The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announces the 51 winners of SET Awards 2014, with Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, CEO of Asia Plus Securities pcl (ASP), winning the Best CEO award of SET-listed companies and Pichaet Wiriyachitra, CEO of Asian Phytoceuticals pcl (APCO), being awarded with the Best CEO award of mai-listed companies. Minister of Finance Sommai Phasee presides over the ceremony and bestowed the awards today KBANK, SCC and BCP have been winners for SET Awards of Honor every year for seven consecutive years.
SET President Kesara Manchusri said that SET has hosted the SET Awards ceremony for seven consecutive years. This year’s “A Move towards Sustainable Growth” theme was to focus on SET’s mission to strengthen Thai firms’ capabilities and quality towards sustainability. The total of 43 companies were recognized as award winners, receiving altogether 51 awards.
“The two winners of Best CEO of SET and mai are visionary leaders with outstanding capabilities. Both have led their organizations towards strong and sustainable growth by adhering to good corporate governance, enhancing their strategic capabilities, contributing to business and society, while placing emphasis on investors,” Kesara stated.
In addition to the SET Awards in various categories, SET Award of Honor is given to the firms that have maintained prominence in specific area for three or more consecutive years. Out of the 19 Awards of Honor in four categories this year, three awardees have maintained their prominence in particular area for seven consecutive years: Kasikornbank pcl (KBANK) for prominence in corporate governance reports, Siam Cement pcl (SCC) for superiority in corporate social responsibility and Bangchak Petroleum pcl (BCP) for prominence in both of these areas. This is an indicator that Thai companies are becoming more and more distinguished, paving the way to increased sustainable competitiveness.
Santi Viriyarungsarit, editor-in-chief of Money & Banking magazine, the SET Awards co-host, said, “Despite business uncertainties, The strength and synergy of Thai businesses, Thai listed companies, securities firms and asset management companies have clearly shown that they could still maintain competitive capabilities, with dynamics and stay at the forefront of the capital market.”
Panas Simasathien, chairman of the SET Awards 2014 Distinguished Judging Committee, said, “SET Awards is an esteemed recognition that reinforces the highest standards in many fields. The criteria are transparent and measurable, the judging process is through comprehensive assessment of extensive qualitative and quantitative information from many sources, including personal interviews. This could greatly inspire and motivate Thai firms to build sustainable growth, driving sustainable development to the Thai capital market and the economy across the board.”