NORDCHAM PHILIPPINES HANDS OUT ANNUAL AWARDS

The annual NordCham Awards Night was held at the Fairmont Makati on March 23, 2017. Now in its fourth edition, the event is a gala night recognizing prominent Nordic-affiliated companies who have significantly contributed to economic growth, employment generation, investment, and corporate social responsibility in the Philippines. This year

*Outstanding Employer of the Year, co-presented by BDO Unibank:

Winner: Nokia Technology Center Philippines

*Growth company of the Year, co-presented by Regus Philippines:

Winner: ISS Facility Services

Finalist: PacificTech Solutions

Finalist: Sonion Philippines

*SME Company of the Year, co-presented by KMC Savills:

Winner: Tema Design

Finalist: B-Eye Solutions

Finalist: GigaMare Inc.

*CSR Company of the Year, co-presented by Habitat for Humanity:

Winner: Maersk Group

Finalist: Grundfos IS

Finalist: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals

“The award categories reflect some of the fundamental values which have made Nordic countries model economies globally. Through the awards, we want to highlight Nordic companies who are living by these values in their operations in the Philippines. We congratulate the winners and finalists for their efforts in their respective categories”, said NordCham executive director Joona Selin.

As part of the awarding process, an independent board of judges evaluated the nominations to the awards. This year, the roster of judges was composed of Jan Top Christensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines; Harald Fries, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, Honorary Consul Generals Ramon K. Ilusorio (Finland), Carla S. Limcaoco (Sweden), and Perry L. Pe (Denmark), and Capt. Ivar Thomasli, President of Philippines Norway Business Council.

The event also featured a keynote on "sustainability in the heart of business strategy" by Henrik Nordvall from H&M Philippines. Nordic countries are recognized global leaders when it comes to sustainability, also in the world of business. In the case of H&M, this is exemplified by their mission: ‘Fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way’, and vision of being 100% circular, in other words to use 100% recycled or other sustainably sourced materials.

The NordCham Awards Night was done in partnership with BDO, KMC Savills, Regus, Habitat for Humanity, Turkish Airlines, Fairmont Hotel Makati, RX International; Gold sponsors: Grundfos IS and Maersk; Silver sponsors: Arla Foods, Cricket Lighters, Hafele, Lauritzen Kosan, Nordea Private Banking Singapore, OSM Maritime Group, Pacific Cross, Saab, Sun Life Financial, The FreeFood Co.; and Media partners: ANC, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Star.