Asian Professional Achievement Award 2026 held in Kathmandu
The seventh edition of the Asian Professional Achievement Award 2026, organised by Season Media, was held in Kathmandu, honouring distinguished personalities for their contributions to industry, business, energy, banking, insurance, tourism, hospitality, education, journalism, arts, aviation, social service and entrepreneurship.
Former President of Nepal Dr Ram Baran Yadav was the chief guest at the award ceremony. President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya, business leaders, journalists, artists, social workers, educationists and other distinguished personalities attended the event.
Chairman of Panchakanya Group Prem Bahadur Shrestha received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Industrial Leadership. Legendary music director, singer and lyricist Sambhujit Baskota was honoured with the Legendary Music Maestro Award.
Similarly, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya received the Visionary Leadership in Urban Development and Public Service Award, while Hotel Association Nepal President Binayak Shah received the Hospitality Industry Leadership Excellence Award. Ambika Prasad Paudel, chairman of Hilife Agro Foods Industries Ltd, was honoured with the Outstanding Business Leadership Award.
IPPAN President and Managing Director of BG Group Ganesh Karki received the Energy Leadership Excellence Award. Senior journalist, writer and trainer Dharmendra Jha was honoured with the Veteran Nepali Journalism Award, while Confederation of Nepalese Industries Vice President Bhim Prasad Ghimire received the Industrial and Business Leadership Excellence Award.
Salt Trading Corporation Chief Executive Officer Urmila Shrestha received the Excellence in Corporate Leadership Award. Cardiac surgeon Dr Bishow Pokhrel was honoured with the Distinguished Cardiac Surgeon Award, while MetLife Vice President and General Manager Nirmal Kajee Shrestha received the Visionary Leadership in Life Insurance and Financial Services Award.
Garima Bikas Bank Chief Executive Officer Madhav Prasad Upadhaya was recognised as Banking CEO of the Year 2026. Nepal Airlines senior captain Bhawana Pant received the Exemplary Woman Aviation Leadership Award.
Likewise, Ina Center Founder and CEO Uddhab Bartaula, Facial House Chairperson Sushma Mahara, Kangaroo Education Foundation Founder and CEO Mahesh Babu Timalsina and senior television news presenter Sama Thapa were among those honoured in their respective fields.
Other awardees included IIFT Managing Director Fupu Tenjing Sherpa, socio-spiritual activist, business leader and filmmaker Sagar Katwal, Pokhara Baharai Jewellers Managing Director Pradip Koirala, Trisara Managing Director Sovan Bir Malakar and Original Entertainment Pvt Ltd Managing Director Shirisa Poudel (Shreesha).
The award also featured an international category, with professionals from Japan, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh and China being recognised for their contributions.
Japan-based senior freelance photojournalist Noboru Takaoka received the Legendary Excellence in Photojournalism Award, while India's senior photojournalist Purushottam Diwakar received the Outstanding International Photojournalism Award.
Cheong Kwee Seng of Malaysia, president of the International Drone Aviation Federation, was honoured with the International Drone Aviation Leadership Award. Bangladesh's business leader Alhaj Md. Sohag received the Outstanding Business Leadership and Social Responsibility Award, while Bangladeshi chief photojournalist Indrajit Kumer Ghosh received the Excellence in Photojournalism Award.
Underwater photographer Sharif Sarwar of Bangladesh was honoured with the Ocean and Underwater Photography Excellence Award. From China, Guangzhou Whitehead Education Technology Co. Ltd CEO Joeson Chen received the Asian Education Technology Excellence Award, while Wennie Cai, media and social adviser to the International Drone Aviation Federation, received the Excellence in Global Media Leadership Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Season Media Chairman Pradip Raj Onta said the award was not merely about trophies and certificates but was a recognition of the hard work, struggle, achievements and social contributions of individuals working in different sectors.
He said the award aimed to bring talented Nepali and Asian professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media personalities and creative professionals together on a common platform, thereby promoting international relations, cooperation and professional exchange.
Chief guest Dr Ram Baran Yadav said recognising individuals who have made contributions in different fields creates positive energy in society and inspires the younger generation. He urged the award recipients to further expand their contributions for the benefit of society and the nation.
Season Media organised the seventh edition of the award as part of its 18th year of operation. The organisers said they would continue the initiative of bringing outstanding talents, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media professionals and creative personalities from Nepal and other Asian countries together on a common platform.
The awardees were presented with trophies and certificates by the chief guest and other distinguished guests.
