Academy wins prestigious all-Asia industry award for contribution to Education K-12 category

On Monday 29^th January 2018 the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad was selected as one of Asia’s 100 greatest brands 2017 (K-12 category) by AsiaOne Magazine in a special research based listing of regional enterprises by independent industry body, URS (United Research Services Media Consulting).

Dr Geoffrey Fisher, Head of Academy, was simultaneously acknowledged as one of Asia’s 100 greatest leaders in a robust, criterion based process reviewed by broadcast partners PricewaterhouseCoopers PL, whose senior Singapore leadership attended the prestigious awards ceremony.

Academy representatives Leigh Fisher (CSR External Events and Partnerships) and Imran Bandeali (Admissions and Marketing) travelled to Singapore to be part of the 2^nd edition Mega Awards event and were present at Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Convention Centre, Singapore to receive the certificates and trophies on behalf of Dr Fisher and Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad. Special Ambassador to Singapore from the Ukraine presented the Academy awards. This premium gathering of regional business leaders and networking dinner was held as the profile culmination of the 2018 India – Singapore Business and Social Forum.

AsiaOne is an international business magazine with readership in 10 countries across Asia. The cross industry awards selection process is based on primary and secondary research from 16 industries in India, with scores allocated by jury members, United Research Services International and PwC. Identified organisations are classified as ‘iconic, powerful and emerging brands’ in relation to their position in the market and the quality of their service offering. This is the first time a not-for-profit education institution has been identified for brand strength in the India-Asia region. The Academy has been recognised for its innovation in approach to education, diversity of student body and the difference this brand has made to Indian society in a relatively short time since its Hyderabad foundation in 2006, commencement in 2011 and official opening in 2013.

The evening was attended by over 300 people representing enterprises from the following countries: India, Singapore, Poland, Hungary, Chile, Rwanda, Qatar, Oman, Indonesia and UAE, as well as additional countries from the Indian subcontinent and GCC region, notably Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Academy team connected with industry leaders in the IT sector, marketing, communications, higher education, health, pharmaceuticals and eminent management institutions.

URS Founder and CEO, Rajat Shukul, presided over the event. As AsiaOne Country Head and Principal Partner, his key note address made mention of Singapore’s role as a centre of regional business excellence and referred to India’s growing role in global affairs after a media week in which Prime Minister Modi addressed ASEAN leaders in Delhi as part of the 2018 India Republic Day and Telangana Minister for Information Technology, Industries and Commerce, K.T Rama Rao, spoke to delegates at the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos.

Mr Shukul thanked the Special Ambassadors, diplomats and dignitaries from Ukraine, Qatar and Kazakhstan who presented many of the 2017 AsiaOne awards, certificates and trophies to over 100 regional business brands and leaders. 40 Most Influential Asians under 40 were also recognised for their regional efforts for the first time. The evening was complemented by two forums with thematic special key note speakers discussing business and the economy, including 2030 likely scenarios and the impact of social cause on business. Education and its potential contribution to the workplace and global productivity was featured prominently in the latter part of the evening.

Dr Fisher and the Academy’s endeavours as part of the Aga Khan Academies’ growing global network and mission to make a difference to outcomes across the developing world through raising home-grown, effective and ethical leaders for tomorrow will be featured in several magazine articles post this week’s event. A coffee table book has been issued profiling the Asia’s Greatest 100 Leaders 2017 award winners and its intention to honour emerging regional brands including the field of education.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognized in this way,” remarked Dr. Fisher. “News and social media campaigns of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad will now reach wider audiences through being integrated on AsiaOne’s web portals, bringing the possibility of world-class, holistic education to a greater number of prospective students who can be empowered as stewards to make a positive contribution in a changing world. This opportunity provides us with great joy.”