leaders and has played an integral role in raising the profile of Indian

women in business, thus serving as inspiration to a whole new generation

of young, impressionable Indian women, which makes her the ideal

recipient of the ABLF Woman of Power Award.

Chanda Kochhar is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

of ICICI Bank Limited, India’s second-largest bank and the largest in the

country’s private sector. She is widely recognised for her role in shaping the

retail banking sector in India and for her leadership of the ICICI Group, as

well as her contributions to various forums in India and globally.

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

instrumental in establishing ICICI Bank during the 1990s, and subsequently

headed the infrastructure finance and corporate banking business in ICICI.

In 2000, Ms Kochhar took on the challenge of building ICICI Bank's nascent

retail business, with strong focus on technology, process re-engineering

Chanda KochharCeo & maNagiNg direCToriCiCi baNK



“ 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.”

ablf womaN of power awardSouTh-eaST aSia


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,

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.

Olivia Lumgroup preSideNT & Ceohyflux group of CompaNieS



ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe award


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 skill-

sets 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.


“ 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardThe gulf

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

Chain and Transport Awards. In 2009 EZW bagged more than a dozen

awards, which included ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Best Logistics Park’

at the Middle East Logistics Awards, ‘Arabia CSR’ at the Arabia Corporate

Social Responsibility Awards, ‘Employer of the Year’ at Annual GCC Human

Resources Excellence Awards and ‘CIO top 20’ award at CIO Executive

Forum and Awards in the Middle East. Ms Hareb completed her education

in the UAE and the UK, in the fields of Medical Sciences, Information

Technology and Business Studies.

By making Jebel Ali Free Zone one of the most customer-friendly

organisations in the region, and possibly the world, Ms Hareb has not

only changed the dynamics of the free zones business in the region, and

quite possibly the world, but has also contributed towards its tremendous

growth over the past two years, making her a truly deserving winner of the

ABLF Business Excellence Award.

Salma HarebCeojafZa & eCoNomiC ZoNeS worldwide

Salma Hareb made history when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer

of Jafza in 2005, becoming the first woman in the MENA region to be the

head of a free zone. Her responsibilities widened when she took on the

mantle of CEO - Economic Zones World, a state-owned global developer

of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks (formally

launched in 2007). Ms Hareb today oversees global operations covering

business parks within the UAE – Jafza, TechnoPark, Dubai Auto Zone - as well

as Gazeley, a global developer and provider of sustainable logistics space.

As CEO, Salma Hareb has spearheaded innovative product development

to provide greater value to EZW customers. Ms Hareb has also been

instrumental in the creation of the Dubai Logistics Corridor, a joint initiative

with Dubai Aviation City Corporation. Dubai Logistics Corridor is one of the

world’s largest multi-model logistics platforms that links Jebel Ali Port and

Jafza to Dubai World Central, which is home to Dubai Aviation City and Al

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.




“ 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardiNdia

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).

In 2007, Mr Ruia joined an elite list of achievers, which include the likes of

Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, to independently fund The Elders. The

Elders is a group of world renowned personalities, comprising Kofi Annan,

Jimmy Carter and Muhammad Yunus, who have joined hands to tackle the

world’s most difficult problems.

Shashi Ruia's passion for education and mentoring young talent has made

him one of India’s finest business leaders. He is proud of all the employees

of Essar who have done well for themselves under his stewardship.

Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern India, Shashi Ruia’s

visionary leadership has turned Essar into one of the largest and most

respected business organisations in the world. His commitment to

excellence, impeccable reputation as a leader and inspiring success story

made him the ideal choice for the ABLF Business Excellence Award.

Shashi RuiaChairmaNeSSar group

Mr Shashi Ruia, Chairman of Essar Group, is a first-generation entrepreneur

and industrialist. He has made invaluable contributions towards

strengthening the core and infrastructure sectors in India and has steered

the Essar Group to a premier position in the global industry.

Along with his brother Ravi Ruia, Shashi Ruia laid the foundation of the

Essar Group, which is today a multinational conglomerate with operations

in more than 25 countries, with 75,000 employees, and revenues of US$ 17

billion. Essar is a leading player in the sectors of steel, oil and gas, power,

communications, shipping ports and logistics, construction and minerals.

Mr Shashi Ruia’s vision saw the Essar Group gain a first mover advantage

in many of these businesses. For instance, when the telecom sector was

opened up for private participation, Essar was among the first companies

to offer mobile services. In the USA, Essar has investments of over US$ 3

billion in steel, coal and BPO, employing over 13,000 people.




“ 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS exCelleNCe awardSouTh-eaST aSia

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

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.

Stephen Lee Ching YenChairmaNSiNgapore airliNeS




ablf buSiNeSS Courage award


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 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardThe gulf

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.

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.

Ghaith Al GhaithCeoflydubai




ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardiNdia

“ 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.”

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 nuclear-

powered submarine, India’s first moon mission, and the successful PSLV

programme. L&T has also provided indigenous engineering expertise

for critical defence projects. Other national missions for which L&T

either supplied vital equipment or offered critical construction services

include the 'White Revolution' and the nuclear power programme. For his

contributions to the country’s development, Mr Naik received the Padma

Bhushan from the Government of India in 2009.

Mr Naik is a senior and active member of the Confederation of Indian

Industry (CII) National Council and is also a member of the Board of Trade,

Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, Fellow of the Indian National

Academy of Engineers (INAE), and Member of the Board of Governors of

the Indian Institute of Management.

In a little over four decades, Mr Naik has taken L&T from an Indian company

to an engineering giant that girdles the globe. For his determination and

resolution to establish the reputation of Indian companies worldwide, Mr

Naik truly deserves the honour of the ABLF Business Courage Award.

A. M. Naik heads Larsen & Toubro, an organisation that is among the

most admired companies in the country, reputed for the technological

sophistication that characterises its projects and products, for its

contribution to the development of indigenous engineering capability

and, most of all, for its inherent professionalism and the value systems

that lie at its core.

Since joining the company as a Junior Engineer in 1965, Mr Naik rapidly rose

to positions of increasing responsibility as he moved from General Manager

to Managing Director and CEO, culminating in his appointment as Chairman.

His broad global perspective has seen the company expanding its horizons

beyond domestic frontiers, positioning itself to become a true international

player. Transforming L&T into a world-class conglomerate has always been

Mr Naik's dream. He has lead a broad-ranging, transformational process

aimed at boosting shareholder value.

Mr Naik infused a global perspective into L&T’s business orientation. He

changed mindsets and institutionalised systems to benchmark virtually

A. M. NaikChairmaN & maNagiNg direCTorlarSeN & Toubro




“ 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardiNdia

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 IT-

enabled services. With an impressive global footprint, the Group operates

in more than 10 countries with 20,000 employees of 20 nationalities.

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.

Gautam ThaparChairmaN & CeoaVaNTha group




“ 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.”

ablf buSiNeSS Courage awardSouTh-eaST aSia

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

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.

George S. TahijapreSideNT direCTor & CeopT auSTiNdo NuSaNTara jayaiNdoNeSia




ABLF AWARDS 2011


ABLF AWARDS 2011THE BIG NIGHT

eVeNT phoTo gallery

For more images, view the photo gallery on www.ablfawards.com

206 | Chapter Name | The ABLF Journey of Glory

H. E. Dato’ Tan Seng Sung – Malaysian High Commissioner to India

Mr Rajiv Luthra – Founder and Managing Partner, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices

H. E. Karen Tan – Singapore High Commissioner to India

H. E. Karen Tan - Singapore High Commissioner to India

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. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais – Ambassador of the UAE to India

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

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

Mr Mohammed Eissa Al-Refaei - Director of International & Trade Relations, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

H. E. Humaid Al Maani - Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India

H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji - Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mr Shashi Ruia - Chairman, Essar Group and winner of the ABLF Business Excellence Award (India)

Ms Malini Menon - Founder & Managing Director, Indian Expressions

Ms Nadia Zaal - Co-Founder & CEO, Zaya and celebrity host of the evening

Mr Bharat Wakhlu - Resident Director, Tata Services

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 207

Mr Pranav Adani – Managing Director, Adani Agrilogistics and Adani Wilmar

Mr Rajesh Adani – Managing Director, Adani Group

Mr Shamsher K Sheriff – Secretary to the Vice President of India

Ms Salma Hareb - CEO, Jafza and winner of the ABLF Woman of Power Award (The Gulf)

Mr Rajeev Talwar - Managing Director, DLF Universal Limited

Mr V Balasubramanium - Group President, Reliance Industries Limited

Mr Sadruddin Hashwani – Chairman, Hashoo Group of Companies

Mr Gaith Al Gaith – CEO, flydubai and winner of the ABLF Business Courage Award (The Gulf)

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)

Mr Dilip Cherian - Consulting Partner, Perfect Relations

Mr Surinder Singh

Mr Adrianto Machribie - President Commissioner, PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya

Mr Sanjey Roy - Vice President, DLF Limited

Mr Venu Rajamony - Joint Secretary, Dept. of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, GOI

Mr Sharief Habib Al Awadhi - Director General, Fujairah Free Zone

ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery


Dr Gerardo della Paolera – President, Global Development Network

Ms Shravani Dang - Group Vice President, Corporate Communications, Avantha Group

Mr Mana S. Sultan Al Suwaidi - Commercial Attache of the UAE to India

H. E. Richard Stagg – British High Commissioner to India

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

Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi – Deputy CEO, Jafza

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 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 Ashok Bajaj

The ABLF Journey of Glory | Chapter Name | 209ABLF AwArds 2011 Photo gALLery


The Gold-Plated ABLF Award Trophies


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

Ms Nadia Zaal – co-presenter for the evening with Minister Kapil Sibal

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

Minister Kapil Sibal makes his key-note address

Mr Rajeev Talwar and Minister Vayalar Ravi presenting the ABLF Business Courage Awards

Mr Pranav Adani and Minister Kamal Nath presenting the ABLF Business Excellence Awards

Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal presenting the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Awards

Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal lighting the Ceremonial Lamp

Minister Kamal Nath and Minister Vayalar Ravi

Minister Kamal Nath makes his key-note addressMinister Vayalar Ravi on the ABLF Awards stage


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



The Event Set-Up


ABLF Awards Event Photo Gallery


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.

The Signature Wall


The Winners

The ABLF Awards winners take the stage


H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji and Mr V. Balasubramanium, with Ministers Vayalar Ravi, Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal

ABLF Global Asian AwardThe 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



ABLF Business Excellence Award

Mr Shashi Ruia, Chariman of Essar Group, accepts the ABLF Business Excellence Award

H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Business Excellence Award on behalf of Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen, Chairman of Singapore Airlines

Minister Kamal Nath presents the ABLF Business Excellence Award to Ms Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza


ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Mr Rashad Al Zubair and Minister Kapil Sibal

Mr Rashad Al Zubair accepts the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman of the Zubair Corporation

H. E. Karen Tan received the ABLF Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Gopinath Pillai, Executive Chairman of Savant Infocomm



ABLF Business Courage Award

Ms Shravani Dang accepts the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr Gautam Thapar, Chairman & CEO of Avantha Group

Mr K. Venkataramanan receives the ABLF Business Courage Award on behalf of Mr A. M. Naik, Chairman & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro

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


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 Shilpa Kumar receives the ABLF Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Chanda Kochhar, CEO & Managing Director of ICICI Bank

Mr Rajiv Dixit who accepts the Woman of Power Award on behalf of Ms Olivia Lum, Group President and CEO of Hyflux

Ms Hind Bahwan with her ABLF Woman of Power Award



“ 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 mAktoumChairman, Dubai World; Chairman, Dubai Airports; Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group

“ 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 nAHAyAnUAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

“ 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 WirjAWAnMinister of Trade, Indonesia; Chairman, BKPM (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board)


“ 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 nAtHUnion 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 SiBAlUnion 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 rAViUnion Cabinet Minister, Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India

ABLF AwArds 2011


AfterWord

• tHe ABlf ip CreAtorS & ArCHiteCtS

• CHroniClinG tHe riSe of ASiA

• ACknoWledGementS

• index, referenCeS & pHoto CreditS

• future perfeCt - ABlf AWArdS 2012

9


Indian Expressions is a leading Middle East-based event strategy,

design and IP development company that owns and manages

event properties that are Asia-centric, Asia-focused and Asia-

inspired for the global market.

The Indian Expressions mandate is to showcase Asia and key Asian

achievements through a number of specialty programmes, events,

business forums, conclaves, PR junkets, business awards and

high‑profile publishing initiatives.

Indian Expressions brings together business forces from India, the

Gulf and South-East Asia in joint ventures with cross-investment

agendas by creating dynamic networking forums that facilitate

the great business potential between these mega economies.

Focusing on the dynamic business regions that are on a rapidly

rising growth trajectory since the turn of the decade, Indian

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

Expressions’ initiatives facilitate joint venture projects, M&A

deals and big-ticket investments through powerful custom-

created networking opportunities.

For almost two decades, Indian Expressions has specialised

in creating and delivering networking infrastructure that

facilitates the launch of new businesses, events and initiatives

by securing funds, offering professional advisory services and

creating custom-built PR solutions for India and GCC markets

through its extensive corporate network.

Indian Expressions owns, co-owns and manages brand, event

and publishing IP portfolios, such as the ‘Asian Business Awards

Middle East™’, 'TopicIndia.com', the ‘Images of Success™’ series

and the ‘ICLF Series’, among others.

The ABLF IP Creators & Architects

Images of Indian Expressions’ events


Chronicling the Rise of Asia

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

into the mainstream news arena and public focus, while celebrating

them with the importance and consequence they deserve.

tHe reGionS of foCuS

The ABLF Awards 2011 focused on the UAE, Oman, India, Malaysia,

Singapore and Indonesia - the six constituencies that have played

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

focus - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Thailand.

piCkinG tHe BeSt

The 2011 ABLF Awards Grand Jury featured some of the leading

voices in business, diplomacy, law, media, finance, academics and

research. Key members of the 2011 Jury will stay on to steer the

newly structured ABLF Awards Strategic Advisory Panel (SAP). The

SAP will function as mentors for the 2012 edition of the event series

and will lead the selection process for the ABLF Awards 2012 Grand

Thank you for taking the time to look through this inaugural volume

of History-Makers of the New Asian Century – the ABLF Journey of Glory,

the official signature publication of the Asian Business Leadership

Forum and Awards. I hope you have enjoyed the feature articles,

commentaries and Asian perspectives from the ABLF Awards Jury,

the award winners and key ABLF supporters on what is now being

called the Asian Century or the great Asian renaissance.

Here is a top line summary of the key features of the upcoming

events of the ABLF property in 2012.

SettinG tHe StAGe for tHe ABlf in 2012

At Indian Expressions, we have taken great care to build the Asian

Business Leadership Forum IP as a zeitgeist event series that

encapsulates the story of Asia in the global business-scape while

presenting the Asian spirit of excellence through celebration,

conversation and collaboration.

mAlini n. menonfounder & mAnAGinG direCtor,indiAn expreSSionS


Jury. The members of the SAP will also leverage their expertise in the

sectors of focus to set the business and social criteria for the ABLF

Awards 2012. Keeping in line with making the award series more

accessible and media friendly, we invite you to share your opinion

on the various ABLF processes. To nominate a jury member with

an international profile, please log on to www.ablfawards.com

introduCinG A neW AWArd CAteGory -

tHe ABlf StAteSmAn AWArd

The ABLF Awards 2011 celebrated the achievements of Asian

business leaders through five key award categories. This year, a

new award category - the ABLF Statesman Award - will recognise

three regional government leaders whose innovative approach to

the development of the key sectors of Industry, Infrastructure and

Energy have shaped positive government policy, an inspirational

achiever of government and public service, who actively contributes

to the growth trajectory of his/her nation’s economy and

international relations globally.

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.

Your opinion matters – tell us where you want to see us next.

The Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards 2012 invites you to

nominate a host constituency with a rationale for your choice. Log

on to www. ablfawards.com to nominate a city.

leVerAGinG tHe knoWledGe pArAdiGm

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 event, bringing them together in a colloquium that reflects

the business zeitgeist of Asia and chronicles history as it is made.

As the ABLF series scales new heights every year through satellite

events, talk shows, roundtable conferences and think-tanks, Indian

Expressions remains committed to impeccable standards of

delivery to ensure that the ABLF property becomes the foremost

showcase of leadership and excellence in Industry, Infrastructure

and Energy, winning global respect and recognition.

ABLF AWARDSAFteRWoRD


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;

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;

Acknowledgements


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.


index

AAdani, Gautam 8, 38, 143Adani, Pranav 58, 104, 207, 212, 216, 219, 222Adani, Rajesh, 207, 216, 219 Ahmed, Talmiz 8Ali, P. Mohamed 8, 27, 107, 150, 206, 212, 216,

218, 224Ambani, Dhirubhai 168, Ambani, Mukesh 8Awadhi, Sharief Al 207, 217, 218, 220

BBahwan, Hind 180, 207, 216, 222, 224, 229Bajaj, Ashok 210, 217Balasubramanium, V. 207, 218, 224, 225Bharadwaj, Neeraj 208

CCherian, Dilip 67, 207, 218, 221Chopra, Ruchi 208

DDang, Shravani 208, 224, 228Dixit, Rajiv 208, 216, 222, 224, 229

GGandhi, Mahatma 10Gandhi, Sonia 8, 14Garewal, Manav 208, 217George, Anita Marangoly 66Ghaith, Ghaith Al 196, 207, 217, 218, 219, 223,

224, 228Gupte, Pranay 101, 208, 212, 217, 224, 226

HH. E. Anand Sharma 8H. E. Anil Wadhwa 87H. E. Dato' Tan Seng Sung 89, 206, 216, 218H. E. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 8H. E. E. Ahmad 8H. E. George Yeo 8H. E. Gita Wirjawan 8, 75, 154, 230H. E. Humaid Al Maani 99, 206, 217, 220H. E. Kamal Nath 8, 24, 27, 30, 77, 119, 206, 212,

213, 221, 222, 224, 225, 226, 227, 231H. E. Kapil Sibal 30, 32, 34, 206, 212, 213, 216,

218, 219, 221, 222, 224, 225, 227, 229, 231H. E. Karen Tan 89, 206, 216, 217, 221, 224, 226, 227H. E. Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji 8, 156, 206, 212,

213, 216, 217, 220, 224, 225H. E. Lim Hng Kiang 8H. E. M. K. Lokesh 100H. E. Mari Elka Pangestu 8H. E. Mohamed Bin Dhaen Al Hamli 79H. E. Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi 152H. E. Mohamed Sultan Al Owais 98, 206, 218,

220, 222H. E. Mohammad Al Zubair 172H. E. Pranab Mukherjee 8H. E. Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash 8

H. E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi 8H. E. Richard Stagg 27, 208, 209, 217H. E. Vayalar Ravi 8, 28, 30, 206, 212, 213, 216,

220, 224, 225, 227, 228, 230H. E. Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah 8H. H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8,

22, 230H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 16H. H. Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin

Rashid Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

8, 16H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan 8,

20, 230H. H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum 8H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi 8, 16H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan 8, 10H. M. King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud 8H. M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said 8, 10Hareb, Salma 188, 207, 217, 219, 222, 224, 226Hashwani, Sadruddin 63, 207, 212, 216, 217, 220,

221

JJanahi, Ibrahim Mohammed Al 208, 217, 219, 222

KKhimji, Pankaj 85, 209, 216, 217Kilachand, Nikhil 148 Kilachand, Rajen 8, 63, 96, 148Kilachand, Sameer 148Kochhar, Chanda 182Krishna, S. M. 8Kumar, Shilpa, 224, 229

LLum, Olivia 184Luthra, Rajiv 94, 206, 216, 218, 220, 223

MM.A., Yusuffali 8, 85Machribie, Adrianto 89, 207, 217, 223, 224, 228Makarim, Hana 208, 217, 222Menon, Malini N. 119, 206, 212, 216, 217, 221,

224, 230, 236Mohanka, Manoj 125Murthy, Narayana 8

NNaik, A.M. 198Nair, C.P. Krishnan 87

PPaolera, Gerardo della 109, 208Pillai, Gopinath 176Prasad, Manoj 208, 216, 217, 219, 223President Pratibha Patil 8, 14President S. R. Nathan 8President Sukarno 11

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 8Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 8Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong 8Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew 8, 11Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 8, 14Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao 8Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi 8Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman 11

RRajamony, Venu 60, 207, 212, 217, 218, 219, 222Refaei, Mohammed Eissa Al 206, 223Roy, Sanjey 105, 207, 220Ruia, Shashi 190, 206, 219, 221, 224, 226

SSharaf, Mohammed 106Sheriff, Shamsher K. 207, 209, 216, 218Singh, Anil 66, 206, 222Singh, Kushal Pal 8, 39Singh, Rashmi Uday 208, 223Singh, Surinder 207, 217, 221, 223Soeryadjaya, Edwin 8Sulayem, Sultan Bin 8, 85, 146Suwaidi, Mana Sultan Al 208, 217, 218, 219, 220

TTahija, George S. 202Talwar, Rajeev 58, 207, 212, 218, 221, 223Tata, Ratan 8, 174Thapar, Gautam 200

VVenkataramanan, K. 208, 209, 216, 223, 224, 228V.G, Joseph 161

WWakhlu, Bharat 161, 206, 216, 219, 220, 224, 227Warty, Shashank 208Wats, Anil 63

YY.A.B. Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Mohd.

Yassin 8Yen, Stephen Lee Ching 192

ZZaal, Zaal Mohammed 8Zaal, Nadia 102, 206, 212, 216, 218, 219, 224 Zagha, Roberto 108Zubair, Rashad Al 207, 209, 216, 217, 222, 224,

227


HiStory mAkerS of tHe neW ASiAn Century - tHe ABlf journey of Glory

CONTENT, COPY, DESIGN & PRODUCTIONIndian Expressions Team in Dubai led byMalini N. MenonKeshav N. MenonMariya Shabbir PadrawalaMaclein CornelioParinaaz NavdarNatasha KatrakAnton RodionovRodel RivasDoreen Mattisson

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• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

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

• 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

• World Nuclear Association http://www.world-nuclear.org

• World Steel Association http://www.worldsteel.org

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

SAUDI ARABIAKUWAITQATAROMANUAEINDIAMALAYSIATHAILANDSINGAPOREINDONESIA

future perfeCtABlf AWArdS 2012

“ 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 lAGArdeManaging Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF)


SAUDI ARABIAKUWAITQATAROMANUAEINDIAMALAYSIATHAILANDSINGAPOREINDONESIA

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.

ABLF AWARDS 2012FutuRe peRFect

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 2011www.indianexpressions.com

www.ablfawards.com


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