MANILA, Philippines — Nominations for the Asia CEO Awards 2026, the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, have officially opened as of May 7, 2026. Presented by Santé, this year’s 17th edition—themed “Where the Best Rise Above”—aims to honor resilient leaders and organizations driving growth in today’s challenging economic landscape.
The event, supported by PwC Philippines as the official knowledge partner, serves as a premier platform for recognizing extraordinary leadership and meaningful social contributions across 15 distinct categories.
Organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit their entries early to undergo the rigorous screening process.
- Nomination Period: Now open until August 15, 2026.
- Awards Gala: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Manila.
In a significant shift for 2026, Chairman Richard Mills announced that the awards have expanded their reach across Southeast Asia. Nominations for the prestigious CEO of the Year and Apex Company of the Year categories are now welcoming entries from neighboring nations, reflecting the country’s growing role as a regional business hub.
The 2026 edition features 15 categories, including:
| Award Category | Sponsor/Partner | Focus Area |
| Top Employer of the Year | Innodata | Workplace culture and talent development. |
| Entrepreneur of the Year | Figari | Visionary leadership and business success. |
| Service Excellence Company | ELSAL Ventures | Exceptional customer experience. |
| Sustainability Company | — | Environmental and green leadership. |
| Woman Leader of the Year | Bioessence | Influential leadership by women. |
| Wellness Company of the Year | Santé | Workplace health and employee vitality. |
| Diversity Company | — | Inclusivity and equity initiatives. |
| IT-BPM Techblazer | IBPAP | Digital innovation in the outsourcing sector. |
To ensure the highest level of integrity and prestige, the selection process is overseen by a star-studded panel of industry veterans, including:
- Bernie Villegas (Economist and Professor)
- Alex Cabrera (PwC Philippines)
- Darlene Berberabe (Former Pag-IBIG CEO)
- Jack Madrid (IBPAP President)
- Felino Palafox Jr. (Architect and Urban Planner)
Given the event’s history of selling out, the organizers have opened ticket registrations early.
- Cost: ₱9,000 per person (includes a gourmet multi-course meal and flowing wine).
- Venue: Marriott Manila Grand Ballroom—currently the only venue in the country large enough to host the gala’s massive attendance.
“We search for the extraordinary—individuals and teams who have demonstrated outstanding achievement,” Mills noted during the kickoff. “Because here, real prestige is earned, never won.”