2024 Community Business Awards - Winners

*The India Award winners will be announced at the Community Business India Awards Ceremony on Tue 12 Nov 2024. 

 (Sponsor: A&O Shearman)

To recognise a community leader in the public and social services sector (including not-for-profits and social enterprises) based in Asia who has demonstrated personal passion and used their influence to advance social change.  

Winner:

Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, OBHIZATRIK Foundation
Ahmed Imtiaz Jami as social entrepreneur has devoted himself to aiding the underprivileged since 2010, striving for quality education, sustainable livelihoods and basic healthcare. He co-founded the OBHIZATRIK Foundation, a registered not-for-profit, to address the socio-economic barriers faced by Bangladesh's disadvantaged population. Recognising Bangladesh's challenges, Ahmed initiated short-term projects to positively impact those below the poverty line. These efforts evolved into larger, impactful projects focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for meaningful and sustainable change in Bangladesh. 

(Sponsor: A&O Shearman) 

To recognise a specific initiative driven by a not-for-profit or social enterprise that has had a positive and measurable social impact on under-represented or disadvantaged groups in the broader community in Asia. 

Winner:  

Resolve Foundation 
Resolve's Fellowship fills an unmet need in Hong Kong for a leadership programme for community changemakers from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds, for whom development opportunities would not otherwise be readily available. By adopting a strength-based and outcome-focused approach, Resolve's Fellowship nurtures and unites diverse emerging leaders, empowering them to drive positive community change on behalf of a common interest anchored within each annual theme. The fellows will go on to do great things; however, by becoming part of Resolve's Fellowship, they can do it more strategically, effectively and collaboratively and with far less loneliness along the way.

(Sponsor: A&O Shearman)

To recognise a specific initiative driven by both a not-for-profit/social enterprise and a corporate in partnership that has, through its overall strategy and wider approach, had a positive and measurable impact on under-represented or disadvantaged groups in the broader community in Asia. 

Winner:  

Caritas Hong Kong and Hongkong Land Limited 
On average, a sub-divided unit (SDU) costs at least HK$5,500 to rent 60 square feet for a 4-person household. The SDU families lack space and resources for everyday activities like cooking, washing clothes, studying and family activities. When disaster strikes and the SDU families lose their homes suddenly, it is hard for them to find temporary homes due to financial difficulties. Through this programme, the overall wellbeing, resilience and social capital of SDU residents will be enhanced by providing multi-purpose living space, developing their mutual support network and pulling different community resources into the Hub.

(Sponsor: Citi) 

To recognise a leader/senior executive in the business sector based in Asia who has demonstrated personal passion and used their influence to advance DE&I business practices in their organisation and beyond.  

Winner:  

Ashwani Bhargava, Boeing 
Ashwani Bhargava, Senior Director - Supply Chain at Boeing India Private Limited, is strongly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), which is evident through the transformative initiatives he has helped contribute to across Boeing's supply chain. Focusing on supplier engagement, skill development and sustainability, he has helped strengthen relationships and empower individuals with disabilities. Managing all supply chain activities in India, he has helped drive growth and DE&I awareness across Boeing's business units. From logistics to sustainment supply chain, his leadership emphasises inclusivity and wellbeing practices. 

(Sponsor: Citi) 

To recognise a specific business initiative that demonstrates a bold, new, different or creative approach to advancing DE&I practices in Asia. 

Winner:  

EY 
Recognising the value of diversity and acknowledging the gaps in attracting and retaining diverse talent, EY pioneered the Neurodiversity Inclusion programme as part of its Abilities Strategy. Based on research and industry best practices, EY teams created the first Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence (NCoE) at EY firms in the Asia-Pacific region. In collaboration with teams across Asia-Pacific, including neurodiverse people, a programme was created with three pillars: awareness, accessibility and advocacy. The programme has successfully fostered a neuro-inclusive environment and is sharing its journey to inspire others toward greater acceptance and inclusion.

To recognise an employee network that has played a strategic and proactive role in advancing DE&I business practices in Asia.

Winner:  

Intel 
The Intel Disability & Accessibility Networks (IDAN) Malaysia chapter is an employee resource group committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. Their goal is to empower individuals within the disability community, including people with disabilities, caregivers and allies, to thrive through inclusion, belonging and accessibility. By supporting Intel's culture transformation and inclusion goals, they aim to maximise business results while championing diversity and equity. Together, they strive to create a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive future. 

To recognise an organisation that has made a positive and measurable impact in achieving gender (including nonbinary, trans and intersex) equality in the workplace in Asia. 

Winner:  

Luüna 
In an equitable modern workplace, menstrual health would be visible and supported. LUÜNA is making this a reality by implementing eco-conscious menstrual care amenities and providing training on menstrual equity in large Asia-Pacific organisations. Each workplace partnership helps provide free or subsidised menstrual products and body literacy resources to low-income communities, ensuring every workplace contributes to gender equity in Asia. 

To recognise a leader/senior executive in the business sector based in Asia who has demonstrated personal passion and used their influence to advance DE&I business practices in their organisation and beyond. 

Winner:  

Holly McGhee, EY 
Holly is a long-standing advocate for LGBTQ+ progress in business and society and a thought leader in Asia-Pacific diversity, equity and inclusivity. She is passionate about enabling success for all through a strong sense of belonging.

To recognise an LGBTQ+ employee who has taken proactive and effective steps to promote an LGBTQ+ inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond in Asia. 

Winner:  

Kevin Li, Citi 
Kevin Li, born in Fujian, China and graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, is a Director at Citi Private Bank overseeing structured products. Additionally, he has been the Co-Chair of Citi Hong Kong Pride Network since 2021 and has made significant progress in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within Citi and the broader community. Under his leadership, Citi was awarded Gold Standard in Community Business LGBTQ+ Inclusion Index consecutively in 2021 and 2023. Before his role at Citi, Kevin was also an active pride committee member in his previous employment. 

To recognise a non-LGBTQ+ focused organisation that has built an LGBTQ+ friendly workplace culture with inclusive policies in Asia. 

Winner:  

Godrej Properties Limited 
Godrej Properties' Make Your Mark - Pride Internship is a pioneering programme designed to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the real estate industry. Through a nine-month on-the-job training and mentorship, they provide LGBTQ+ talent a comprehensive introduction to the industry while creating a pipeline of diverse professionals. This initiative has significantly increased their LGBTQ+ workforce and resulted in impressive conversion rates for interns. 

To recognise an organisation that has adopted a strategic and proactive approach to advancing transgender inclusion in the workplace in Asia. 

Winner:  

PeriFerry
Revive Core is PeriFerry's 60-day Residential Corporate Upskilling Programme designed to hone the talent of the trans community and enable them to pursue inclusive corporate jobs. Beneficiaries receive a safe place to stay, daily meals and professional upskilling throughout the programme. As the trainees progress through the programme, PeriFerry works with their hiring partners to identify suitable roles and facilitate one-on-one placement consultations.  

Revive Tech implements Revive Core's approach in an online programme of three to six months and prepares trans persons who wish to drive their careers in the IT industry.

(Supporting Sponsor: ConnectedConsult) 

To recognise an organisation that has implemented a strategic and proactive approach to promoting good health and wellbeing, in different aspects of wellbeing, including financial inclusion, mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing and social wellbeing. 

Winner:  

FWD Group Holdings Limited 
FWD LiveLife is a company-wide holistic wellbeing strategy with the mission and commitment to help FWD colleagues lead healthy and fulfilling lives inside and outside the workplace. There are five pillars of wellbeing at FWD including purpose and meaning, emotional health, financial wellness, physical health and social connectedness – are comprehensive and unique in that they help its people celebrate living, which is also its brand promise to its customers. FWD empowers their colleagues to cultivate a healthy lifestyle, whether it is physical activity, sleep, nutrition and more, through the activities within their physical health pillar. 

(Sponsor: LSEG) 

To recognise an employee who has been a visible and committed champion of change by promoting DE&I in the workplace and beyond in India.  

Winner:  

Vieshaka Dutta, Publicis Sapient (TLG India Pvt. Ltd.) 

Vieshaka L Dutta leads Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Publicis Sapient in India and the Asia-Pacific region. She is a seasoned HR professional with strategic HR efforts, culture, diversity and inclusion for over 19 years. Dutta is passionate about building community support groups and manages large networks focused on support for women, mothers and single parents. She also mentors organisations and institutions on their diversity, equity and inclusion journey and operates networks of professionals. She is a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ support movement in India and supports advocacy for the community in the workplace.
 

(Sponsor: Goldman Sachs) 

To recognise a specific initiative that has had a positive and measurable impact on supporting and promoting the advancement of women in the workplace in India. 

Winner:  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. 

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) is committed to promoting women's inclusion from the boardroom to the shop floor. With a vision to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, HUL has implemented various initiatives to empower women across all levels of the organisation. With a strong leadership commitment and more than 20 equitable policies, HUL has a holistic approach to creating a workplace where women thrive and contribute their best. 

(Sponsor: Publicis Sapient) 

To recognise an organisation that has demonstrated a strategic and proactive approach to champion neurodiversity or build disability confidence in the workplace in India.  

Winner:  

Hindustan Unilever Ltd. 

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.'s disability inclusion journey is a testament to the company's commitment towards creating an inclusive workplace. The disability inclusion initiative goes beyond employment to address accessibility and accommodation. Furthermore, the company has fostered a culture of awareness and acceptance through regular training sessions and employee engagement activities. Unilever believes that by embracing diversity, they can unlock innovation, promote creativity and build a more equitable future for all. 

(Sponsor: Moody's) 

To recognise a non-LGBTQ+ organisation that has demonstrated a strategic and proactive approach to creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees in India. 

Winner:  

Northern Trust India 

Attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce and fostering a culture of inclusion is a strategic priority at Northern Trust India. The focus is to nurture a sense of belonging for the organisation's LGBTQ+ employees and allies.