EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
Recent Searches
Press release
18 Nov 2024
|
Singapore, SG
Zachary Wang of Neuron Mobility named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2024 Singapore
Mr. Zachary Wang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neuron Mobility, has been named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) 2024 Singapore by professional services organization, EY. This was announced during the EY EOY awards gala this evening, where Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr. Edwin Tong, was the guest-of-honor.
Mr. Zachary Wang, who was also named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Mobility, will represent Singapore at the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY) in June 2025. He will compete with global contenders for the coveted world title. The EY WEOY competition is the hallmark of the awards program, offering a platform to profile local entrepreneurs among the world’s leading business leaders.
(Please refer to Fact sheet A for past WEOY winners)
On winning the top honor, Mr. Wang says:
“It is a great honor to receive the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Singapore award. My journey at Neuron has been incredibly exciting, with its fair share of challenges, but also immensely satisfying. I must thank the excellent Neuron team — I could not have achieved this alone.”
In addition to the top honor, EY presented four EOY category awards at the awards gala:
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Environmental Services
Mr. Edy Tan Wei Hock, PBM, Chief Executive Officer, Chye Thiam Maintenance - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Food and Beverage
Mr. Samuel Yik, Managing Director, Dian Xiao Er Group - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Technology Solutions
Mr. Anthony Chow, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, igloocompany - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Mobility
Mr. Zachary Wang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neuron Mobility
(Please refer to Fact sheet B for profiles of the winners and their companies.)
The winners were selected from over 80 nominations by an independent judging panel, based on their merits in fulfilling the four globally benchmarked criteria, namely entrepreneurial spirit, growth, purpose and impact.
(Please refer to Fact sheet C for members of the judging panel and details of the judging criteria.)
The chairperson of the judging panel is Ms. Susan Chong, Founder and CEO of Greenphyto Pte. Ltd., who have served three times as a judge at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year award previously.
On the winners this year, she says:
“The four winners this year reflect an interesting mix, coming from traditional industries as well as new sectors that emerged with the rise of the digital and sharing economy. Be it investing in technology and innovation to redefine established ways of operating, venturing into foreign markets beyond Singapore or carving a niche for themselves, these entrepreneurs have changed the face of their industries, created new consumer demands and uplifted quality of lives in communities.
Zachary inspires with his commitment to a strong purpose, sustainability and serial entrepreneurial and innovative traits. He established Neuron Mobility after his first entrepreneurial venture into solar renewables. With Neuron, he introduced a number of world firsts and pioneering innovations, and has expanded to over 30 cities worldwide, pushing progress in personal mobility for smart cities. This admirable combination of impact, innovation and business acumen puts him in good stead to represent Singapore on the world stage at WEOY.”
Supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem
The winners’ pursuit of growth and innovation, regardless of how long they have been in the business and seeking out opportunities in places that no others have been, serves as inspiration for many.
Mr. Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean Regional Managing Partner and Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, adds:
“Having worked with the entrepreneurial community for over two decades, we’ve seen the importance of supportive stakeholders in order to foster a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem that underpins Singapore economic growth. Beyond the work of government and trade associations, entrepreneurs play a vital role in mentoring the next generation, promoting collaboration, and providing access to resources such as funding, networks, and education, given their direct experience in building a successful business from start to scale.”
(Please refer to Fact sheet B on the EOY winners’ views on how entrepreneurs can inspire the youth and support Singapore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.)
Special honors for JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Tecity Group
At the awards gala, EY presented the EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence award to Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., in Philippines.
Mr. Liew says:
"As a second-generation entrepreneur, Lance started with the company as a junior salesperson and worked his way up to eventually steer his father's company into a flourishing new phase of growth and success. JG Summit Holdings now has a dynamic portfolio in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, spanning sectors including food and retail, aviation, real estate, energy, financial services and telecommunications. His impact can be seen in his contributions to national progress by advancing quality education for the future workforce while transforming the lives of fellow countrymen.”
On receiving the award, Mr. Gokongwei says:
“I am grateful and honored to receive this year’s EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. This recognition inspires me to continue leading with a deep sense of purpose, and to be a good steward of the business that has been entrusted to me. This award wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my Gokongwei Group colleagues who bring to life our purpose – an unrelenting commitment to provide our customers with better choices, creating shared success with our stakeholders – every single day.”
(Please refer to Fact sheet D for winner’s quote and profile.)
EY also presented the EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence to Tecity Group at the awards gala. The award recipient is jointly selected by knowledge partners, Business Families Institute @ Singapore Management University and the INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise.
Mr. Liew says:
“Now in its third generation, Tecity Group honors the legacy of its founding generation through its investment, public-listed and philanthropic arms. The Group inspires with their ability to successfully balance business and family interests, grow the business portfolio sustainably and show responsibility for others through philanthropic and social engagements. How the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit continues to thrive through generations is truly exemplary.”
On receiving the award, Ms. Chew Gek Khim, Executive Chairman and CEO, Tecity Group says:
“Thank you, EY and Bank of Singapore, for the EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence. On behalf of the Tecity Group, we are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts and achievements.
The Tecity Group has achieved remarkable milestones, overcome challenges and continued our founder’s legacy of giving back to society through the combined and dedicated efforts of many over the years. To them, my family and I owe much.”
(Please refer to Fact sheet E for winner’s quote, winner profile, eligibility and selection criteria.)
Sponsors, partners and supporters
This year, the Bank of Singapore is the presenting title sponsor for the two honorary awards – the EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence and the EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. The Bank of Singapore, wholly owned private banking subsidiary of OCBC, is also the platinum sponsor of the EOY awards.
The Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) continues as a partner of the EOY awards for the fifth year. The official media partners of the EY EOY awards are The Business Times, The Edge Singapore and Portfolio magazine. The supporters are Action Community for Entrepreneurship; Enterprise Singapore; Singapore Business Federation; and SkillsFuture Singapore.
For more information about the EY EOY program, please visit ey.com/sg/eoy.
-End-
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, a member of the global EY organization.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy
About Bank of Singapore
Bank of Singapore is the private banking subsidiary of OCBC, backed by OCBC’s strong credit ratings of Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by Fitch and S&P. Its open-architecture product platform and strong research capabilities provide clients with world class private banking and wealth planning solutions.
With three hubs in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, Bank of Singapore serves high net worth individuals and wealthy families across Southeast Asia, Greater China, Middle East, Europe and other international markets.
Bank of Singapore was named Best Overall Asia Private Bank by WealthBriefing Asia and World’s Best for ESG Investing by Euromoney in 2023.
About Singapore Exchange (SGX Group)
SGX Group seeks to serve as the world’s most trusted and efficient international marketplace, operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets to the highest regulatory standards. As one ecosystem with global relevance and influence, we offer multiple growth avenues to our stakeholders through listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository, data and index services. We are committed to lead on climate action by developing a world-class transition financing and trading hub through SGX FIRST (Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together), our multi-asset sustainability platform. Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, we are globally recognized for our risk-management and clearing capabilities.
Fact sheet A: EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year past winners
Past WEOY winners
2001: Paolo della Porta, President, Chairman and Group CEO of Saes Getters S.p.A., Italy
2002: Stefan Vilsmeier, President and CEO of BrainLAB AG, Germany
2003: Narayana Murthy, Founder and Chairman of Infosys Technologies Limited, India
2004: Tony Tan Caktiong, Chairman and President of Jollibee Foods Corporation, Philippines
2005: Wayne Huizenga, President of Huizenga Holdings, Inc., US
2006: Bill Lynch, CEO of Imperial Holdings, South Africa
2007: Guy Laliberté, Founder and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, Canada
2008: Dr. Jean-Paul Clozel, Founder of Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Switzerland
2009: Cho Tak Wong, Chairman of Fuyao Glass Industry Group, Mainland China
2010: Michael Spencer, Group CEO of ICAP plc, UK
2011: Olivia Lum, Founder of Hyflux Ltd, Singapore
2012: James Mwangi, CEO and Managing Director of Equity Bank Limited, Kenya
2013: Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, Inc., US
2014: Uday Kotak, President and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, India
2015: Mohed Altrad, Chairman of Altrad, France
2016: Manny Stul, Chairman and Co-CEO of Moose Enterprise Holdings & Controlled Entities, Australia
2017: Murad Al-Katib, President and CEO of AGT Food and Ingredients Inc., Canada
2018: Rubens Menin, Chairman of MRV Engenharia e Participações S.A., Brazil
2019: Brad Keywell, CEO of Uptake Technologies Inc., US
2020: Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Limited, India
2021: JungJin Seo, Honorary Chairman of Celltrion Group, South Korea
2022: Gaston Taratuta, Founder and CEO of Aleph, Argentina
2023: Doris Hsu, GlobalWafers Co., Ltd., Taiwan
2024: Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice-Chairman of Tube Investments of India (TII) and Chairman of Cholamandalam (Chola) Investment and Finance Co. Ltd.
Fact sheet B: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year winner and company profiles
(Information provided by winners’ companies)
a. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Singapore
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – MobilityMr. Zachary Wang
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Neuron Mobility
Quote on receiving the category award
“It is a great honor to receive the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award for Mobility. My journey at Neuron has been incredibly exciting, with its fair share of challenges, but also immensely satisfying. I must thank the excellent Neuron team — I could not have achieved this alone.”
Quote on how entrepreneurs can inspire the youth and support Singapore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
“Entrepreneurs can help empower the next generation by demonstrating that they can create the future they envision through unwavering determination and passion.
It is our duty, as entrepreneurs and business leaders, to give them opportunities, guidance and practical experience so they can realize their ideas and make a significant impact.”
About Mr. Zachary Wang
Mr. Zachary Wang is a serial entrepreneur who is committed to using sustainable technology to improve urban living. As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neuron Mobility, he aims to transform urban areas by bringing sustainable personal mobility to cities around the world.
Mr. Wang leads the company with a passion and enthusiasm for building smart cities. His role involves collaborating with councils to solve problems such as congestion, emissions, and to safely extend the range of existing transport networks.
He is also the founder of Rezeca Renewables – the leading residential and commercial solar provider in Singapore. The company also has a strong presence in Thailand for commercial and industrial applications.
Mr. Wang spent years building hydrogen fuel cell electric cars while at university, and he won several championships at the Shell Eco-Marathon in Europe and Asia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and automotive systems from the National University of Singapore.
Mr. Wang is 39 years old.
About Neuron Mobility
Founded in Singapore in 2016, Neuron Mobility is Australia and New Zealand’s leading e-scooter operator. It differentiates by being the best partner to cities while also leading the industry when it comes to safety and sustainable operations.
Neuron designs and manufactures its own e-scooters and the technology that runs them. The company has introduced an impressive number of world firsts and pioneering innovations, including e-scooter battery swapping, geofencing control, and integrated helmets. Earlier this year, Neuron introduced e-scooters with front-facing AI-powered cameras to help detect and solve the problem of footpath riding in Melbourne, Australia. This is the first time any e-scooter company has deployed this technology at scale in a major international city.
Neuron has a presence in 30 cities globally; it entered the Australian market in 2019, New Zealand and the UK in 2020 and Canada in 2021, where it is now the fastest growing e-scooter company.
b. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Environmental Services
Mr. Edy Tan Wei Hock, PBM
Chief Executive Officer
Chye Thiam Maintenance
Quote on receiving the category award
“It’s an honor to be selected as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Environmental Services winner.
At Chye Thiam Maintenance, we constantly strive to stay at the forefront of our industry, pioneering new solutions that set benchmarks for sustainability.
This achievement reflects our collaborative efforts with our partners and staff, working hand-in-hand to uplift the entire sector. Together, let’s continue to drive towards a more sustainable future, making a positive impact on our planet and communities.”
Quote on how entrepreneurs can inspire the youth and support Singapore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
“Entrepreneurs can significantly impact and influence the youth by actively engaging with educational institutions and providing mentorship programs.
By partnering with schools, polytechnics, and universities, we can offer internships and apprenticeships that expose students to real-world challenges and innovative solutions. These interactions not only inspire the next generation to consider careers in the different industries but also foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation which will help them if they choose the entrepreneur route.
At CTM, we have been collaborating closely with educational institutions to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that foster the exchange of expertise and real-world experience.
Entrepreneurs can also further contribute to a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship in Singapore by organizing workshops, seminars, and competitions that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving among the youth. Through these initiatives, young talents are empowered to develop their ideas and gain practical skills, creating a pipeline of future leaders.”
About Mr. Edy Tan Wei Hock, PBM
Mr. Edy Tan Wei Hock, PBM, is Chief Executive Officer of Chye Thiam Maintenance (CTM), a leading home-grown environmental services (ES) enterprise. Under his leadership, CTM has transformed from a local cleaning specialist in the 1980s into one of the largest ES companies today, offering facilities management, environmental robotics and analytics, waste recycling and landscaping services.
Leading 3,000 employees, Mr. Tan believes people are key, and places top emphasis in employee development and welfare. His commitment to innovation and automation has significantly enhanced productivity.
Mr. Tan also shapes industry standards as Vice-President of the Environmental Management Association of Singapore and a charter member of the Tripartite Cluster for Cleaners. He has been pivotal in pioneering the Progressive Wage Model and flexible work arrangements in the industry.
Outside of CTM, he is a board member of various charities and public committees, including Vice-Chairman of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee for Toa Payoh West-Thomson, Council Member of the Public Hygiene Council, and Advisory Committee member at imPAct@Hong Lim Green. His dedication to public service was honored with the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat Public Service Medal in 2018.
Mr. Tan is 50 years old.
About Chye Thiam Maintenance
Since its beginning in 1979, Chye Thiam Maintenance (CTM) has always been striving to be the drivers of change for a better tomorrow by delivering the best environmental services to its clients. CTM’s commitment to people, performance, progress and preservation has made it a reliable and trusted partner, providing diverse solutions to a wide range of clients.
Today, CTM has grown exponentially in team size, capabilities, assets and resources, while remaining true to its core values. CTM embraces continuous innovation through the early adoption and creation of purpose-driven technologies, placing sustainability at the heart of its operations.
Through decades of experience and close relationship with its clients, CTM understands evolving needs, challenges and goals. CTM is passionate about delivering solutions that are not just comprehensive but also thoughtfully value-adding to meet unique facility management needs. Partnering with CTM means joining a journey of sustainable progress and purposeful innovation where it strives to achieve environmental goals – because CTM succeeds when its clients do.
CTM is committed to being a one-stop partner for all facility and environmental needs.
c. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Food and Beverage
Mr. Samuel Yik
Managing Director
Dian Xiao Er Group
Quote on receiving the category award
“Thank you, EY for this prestigious category award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication by my amazing team. This recognition reflects our company’s values and our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. We are inspired by this honor, and I look forward to building on this success and continuing to exceed expectations in our industry.”
Quote on how entrepreneurs can inspire the youth and support Singapore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
“Entrepreneurs play a powerful role in shaping the future by engaging with the youth and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. By sharing our experiences and offering mentorship through seminars, workshops and networking opportunities, we can connect young individuals with potential investors and partners, expanding their horizons and igniting their passion for entrepreneurship.
Moreover, advocating for supportive policies, such as improved access to funding and resources will help strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape. With a supportive environment, we can cultivate a pipeline of future entrepreneurs that will drive Singapore's economic growth and innovation.”
About Mr. Samuel Yik
Coming from an audit background, Mr. Samuel Yik made a bold leap into the unfamiliar world of food and beverage (F&B), starting Dian Xiao Er, a casual Chinese restaurant in 2002. As a novice in the F&B industry, he faced numerous challenges including the SARS outbreak, bird flu and the 2007-08 financial crisis. Despite these challenges, Mr. Yik’s dauntless spirit and relentless drive propelled him to emerge stronger each time. His courage and resilience were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when he successfully doubled the business revenue.
Through strategic investment in branding and technology, Mr. Yik transformed the business into a household name known for exceptional service, efficiency and consistent food quality. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, he has redefined industry standards and proven that with the right mindset and determination, success knows no bounds.
Mr. Yik is 55 years old.
About Dian Xiao Er Group
Dian Xiao Er – the must-eat herbal roast duck in Singapore!
Using only the finest quality of Cherry Valley ducks paired with the freshest ingredients, our ducks are prepared and freshly roast daily. They are marinated with a revitalizing blend of Chinese herbs and spices for hours, roasted at a precise temperature to retain its juice while in the oven. Crisp to the touch, and golden brown in appearance, our herbal roast duck is complemented with our specially concocted herbal sauce that makes it impossible to resist!
d. EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Technology Solutions
Mr. Anthony Chow
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
igloocompany
Quote on receiving the category award
“This is an incredible honor and a milestone in our journey to redefine smart access. I'm deeply grateful for this recognition and for our amazing team of igloohomies who tirelessly share this passion. Together, we'll continue to innovate, create sustainable impact with our customers globally, and proudly fly the Singapore flag high on the world stage. Thank you for believing in our vision of a smarter, more connected world – a world without keys!”
Quote on how entrepreneurs can inspire the youth and support Singapore’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
“Entrepreneurs can inspire the youth by sharing their stories. It's not just about narrating success tales; it's about sharing the raw, unfiltered journey, along with the struggles, and challenges.
Mentorship plays a huge role too in guiding young entrepreneurs. We can help them foster confidence and resilience to tread the path of entrepreneurship.
In Singapore’s dynamic landscape, it’s our responsibility to pave the way for aspiring entrepreneurs by showing that entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path; it’s a way of making a difference.”
About Mr. Anthony Chow
Mr. Anthony Chow is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of igloocompany (igloo), a leading smart access solutions company dedicated to creating a “World Without Keys”.
His entrepreneurial journey began unconventionally — renting an Airbnb property where he lived and worked to test the smart locks he was developing, all while saving costs.
Recognizing the inconvenience of physical key exchanges, he co-founded igloohome to eliminate keys entirely. Under his leadership, igloo has expanded into numerous enterprise verticals, made over 500,000 doors smarter and the team is just getting started.
Mr. Chow is also committed to giving back, serving as an adjunct professor at the National University of Singapore and being part of the Milken Institute’s Young Leader Circle. His vision and innovation continue to drive igloo as a trusted leading brand in the smart access industry, fostering a sustainable digital economy.
Mr. Chow is 37 years old.
About igloocompany
Founded by Anthony Chow and Kelvin Ho, igloocompany (igloo) is a leading smart access technology company that specializes in smart locks, IoT devices, and a comprehensive enterprise software ecosystem. Originally launched as igloohome, the company set out to create “A World Without Keys”, partnering with companies like Airbnb to serve the short-term rental market.
Through its enterprise division, iglooworks, igloo now provides large-scale access management solutions to industries such as property and facilities management. Serving over 2,000 businesses globally, including clients like Zillow, Uber, Opendoor and OYO, igloo has become a trusted name in the industry.
Headquartered in Singapore with eight regional offices, including its North American base in Austin, Texas, igloo continues to expand its global footprint. The company's products have earned numerous international accolades, including the CES Innovation awards, iF Design awards and more.
store-sg.igloohome.co
Fact sheet C: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year judging panel and criteria
Judging panel
Ms. Susan Chong (Chairperson of judging panel)
Founder and CEO
Greenphyto Pte. Ltd.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 – Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Mr. Saurav Bhattacharyya
Chairman
Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE.SG)
Prof. Ho Teck-Hua
President and Distinguished University Professor
Nanyang Technological University
Mr. Danny Koh
Founder and CEO
Tower Capital Asia
Mr. Kok Ping Soon
CEO
Singapore Business Federation
Mr. Lee Chuan Teck
Executive Chairman
Enterprise Singapore
Mr. Mark Lee
CEO
Singlun Holdings Pte. Ltd.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 – Manufacturing
EY Family Business Award of Excellence 2018
Judging criteria
The following four judging criteria sets the global standard adhered to by each and every location participating in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.
Entrepreneurial spirit
- Identifies opportunities to innovate and create a better world.
- Takes risks to realize their vision.
- Demonstrates courage, perseverance and resilience to overcome significant obstacles.
Growth
- Increases market share and expands into new markets.
- Drives positive financial performance.
- Invests in attracting, developing and retaining a diverse mix of talent.
- Builds a culture of innovation that pioneers new approaches or technologies.
Purpose
- Commits themselves and their organization to an inspiring purpose and vision.
- Drives strategies for a sustainable future business.
- Creates and protects value in the long term, across a broad group of stakeholders, including consumers, employees, suppliers, government, communities, investors and shareholders.
Impact
- Positively impacts the customers they serve.
- Integrates sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in their strategy, with robust commitments and execution plans.
- Focuses on diversity and inclusion across multiple dimensions.
Fact sheet D: EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award winner profile
(Information provided by winners’ companies)
EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei
President and Chief Executive Officer
JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
Quote by Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and Chief Executive Officer, JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
“I am grateful and honored to receive this year’s EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.
This recognition inspires me to continue leading with a deep sense of purpose, and to be a good steward of the business that has been entrusted to me.
This award wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my Gokongwei Group colleagues who bring to life our purpose – an unrelenting commitment to provide our customers with better choices, creating shared success with our stakeholders – every single day.”
About JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
JG Summit, the flagship conglomerate of the Gokongwei Group, is involved in real estate, food, air transport, financial services, and petrochemicals. It also has investments in telecommunications and power distribution.
About Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei
Lance Gokongwei is a Filipino businessman. He heads the Gokongwei Group, one of the Philippines' largest and most diversified business groups, with business interests in food, air transport, real estate, petrochemicals, retail, financial services, media, healthcare, telecommunications, power distribution, among others.
Mr. Gokongwei is 58 years old.
Factsheet E: EY Family Enterprise Award of Excellence Winner profile, eligibility and selection criteria
(Information provided by winners’ companies)
EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence
Tecity Group
Quote by Ms. Chew Gek Khim, Executive Chairman and CEO, Tecity Group
“Thank you, EY and Bank of Singapore, for the Family Enterprise Award of Excellence. On behalf of the Tecity Group, we are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the acknowledgment of our efforts and achievements.
The Tecity Group has achieved remarkable milestones, overcome challenges and continued our founder’s legacy of giving back to society through the combined and dedicated efforts of many over the years. To them, my family and I owe much.”
About Tecity Group
The Tecity Group, founded by the late banker and philanthropist Tan Sri (Dr) Tan Chin Tuan, comprises an investment arm, The Tecity Family Office; a public-listed arm, Straits Trading Company Limited; a philanthropic arm, The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation (TCTF).
About family enterprise owner, Ms. Chew Gek Khim
Ms. Chew Gek Khim has been with Tecity Group since 1987. She is currently the Executive Chairman and CEO of the Group.
Ms. Chew is also Chairman of The Straits Trading Company Limited, Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad and ARA Trust Management (Suntec) Limited.
Ms. Chew serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation in Singapore. Active in community and public service, she also sits on the Board of Trustees of the National University of Singapore, the Wealth Management Institute, and Board of Governors of the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Ms. Chew graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1984. She was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite in 2010, the Singapore Businessman of the Year 2014 in 2015, and the Meritorious Service Medal at the National Day Awards in 2016.
About the award
The EY Family Enterprise Award of Excellence was launched in 2013 to recognize family enterprises that have made significant socioeconomic contributions and demonstrated the ability to harmonize between business and family matters. It is jointly selected by knowledge partners, Business Families Institute @ Singapore Management University and the INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise.
Family enterprises that have been honored include Ho Bee Land Limited, Agrocorp International Pte. Ltd., Goldbell Group, Hong Leong Group, Far East Organization, Sing Lun Holdings Pte Ltd, Tolaram Group, Jebsen & Jessen (SEA), Eu Yan Sang International, B.P. de Silva Holdings, and the Kewalram Chanrai Group.
Eligibility
- Leadership of the company includes family member(s) from second or subsequent generations, or has multiple branches of a family involved in leadership. (i.e., one individual and first generation would not qualify for the award).
- The family still has a significant ownership and voting stake and is primarily responsible for setting the strategic direction and values for the firm.
- The legal form of the company or group of companies is not relevant.
- Companies may be private or publicly traded.
- If the shares and voting rights have been transferred to a trust, it will remain to be considered as family enterprise if the family has dominant influence on the trust in a way described above.
- The business or headquarter of the business is located in Singapore.
Judging criteria
- Company shows evidence of a successful, sustainable and long term-oriented strategy.
- Company has adopted an effective and transparent corporate governance approach, enabling the execution of the desired strategy and living out of family values.
- Company governance enables unity among the ownership family (i.e., little evidence of significant family disputes impacting the business).
- Demonstrated the ability of the family to preserve company culture, tradition and values and maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and continued innovation over generations.
- Evidence shown of exceptional personnel management.
- Commitment to philanthropic causes or corporate social responsibility.
- Other exceptional achievements such as business awards, public service etc.