EM Polls and Awards

In what promises to be a tough 2009, the need for good corporate governance will only get stronger as investors grow more choosy about which companies to buy into. ASIAMONEY’s Corporate Governance Poll reveals the firms that were most highly regarded across Asia during 2008. Bernice Lam reports.

Despite being in vulnerable sectors, Sasa and Pacific Basin look well set to ride out poor economic conditions. Meanwhile the financial efficiency of HSBC and the diplomacy of its regional head Vincent Cheng make them clear stand-outs.

Megastudy and LG Household & Healthcare have been prominent for their loyal customer followings, while KT&G and LG Electronics’ boss Nam Yong win plaudits for their overseas expansion efforts.

Bumrungrad International and Minor International dazzle for prudent financial management. Meanwhile analysts favour Banpu Coal’s adroitness in spotting an opportunity and Precious Shipping’s Khalid Hashim’s conservative leadership.

During a dismal year for financial markets, the most successful banks offered smart financing ideas, top-notch execution and a determination to meet their clients’ needs. ASIAMONEY reveals which institutions impressed the most.

Retail firms JB Hi-Fi and David Jones stand out for astute leadership, while analysts are awed by the strategy and shareholder value created by Origin Energy and its managing director, Grant King.

Varun Shipping, Thermax and Infosys Technologies are at the forefront for this years best managed company plaudits, while Om Prakash Bhatt from State Bank of India is the best executive.

Strategic positioning and depth in quality have enabled St. Shine Optical, Delta Electronics and Acer to stand out in 2008. Meanwhile, the semiconductor industry, and corporate Taiwan at large, will look to TSMC's Morris Chang for leadership through the difficult times ahead.

Bucking the trend in their sectors, Asiamoney names Japan's 2008 stand-out firms as NPC, Seven Bank and Nintendo. Meanwhile analysts recognise Fast Retailing chief Tadashi Yanai for being smart and realistic.

Balance sheet strength and stable earnings profiles saw Parkway Life Reit, SMRT Corp. and Wilmer International impress analysts this year, while CapitaLand chief Liew Mun Leong gained plaudits for his immaculate sense of timing.

Megaworld, Aboitiz Power and PLDT stand out for their efforts during a difficult 2008, while Manuel Pangilinan continues to impress for his vision in a challenging sector.

In a market crammed with struggling firms, Ramayana Lestari Sentosa, Indocement and Unilever Indonesia stand out for consistent returns and open management. Meanwhile Graeme Pitkethly shines for his frankness and aggression in the marketplace.