CEO of the Year 2025 Diversified Conglomerate CEO of the Year 2025
About APAC CEO of the Year Awards 2025 APAC Insider is excited to announce that the APAC CEO of the Year Awards are set to return for the fourth consecutive year in 2025! This prestigious award program is dedicated to honouring CEOs who drive innovation, foster growth, and navigate unique regional challenges to achieve extraordinary success. The whole team at APAC Insider are looking forward to celebrating the exceptional leadership of trailblazing CEOs across the Asia-Pacific region. CEOs in APAC face unique challenges as they navigate the region’s rapidly changing market dynamics. The diversity of Asia-Pacific —spanning developing economies to established financial powerhouses—requires CEOs to address varied market demands, regulatory environments, and sociopolitical landscapes. Additionally, the demand for sustainable growth and digital integration requires them to strategically balance innovation with long-term resilience. APAC Chief Executives have been instrumental in propelling their organisations forward through digital transformation. Embracing emerging technologies such as AI and IoT, they are positioning the region as a global leader in tech-driven innovation. Despite the risks associated with rapid technological adoption, CEOs across Asia-Pacific are recognised for their confident and strategic approach, leading their organisations through careful planning and measured risk-taking. From the adoption of green technologies to fostering local talent, these leaders exemplify perseverance, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach in driving business growth and creating new opportunities. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. Zakori Group: Diversified Conglomerate CEO of the Year 2025 5. Marsh: Event Management CEO of the Year 2025 – South East Asia 7. Primuse: Event Management CEO of the Year 2025 – South East Asia 8. OXORD Computer Solutions & Repair Center: IT Solutions CEO of the Year 2025 – Philippines 9. Inclusee Ltd: Digital Inclusion CEO of the Year 2025 – Australia 10. Medan Pustaka Mas: Most Innovative Education CEO 2025 – Indonesia 11. Pure Global: Clinical Trial Management CEO of the Year 2025 Contents
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 4 A third-generation entrepreneur, Ayub Khan Zakori has built upon the legacy of Zakori Industries with a vision that extends far beyond its foundations. While many might struggle under the weight of such a responsibility, Ayub embraced the challenge, steadily growing it into what is now Zakori Group. A CEO committed to exploring the unknown and redefining leadership in this space, he has done more than just uphold his father’s legacy—he has expanded it into an empire. We had the pleasure of speaking with Ayub to learn more. Diversified Conglomerate CEO of the Year 2025 Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, Zakori Group was founded in 1985, with its initial focus being on the introduction of adhesive tape manufacturing, ZIL tapes. Over the past four decades, successful diversification efforts positioned Zakori Group as a multifaceted and results-driven conglomerate – one striving to attain regional excellence throughout all the business ventures it takes on. Since Ayub Khan Zakori took the helm, the desire to expand and evolve has only been doubled down upon. “I always believed in expanding beyond limitations. Instead of being confined to one industry, I saw opportunities in diversification.” The ventures Ayub is involved in today, spans around manufacturing, hospitality, energy, construction, e-commerce, and IT solutions. With a grand total of nine businesses to its name and two successful exits, Zakori Group has established itself as a thriving enterprise both in Pakistan and beyond. Not only is it highly successful in its own right, but it is also contributing to a stronger, more dynamic business community in the region and across borders, navigating today’s unforgiving business climate with ease and setting in motion impactful and transformative development journeys. Despite his active leadership across nine businesses, Ayub regards it as an honor to uphold his late father’s legacy of offering guidance and counsel to the public sector in the region. His commitment to these advisory roles reflects his deep sense of responsibility and dedication to meaningful civic engagement. Moreover, Ayub told us: “Apart from having served as the advisor to the finance minister, I have also served as a core member of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and am currently the President of the Industrialists’ Association of Peshawar. I am also one of the pioneers revamping the VC domain of Pakistan by investing in a unicorn startup and have carried out duties such as the Chairman of the National Incubation Centre Advisory Board.” In addition to his current roles, Ayub has previously served as Co-Chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company’s Board of Management Industrial Estates. He now Chairs its Zonal Facilitation Centres division, where he continues to provide essential guidance to international stakeholders looking to invest in the region. Apart from these, he is actively involved as WBAF Senator Pakistan, a member of the CEO Club by World CEO Forum, Advisory Board Member to a Higher Education Institute COMSATS, and a Senate Member to another Higher Education Institute SBBWU in Pakistan. Through these efforts, he has played a significant role in shaping the region’s business and educational landscape. He has recently been awarded the CEO of the year for the Year 2023 and 2024 by Brands Foundation, a globally acclaimed and recognized awarding entity. He has remained a core member on several advisory boards for different local and regional offices. Ayub’s greatest impact can be seen in the family business, where he envisions its future as a leading force both nationally and internationally. His focus remains on sustainability, innovation, and market diversification, aiming to position the company at the forefront of these areas. Blending this aim with his own personal values of perseverance, integrity, and gratitude, Ayub has devised the growth strategy of Zakori Group around the pillars of sustainable expansion, new initiatives/ social impact, and ongoing diversification/innovation. Leveraging skills such as strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, operational expertise, and keen technological insights, Ayub has been able to work effectively with everything from F&B businesses like Ranchers, Piyali and Mr. Cod to IT solutions companies such as Codistan Ventures. All of this has paved the way for a leadership style that sees a meticulous blend of strategy and leading by example, with Ayub inspiring his team to move the needle whilst also ensuring that every action aligns with Zakori Group’s wider focus. Treading this path has not always been easy, and Ayub detailed one of the defining moments of his career as being a falling out with his brother over the future of their late father’s business. “We had differing visions for the future of the company, and when our paths could no longer align, it led to a painful but necessary separation. I knew that if Zakori Group was to thrive, it needed clarity, unified leadership, and a bold approach to expansion. Eventually, I made the difficult but crucial move of buying out his shares.” Such a tough decision certainly paid off, with the challenges that Zakori Group has overcome all serving as stepping stones to something greater. Carrying with him the lessons of this past, award-winning CEO Ayub Khan Zakori signed off by saying: “What once seemed like hurdles now feel like necessary battles that made the journey sweeter, the victories more meaningful, and the vision clearer than ever before.” Contact: Ayub Khan Zakori Company: Zakori Group Web Address: https://zakorigroup.com/ Personal Web Address: Home - Ayub Zakori Feb25170
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 5 Feb25273 With offices in more than 130 countries, Marsh is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor, providing industry-focused brokerage, consulting, and claims advocacy services. At the helm of its China branch sits Michael Li, CEO of Marsh China and a recent recipient in the APAC CEO of the Year Awards 2025. We talked with a spokesperson for Marsh China below to learn more about Michael and his journey to CEO. The world’s top insurance broker and risk advisor, Marsh is dedicated to empowering its clientele, enabling them to build the confidence they need to thrive in today’s complex financial landscape. For more than 150 years, the firm has been trusted by its clientele to provide unparalleled advice throughout their most trying and celebratory times, pushing them to achieve success by building resilience and attaining what was once thought impossible. Michael Li is the CEO, President, and Chairman of Marsh China, responsible for overseeing the company’s overall growth, planning, and daily operations. Prior to joining Marsh China, Michael held the role of Deputy Director of Sales Department at the head office of China Pacific Insurance Company. In this role, he learned to efficiently manage resources and achieve challenging targets. He has since transferred these invaluable gained skills, such as project management and team motivation, to lead his team and ensure the sustained success of Marsh’s China branch. Now, Michael demonstrates his expertise by leading complex projects and initiatives, leveraging his vast industry experience to integrate traditional insurance practices with emerging trends. Dedicated to driving innovation, Michael is relentless in his pursuit of excellence and is on a mission to establish Marsh China as the most reliable insurance partner for its clientele. To achieve this, Michael not only steers the company’s operations with a seasoned hand, but also actively engages in CSR initiatives, such as charity walks, planting trees and support underprivileged youth and children, to ensure the company’s continued contributions to its community. At the head of Marsh China, Michael is strategic in his approach, prioritising a deep understanding of both client needs and project requirements. He opts to lead with an emphasis on open communication, teamwork, and client-centricity, firm in the belief that a respectful and supportive work environment is essential for motivating the team to reach their full potential. In alignment with this belief, Michael actively encourages collaboration and values diversity, recognising that a variety of perspectives enhances creativity and problem-solving – key qualities when attempting to deftly navigate the complexities of the insurance landscape. Since taking on his position at Marsh China in 1997, Michael has exhibited an unparalleled prowess in his role and has expertly led his meticulously cultivated team from strength to strength. Throughout his tenure at the company, Michael has encountered various challenges and opportunities that have influenced his role, demonstrating an exceptional ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity. We learned that a significant challenge for the CEO has been navigating an uncertain economy, necessitating the adaption of strategies and the making of difficult decisions geared towards keeping Marsh China competitive and resilient. “These challenges have also opened doors to growth,” the spokesperson commented. “By embracing innovation, Michael guided the team in developing new strategies that do not only address client needs but also position the company as a market leader. Each challenge Michael has faced, especially the tough economy, has strengthened his dedication to fostering a supportive and innovative environment, ultimately boosting his effectiveness as a leader and contributing to the company’s success.” A forward-thinking leader, Michael ensures that he and the team learn and adapt from adversity, opting to view each obstacle as an opportunity for development. In 2025, Michael aims to launch several key initiatives focused on digitalization, operational efficiency and client satisfaction, with aspirations centred around sustainable growth and innovation. With continuous improvement at the forefront of his operations, Michael envisions an expanded market presence for Marsh China, whilst enhancing key service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clientele and ultimately position Marsh China as an industry leader. “Reflecting on 2024, Michael learned the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing economic landscape,” the spokesperson told us. “The challenges we faced taught him to embrace flexibility in strategies, allowing the team to pivot and seize new opportunities. This experience has reinforced this commitment to fostering a culture of innovation within the team. “Overall, Michael is excited about the future and the potential for both personal and professional growth. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, he believes the company can navigate the complexities of the market and achieve its goals together.” Contact: Michael Li Company: Marsh (China) Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd Web Address: www.marsh.com/cn Best Insurance Broking CEO 2025 (China)
Event Management CEO of the Year 2025 – South East Asia Over a career spanning more than two decades in the dynamic, invigorating world of concerts and live events, Marco Rios has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty. Whether he is helping clients to create unforgettable audience experiences or taking a more behind-the-scenes role and developing a marketing or management strategy for their tour, Marco’s uniquity lies in his impeccable attention to detail. In his work as Primuse’s CEO, his most ambitious position to date, Marco is continuing to enhance the live events space. We spoke with this principal on the back of his win. From intimate live shows with small artists in smaller venues to recordbreaking stadium concerts with global mega-stars, Marco Rios has been delivering impactful, innovative live events since getting his start in 2004, travelling all over the world in the process. Starting out working for niche companies in Chile, Marco has since operated out of cities such as London, Madrid, and Beijing, more recently settling in Singapore, where Primuse is based. Leading Primuse as its CEO, a position he has occupied since June 2022, Marco’s job is to see that every member of the audience at a concert leaves with long-lasting memories, a feat he is able to achieve as a result of the robust network of industry contracts he has amassed and the data-driven strategies he has devised and refined over the course of a 21-year tenure in the live music industry. Having successfully planned and executed more than 2,000 shows worldwide to date, the strengths of Macros’ approach are abundantly clear from the off. “From venue selection and negotiation to cutting-edge event promotion and meticulous budget management, I oversee every facet of the event lifecycle, always ensuring both event quality and client satisfaction.” Impressively, since he joined the company a little under three years ago, Marco has seen that Primuse has increased its revenue by more than 330%, as well as boosting project demand, a figure that today sits at around 70% more than what it was when he initially he came aboard. Alongside this, under Marco, Primuse has opened additional offices in South East Asia and acquired Bravo Group – China’s premier concert promoter and an operation consisting of both Bravo Entertainment and Bravo Live – and incorporated it into its empire. Blending these results with a wealth of first-hand industry experience and a forwardlooking approach when it comes to technology, especially the likes of Web3, what truly sets Marco apart is a deep understanding of how everything from event security to customer access can be demonstrably enhanced. As he told us: “I believe in blending the magic of live, offline experiences with the efficiency and security of online technologies. This allows us to not only deliver exceptional events but also to future-proof the industry.” On the back of Marco’s unique expertise, Primuse today comprises seven divisions, with each offering something new and exciting to improve concerts and events across the eight Asian countries that the brand has established a presence in. For example, whilst Primuse Live and Bravo specialise in organising and promoting concerts – working with such prestigious clients as Lady Gaga and AnneMarie – divisions such as P.Club and Kisum focus on the private experience and analytical sides of the industry respectively. Diving deeper into the latter of these divisions – which is really where Primuse’s unique sense of innovation comes in – Marco explained Kisum as being: “A revolutionary app where the music industry meets technology, giving real-time data about artists, tickets sales, trends, etc., as well as giving the option to sign contracts between artist and promoters using both Web3 and their signatures, mixing with a performance contract as an NFT.” The music industry’s first Web3 app, Kisum embodies the progress Marco has spearheaded. The encompassing approach Primuse has taken to the field of live events mirrors Marco’s journey to the coveted CEO position he today inhabits, a journey that has been built on such fundamental principles as strategic planning, business development, project management, and more. Sitting alongside these principles are equally important transferrable skills, and, with Marco having tried his hand at everything from food and beverage to merchandising, the things he has learned in each area have combined to form a robust leadership approach. “My leadership style is best described as being collaborative and visionary,” Marco told us. “I believe in empowering my team, fostering open communication, and creating a shared sense of purpose. I strive to inspire and motivate, rather than dictate, and encourage innovation and individual contributions within a united framework.” Similarly, collaboration and innovation define Marco’s approach to every new project he tackles and client he works with, leading to creative, impactful, and deeply personalised live events. Shifting gears slightly to talk about Marco’ business strategy – which, once again, stems from all of the above – this CEO told us of his plans to expand and innovate in equal measure in the field of concerts and live events in Asia. This rigorous method, grounded in a pledge to carry on enhancing experiences through the likes of P.Club and Kisum, is set to take a place against a consistent backdrop of flawless gig delivery and event management. In an industry where technology is reshaping the field and audiences are after something more unique and tailored to their desires, the Asian market presents a remarkable opportunity for brands such as Primuse to continue to evolve in line with the sector around them. Managing how it responds to these trends will make or break Primuse as we move into the future – and it is Marco’s job to make sure that the company’s fate is the former. To do this, it is essential for him to remain as proactive and invested as he has to this point. “My future aspiration for Primuse is to AIS-Feb25027
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 7 establish it as the leading live event promoter in Asia, recognised for its innovation, technological integration, and exceptional audience experiences. We aim to be pioneers in blending the offline magic of live events with the cuttingedge security and accessibility of Web3 technologies.” Asked what he believes his own future will look like, Marco responded: “In the next five years, I see myself continuing to lead Primuse on this exciting growth trajectory. I envision P.Club becoming a cornerstone platform for live event access in Asia, and Primuse being synonymous with innovative and unforgettable event experiences.” Marco continued: “I am committed to driving the company’s expansion, fostering an internal culture of innovation, and solidifying our position as a leader in the Asian live events industry.” With huge admiration for live events and the transformative impact they can have when it comes to bringing communities together, Marco Rios is the best choice to lead Primuse, as he gets what the company – and ultimately the wider industry – is all about. The recent COVID-19 pandemic made us all realise just important concerts and gigs are in our lives, and by continuing to make them ever better and more streamlined, this event management CEO has positioned himself as a worthy winner of this award. Contact: Marco Rios Company: Primuse Web Address: www.primusegroup.com
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 8 Delivering cutting-edge IT solutions to the Philippines, OXORD Computer Solutions & Repair Center boasts three branches in Roxas City, with these stocking and repairing the products of some of the biggest names in the global technology space. A family-owned business, CEO Roselyn Dolfo cofounded the business alongside her husband, Noel. Initially starting out as a small internet café for the community, the venture quickly grew, leading the couple to open their first retail and repair shop in 2010. We caught up with Roselyn to find out more about both her story and the company. Prior to starting their IT-related business back in 2007, Roselyn and Noel Dolfo both worked abroad in Taiwanese factories. Growing tired of the long hours and low pay, the couple began to search for something new, eventually deciding to set up their own business. Opening up a small internet café in the Municipality of Pontevedra in the Capiz province, the initial aim of this 15-unit space was to support student research and allow their fellow Filipinos to enjoy the same access to technology that they had when overseas. Three years in, the couple expanded their business, opening up what would become their first of three IT retail and repair centres in Roxas City, specifically in the heart of the Gaisano Grand Mall. Opening up its second location at Robinsons Place Roxas – a two-level shopping mall – less than four years later in February 2014, the company’s biggest and most recent store followed suit in late 2016. Thus, OXORD today enjoys 100 square metres of prime retail space, from which it has undergone continuous expansion. In her role as CEO and cofounder of the business, Roselyn has played an instrumental part in creating and developing the ideas which have laid the groundwork for a sustainable empire. Leading her team with the infallible combination of an encompassing subject knowledge and a deep understanding of the needs of her customers, underpinning Roselyn’s journey is a set of transferrable skills she has picked up from previous jobs and guiding her along the way is the word of God, which is incredibly important to OXORD. “My daily responsibilities include strategic planning, overseeing operations, making critical business decisions, and cultivating a positive company culture. I also represent OXORD in any external engagements, collaborating with partners, investors, and the industry, at large.” With Roselyn at the helm, OXORD has grown into an authorised service centre for some of the world’s most revered IT brands, such as Epson, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, MSI, Canon, and more. Selling, maintaining, and repairing the products of these companies, OXORD’s three physical locations and intuitive online store make it a one-stop shop for all of its customers’ IT needs. Whether to buy a new printer or ink refills, a monitor, laptop, graphics card, or even a CCTV system, Roselyn and her team have them covered. Having taken her business model from a local internet café to both a dealer and accredited service provider with multiple locations, Roselyn’s commitment to the brand, her customers, and her team is clear to see. She explained: “My dedication to excellence has led to OXORD receiving prestigious awards, such as the DTI Gold Bagwis Award for adherence to consumer laws and exceptional customer service. We have also received local and international awards from business partners like Acer, Asus, Epson, and Lenovo.” Consistently receiving this acclaim in such a dynamic environment is a testament to the strengths of Roselyn’s leadership approach, something she is keen on continuing to improve further as we move through 2025 and beyond. As well as strengthening her governing ethos, OXORD learnt from its mistakes last year and is today committed to being more aggressive when it comes to taking opportunities and remaining one step ahead of the curve – with both of these being essential in it ensuring success for many years to come. Driven by Christian values, OXORD Computer Solutions & Repair Center does exactly as its name suggests – delivering a wide variety of IT products and maintaining and repairing them to the highest of standards. An open and honest business, the success it has faced over the past 18 years can be attributed to the unique skills and personable nature of CEO Roselyn Dolfo, who has certainly made a lasting impression on us and positioned herself as being totally deserving of a spot in this coveted awards programme. Contact: Roselyn Dolfo Web Address: https://oxord.com.ph/ IT Solutions CEO of the Year 2025 – Philippines Jan25406
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 9 “Beyond Isolation, Towards Connection” Inclusee is a not-for-profit social support service for older Australians and First Nations people which connects people through its straightforward, engaging, and enriching online community centre. It is with great pride that we showcase its CEO’s journey, especially as we recognise Rachael Cook’s success in our APAC CEO of the Year Awards 2025. Providing a diverse spectrum of engaging and specialised programs and activities to cater to the unique needs and interests of its clients, Inclusee has become a focal point in Australia’s digital inclusion offerings. Making it easy for older people to connect with a wider community regardless of their mobility limitations or location, Inclusee ensures that it can change people’s lives with technology – improving their quality of life and computer literacy, while reducing the feeling of loneliness. “At Inclusee people can meet friends, improve digital literacy skills, share passions, and explore new interests – all from the comfort of their own home.” Based around the core values of compassion, inclusivity, trust, connection, respect, and impact, Inclusee’s team continue to add value to everything they do. CEO Rachael Cook shared: “I am passionately committed to ensuring we are a values driven organisation by leading by example for our team. At times, this means making the difficult ‘right’ choice over the easy ‘wrong’ choice, but I always keep our mission and company values in mind in this process. “ Inclusee’s mission is to help individuals in finding a community of connections, to give them a sense of belonging, and improve their lives by offering a platform for programs they can really enjoy. There is a misconception that older people do not want to utilise technology, or digital solutions, but Inclusee’s track record of results continues to prove otherwise. Rachael commented: “Our clients just need the right support and reason to engage with the digital landscape. We know that our service has been a life-saving support for hundreds of people, also debunking any ideas that virtual connection isn’t a viable way to reduce loneliness. It absolutely is!” Creating a virtual community through its digital inclusion solutions, Inclusee is set to expand even further. “Inclusee is in a rapid growth period, with plans to expand our community reach nationally, connecting thousands more people. With changes in the Aged Care industry, it will become even more vital for organisations to collaborate, pool resources, and find ways to finetune their services. Inclusee is always looking for ways to partner with like-minded businesses on our mission to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Australia,” said Rachael. In 2024, Inclusee hit a monumental 100,000 hours of connection within its virtual community. Rachael adds: “Our next goal is One Million! We’ll achieve this through being willing to take calculated risks, innovative thinking, strong partnerships and the strength of a team who are passionately devoted to relieving social isolation for more Australians.” The future of Inclusee looks incredibly promising as Rachael, and her team, consistently lead the way in uniting the people of Australia. With regards to her own journey, Rachael has achieved greatness in small and large strides. It is here that we take a moment to applaud her perseverance, commitment, and devotion to the principles of servant leadership.” She continues: “I believe in creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and aspirations. I dive deep into understanding the project’s goals, potential challenges, and the resources we need to succeed. Transparency and open communication are key to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and shared purpose.” Awarded in our APAC CEO of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, as well as within CEO Monthly’s Female CEO of the Year Awards 2024, Rachael has been awarded Senior Inclusion Charity CEO of the Year 2024, Aged Care CEO of the Year 2024, and Digital Inclusion CEO of the Year 2025 – all for Australia. With multiple awards from CEO Magazine, InnovAGING, Australian Financial Review, iAwards, Qld Community Achievement Awards, and HR Australia, Rachael has gained an incredible amount of recognition for her achievements. Always staying abreast of developments in digital inclusion and the software to support it, as well as staying ahead of the curve by understanding the pain points and wishes of its users, Inclusee has positioned itself as a trailblazer in aged care services. Simply reach out if you or your loved one would like to join the Inclusee Community. Contact: Rachael Cook Company: Inclusee Ltd Website: https://inclusee.org.au/ LinkedIn: rachael-cook-ceo Digital Inclusion CEO of the Year 2025 – Australia Jan25356
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 10 Melvi Tan is the woman at the helm of Medan Pustaka Mas, one of the most well-known distributors of books and other such educational materials across Indonesia. Established nearly 20 years ago, the company today serves as a comprehensive partner in the realm of K-12 education, with Melvi remaining as committed as ever to enhancing the experiences of students and empowering the abilities of teachers through the tools her company provides. We had the opportunity to catch up with this CEO, with her unique insights and career journey discussed below. Born in Rantau Prapat, a small city on the outskirts of Medan, Melvi Tan grew up more than 600 miles away from Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. Despite her distance from the country’s bustling cultural epicentre, Melvi wasted no time in setting the gold standard for educationbased practice, starting out as a tutor and lecturer and sharing her knowledge with students at various education levels. This period highlighted to Melvi the discrepancies when it came to accessing English-language learning (ELL) materials. Keen to do something about bridging this gap, Melvi made the decision to travel to nearby Singapore in search of better educational resources, which could be brought back to Indonesia to improve children’s quality of learning. Stumbling across the education books by UKbased publishing company Pearson, a name likely familiar to those who have done GCSEs or their international equivalencies, Melvi began networking with the company and demonstrating her teaching skills, leading to a partnership with the company. With Pearson agreeing to distribute its books in Melvi’s home city, her work stepped up a level, leading to her setting up Medan Pustaka Mas to reach even more people with the educational resources they need for a shot at a better future. As Melvi told us: “As CEO, I am passionate about shaping the future of Indonesia’s education and contributing to its growth. What sets me apart is my ability to blend global education standards with local learning needs, ensuring schools have access to worldclass resources through my many strategic collaborations with internationally renowned publishers.” Thus, Melvi and her team today boast strong relationships with many global providers of education materials, helping schools to implement curriculums based on the likes of Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education. This is simply the beginning of the tremendous work they do however, with teachers and other educators being offered the chance to carry out professional development programmes enlightening them on all the best ways to teach in today’s modern, digitalfocused world. Of course, tying all of this together is Melvi herself, who, having the made the transition from educator to entrepreneur, possesses a keen understanding of what it is that both students and her fellow teachers need to thrive. Leveraging this expertise as the basis for her approach to clients, Melvi strives to focus on what is relevant and will actually help those working in this environment in Indonesia to improve the quality of education they provide. Alongside the materials and training discussed above, this is seen further through the academic consultations the team carry out either online or at a location. Melvi and co. deliver these either by appointment or on a three-month basis, and, focusing on the areas of English learning and literacy, maths, science, and Mandarin, ensure that every institution across the country is delivering high-calibre, growth-oriented learning. “We conduct over 250 in-house and onsite teacher training sessions annually, working closely with schools to develop their educators, strengthen their curricula, and enhance their overall learning environments.” Despite today being able to offer an encompassing service spanning every avenue of education development in Indonesia, things have not always been easy for Melvi and her staff at Medan Pustaka Mas. From having to pay heavy import fees on the books they sourced from abroad to navigating the trials and tribulations brought about by COVID-19, which hit not long after the company opened its office in Jakarta, what has seen the company through is its dedication to the cause – something Melvi embodies on a daily basis. In closing, Melvi said: “As an educator at heart, my vision has always been to create positive change.” Through Medan Pustaka Mas, she has certainly achieved this, combining hard work and persistence to today offer everything from Englishlanguage proficiency programmes for teachers and students to international curriculum implementation support for schools. Given these tremendous efforts, it is our pleasure to recognise Melvi Tan with this award. Company: Medan Pustaka Mas Web Address: https:// medanpustakamas.com/ Most Innovative Education CEO 2025 – Indonesia AIS-Feb25040
APAC CEO of the Year 2025 | 11 AIS-Feb25016 Born out of the response to an immediate healthcare crisis – COVID-19 – Pure Global quickly recognised that the experience it had garnered sourcing and distributing face masks and medical devices gave it unique insights into the difficulties faced by MedTech companies as they seek the approvals to bring their products to the market. As a result, Pure Global’s mission pivoted, and the company – anchored by CEO Phyllis Meng – is making regulatory compliance more efficient and transparent. We had the pleasure of speaking with Phyllis to learn more. Getting its start during the unprecedented times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pure Global was created when CEO Phyllis Meng and DJ, her co-founder, were in New York. Witnessing first hand just how urgent the need for medical supplies was, this duo leveraged Phyllis’ background in the medical engineering and computer science spaces to work with government agencies and the community to deliver the necessary equipment and PPE. In the four years since, their focus has been on assisting MedTech companies worldwide. Pure Global has achieved its aim in part thanks to the AIpowered resource centre that it has developed, with this cutting-edge tool collecting and consolidating regulatory data from more than 30 different countries worldwide. More impressively, this data is then made use of to help MedTech companies better understand the compliance hurdles they are facing and to traverse them with ease, ensuring greater swiftness and accuracy. On the back of this, Phyllis herself told us: “A key pillar of our strategy is Global Authorised Representation (AR). We provide local representation and registration services across 30 countries, working through an extensive network of local entities and trusted partners. This allows our clients to meet regulatory requirements without having to establish their own presence in each market.” Beyond this, Pure Global also offers turnkey product registration and post-market compliance solutions, as well as commercial support services. The company chooses to focus on these areas simply because it noticed the market had a clear need for them. Smaller and medium-sized Medtech companies in particular would frequently struggle with managing the developments and shifts in regulation, and they lacked the specialised knowledge or in-house expertise that could see them through. Pure Global strives to bridge this gap. In her role as CEO, Phyllis’ job is to blend strategic leadership with a keen focus on driving Pure Global’s vision. She explained: “My goal is to ensure that global market access is simpler and more efficient, so healthcare innovators can focus on their work.” Due to Phyllis’ aforementioned medical engineering and computer science background, she is the perfect person to lead Pure Global to greatness and see that it achieves its aims. Starting at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where she developed her skills in biomedical engineering, Phyllis then moved to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, USA, focusing on AI and its applications in real-world healthcare environments. Roles followed at Google and Citadel Securities, with these providing Phyliss with the necessary skills and hands-on experience. Her previous jobs also taught Phyllis the importance of developing a collaborative style of leadership, as only through the dual focus of communication and teamwork can the very best solutions be created by a team who are aligned and possess a clear sense of purpose. “What set me on the path to founding Pure Global was recognising how AI and data analytics could break down barriers in medical device compliance and market access. The ability to bridge technology, healthcare, and regulatory challenges has been crucial in shaping Pure Global’s vision.” Working in an industry as diverse as this, every client Pure Global collaborates with has their own set of challenges, and it is for this reason that the company has crafted its ethos around seeing that their unique needs are understood and worked towards. Ensuring transparency and alignment across its entire operation, a further commitment to remaining one step ahead of industry trends and deeply involved in advancements of AI technology compliance sees the team here operate at the forefront of this dynamic space. Having overcome all the challenges the industry has thrown at her over the past few years, it was with great excitement that Phyllis told us of Pure Global’s plans for the rest of 2025, with these revolving around expanding its presence in emerging markets as well as enhancing its AI capabilities further. As for Phyllis herself, this award-winning CEO remains committed to continuing to lead this medical device regulatory consulting firm on the path to success. Contact: Phyllis Meng Web Address: pureglobal.com Clinical Trial Management CEO of the Year 2025
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