INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AWARDS 2017 SINGAPORE
Commercial Counsellor Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Bangkok, Thailand
Maria Emmanuelle Burgos is the Commercial Counsellor at the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Thailand, where she fosters trade and investment relations between the Philippines and Thailand. With nearly two decades in public service, she has held key roles in trade policy, international negotiations, and economic diplomacy. She previously served as the Commercial Attaché at the Philippine Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, representing the Philippines in major trade negotiations and collaborating with global organisations. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry and worked in the Senate of the Philippines on trade and economic legislation.
Minister Counsellor, Head of Economic Affairs and UN-ESCAP, Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok, Thailand
Ms. Angela Anggraeni Soewono began her current assignment at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok in August 2024. With over 20 years of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, she has built a strong track record in regional and international diplomacy. Before her current role, Ms. Soewono served in the Directorate of ASEAN External Relations, contributing significantly to Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023. Her expertise includes the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN-UN, and ASEAN-GCC relations. Previously, she held roles at the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to ASEAN and the Directorate of ASEAN Economic Cooperation, actively engaging in Free Trade Area negotiations, including ASEAN-China, ASEAN-ROK, and RCEP. Ms. Soewono has also served in Indonesia’s Embassies in Cambodia and Azerbaijan. She holds an MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy from Leiden University.
Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai and the Northern Emirates
H.E. Miss Nipa Nirannoot, a distinguished diplomat, embarked on her career in 1995 with Thailand’s foreign services. Over 29 years, she has adeptly navigated key roles, including Director of ASEAN Dialogue Partners and International Organisation Division during Thailand’s 2019 ASEAN Chairmanship, Press Director at the Department of Information (2020-2021), and Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs during Thailand’s host of APEC 2022.
For her posting experiences, she served as First Secretary at the Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City (2000-2003), Consul at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles (2007-2010), and Minister-Counsellor / Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (2016-2018).
In May 2023, she became Thailand’s first female Consul-General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, marking a significant milestone in the GCC countries.
Founder of Lead Ventures & Strategic Advisor to members of Royal Family Offices in the UAE
Mr. Mohamed Al Banna began his career in banking, building a foundation over nearly two decades in the financial industry. His transition into advisory and executive roles highlights his adaptability and visionary mindset. Mr. Mohamed’s influence goes beyond traditional boundaries as he provides strategic advice to members of royal family offices in the UAE. He has a talent for identifying and nurturing potential ideas into successful ventures, which has helped countless entrepreneurs and executives. The strategic advisory firm he founded, Lead Ventures, has facilitated partnerships and promoted commercial growth for numerous prominent entities. Mr. Mohamed Al Banna’s diverse endeavours reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to building connections. His passion for merging sports and networking into unique gatherings further demonstrates his innovative approach to business.
Group CEO and Managing Director of Beltone Holding
Her Excellency Dalia Khorshid is the Group CEO and Managing Director of Beltone Holding, where she leads the company’s innovative vision and strategic growth. With over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, she has held numerous prestigious roles, including serving as Egypt’s Minister of Investment. During her tenure, she introduced transformative initiatives such as the landmark investment law and the country’s IPO programme, driving significant economic reform. Over her remarkable career, she has advised on transactions exceeding USD 44 billion, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in corporate finance and investment banking. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, H.E. was named among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs in 2024, standing out as the only woman among 21 Egyptian leaders recognised, and earning accolades for her leadership in Green Finance.
CEO of the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP)
H.E. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing global innovation. He serves as the CEO of the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP), which is the fastest-growing research and development park in the region. Under his leadership, H.E. Hussain established Sharjah as a premier centre for research and development in the UAE. His notable achievements include attracting significant projects in transport and logistics, pioneering research and development as well as the commercialisation of 3D construction technologies, and initiating entrepreneurship programmes in the region. H.E. Hussain’s extensive leadership experience includes roles in international corporations such as the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Emirates National Oil Company, Dubai Internet City, and various entities under Dubai Holding.
Deputy Secretary General, Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, Thailand
Dr. Ekapong Rimcharone is the Deputy Secretary General of Thailand’s Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission. He has been serving the department since 2017 and graced various leadership positions. He also has the distinction of serving as the chairperson of various APEC and ASEAN panels on the digital economy. Apart from these, he has also worked as an advisory member in various committees of the Thailand Assembly.
Vice Consul – Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Bangkok
Susan Phoebe Sabado, the current Third Secretary and Vice Consul at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Bangkok, Thailand, handles economic and cultural matters with a commitment to excellence. With a background in the legal profession and a decade-long experience in the corporate world before transitioning to the diplomatic service, she assumes a pivotal role in fostering and enhancing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Thailand. Susan actively contributes to fulfilling the Embassy’s mandate, ensuring the well-being of her fellow countrymen within the vibrant Thai community.
Commercial Counsellor – Laos Embassy in Thailand
Ms. Chandone Phanouvong is the Commercial Counsellor at the Lao Embassy in Thailand. She has been serving Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s Domestic Department since 2008 and held leadership roles such as the Deputy Director General, Director of Administration Division and Deputy Director of Administration Division.
Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister at the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok
Mr. Bong Yik Jui serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister at the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok. He is also the PR of Malaysia to the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
CEO, Post for Investment S.A.E.
Mr Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman has over 28 years of extensive experience in banking and investment. His expertise extends to the capital markets, banking, and non-banking financial services in Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Throughout his impressive career, Mr. Abdelrahman has held leadership positions at multiple investment banking firms with great success.
Director of Investment, Ministry of Economy
Ms. Hind Al Youha, Director of Investment, Ministry of Economy will attend the International Finance Awards as a VIP guest in Dubai, january 2020. Ms. Hind Al Youha is a chair member of various committees, including the National Agenda Economy Pillar and the Investment Committee. She has undertaken major leadership roles at the Department of Civil Aviation, Roads and Transport Authority and Customs. In her current role, Ms. Hind Al Youha is focused on introducing global practices to shape the future of Dubai’s economy.
Ms. Hind Al Youha has supervised the preparation and completion of the UAE Trade Policy Review’s third report conducted by the World Trade Organisation in 2016. In addition to her active role in the economic and investment sector, Ms. Hind Al Youha has developed the UAE Investment Navigator which offers insights into the future of the UAE economy.
CEO of Kafalah
Homam Hashem joined Kafalah as the CEO of its loan guarantee program in 2017. With over 25 years of experience in the financial sector and financial consulting services, Mr. Hashem worked with the team to restructure operations, launch new products, expand the business network, and empower the young team at Kafalah. Mr. Hashem has a proven track record of effectively managing a high-risk portfolio and capitalizing on opportunities for both consumer and small-to-medium-sized businesses. He also oversees the implementation of several strategic projects involving artificial intelligence and scoring, which have helped to automate credit decision-making processes.
Consulate General Kuwait – UAE
His Excellency Ali Salem Al Thayedi is the Consul-General of Kuwait in Dubai, who took over his diplomatic responsibilities in 2022. Under his watch, UAE-Kuwait ties have continued to flourish as the latter’s Consulate in Dubai offers a wide range of consular services to Emirati residents as well as Kuwaitis and foreigners from other countries.
Consulate General of Kuwait and UAE
H.E. Ambassador Deyab AlRashidi is the Dean of the Consular Corps – General Consul of the State Kuwait to Dubai and North Emirates since 2013 till present time. He is an Advocate and studied Law at Kuwait University before joining the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. His previous missions were in Belgium, Egypt, Turkey and Riyadh. He participated in many International and Regional conferences and conventions. Mr. AlRashidi recently presented the awards to the winners at the International Finance Awards 2021, which recognizes industry talent, leadership skills, industry net worth, and the capability of companies on an international platform.
In 2020, Ms. Rose-Ann Benjamin the new Consul-General of Grenada in Dubai complimented Mr. Rashidi for the kind assistance and tremendous support that Kuwait has provided to Grenada over the years through the Kuwait Fund for the rehabilitation. The funds helped resurface main roads and farm roads enabling the improvement of social infrastructure. They both discussed the political, economic, trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Director of Government Communication Department, UAE
Mr. Rashed AL Teneiji is the Director of Government Communication Department at the Federal Government, UAE. Before joining the federal government he was the part of Young Arab Leaders between 2010-2011, a nonprofit Organization Management, founded in 2004 at the World Economic Forum in ‘The Dead Sea’ under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and minister of defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the ruler of Dubai.
He worked as a satellite engineer for Thuraya Telecommunications Company which is a mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE-based Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat). It is a public company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company PJSC. For 13 years he worked at the American University of Sharjah which was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
CEO Dubai FDI, Department of Economic Development (DED)
Fahad Al Gergawi was appointed by the Government of Dubai as Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI, the foreign investment promotion agency in the Department of Economic Development (DED), in 2008 after he successfully led international business development initiatives for strategic organizations in the emirate.
Al Gergawi also serves as the Secretary General of the Dubai Green Economy Partnership, aimed to consolidate and integrate green initiatives and clean technologies into Dubai’s core
economic competencies.
Fahad Al Gergawi brings a wealth of experience into his role at Dubai FDI. He is also one of the first graduates of the elite Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Young Business Leaders, a
member of the Young Arab Leaders Foundation UAE chapter and the MENA Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
A Communications graduate of the UAE University, Al Gergawi started his career in the Exhibition Department of the Dubai World Trade Centre in 1994. A year later, he moved to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Executive Director for Trade and Industrial Development. Remaining in that role till 2004, Al Gergawi played a stellar role in the creation of various first-of-its kind business groups and councils in Dubai. He was also instrumental in helping Chamber members to expand their business internationally and promoting business opportunities in Dubai across numerous trade and economic forums as well as international missions.
Between 2004 and 2008 Al Gergawi was part of Dubai Holding as Executive Director of International Business Development at the Dubai Properties Group (DPG). He succeeded in creating global opportunities for DPG and attracting a wide range of international businesses, partners and investors into the Group’s ventures.
In his current role, Al Gergawi is focused on placing Dubai firmly on the global FDI map, by attracting regional and international investors to leverage opportunities across the various
industries and sub-sectors in the emirate, and developing closer co- operation with key international investment partners.
CEO and chairperson for the Ansari Group
H.E. Ms. Sania A Ansari is the CEO and chairperson for the Ansari Group, a global consulting firm that provides clients with elite strategy, consulting, digital technology, and operations services. Ms. Sania A Ansari, whose ancestors came from Saudi Arabia, was born in Pakistan and raised in Canada. She was listed as one of The Top 100 People in Finance by the US based Top 100
People Magazine and recently got listed as one of the most influential and most powerful women in private offices and foundations.
In addition to her role as a chairperson for Ansari Group, Ms. Sania serves as a consultant for the Private Royal Offices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and she has worked directly with the Royal Families for almost four years, providing economic and political insights into business developments and trends regarding countries of interest. She also serves as the ambassador and director for the Wonder Women Association of Pakistan.
Ms. Sania also acts as the primary point of contact and a bridge for global partners and the UAE, working with the multinational companies around the world that seek to expand into the Middle Eastern market. Her clients also include the various governments who seek to enhance the trade relations between the respective countries.
Ms. Sania is the Chairperson for the United Refugee Green Council of Canada (URGC), Ambassador-at-Large for Peace and Human Rights for the International Human Rights Organisation and Goodwill Ambassador for Youth and Women Empowerment for the International Human Rights Commission among other notable organisations. She is a Member of Who’s Who Hall of Fame for Business Consultancy in Pakistan.
Director, Hamriyah Free Zone and Saif Zone
One of the youngest leaders tasked with the enviable assignments of transforming two of the economic growth engines of Sharjah – Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport International Free
Zone, Saud Salim Al Mazrouei is a tireless organiser and an energetic business traveler. He inspires his people with his own performances, achievements and accessible-to-all philosophy.
Enabled by his management and IT background, this dynamic and visionary leader has pioneered IT supported business solutions in his organisations, ensuring transparency and simplicity in rules and procedures. His extraordinary insights and inherent values of integrity, innovation and competence have resulted in spectacular growth in the Free Zones he is leading, achieving 13,000 investor companies from 157 countries during a short span, thus boosting Foreign Direct Investment in the UAE substantially. Now both free zones are global brands and favorable investment hot spots for investors around the globe.
Al Mazrouei often drives corporate social responsibility initiatives in his efforts to improve the society around him. He is a profound proponent of boosting business and capturing efficiency opportunities while upholding the values of professional and personal integrity and shares common development goals with his investors.
This young man is rated as a deeply committed business leader, possessing proven potentials to drive economic developments in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.