The International Business Federation (IBF) held its prestigious 23rd International Business Awards Ceremony and International Chef Day Gala Dinner 2026 at IOI Mall, Malaysia.
Hosted by IBF and organized by Ms. Michelle, Organizing Chairwoman, the gala welcomed hundreds of VIP guests, leaders of business associations, award recipients, and celebrated chefs from across the region.
In his opening address, Prof. Dr. Frederick Yap extended a warm welcome to all VIP guests, association leaders, awardees, and renowned chefs, noting that the evening commemorated three significant milestones.
Milestone 1: Honouring Culinary Excellence and Business Achievement
In celebration of International Chef Day, more than 50 top chefs and F&B entrepreneurs received International Chef Judge Awards, Master Chef Awards, and F&B Entrepreneur Awards.
In total, over 100 awards were presented to accomplished professionals and business entrepreneurs before an audience of hundreds of VIPs and guests. The awards recognized outstanding achievement in business leadership, culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Milestone 2: Official Launch of the IBF Vietnam Business Hub
The evening also marked the official launch of the IBF Vietnam Business Hub, a platform for business networking and opportunities across Asia.
The launch was witnessed by Mr. Phung Van Thanh, Trade Counsellor of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, together with businesspeople from Vietnam.
The Hub will serve as a strategic platform connecting Malaysian, Singaporean, Vietnamese, and regional businesses, and will facilitate trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration across ASEAN.
Milestone 3: IBF’s Journey – From Singapore to 16 Countries
Reflecting on IBF’s remarkable journey, Prof. Dr. Frederick Yap highlighted the Federation’s growth from its humble beginnings in Singapore to its current reach across 16 countries in ASEAN+6 — the 10 ASEAN countries plus China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Over the past 12 years, IBF has organized events almost every month across Asia, including Business Awards, Gourmet Awards, Beauty Awards, Beauty Pageants, Fashion Awards, IT Awards, Tourism Awards, and Health Awards.
Major Announcement: ASEAN 60 Business Conference (ABC) in Singapore – July 2027
Prof. Dr. Frederick Yap officially announced that IBF will organize the ASEAN 60 Business Conference (ABC) in Singapore in July 2027, coinciding with Singapore’s hosting of ASEAN and the celebration of the ASEAN 60th Anniversary.
Described as ASEAN’s biggest and most prestigious conference and business awards ceremony, the event aims to attract 1,000 delegates for its gala dinner.
To support this landmark event, IBF will establish IBF ASEAN Business Chapters in every ASEAN country to facilitate the nomination of top successful companies from each country for the ASEAN 60 Business Awards in Singapore.
Planned Activities Leading to July 2027
In the lead-up to the ASEAN 60 Business Conference, IBF plans to organize the following activities in each ASEAN Business Chapter:
- Business Networking Dinners and Roadshows – Monthly networking sessions to promote ABC 2027 and recruit delegates.
- Nomination and Judging Workshops – Transparent briefings on award criteria, judging processes, and success stories.
- Trade and Investment Matching Sessions – B2B meetings, particularly leveraging hubs such as the IBF Vietnam Business Hub.
- Culinary, Beauty, Health, and Fashion Showcases – Signature IBF lifestyle events engaging SMEs and young entrepreneurs.
- ASEAN Youth and Women Entrepreneur Forums – Promoting inclusive growth and future leadership.
- Media Conferences and Country Launches – Official launches of each ASEAN Business Chapter from November 2026 to April 2027.
Appreciation
Prof. Dr. Frederick Yap expressed his heartfelt thanks to all supporters, sponsors, association partners, VIP guests, chefs, awardees, and the dedicated working committee for making the event a resounding success.
“Tonight is not just about awards. It is about celebrating chefs, celebrating entrepreneurs, and celebrating ASEAN unity. Together towards ASEAN 60 in Singapore in 2027,” said Prof. Dr. Frederick Yap.
