The BrandLaureate Marks 20 Years with the Prestigious BESTBRANDS Awards 2025

1 November 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The World Brands Foundation proudly commemorates its 20th anniversary with the launch of The BrandLaureate Special Limited Edition BESTBRANDS Awards 2025, a landmark event honouring twenty years of pioneering leadership, innovation, and influence in branding.

The ceremony celebrated the global evolution of branding, spotlighting its bold ideas, enduring values, and far-reaching impact. Under the theme "Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Inspiring Our Future," the evening showcased how branding continues to transform industries, transcend borders, and shape generations.

This special occasion not only marked TheBrandLaureate’s 20th anniversary but also paid tribute to the remarkable journeys of the brands that have grown alongside us. A nostalgic and reflective atmosphere underscored each accolade, celebrating bold beginnings, visionary ambitions, and milestones achieved through resilience and purpose. These brands, which evolved from humble origins to international recognition, exemplify how passion, deliberate evolution, and legacy-building lead to lasting success.

To honour this milestone, a captivating art showcase titled "20 Strokes of Light," curated by Sim Pojinn, Co-Founder and Fair Director of Art Expo Malaysia, was unveiled, symbolising two decades of branding excellence, creativity, and innovation.

“As The BrandLaureate celebrates its 20th anniversary, we look back with pride at our journey, built on vision, perseverance, and leadership, that continues to shape the future of branding,” said Prof. Dr. KK Johan, President Emeritus and World President of The BrandLaureate.

In conjunction with this celebration, The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) announced the soft launch of the new TWBF and EIU–Paris Joint International Professional Certification in Brand Strategy and Leadership (IPC-BSL). This pioneering initiative marks a new chapter in advancing professional education and leadership in global branding. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between Ms. Chew Bee Peng, CEO of The BrandLaureate, and Hon. Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, Founder and Director-General of EIU Paris.

Throughout the evening, the event honoured visionary brand leaders and pioneering businesses with prestigious awards recognising excellence, resilience, and transformative influence. The recipients of the 2025 awards exemplify how innovative ideas can become enduring legacies.

The BrandLaureate Brand Icon Leadership Award 2025 was presented to distinguished leaders including Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Al‑Haj, Malaysia’s Royal House & Strategic Trade and Philanthropy Advocate; Tan Sri Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad, former Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, 11th Inspector-General of Police; and several others who have made significant impacts across sectors.

The Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 honours went to inspiring entrepreneurs such as the founders of Village Park Restaurant, and leading figures in technology, hospitality, and business.

The Brand Leadership Awards recognised exceptional individuals like retired US Navy Captain Michael W. Kohler for Healthcare Leadership, Dr. Srimathy Kesan for Aerospace Innovation and Youth Education, Dr. Sunita Gopal for Social Enterprise & Community Leadership, and Nanda Bhagi for Business & Entrepreneurship, each inspiring transformation in their respective fields.

Additional awards celebrated iconic brands including Central Market, Majestic Hotel, and Institut Jantung Negara, along with the recipients of Brand of the Year, Most Preferred Brand, Nation’s Choice, and Nation’s Pride, highlighting outstanding contributions across diverse industries.

This milestone event not only celebrates the history of branding but also inspires future innovation and leadership. The journey of The BrandLaureate and its partners underscores the enduring power of branding as a force for positive change and legacy-building.