Finding a winning formula

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.