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Finding a winning formula

The diverse winners of the SME One Asia Awards are committed to building sustainable businesses.

Published Wed, Nov 19, 2014 · 09:50 PM

    WHETHER they were striking real estate deals in Brazil or teaching toddlers how to count, this year's 41 SME One Asia Award winners displayed not only keen business acumen, but a desire to build companies that would last for a generation or more.

    These companies sought to succeed on multiple fronts - from the usual financial metrics, to more nebulous goals of keeping their employees happy or making the world a better place.

    This fits in well with the theme of the fourth instalment of the awards: "Aspiring for Success, Inspired for Change". This year's theme urged companies to look beyond the bottom line, and focus as well on building a sustainable business that can thrive amid a fast-changing landscape. In particular, the awards recognised businesses that were taking an active approach to social responsibility.