Asian Professional Achievement Awards 2026 Honors Top Industrial and Business Leaders in Kathmandu
14th September 2026, Kathmandu
Discover key highlights from Season Media’s 7th Asian Professional Achievement Awards 2026, celebrating top leaders in industry, energy, and governance across Asia.
Asian Professional Achievement Awards 2026
Prominent entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and professionals from across Nepal and Asia gathered in Kathmandu for the 7th Asian Professional Achievement Awards 2026.
Organized by Season Media to mark its 18th anniversary, the prestigious ceremony celebrated leadership across key sectors including industry, banking, energy, tourism, healthcare, media, and urban development.
Nepal’s first President, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, attended as the chief guest and presented awards to honorees recognized for their contributions to economic growth and social progress.
Key Award Winners & Leadership Categories
| Award Category | Recipient | Designation / Organization |
| Lifetime Achievement in Industrial Leadership | Prem Bahadur Shrestha | Chairman, Panchakanya Group |
| Outstanding Business Leadership Award | Ambika Prasad Paudel | Chairman, Highlife Agro Foods Industries |
| Industrial & Business Leadership Award | Bhim Prasad Ghimire | Vice President, Confederation of Nepalese Industries |
| Energy Leadership Excellence Award | Ganesh Karki | Immediate Past President, IPPAN & MD, BG Group |
| Excellence in Corporate Leadership Award | Urmila Shrestha | CEO, Salt Trading Corporation |
| Hospitality Industry Leadership Excellence | Binayak Shah | President, Hotel Association Nepal |
| Urban Development & Public Service Leadership | Dhanraj Acharya | Mayor, Pokhara Metropolitan City |
| Senior Nepalese Journalism Award | Dharmendra Jha | Senior Journalist & Author |
Broad Recognition Across Sectors and Nations
The ceremony also highlighted leaders making significant strides in public healthcare, civil aviation, banking, and creative arts:
Healthcare & Aviation: Dr. Bishwa Pokharel (Cardiac Surgeon, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre) and Sr. Captain Bhawana Panta (Nepal Airlines).
Corporate & Financial Leadership: Nirmal Kaji Shrestha (VP & GM, MetLife) and Madhav Prasad Upadhyay (CEO, Garima Bikas Bank).
Entrepreneurship & Education: Uddhab Bartaula (Founder, Ina Center), Sushma Mahara (President, Facial House), Mahesh Babu Timalsina (CEO, Kangaroo Education Foundation), and senior news presenter Sama Thapa.
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International Honorees
To foster regional collaboration, Season Media conferred international awards on distinguished delegates across Asia:
Japan: Noboru Takaoka (Senior Independent Photojournalist)
India: Purushottam Diwakar (Senior Photojournalist)
Malaysia: Cheong Kwei Seng (President, International Drone Aviation Federation)
Bangladesh: Sharif Sarwar (Underwater Photographer)
China: Joyson Chen (EdTech Entrepreneur) & Weni Kai (Media Advisor)
Fostering Cross-Border Collaboration and Inspiration
Season Media President Pradeep Raj Wanta emphasized that the platform extends beyond trophies and certificates. It serves as a vital bridge connecting Nepalese talent with Asian counterparts to encourage cross-border investment, joint ventures, and knowledge exchange.
Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Dr. Ram Baran Yadav noted that celebrating professional excellence provides vital inspiration for younger generations to drive national development.
