HCM CITY — Đỗ Quang Hiển, chairman of Sài Gòn-Hà Nội Bank (SHB)’s management board, is the only entrepreneur from the financial and banking sector to be honoured at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards – APEA 2017.

The award, which was organised for the first time in Việt Nam by Enterprise Asia, is a prestigious prize of the region. It aims to connect leading entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region to promote innovation and create opportunities for sharing experiences and co-operation.

APEA recognises outstanding achievements and the leadership ability of entrepreneurs. It lays down strict criteria before presenting the awards, such as financial verification through an auditing firm, interviews and assessment by a panel.

The awards were presented to leading Asian entrepreneurs, including billionaire Quek Leng Beng; Kobchai Chirativat, chairman of Central Group; Simon Chiang, chairman of MITAC Information Technology; billionaire Hui Wing Hau; billionaire Lui Che-woo; and Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Bajaj Group.

APEA said it highly valued Hiển for his excellent corporate administration ability. Specifically, SHB under Hiển’s management saw outstanding development – starting with charter capital of VNĐ400 million (US$17,600) in 1993 to now VNĐ11.2 trillion ($493.3 million) and becoming one of the largest private commercial banks in Việt Nam with some four million customers.

The award also requires entrepreneurs to commit to implement other standards such as investing in people and doing business with responsibility.

By the end of September, the bank’s total assets reached more than VNĐ265.3 trillion, and pre-tax profit was VNĐ1.33 trillion.

SHB has two subsidiaries in Laos and Cambodia. It plans to open a new representative office in Myanmar.

Hiển said the award was not just an honour for him, but for the entire Vietnamese entrepreneur community. He said he hoped many other Vietnamese entrepreneurs would be presented with the award so that they also got the opportunity to exchange experiences and co-operation with other parters in the region.

Born in 1962, Hiển has been recognised with other awards from the Government.

He has held many important positions such as chairman and general director of T&T Group, chairman of SHS Securities Company and chairman of Hà Nội Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Association. — VNS