Founder and President of Melts Corporation, Lennard Jan Ponce, was recognized as the Most Outstanding SME at the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2024. The awarding ceremony was held on October 9, at the Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
This year’s ABA aimed to recognize ASEAN business enterprises and individuals that drive growth through enhancing connectivity and resilience, as well as those prioritizing sustainability in their endeavors.
The event brought together some of the most innovative and outstanding Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the ASEAN region. A total of 161 entries from all 10 ASEAN member countries competed for top honors, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and economic contributions of SMEs in the ASEAN region.
“This is our first international award, and it’s one of the most challenging to achieve. It means a great deal to us because the entire Melts community across the region contributed to this success,” said Ponce.
“From the dedication of my Melts team, the unwavering support of my family and customers, to the guidance of several government agencies, all of these efforts have brought us into the spotlight,” he added.
Melts Corporation was also awarded a Growth Outstanding Sector Award for the fastest-growing SME in the ASEAN region. This recognition reflects the company’s remarkable trajectory as a regional leader in the SME sector.
Melts Corporation, widely known for its iconic cassava cake, started its journey in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and has since expanded its reach across the region.
Under Ponce’s leadership, Melts Corporation has not only thrived domestically but also contributed to elevating the Philippines’ reputation within the ASEAN business community.
In a special moment during the ASEAN Business Summit, Melts Corporation’s achievement was acknowledged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who congratulated the company for its exceptional growth and contribution to the ASEAN economic landscape.
The ABA was first launched by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) in 2007 to mark ASEAN’s 40th anniversary. In the past 17 years, the ABA has recognized more than 250 outstanding ASEAN businesses that have shown significant progress in establishing and reinforcing their positions in various sectors, contributing to ASEAN’s economic growth and prosperity.
The awards emphasize the importance of collaboration and community empowerment in pursuing a more inclusive ASEAN society, highlighting the crucial role of partnerships in fostering peace and prosperity throughout the region.
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