Indonesians get ASEAN achievement awards
By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat
KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Two Indonesians have emerged among the 10 prominent people receiving awards from the ASEAN Business Forum for their distinguished achievements in certain sectors.
The awards were presented by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in a gala dinner at the Crown Princess Hotel here on Friday evening.
The two Indonesians, selected among competitors in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), are Wiratman Wangsadinata, who received an award for his distinguished achievement in engineering, and Susi Susanti in badminton championship.
The other eight award winners are Leandro V. Locsin of the Philippines for achievement in architecture, Ramon Orlina of the Philippines in visual arts, Dr. Teera Ramasoota of Thailand in medicine, Seree Vangnaitham of Thailand in arts, Hor Tzi Sum of Singapore in science, Ee Peng Liang of Singapore in community service, Gan Yik Yuen of Malaysia in research and development and Teh Hong Piow of Malaysia in business.
Teh was also declared as ASEAN businessman of the year.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Initiative
The ASEAN Business Forum initiated achievement awards three years ago with an aim of honoring ASEAN figures who have made significant contributions in their disciplines and communities.
The forum, established in 1991 with an initial membership of only 45, currently has 165 member companies in the ASEAN region.
"Not only do the forum's members become better known in the region but they also receive international recognition," said the forum's president, Aburizal Bakrie of Indonesia.
Aburizal, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), explained that while business is a paramount concern of the forum, it also recognizes the importance of initiating programs beneficial to the ASEAN community.
Commenting on the development of the forum, Mahathir underlined the importance of ASEAN's private sector, which is the main engine of growth in the region.
"Governments can provide political security and infrastructure but it is the businessmen who have to exploit the commercial opportunities in the region," he said.
In front of ASEAN's top business persons, Mahathir noted that forging trade ties is an effective way of forging ASEAN solidarity.
"We need not focus on political or military alliances," he remarked.
Aburizal said that members of the forum have improved cooperation among themselves in business activities, including the establishment of joint ventures worth over US$400 million.
"After the establishment of a $650 million power plant, now being jointly built in North Sumatra by SIKAP Bhd. of Malaysia and PT Bukaka of Indonesia, the total investment for joint ventures will top one billion dollars.(mds)