Top 100 Most Influential Asians List Unveiled at the Asian Awards 2013
London, UK: On a sensational star-studded night, Sir Ben Kingsley, Nicole Scherzinger, Kamui Kobayashi, Adi Godrej, Jiang Jinquing, Hanif Khureishi and Hollywood legend Bruce Lee were among those honoured at The Asian Awards in Partnership with UK Sotheby’s International Realty, at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The world’s first Top 100 Most Influential Asians* list was also launched, unveiling President of China, Xi Jinqping in top spot, followed by Indian leader, Sonia Gandhi, Vice Premier of China, Le Keqiang, Indian PM, Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi, who is widely tipped to be India’s next PM.
Founder of The Asian Awards, Paul Sagoo said: “This year The Asian Awards has truly lived up to its name, celebrating global Asian achievement in what was a triumphant night. We are honoured with the support of our guests and winners, like Sir Ben Kingsley, George Osborne MP, Jiang Jinquing and Linda Lee who joined us for this magnificent gathering of some of the world’s most inspirational and powerful people.
“The Asian Awards also saw the launch of the ‘Top 100 Most Influential Asians’, which highlights the world’s most influential Asians today. Countless hours of research and deliberation went into creating this list and I am confident it will become a definitive guide of measuring influence among those of Asian origin.”
Lord Sebastian Coe once again hosted the dazzling awards, with spectacular entertainment from soul singer Beverley Knight, who performed for a room full of A-list guests, including Colin Jackson, Philip Treacy, Sinitta, Christian Louboutin, Gary Linekar, Peter Andre, Mitch Winehouse and James Caan. The awards partnered with charity Arms Around the Child and raised a significant sum for the foundation.
The ceremony was opened by The Asian Awards founder, Paul Sagoo, followed by a speech by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, MP, who praised the awards and congratulated the outstanding achievements of the winners.
The coveted Fellowship Award went to Sir Ben Kingsley who collected the award for his outstanding five decade career, which has seen the 69-year-old pick up practically every award in the film industry, including an Oscar for his portrayal of Gandhi. Global icon, Bruce Lee was honoured with the prestigious Founders Award, for his impact and influence on western cinema, and also to mark the 40th anniversary of his death. His wife, Linda Lee attended to receive the award.
Legendary Indian actor, Anupam Kher was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema. Kher has famously crossed over into western cinema, most recently Silver Linings with Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper, and is a proud ambassador for Asians in world cinema. Prominent playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker and novelist, Hanif Kureishi CBE received the Outstanding Achievement in Art award.
Nicole Scherzinger was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Music prize for her immense achievements in global music, while the Outstanding Achievement in Television award went to Nina Wadia for being a strong representative for Asians in TV.
Indian industrialist and Chairman on The Godrej Group, Adi Godrej picked up the Entrepreneur of the Year award; The Business Leader of the Year award went to the current Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jiang Jianging; while co-inventor of USB, Ajay Bhatt was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Science.
The Outstanding Achievement in Sport award went to Japanese race car driver, Kamui Kobayashi; Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability went to Ravi Ruia, Vice-Chairman of Essar Group; Philanthropist of the Year went to Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys and Social Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Masa Kogure, founder of Table for Two, which aims to end hunger in Africa.
In 2010 and 2011, the Asian Awards honoured some of Asia’s leading figures, including Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan to legendary artistes, Asha Bhosle, Freddie Mercury (posthumously), Jay Sean and AR Rahman to powerful business magnate Ratan Tata, and leaders in technology such as Google’s Amit Singhal.
See more on The Asian Awards