Nikkei.com - Winners of the Prizes
The 18th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2013)
Mr. Truong Gia Binh, chairman and CEO of FPT Corp., Vietnam's largest information technology company, is the winner in the regional growth category for his contributions to the development of IT business in Vietnam, in addition to that of his own company.
Dr. Tejraj Aminabhavi is the winner in the science, technology and innovation category. He is professor emeritus at Soniya Education Trust's College of Pharmacy in India. His contributions in the area of applied polymer - ranging from molecular transport, separation, drug and pesticide delivery and others have led to a number of practical applications in the chemical industry and medicine.
Dr. Vann Molyvann, a Cambodian architect, is the winner in the culture category. He has designed such landmarks as Olympic Stadium and Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
The 17th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2012)
Mr. Yang Yong, environmental activist, is the winner in the regional growth category. He has studied ecosystems and water quality along China's Yangtze River for more than 20 years, working to strengthen environmental conservation in the country.
Dr. Chi-Huey Wong, is the winner in the science, technology and innovation category. He is the president of Taiwan's Academia Sinica and a leading researcher in the field of glycochemistry. His work has opened the way for the development of new vaccines and medicines.
Ms. Sybil Wettasinghe, a Sri Lankan writer and illustrator of children's books, is the recipient in the culture category. Her works, which draw upon Sri Lanka's cultural diversity and natural beauty, have been translated overseas and are loved by children around the world.
The 16th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2011)
Mr. Antonio Meloto, Chairman of Gawad Kalinga, the Philippines, received the award for his commitment to improving the living conditions of the poor. He has made life better for residents in slum areas by constructing more than 200,000 homes in 2,000 communities in the Philippines and in other developing countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.
Dr. Wu Maw-Kuen, Director of Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taiwan received the award in honor of his achievement of many results in the area of superconductivity research, such as the discovery of a substance that has an electrical resistance of zero even at a high temperature of minus 200 degrees Celsius. He has also contributed greatly to advancement of science and technology in Taiwan.
Mr. Bao Ninh, Vietnamese novelist, won the culture prize. He authored the novel "The Sorrow of War," a story based on his military service experience. He popularized Doi Moi (renovation) literature both at home and abroad.
The 15th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2010)
Mr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Bhd, Malaysia, received the award for his achievements in remaking the company into one of the most successful international airlines in Southeast Asia despite the recent economic
slowdown of the airline industry. Under his leadership, the company revolutionized the air travel industry in the region by pioneering the discount carrier phenomenon. As a result, air travel became widely available for lower- and middle-income earners who had to spend long hours on trains and busses to travel in the region.
Dr. Chen Ding-shinn, Distinguished Chair Professor of National Taiwan University College of Medicine & National Taiwan University Hospital received the award in honor of his accomplishment in discovering the link between the hepatitis B virus and liver cancer. His prizeworthy contribution in creating a public health program in Taiwan more than 20 years ago that has vaccinated nearly all newborns there against hepatitis B, drastically reduced the incidence of liver cancer.
Mr. Manteb Soedharsono, a "legendary" performer of the traditional Indonesian shadow puppet art of Wayang won the culture prize in honor of his activities delighting audiences the around the world with performances full of originality for example, ones that blend the time-honored tools of his trade with modern music or that last for 24 consecutive hours.
The 14th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2009)
Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman of Biocon Limited, India, received the award for her achievements in establishing a business model that promotes innovation and intellectual excellence in the Indian pharmaceutical industry which has relied on both patent-expired as well as novel drugs. She is also regarded as a pioneering biotech entrepreneur in India.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia(FRIM), a leading institution in tropical forestry research in the region received the award in honor of its contribution as a leading institution in tropical forestry research in the region, with a 900 member workforce (200 researchers). Its main functions include the study of biodiversity for the sustainable use of natural resources, for the development of new products and for the conservation of forests.
Dｒ. Laretna T. Adishakti, Lecturer, Architect, and Heritage Activist of Indonesia, won the culture prize in honor of her activity spearheading a campaign to protect the city of Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java. She insists that local inhabitants should take action in protecting and utilizing their heritage.
The 13th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2008)
Mr. Wang Canfa, Director of the Center of Legal Assistance to Pollution Victims in China at China University of Political Science and Law, received the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth for his efforts to promote public awareness of the environment, law-abiding spirit, and to supervise the proper enforcement of environmental laws by supporting legal actions by pollution victims.
Mr. C.N.R. Rao, National Research Professor and Honorary President & Linus Pauling Research Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, received the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his contribution to solid state chemistry and spectroscopy by writing 1,500 publications. And as a chairperson on the Science Advisory Board of India under five prime ministers, he has contributed to policies for science and technology in India.
Mr. Ahn Sung-ki, South Korean film actor, won the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of his activity as a cultural custodian and spokesperson of South Korean film culture on behalf of the entire film industry, and of his leadership in international co-productions involving Japan, China, South Korea.
The 12th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2007)
Mr. Mechai Viravaidya, chairman of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), a Thai NGO, received the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth for his efforts to bridge the gap between poor farm villagers and rich city dwellers in Thailand.
Mr. Chang Chun-yen, president emeritus of Taiwan's Chiao Tung University, received the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his strong leadership in Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
Mr. Gopal Venu, director of India's Natanakairali Research and Performing Center for Traditional Arts, won the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture for his contributions to the preservation and revitalization of Kutiyattam, the oldest surviving Sanskrit theater tradition in India.
The 11th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2006)
Ms. Olivia Lum, CEO and President of Singapore's Hyflux Group, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth for her firm's development of the advanced NEWater system, which purifies waste water for drinking or industrial use.
Mr. Philip Yeo, chairman of the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his strong leadership in drafting and implementing Singapore's science and technology strategy, particularly in biomedical sciences.
Ms. Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, a Cambodian choreographer and dancer, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of her outstanding role in restoring the nation's classical dance tradition.
The 10th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2005)
Dr. Morris Chang, Chairman and CEO of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Taiwan, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his outstanding role in establishing the pure foundry business model. TSMC currently holds approximately 50% of the world-wide pure foundry market, and is now the world 8th largest semiconductor company.
Prof. Ko Myoung Sam, Professor Emeritus of Seoul National University, South Korea, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his outstanding role in founding the development of production lines in South Korea's semiconductor and electrical appliance industries, which now hold significant shares of the world market.
Mr. Guo Dalie, Chairman of the Yunnan Province Society of Ethnology, China, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of his outstanding role in preserving the Naxi language in 1999 using a handmade textbook to teach pupils at Huangcun Primary School, which has many Naxi pupils. Guo Dalie and his wife also opened their home in Lijiang to the public as a Dongba Cultural Transmission Center, complete with a library in classroom. The unique forms of the Dongba script have become popular in Japan, with designers making use of the script on stickers, business cards and other commercial products.
The 9th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2004)
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, managing director of Grameen Bank, Bangladesh, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his outstanding role in developing and spreading the unique "microfinance" scheme as a tool for helping the poor out of financial hardship.
Prof. Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong, senior researcher at National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his outstanding role in the research of malaria parasite and the development of science and technology research system in his country.
Prof. Albert Wendt, author from Samoa and professor at the University of Auckland, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of his creative works, introducing the traditions and cultures of Samoa and other Pacific Island nations, previously only passed down orally, in lyrical English for global readers.
The 8th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2003)
Mr. Hun-Jai Lee, former Minister of Finance and Economy, Republic of Korea, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his outstanding role in reviving South Korean economy in the face of the 1997 economic crisis, through bold financial reforms such as drastic realignment of major banks and massive injection of public funds.
Dr. Yang Huanming, Professor & Director of Beijing Genomics Institute, China, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation in honor of his outstanding role in leading the research group that became the world's first in sequencing the genome of long-grain rice (indica), a rice variety widely consumed across Asia.
Ms. Urvashi Butalia, author and co-founder of Kali for Women, India, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of her outstanding role as a co-founder of India's first feminist publishing house, introducing the nation's women's issues to readers around the world, and authoring a book "The Other Side of Silence" depicting the tragedy surrounding the subcontinent's partition into India and Pakistan from the women's perspectives.
The 7th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2002)
Professor Dr. Vo-Tong Xuan, Rector, Angiang University, is awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his significant work in successfully increasing rice production in the Mekong Delta region by introducing new strains and educating farmers.
The Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, is awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of its work in successfully isolating the Nipah virus, the cause of the animal-borne encephalitis that killed more than 100 people.
Mrs. Christine Hakim, actress and film producer, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of her efforts to produce films that focus on the lives of ordinary people. Her collaborative efforts with others in Asian film industry have contributed to the development of Asian cinema.
The 6th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2001)
Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Infosys Technologies Ltd., was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his work in successfully founding Infosys Technologies and making it India's leading software company.
Dr. Ho-Wang Lee, President of the National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of his work in isolating the Hantaan virus, the cause of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, and developing a vaccine and diagnostic method.
The Nepal Bhasa Dictionary Committee, as an organization, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of its work in successfully compiling a dictionary of classic Newari. Nikkei believes this achievement will promote historical and cultural studies of Nepal and the surrounding region.
The 5th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (2000)
Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Thailand, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his efforts in promoting the development of a market economy in Thailand and trade liberalization and cooperation among ASEAN countries.
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of its contribution to biotechnology research with its impressive growth since its establishment in 1987 into the first major center of biological science research in Asia.
Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, a Thai architect, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of his over 30 years of devotion to preserving traditional Thai architecture through teaching and his own design work. His achievements have contributed to reviving traditional architecture in the region.
The 4th Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (1999)
Mr. Shi Wen Long, Chairman of Chi Mei Corporation, Taiwan, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his successfully establishing the world's biggest ABS resin maker by introducing an employee shareholding system and establishing a lean, efficient organization.
Prof. Zhao Qiguo, former director of the Institute of Soil Science, Academia Sinica, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of his leadership role in the development and exploitation of land resources in China on the basis of his own soil atlas.
Mr. Dang Nhat Minh, film director and General Secretary of the Vietnam Cinema Association, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of his tireless efforts to make distinguished films that introduce the soul and sensitivities of Asian people to the world.
The 3rd Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (1998)
Mr. Ni Runfeng, President and CEO of Sichuan Changhong Electronics Group, China, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth to honor his successfully turning a local military radar company into the largest color TV manufacturer in China.
Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM), was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of its contribution to increasing production of natural rubber in Malaysia, and in other nations, by providing its original high-yield rubber plants and establishing industrial standards.
Mr. Kim Jeong Ok, founder and art director of the JAYU(freedom) theatre group, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture to honor his tireless efforts in creating universal theater play based on Asian ideas and methods, and his efforts in promoting exchange programs among Korean, Japanese and Chinese theatricians.
The 2nd Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (1997)
Dr. Manmohan Singh, member of Parliament and former finance minister of India, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth to honor his work in successfully reforming the Indian economy by relaxing rigid economic policies and welcoming foreign investment.
Dr. Hyung Sup Choi, President of The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of his efforts to draw up and pursue a national strategy to develop industries by enhancing the role of engineers and skilled labor.
Professor Jose Maceda, Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture to honor his achievement in studying the structures of Asian music and composing music based on this theory.
The 1st Nikkei Asia Prize Winners (1996)
Prof. Dr. Widjojo Nitisastro, Economic Adviser to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Regional Growth in honor of his work as a policy planner who helped foster economic growth in Indonesia by encouraging the use of the market mechanism.
Prof. Yuan Longping, Director General, Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center of China, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Technological Innovation in honor of his efforts to increase large-scale rice production by developing unique hybrid rice-breeding technology.
Mrs. Dara Kanlaya, Deputy Director of the Department of Literature and Mass Culture at the Laotian Ministry of Information and Culture, was awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in honor of her efforts to preserve cultural heritage by compiling a library of palm-leaf manuscripts.