KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Business recognition platform returns with a renewed regional mandate to honour entrepreneurs, SMEs and enterprises driving innovation, leadership and sustainable growth across ASEAN
SEBA ASEAN 2026 has officially opened nominations, marking a new chapter for one of Southeast Asia’s most established platforms for business recognition, entrepreneurial excellence and regional enterprise visibility.
As ASEAN continues to strengthen its standing as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, the latest edition of the awards arrives at a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporations and industry leaders looking to move beyond domestic recognition and build stronger influence across the region.
Carrying the theme “Beyond Recognition. Towards Regional Influence.”, SEBA ASEAN 2026 aims to recognise businesses and leaders that are not only excelling in their industries, but also shaping the next decade of economic growth in Southeast Asia.
A Platform for Visibility, Credibility and Regional Growth
Over the years, SEBA has evolved into more than an awards programme. It has become a strategic platform for enterprises seeking to strengthen credibility, market positioning, stakeholder confidence and regional visibility.
The awards have recognised organisations across a wide range of sectors, honouring those that demonstrate leadership, resilience, innovation, sustainability and measurable business impact. In today’s increasingly competitive environment, recognition is no longer simply about celebrating achievement — it is also about building trust, opening doors, and positioning businesses for long-term growth.
According to Datuk Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and Founder of SEBA, the role of business recognition has changed significantly over the years.
“Business recognition today carries far greater meaning than it did a decade ago. It is no longer simply about celebrating achievements. It is about creating trust, opening doors, building influence and connecting businesses to new possibilities. SEBA ASEAN 2026 reflects this evolution by providing a platform that not only honours excellence, but also helps businesses position themselves for future growth across ASEAN.”
ASEAN’s Growth Momentum Sets The Stage
SEBA ASEAN 2026 launches against the backdrop of a region that continues to show strong economic momentum and rising business opportunity.
ASEAN attracted approximately US$226 billion in foreign direct investment inflows in 2024, while growing intra-regional trade, expanding cross-border enterprise activity and accelerating digital transformation continue to reshape how businesses scale throughout Southeast Asia.
At the same time, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to surpass US$300 billion in gross merchandise value by 2025, highlighting the growing importance of innovation, technology adoption and market connectivity in driving sustainable business growth.
Against this backdrop, SEBA ASEAN 2026 positions itself as a platform that not only recognises success, but also reflects the changing realities of doing business in a fast-moving regional economy.
Recognising The Businesses Shaping ASEAN’s Future
SEBA ASEAN 2026 will bring together entrepreneurs, founders, SMEs, corporations, business owners, innovators and changemakers from across Southeast Asia.
The platform seeks to honour organisations that have demonstrated:
- outstanding business performance
- visionary leadership
- adaptability in changing market conditions
- innovation and transformation
- the ability to create sustainable value for industries and communities
As Southeast Asia moves deeper into an era shaped by digitalisation, sustainability priorities, shifting supply chains, evolving consumer expectations and new investment flows, the awards aim to spotlight the enterprises and leaders setting the pace for the future of business.
More than Business Success: Spotlighting The Stories Behind Growth
Beyond financial performance and expansion, SEBA ASEAN 2026 will also highlight the stories behind business success — from entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges and scaled their ventures, to organisations that are transforming industries, creating jobs and contributing to broader economic development across the region.
This wider lens reflects the growing expectation that businesses should not only perform well commercially, but also create meaningful value through leadership, innovation, employment and community impact.
Building Cross-Border Connections Across The ASEAN Business Ecosystem
In addition to recognition, SEBA ASEAN 2026 reinforces its role as a platform for strategic networking, meaningful connections and cross-border collaboration.
By bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem partners from across the region, the platform creates opportunities for:
- knowledge exchange
- partnership building
- regional business visibility
- future collaboration and expansion
As ASEAN’s business landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, platforms such as SEBA play a growing role in helping businesses move from local success to regional relevance.
Nominations Now Open
Businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations across Southeast Asia are now invited to submit their nominations and be recognised among the region’s most forward-looking and influential enterprises.
How to apply
A Recognition Platform for ASEAN’s Next Generation of Leaders
As Southeast Asia continues to evolve as a global growth engine, SEBA ASEAN 2026 aims to celebrate the businesses and leaders that are not only succeeding today, but actively shaping the region’s future through innovation, enterprise excellence, sustainability and regional influence.
For companies seeking to strengthen their profile, expand their networks and be recognised on a broader ASEAN stage, the opening of nominations marks an opportunity to step forward and be counted among the businesses driving the region ahead.
