Renewable energy development and Philippine–Korean cooperation take center stage as the awards recognize business leaders and companies from the Philippines and Indonesia.
BSD, Indonesia — Yongsoo “Samuel” Cho, Chief Executive Officer of HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. and IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., received the Innovative Company of the Year Award at the Asia Leaders Awards Indonesia 2026 on October 17 at Santika Hotel Premiere in BSD, Greater Jakarta.
The recognition highlighted the company’s work in renewable energy development and its efforts to establish partnerships connecting international expertise, technology, investment, and local economic opportunities.
A South Korean business executive and civic leader, Cho has expanded his business interests from international trading into renewable energy projects in the Philippines. His initiatives include solar energy development opportunities in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and the Baguio City Economic Zone.
For Cho, the award comes amid efforts to strengthen
commercial ties between the Philippines and South Korea while exploring
opportunities in sustainable energy and international business cooperation.
Advancing renewable energy in the Philippines
Cho’s business journey began in Japan in 2006 before expanding into Philippine renewable energy opportunities. Under his leadership, HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc. advanced solar development initiatives in the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone following a Memorandum of Agreement with the zone authority in 2022.
Through IEK HQ Special Energy Philippines, Inc., he has also pursued renewable energy development opportunities in the Baguio City Economic Zone, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in September 2024.
The company’s portfolio includes a proposed 5-megawatt alternating-current (MWac) solar project in Zamboanga City. The initiative forms part of its efforts to explore renewable energy solutions for economic zones and support the Philippines’ transition toward a more diversified energy mix.
Cho also leads HQ Company International Holdings Inc., which engages in domestic and international trading and facilitates business partnerships. His wife, Maria Tricia Valdez, serves as Chief Executive Officer of HQ SS Strategic Supply Company Philippines, Inc., working alongside him in advancing business activities and strategic partnerships.
Beyond business, Cho serves as a Knight Commander of Rizal and Area Commander in South Korea of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, an Auxiliary Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, and President and Chairman of the Korea-Philippines War Veterans Recognition and Support Organization.
He received the Iconic Businessman of Asia Award at the 10th Southeast Asian Achievement Awards in 2025 and participated in the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in South Korea.
His recent engagements include the Philippine–Korea Bridge
Forum in Seoul in September 2026 and a meeting with Philippine Department of
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay and her team in Makati City on October 6,
2026. The latter discussion explored opportunities for Philippine–Korean
tourism cooperation and the potential contribution of international business
networks and technology partnerships to sustainable tourism development.
Asia Leaders Awards builds cross-border connections
Now in its eighth year in the Philippines and its third year in Indonesia, the Asia Leaders Awards was established to recognize outstanding leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, and organizations whose contributions create opportunities and advance economic and social progress.
The October 17 ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila; Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAG Media Group; and Robert Laurel Yupangco, Chairman of the Asia Leaders Awards. They joined in presenting awards to individuals and organizations from both countries.
“Eight years ago, we established the Asia Leaders Awards in Manila with a vision: to promote the Philippines as a business hub in Asia by recognizing outstanding business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public servants whose contributions create opportunities, inspire progress, and move our nation forward,” Nicolas said.
“For the past three years, the Asia Leaders Awards has expanded its presence in Indonesia, reflecting our commitment to building stronger connections across Asia. We believe that leadership should not only be recognized within national boundaries but should also serve as a bridge connecting countries, industries, and people,” she added.
“Because leadership has no borders, and excellence deserves
to be recognized wherever it is found,” Nicolas said.
Recognizing leaders from the Philippines and Indonesia
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Glenda V. Hufano received the Woman of Substance – Philippines Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to serving underprivileged children, with plans to extend her philanthropic initiatives to Indonesia.
Atty. Charlito Martin R. Mendoza, Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, received both the Man of the Year – Philippines Award and the Excellence in Public Service – Philippines Award.
Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections, was honored with the Electoral Excellence Award, while Manjit T. Singh Reandi, President of Camp John Hay, received the Man of Influence Award.
Michael “Mikee” Romero was recognized with the Businessman of the Year – Philippines Award for his business leadership.
Representing Indonesia, H.E. Budi Santoso, Minister of
Trade, received the Man of the Year – Indonesia Award, recognizing his
leadership in the country’s trade and economic sector.
Companies recognized for industry contributions
The ceremony also recognized companies whose achievements reflect growth, innovation, and market development.
Cimory Group received the Fast Moving Company of the Year Award, while PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, the operator of Alfamart, received the Company of the Year Award. Alfamart has an extensive retail presence in Indonesia and the Philippines; figures concerning its branch network and franchise arrangements should be confirmed before publication.
Orang Tua Group received the Brand Excellence Award – Indonesia, recognizing its position in Indonesia’s consumer goods industry. The company is also associated with products available in the Philippine market, including through DALI Philippines. Its reported plans for a Philippine manufacturing facility next year would require confirmation from the company.
Together, the individual and corporate awardees represented
a range of industries, from public service and retail to consumer goods and
renewable energy.
Leadership with a regional outlook
The Asia Leaders Awards seeks to extend recognition beyond national boundaries by bringing together business leaders, government representatives, and entrepreneurs from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Cho’s recognition reflects the growing importance of innovation and international partnerships in developing new business opportunities, particularly in renewable energy. His work also highlights the potential for stronger commercial cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.
As the awards continue their presence in Manila and Jakarta, the organizers aim to create a platform where professional achievements can lead to broader connections among industries, investors, and institutions.
For Cho and HQ Company Special Energy Philippines, Inc., the
Innovative Company of the Year Award marks a recognition of their renewable
energy initiatives. The next measure of success will be the implementation of
projects, the development of sustainable partnerships, and the delivery of
tangible benefits to the industries and communities they serve.
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