Ernst & Young announces 12 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 China winners
Winners drawn from wide range of industries including consumer and industrial products, services, real estate and technology 21 November, 2008 Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong - Ernst & Young today announces 12 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 China winners, in recognition of an outstanding group of business leaders who have inspired others with their vision, leadership and achievement.
This year, the program recognizes the achievements of 12 entrepreneurs as category winners, drawn from a diverse range of industries, comprising consumer products, industrial products, real estate, services and technology. In addition, two winners in the Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year category were selected, in recognition of their achievements as emerging business leaders.
“The 12 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 China winners demonstrate the important role that successful entrepreneurs play in contributing to China’s economic development. It is at these times, when the impact of the financial market turmoil continues to be felt across the world, that economies rely more than ever on the winning qualities of successful entrepreneurs – such as creativity, innovation, passion and ability to make transformational changes – to sustain growth,” says David Sun, Chairman of Ernst & Young, China.
“The winners deserve to be applauded for their achievements in building and leading highly successful enterprises. They have brought benefits to society through their products and services, through the jobs they create, and the communities they help. In times of profound and accelerating change, their contributions have never been more important. On behalf of everyone at Ernst & Young, I would like to congratulate all the winners and wish them continually success,” Sun adds.
An independent judging panel chose the 12 winners from a strong and diverse pool of quality nominations. Clean technology was a common theme among the nominations this year, demonstrating how entrepreneurs are helping pioneer the adoption of alternative energy sources to power China’s economic growth. Consumer products continue to have a strong representation this year, reflecting how rising urban incomes are generating demand for quality products.
Ernst & Young also found that corporate social responsibility is taking new forms in China, with a rising number of nominees choosing to do more than making donations. This includes activities such as establishing charitable foundations, finding ways to limit harm to the environment, and embodying socially-responsible polices in managing their businesses.
“One trend we noticed this year the entrepreneurs have found a wide range of funding – their own savings; family backing; business partners; venture capital. It is a much more mature mix. I take great pleasure in offering my heartfelt congratulations to all the entrants on their achievements, " says Dr David K. P. Li, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Bank of East Asia, and Chairman of the Independent Judging Panel for the awards program.
“We congratulate the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2008. We can appreciate their achievements were a result of a number of factors - vision, insight and determination to name a few. But what sets them apart is the passion that drives their success. We believe this lies at the heart of a true entrepreneur and is what sets them apart. It is the difference between what makes them not just good, but great. We wish them success as they progress with their vision and trust that this is only the beginning of their incredible journey. ,” says Monica Wong, Chief Executive of Private Banking Asia, HSBC Private Bank, the Platinum Sponsor for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 China.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year China 2008 Award Winners are:
Consumer products
- Ding Shizhong
Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Anta Sports Products Ltd. - Zhu Xinli
Board Chairman and Group President, China Huiyuan Juice Group Ltd. - Zhu Yicai
Chairman & Executive Director, China Yurun Food Group Ltd.
Industrial products
- Cao Dewang
Chairman, Fuyao Glass Industry Group - Raymond Lee
Chief Executive Officer, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Ltd.
Real estate
- Pan Shiyi
Chairman, SOHO China Ltd.
Services
- Fan Min
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ctrip.com - Freddie Wong
Chairman and Founder, Midland Holdings Ltd. - Yu Minhong
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, New Oriental Education & Technology Group
Technology
- Huang Ming
Chairman, Himin Solar Energy Group
Emerging class
- Christian Heilesen
Chief Executive Officer, Funmobile Holdings Ltd. - Jiang Kai
President, Dragon Power Co., Ltd.
The winners will be honored at an awards gala today at the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai. The country winners will be announced at the climax of the gala event.
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About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award 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 award of its kind, Ernst & Young 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 135 cities in 50 countries.
About Ernst & Young in China
China is a vast market undergoing unprecedented change, posing challenges and complexities even for those with experience of operating in China. At Ernst & Young, we draw upon our global and local knowledge to help you retain the confidence of investors, manage your risk, strengthen your controls, grasp opportunities and achieve your potential. Our experience in China dates back to 1981 when we were among the first international professional services networks to set up operations on the mainland. We offer assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services to many large and fast-growth Chinese companies, and multinationals operating in China.
We have 14 offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dalian, Wuhan, Chengdu, Macau, Suzhou, Tianjin, Qingdao, Hangzhou and Xiamen. So wherever you are, you are never far from us. And with 9,000 people in China, we are committed to putting together the right people at the right time in the right place to give you the seamless service you need. That’s how we make a difference.
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of 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.
