September 15, Kathmandu.
Business people and professionals who have been leading in sectors such as industry, business, energy, banking, insurance, tourism, and hospitality were honored at the Asian Professional Achievement Award–2026.
In the seventh edition of the awards organized by Season Media, business people and professionals from various Asian countries, including Nepal, were honored. In the ceremony held in Kathmandu under the chief patronage of Nepal’s first President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, individuals who contributed to industry, business, energy, banking, insurance, tourism, hospitality, education, journalism, arts, aviation, social service, and entrepreneurship were presented awards in various categories.
For his contribution to the industrial and business sector, Prem Bahadur Shrestha, Chairman of Panchakanya Group, was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award in Industrial Leadership’. Ambika Prasad Poudel, Chairman of Hilife Agro Foods Industries, received the ‘Outstanding Business Leadership Award’, and Bhim Prasad Ghimire, Vice-President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, received the ‘Industrial and Business Leadership Award’, according to the organizers.
In the energy sector, Ganesh Karki, immediate past president of the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) and Managing Director of BG Group, was presented with the ‘Energy Leadership Excellence Award’. Similarly, Urmila Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of Salt Trading Corporation, was presented with the ‘Excellence in Corporate Leadership Award’.
For leadership in the tourism and hospitality sector, Binayak Shah, President of Hotel Association Nepal, was presented with the ‘Hospitality Industry Leadership Excellence Award’. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya was presented with the ‘Visionary Leadership in Urban Development and Public Service Award’. Senior journalist and writer Dharmendra Jha was presented with the Senior Nepali Journalism Award.
At the event, Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Bishwo Pokharel of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, Nirmal Kaji Shrestha, Vice President and General Manager of MetLife, Madhav Prasad Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer of Garima Bikas Bank, Bhawana Pant, Senior Captain of Nepal Airlines, Uddhav Bartaula, Founder and CEO of Ina Center, Sushma Mahara, Chairperson of Facial House, Mahesh Babu Timilsina, Founder/CEO of Kangaroo Education Foundation, Senior News Presenter Sama Thapa, and personalities from various other fields were also honored.
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Similarly, individuals participating from Japan, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and China were also presented awards under the international category. Noboru Takaoka, a senior independent photojournalist from Japan, Purushottam Diwakar, a senior photojournalist from India, Cheong Kwei Seng, President of the International Drone Aviation Federation from Malaysia, Sharif Sarwar, an underwater photographer from Bangladesh, Joyson Chen, a businessperson in the education technology sector from China, and Wenny Kai, a media and social consultant, were honored in various categories.
According to the organizers, the awards aim to be developed as a platform to recognize the achievements and leadership capabilities of individuals who contribute to the business and professional sectors. Pradeep Raj Wanta, Chairman of Season Media, stated that the event was organized with the aim of connecting business people and professionals from Nepal and other Asian countries on a single platform to expand business relationships, cooperation, and exchange experiences.
According to him, the awards are not limited to just trophies and certificates of honor but are a means to recognize the hard work, struggles, achievements, and social contributions of individuals working in various fields. He stated that the program would be continued with the objective of fostering relationships between Nepali talents and business and creative personalities from Asian countries.
At the ceremony, business and professional personalities from Japan, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and China were also honored under the international category. The organizers claim that this will connect Nepali business people and professionals at a regional level and provide a platform for expanding international business relationships.
Speaking at the event, former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav stated that honoring individuals who contribute to various fields inspires the new generation to work in their respective areas. He urged the honorees to further expand their contributions and work for the betterment of society and the nation.
Season Media organized the seventh edition of the awards along with its 18th year journey. The organizers announced that they will continue the program in the future, connecting business people, entrepreneurs, media persons, and creative personalities from Nepal and various Asian countries on a single platform.
For more: Asian Professional Achievement Awards 2026
