In a grand affair at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai (JBR), Prime Group of Companies recently hosted the Stakeholder’s Summit and Gala Night 2024, a prestigious event that drew distinguished professionals, thought leaders, and influential figures from the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event aimed to bolster economic ties between the two nations, focusing on sectors of mutual interest and paving the way for future collaborations.
Organized by Prime Group, a leading entity in providing quality, compliance, and growth solutions across the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa, the summit served as a vibrant platform for Philippine businesses to explore partnerships with their UAE counterparts. The gathering underscored the company’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and capitalizing on synergies between the two countries, believed to act as catalysts for accelerated development within both business communities.
Dr. Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi, Group CEO of Prime Group of Companies, opened the evening with welcome remarks that set the tone for an engaging and fruitful exchange of ideas and opportunities. The event featured a mini exhibit and symposium, spotlighting recent developments and opportunities in key Philippine sectors including trade, travel and tourism, investment, innovation and technology, as well as fashion, arts, and culture.
Highlighting the evening was an awarding ceremony that recognized outstanding achievements in business, celebrating the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the partnership between the Philippines and the UAE. This segment not only honored the exemplary contributions of businesses and individuals but also inspired attendees to strive for excellence and mutual success.
Below is the list of awardees:
Global Islamic Economy Champion Awards:
- C and H Cosmetics Industry
- Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc.
- Gourmet Greenfood Manufacturing Company
- Jollibee (Golden Bee Foods Restaurant LLC)
- Unilever
- Manila Bambi Foods Co.
- Megamelt Bakeshop
- The Purefoods-Hormel Company, Inc. (San Miguel Corporation)
- SL Agritech Corporation
Global Islamic Economy Star Awards:
- Amley Food Corporation
- Miguelitos International Corporation
- P Togo Corp. by The Cabalen Group
Global Islamic Economy Promising Awards:
- Alsons Aquaculture Corporation
- Ambrosia’s Bestfood Corporation
- Fabled Goods of the East Inc. (Pili &Pino®)
- Mofels Food International Corporation
- Pampanga’s Best
- Top Creamery Food Mfg. Corp.
- Kings Herbal Supreme Capsule
Export Development Luminary Award
- Eng. Saed Al Awadhi, CEO of Corporate Support Services, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Regulatory Innovator Vanguard Award
- Dubai Municipality
Business Enabler Excellence Award
- UAE Ministry of Economy, represented by Mr. Rashed Ahmed Al Teneiji, Director of International Business Development and Trade Promotion Department
Business Pillar Excellence Award
- Mr. Edwin Duria, Chairman of Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates
Revolutionary Innovator Award
- Eng. Mark Kennedy Escobilla Bantugon, Inventor and Founder of Pili Seal
Promising Product Formulator Award
- Eng. Marilyn Celis, President of KCC’S Health Products Trading
Global Filipino Flavor Leader Award
- North Ridge Foods
Culinary Visionary Award
- Off the Hook Restaurants, represented by Mr. Raffy Divina, Operations Manager
Stalwart Travel Partner Award
- Tripz Unlimited
International Trade Advancement Champion Award
- Shankar Trading and West Zone Group, represented by Mr. Raju Gidwani, Executive Director
F&B Excellence Award
- Agthia, represented by Mr. Shabeek Thayyil, Director of Quality and Food Safety
FMCG Titan Award
- Alokozay
Gourmet Snacks Excellence Award
- Hunter Foods, represented by Ms. Alena Palmer, Head of International Sales & HORECA
Value-Driven F&B Innovator Award
- Unikai Foods, represented by Ms. Sally Bobis, R&D Coordinator
Global Multifaceted Business Leader Award
- Lulu Group International, represented by Mr. Regi Mathai, FMCG Import Buying Manager
Halal Industry Pioneer Award
- National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs, represented by Ms. Saleha Sacar, Director IV
Investment Catalyst Award
- Bangsamoro – Board of Investments, represented by Mr. Mohamad Omar Pasigan, Chairperson
Dynamic Female Leader Award
- Ms. Saleha Sacar, Director IV of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
Trade Navigator Achievement Award
- Ms. Charmaine Mignon Yalong, Commercial Attache of Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Dubai and Jeddah
Agri-Envoy Distinction Award
- Ms. Nolet Fulgencio, Philippine Agriculture Attache for the Middle East, Africa, and India
Fashion Trailblazer Award
- Mr. Michael Cinco, Creative Director of Michael Cinco
Halal Development Champion Award
- Mr. Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Project Manager at Halal Industry Development, Office of the Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry
Distinguished Leadership Engagement Award
- H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE