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APEA is a regional recognition program for outstanding entrepreneurs across Asia. It is also a platform for Asian business leaders and entrepreneurs to network, share information and form lifetime acquaintances and alliances. There are 14 ASEAN nations in this program. They are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Macau, Cambodia and India. Sri Lanka joined this elite group in 2012.
Commenting on the sponsorship, NDB Chief Operating Officer Indrajit Wickramasinghe said:
“It is a pleasure and an honour for NDB to be a part of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards for the third consecutive year. As a precursor of entrepreneur development in Sri Lanka, we believe that entrepreneurial excellence is an extremely relevant instrument in promoting economic growth for the country. Thus, having foreseen the many benefits of internationalisation of local enterprises, NDB willingly embraced the opportunity granted by the APEA three years ago and has remained committed to the awards program as a Principal Sponsor; helping Sri Lankan entrepreneurs take to world markets through the strategic linkages enabled by this recognition scheme.
“The awards create a unique opportunity for established business magnates as well as emerging SME entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka to be recognised on a prestigious, international platform. It also sponsors important linkages that provide local businesses and brands with vital global access, thus enhancing the competitive position of our very own entrepreneurs, especially exporters.”
“In today’s dynamic business sphere, geographic barriers continue to collide rapidly making the world one big marketplace with seamless opportunity. With initiatives such as the APEA, we aim to inspire our local entrepreneurs to extend their unique Sri Lankan imprint within this global marketplace and encourage them to continuously enhance the business propositions and operations to meet international standards. Thus, enabling an evolving entrepreneurial culture that would propel the post-conflict economic renaissance in Sri Lanka. This is part of NDB’s contribution towards nation building,” Wickramasinghe explained.
As a pioneer in project lending and SME financing in Sri Lanka, NDB has contributed immensely to stimulate the growth of these sectors.
Over the past three decades the bank has financially supported close to 100,000 SMEs island-wide, creating over 1,000,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. NDB also provides the much needed advisory services both to entrepreneurs as well as lending institutions.
Through island-wide workshops and seminars, the bank provides entrepreneurs with guidance to access markets, knowledge on the use of appropriate financial tools and technology and branding expertise to help them effectively market their products.
With a combination of customised products and services both for the corporate and SME sector, NDB is continuously strengthening its commitment towards entrepreneur development with the goal of making a positive change in Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
As Asia Pacific’s most prestigious award for entrepreneurs, APEA sets a regional benchmark for entrepreneurial excellence. APEA Sri Lanka scheduled to be held this week attracted over 63 nominations, out of which 33 have been selected as winners.
These 33 enterprising men women, who have demonstrated ground-breaking entrepreneurial expertise, while displaying noteworthy commitment for following sustainable industrial practices; will be recognised and honoured at the gala event scheduled to be held on 23 February at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
