The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) proudly hosted The BrandLaureate Lifestyle BestBrands Awards 2026 and The BrandLaureate Medical & Healthcare Advancement BestBrands Awards 2026, reaffirming its dedication to honoring excellence across industries that define modern living and well-being. The twin ceremonies recognized organizations and leaders whose innovation, purpose, and steadfast commitment have elevated brand standards, transformed sectors, and delivered meaningful impact in both lifestyle and healthcare.
Under the theme “Redefining the Art, the Way, the Standard of Living by Elevating Your Brand Forward,” the Lifestyle Awards underscored the belief that brands are integral to everyday life—shaping how we travel, learn, dine, work, and express identity. As consumers increasingly seek trust and aspiration in the brands they choose, The BrandLaureate celebrated enterprises that go beyond commercial success to drive innovation, enhance quality of life, and set new benchmarks in a dynamic global landscape.
The event was made possible with the valued support of sponsors KHK Land (Anyara Hills), European International University – Paris, and European Wellness Group, whose commitment to excellence and innovation reflected the spirit of the evening.
Strategic Partnership with KHK Land
A landmark moment of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The World Brands Foundation and KHK Land (Anyara Hills). The strategic partnership aims to promote luxury lifestyle living in Malaysia and across Asia, combining The BrandLaureate’s expertise in brand leadership with KHK Land’s excellence in residential development. The MoU was signed by Ms. Hilary Ng, General Manager of The BrandLaureate, and Mr. Lorenz Tong Poh Sun, Chief Operating Officer of KHK Land, cementing a shared vision for lifestyle excellence and lasting value.
Launch of “I AM THE BRAND”
A key highlight was the official launch of I AM THE BRAND, the latest publication by The Honorable President Emeritus Prof. Dr. KKJohan. Officiated alongside distinguished members of the International Board of Governors, the book marks a significant milestone in Prof. Dr. KKJohan’s leadership journey, encapsulating lifelong insights on leadership, branding, legacy, and purpose.
International Board of Governors Appointed
The Foundation also recognized its newly appointed members of the International Board of Governors, comprising leaders and professionals from France, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and beyond. Their strategic oversight ensures that every recognition upholds the highest standards of merit, credibility, and international best practices.
LIFESTYLE AWARDS RECIPIENTS
The BrandLaureate Brand Icon Leadership Award 2026 – Honoring global visionaries and changemakers:
- Salikhov Validjan Kuchkarovich (Uzbekistan) – Chairman, ERMak Group
- Dr. Kwaak Young Hoon (South Korea) – Architect of Peace, Urban Planner and Global Citizen Leader
- Dr. David Kwang-Ho Kim (USA) – President, Stanton University
- James Ryan (Australia) – Internationally acclaimed Saxophonist, Composer and Flutist
- Lim Kim Hai (Malaysia) – Renowned Contemporary Artist, celebrated as the “Apple King”
The BrandLaureate Global Lifestyle Icon Award 2026 – Celebrating outstanding global impact:
- YBhg Dato’ Jimmy Choo, OBE – World-renowned Fashion Designer
- Alain Robert (France) – G.O.A.T. Urban Climber
The BrandLaureate Lifestyle Brand Leadership Award 2026 – Recognizing excellence in lifestyle professions:
- Sandra Lim – Actress, Model and Miss Universe Malaysia 2024
- Soh Wai Ching – Guinness World Record Tower Runner
- Park Chang-Ro – Contemporary Korean Artist
The BrandLaureate Lifestyle BestBrands Award 2026 – Honoring organizations with strong, trusted brands:
- Acer Sales and Services Sdn Bhd (ACER and ACERPURE)
- Webull Securities (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- ERMak Group
- Samsung Malaysia Electronics
- Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd (Borneo Rainforest Lodge)
- EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Tropicana Golf & Country Resort Berhad
- YTL Hospitality REIT (The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur)
- Village Park Restaurant
- Parkson Credit Sdn Bhd
- INDS Capital Sdn Bhd
- Maritime Waterfront Suite Sdn Bhd (Bertam Resort and Water Park Penang)
- Rich Kopitiam Way Sdn Bhd (Rich Kopitiam)
- Aricio (M) Sdn Bhd (Assata)
MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE ADVANCEMENT AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Presented in collaboration with Brandstorm Asia and healthcare media partner DocTok, the Medical & Healthcare Advancement Awards honored organizations and leaders advancing clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and medical innovation.
The BrandLaureate Medical Icon Leadership Award 2026:
- YBhg Prof Dato’ Dr. Aljafri Abdul Majid – Chairman, Yayasan Jantung Negara (The Heart Foundation of Malaysia)
The BrandLaureate Healthcare Leadership Award 2026:
- Dr. Ho-Suk Song (South Korea) – Director and Colorectal Surgeon, Seoul Jangmoon Colorectal Surgery Clinic
The BrandLaureate Healthcare Influencer Award 2026 – Recognizing distinguished medical professionals:
- Dr. Navin Datesh Daneshwar (Uroheal) – Innovation & Advancement in Patient-Centred Urological Care
- YBhg Datuk Dr. Shankar Gunarasa (Shanks Surgery) – Excellence in Advanced Colorectal Surgery and Patient-Centred Surgical Care
- Dr. Prisila A/P Thanabalan (Fresh Smile Dental Clinic) – Innovation and Leadership in Airway-Focused Dentistry
- YBhg Dato’ Dr. Prakash Rao (Ampang Medical Practice) – Community Healthcare Leadership and Humanitarian Service to Public Health
- Dr. Narjit Singh (Kumpulan Perubatan SMP Sdn Bhd & My Life Centre Sdn Bhd) – Innovation in Preventive, Integrative & Cellular Health Medicine
- Dr. Malwinder Singh (“The Bald Oncologist”) – Advancing Excellence in Oncology
The BrandLaureate Medical & Healthcare Advancement BestBrands Award 2026 – Recognizing leading healthcare organizations:
- Aurelius Hospitals Sdn Bhd (Aurelius Hospital Negeri Sembilan)
- Cengild Sdn Bhd (Cengild G.I. Medical Centre)
- European Wellness Group
- Hospital Cyberjaya
- Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad (Great Eastern)
- IBS Medical Equipments Sdn Bhd (IBS Medic)
- PMG Healthcare Sdn Bhd (PMG)
- Puriton
- Putra Medical Centre (PMCK)
- Rafflesia Medical Centre (RMC)
- Yayasan Jantung Negara (The Heart Foundation of Malaysia)
The BrandLaureate Awards continue to serve as a premier platform for recognizing brands and leaders who inspire progress, enrich lives, and set new standards of excellence in an increasingly purpose-driven world.
About The World Brands Foundation (TWBF)
The World Brands Foundation is a global authority dedicated to celebrating brand excellence, leadership, and innovation across industries. Through its prestigious The BrandLaureate awards and initiatives, TWBF champions organizations and individuals who drive meaningful change and elevate the standards of living worldwide.
