Countries on the development trajectory typically follow the policies of economic stabilisation and high-quality growth. These twin goals are correlated and are translated into poverty reduction, reduced inequality, and a high standard of living—the indicators of good governance. Traditionally good governance was considered the forte of governments only. That concept has changed considerably, and in the modern world, it is the all-encompassing theory spreading across private and public sectors in equal measures. Organisations follow the ingredients of just play, responsibility, and sound policies for a successful business venture, just as governments adhere to the rule of law, accountability, and development of enforceable public policies.
Good governance cannot be possible unless policies are followed consistently without hiatus and roadblocks. The sustained pursuit of policies enables an environment where businesses flourish because of right and timely decisions.
Cambridge IFA has been a keen observer of good governance practices both in the public and private sector and, as a part of its social responsibility, chose to promote it further through an initiative that came to be known as the Global Good Governance Awards or the 3G Awards.
Every step towards good governance has to it the cost of dedication, relentless effort, and honesty of purpose. All these traits of an organisation or in the leader deserve to be appreciated and promoted. The 3G Awards are conferred for precisely that reason annually. One of the 3G Award successes was the developing and less developed countries’ pursuit of good governance. The 3G Awards identify the relationship between good governance and economic growth, and recognizes efforts to increase economic goodwill through governance mechanisms.
As a global think tank, Cambridge IFA has been awarding 3G Awards since 2016. Founded on the side-line of the UN World Humanitarian Summit held in Istanbul, it has been advancing the UNDP agenda to promote sustainability and good governance. Assessment of good governance is carried out in three major streams: Government and Politics, Corporate Sector, and Social Sector and Philanthropy. The 3G award nominees go through a rigorous process, and winners are selected based on the 3G scorecard developed by Cambridge IFA, consisting of five pillars:
Transparency: commitment to operate ethically and legally with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Social Responsibility: promote best practices in social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental stewardship.
Sustainability: promote sustainable practices and initiatives that embrace the triple bottom line: economics, social equity, and environment.
Impact: initiatives or contributions that resulted in improved outcomes to the community or industry, or country.
Innovation: development of new ideas, practices, or products that promote and improve business practices in the realm of governance.
The 3G Awards promote good governance and commitment to social welfare by:
- Recognising the leadership efforts of individuals, governments, corporations, and NGOs in pursuing the principles of good governance.
- Recognising the practice of implementing innovative programmes and projects to enhance good governance embedded in transparent, sustainable, and socially responsible work ethics.
- Motivating governments, corporates, and NGOs to focus on good governance and to practice social responsibility.
Since its debut, over 300 awards have been distributed among people and institutions of excellence from more than 25 countries in different continents. These individuals and entities cut across every field of science, technology, economics, social sciences, academia, a health energy, and so forth.
Since its inception in 2016, the 3G award ceremonies have been held in Turkey, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Indonesia. Since the COVID-19 induced lockdowns and restricted movements, the 5th and 6th Global Good Governance Award ceremonies were held online from London. Hopefully, with the vaccination, the Coronavirus would be better managed, and we would return to the physical celebration of the award ceremony. However, we have decided to continue holding the virtual edition along with the physical one post-COVID-19.
Prof Humayon Dar commented: “In the wake of the on-going pandemic and the collective global, regional and national responses to this, I can only emphasise on the shared responsibility we have towards each other, and the rest of the world and indeed beyond. In these difficult times, we are gathered here, albeit virtually, to celebrate the contributions of those who have worked hard to avert and avoid environmental, social, and governance-related disasters.
“In 2016 when we founded Global Good Governance Awards and held our inaugural 3G Awards Ceremony in Istanbul around the UN Humanitarian Forum, we planned to set up a formal body to acknowledge, reward and celebrate contributions of the governments, private businesses and social sector organisations to sustainability, social responsibility, transparency, compliance and good life in general. Since then, we have held 3G Awards Ceremonies in different parts of the world, physically and virtually. This year’s awards ceremony was planned to be held in the House of Lords, but due to the third ongoing Lockdown in the United Kingdom, we were advised once again to use technology and hold our second Online Awards Ceremony, which you are watching right now from the comfort of your office or home or wherever you happen to be right now.
This year’s 3G winners come from around the world. We have participating organisations and individuals from everywhere, but our focus has been on encouraging participation from the emerging markets. We are happy to see the contributions and commitment of governments, corporations, and social sector organisations from Asia, Africa, and the broader emerging markets to the worthy causes of good governance, sustainability, and social responsibility. I, on behalf of the Awards Committee and on my behalf, congratulate the winners and encourage others who have yet to be acknowledged by us to join us in our efforts to make the world a better place to live in.”
Individuals and institutions from over 15 countries across 5 continents were honoured for their contributions in promoting sustainable business practices to achieve positive socio-economic development while being environmentally responsible.
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU) is among the leading foundation universities in Turkey and research institutions in the region. With a half-century-old academic tradition, IZU was formally founded in 2010 and is accredited by the Turkish Higher Education Council.
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University received the 3G Social Responsibility in Higher Education award of the year 2021.
Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the Philippines’ national government regulatory agency mandated to supervise and enable the country’s corporate sector and capital market. The SEC Philippines is recognised globally for its sustainability and good governance efforts.
SEC was awarded 3G Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance Award 2021.
Saudi Electricity Company
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) is considered to be the biggest power-producing company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as it provides electricity with high efficiency to over 10.2 million customers. It is deemed one of the basic pillars for achieving the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020 and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as it aims to connect the service to 11 million customers by the end of 2023.
SEC was awarded the 3G Best Social Impact Award 2021 and the 3G ESG Championship Award (Saudi Arabia) 2021.
PT BUKIT ASAM TBK
PT Bukit Asam Tbk was legally established on March 2, 1981, based on the Government Regulation No. 42 of 1980, concerning Participation of State Capital of the Republic of Indonesia for Company Establishment (Persero) Tambang Batu bara Bukit Asam. The Company has a very long history in the national coal industry.
The company earned the 3G ESG Championship Award (Indonesia) 2021 and 3G Championship Award in Corporate Governance Reporting 2021.
Dubai Investments PJSC
Dubai Investments PJSC is a diversified UAE-based investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), with over 16,530 shareholders, a paid-up capital of AED 4.25 billion and total assets of AED 21.5 billion. Incorporated in 1995, the company has grown exponentially with investments in a number of businesses across diverse sectors. Dubai Investments portfolio includes 8 key businesses with 35 different companies comprising of real estate, private equity, building materials, construction and contracting, education, financial investments, healthcare, utilities, and hospitality.
The company was given the 3G Best Corporate Governance Reporting Award 2021 and the 3G Responsible Investment Award 2021.
INTOUCH HOLDINGS PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
INTOUCH is a holding company that invests in the telecom, media, and technology (TMT) sector, including digital businesses. Over the past 30 years, INTOUCH has supported the country’s economic growth by adopting innovative technologies, creating jobs, and making life more convenient through technological developments that serve customer needs.
INTOUCH has conferred the Excellence in Sustainability Reporting Award 2021 and the 3G Championship Award in Community Development & Philanthropy 2021.
PT. Bumi Serpong Damai, Tbk
PT. Bumi Serpong Damai Tbk is an Indonesia- based real estate developer. The Company is engaged in the planning and development of a new city, which is a planned and integrated residential area with amenities/infrastructure, environmental facilities and parks, designed to become a self-sufficient city called BSD City. The Company’s projects under the name Bumi Serpong Damai are located in Serpong District, Legok District, Cisauk District and Pagedangan District in Tangerang Regency, and the Banten Province.
The company was conferred two 3G 2021 awards this year. The first award was for Excellence in Green Innovation and Solutions and the second was the 3G Innovation in Environmental Solutions award.
Bangchak Corporation PCL
Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited is Thailand’s leading energy company with a strong commitment to social and environmental stewardship. Recognised for its commitment to green innovation and sustainable energy, the company is committed to enhancing national energy security and to developing sustainability for all. It has a unique perspective on transformation and adapting to the ever-changing environment while continuing to be a pioneer in green innovation.
Bangchak Corporation received three 3G Awards in 2021. The first was the 3G Championship Award 2021; second was the 3G Sustainability Performance Award 2021; and the third was the 3G Best of the Best in Corporate Governance Award 2021.
ITRAMAS CORPORATION
ITRAMAS Corporation was founded in 1999 and for the past 20 years has been involved in green technology and public works. They have an extensive experience in implementing large-scale projects covering 4 main sectors: Renewable Energy (RE), Energy Efficiency (EE), Electronics Manufacturing, and Smart City. In the RE sector, they are the largest developer of solar plants, having constructed three 50 MWac Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plants in Peninsular Malaysia.
ITRAMAS was given the 3G Green Innovation and Solutions Award 2021 and also the 3G Excellence in Product Innovation
Award 2021.
The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri)
Over the past four decades since its inception, Bahri has firmly established itself as a global leader in logistics and transportation thriving on a strong portfolio of service offerings and industry-leading capabilities. With an experienced workforce of over 4,000 employees and an impressive fleet of 89 vessels serving 150 ports worldwide, the company offers a diverse range of onshore and offshore solutions through its five business units – Bahri Oil, Bahri Logistics, Bahri Chemicals, Bahri Dry Bulk, and Bahri Ship Management. Bahri has also built partnerships and joint ventures, including BahriBolloré Logistics and the National Grain Company, to cater to the evolving needs of the maritime sector and beyond.
Bahri was awarded the 3G Excellence in Sustainable Practices Award 2021 and the 3G Excellence in Logistics Award 2021.
BTPN Syariah
Established through the conversion of PT Bank Sahabat Purba Danarta and the spin-off of BTPN’s Sharia Business Unit, BTPN Syariah was registered as the 12th Sharia Commercial Bank in Indonesia on July 14, 2014 and was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange on May 8, 2018. BTPN Syariah is the only bank in Indonesia that focuses on serving the productive underprivileged families – also known as “unbankable” for having neither financial records nor legal documentation and the Bank’s infrastructure has been built to ensure that the products and services are able to effectively serve this segment.
The Bank grabbed the 3G Socially Responsible Banking Award 2021 and the 3G Excellence Award in Socio-Economic Development 2021
UOB
United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in Asia with a global network of more than 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
UOB got the 3G Leadership Award for Corporate Sector 2021 and the 3G Award for Community Development & Philanthropy 2021.
Hong Leong Bank
Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or “the Bank”) is a leading Malaysian financial services institution providing a wide range of products, services, and innovative financial solutions in Malaysia and across the region. With a heritage of more than 110 years and witness to numerous developments in the banking industry and financial landscape as a whole, HLB continues to stay ahead of customers’ financial needs and ambitions to provide the right solutions at the right time.
It received the 3G Human Resources Development Award 2021 as well as the 3G Best Social Impact Award 2021 for its H LB Jumpstart and SURI Campaigns.
Carabao Group Pcl.
Established in 2002, Carabao Group Public Limited (CBG) had become one of the fastest-growing energy drinks in Thailand. It reached the number 2 position in term of market shares in the first 36 months after the launch and has quickly grown into the best-selling energy drink in South East Asia (SEA). Carabao energy drink has expanded beyond South East Asia to over 40 countries around the world and has two international headquarters in China and the UK. The company has also expanded its line of products into vitamin drinks, functional drinks, ready-to-drink coffee, bottled water, and other beverages.
Carabao was awarded the 3G Championship Award for CSR Campaign 2021 and the 3G Excellence in Corporate Governance Reporting Award 2021.
U Micro Finance Bank Limited
U Microfinance Bank Ltd. (U Bank) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)– Etisalat Company. The bank has a network of more than 200 touchpoints and ATMs, across 183 cities and rural areas in Pakistan and offers a wide range of microfinance loans, deposit products, and branchless banking solutions. U Bank’s branchless banking offers services under the banner of U Paisa in collaboration with Ufone (Pak Telecom Mobile Limited). The service is offered at nearly 45,000 agent locations across Pakistan.
U Micro Finance was given the 3G Creativity and Innovation Award 2021.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) operates integrated agro-industrial and food businesses including animal feed production, animal breeding, animal farming, primary meat processing, food production and ready-to-eat food as well as meat and food retail outlets, all of which are conducted by placing importance on animal welfare and biosecurity system.
The awards conferred upon the company were 3G Best Sustainability Reporting Award 2021 and the 3G Leadership Award in CSR 2021 for its CPF Fund for Elderly.
BIBD ALAF
BIBD, Brunei Darussalam’s largest bank and flagship Islamic financial institution, was formed in 2005 through the merger of the Islamic Bank of Brunei and Islamic Development Bank of Brunei. It is an internationally recognised financial institution governed by global best practices under the guidance of an experienced management team. BIBD is committed to meeting the needs of our customers from all walks of life through continuous service, product, and technology innovations.
It received the 3G Best CSR Initiative Award 2021 and the 3G Community Development Award 2021.
BDO Unibank
BDO Unibank is a full-service universal bank that provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, and credit card services.
It grabbed the 3G Championship Award in Service Excellence 2021 and the 3G Championship Award in Transparency 2021.
Doha Bank
Doha Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in the State of Qatar and has consistently been registering a strong growth during the last decade with a participative leadership philosophy. Inaugurated in 1979, Doha Bank provides domestic and international banking services for individuals, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients through four business groups – Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, International Banking and Treasury & Investments.
It received the 3G Excellence in Corporate Governance Award 2021 and the 3G Financial Services Award 2021.
Zain Group
Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East and Africa providing voice and data services to over 48.5 million active customers as of March 31, 2021. With a commercial presence in 7 countries, Zain operates in, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and South Sudan. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in ‘INWI’, through a joint venture. Zain is listed on Bourse Kuwait.
The company grabbed the 3G Best of the Best in Diversity Award 2021, the 3G Leadership in Sustainability Award 2021 and the 3G Championship Award in Women Empowerment 2021.
Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance PCL
Established in 2007, Krungthai-AXA Life (KTAXA) is a joint venture between Krungthai Bank PCL, the largest state-owned bank in Thailand and the AXA Group, global financial protection and asset-management specialists. The company is a leading life insurance solutions provider, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs including Protection & Health, and Investment.
The company earned three awards; the 3G Customer Care Award 2021, 3G Diversity Award 2021 and the 3G Championship Award in CSR 2021.
BE International Marketing Sdn Bhd
Founded by Ir Lee Suet Sen, Ms Ho Huey Chuin and Ms Karen Leong in 2017, BE International Marketing Sdn Bhd is a young, energetic and innovative MLM company in Malaysia. Since its establishment, BE has successfully expanded to Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, and the Indonesian markets with plans to soar further.
The company was given the 3G Best CSR
Campaign Award 2021.
Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (BAZNAS)
Badan Amil Zakat Nasional or The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) of The Republic of Indonesia is the only body formed by the government based on Presidential Decree No.8 of 2001, which has the task and function of collecting and distributing Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah (ZIS) and other religious social funds at the national level. The issuance of Law Number 23 of Year 2011 regarding zakat management further strengthens the role of BAZNAS as an institution authorised to manage zakat at a national level.
It received the 3G SDGs Champion Award 2021 and the 3G Humanitarian Award 2021.
ASEAN Foundation
ASEAN Foundation is an organisation from and for the people of ASEAN. As one of ASEAN’s bodies, it is mandated to support ASEAN mainly in promoting awareness, identity, interaction, and development of the people of ASEAN. The foundation’s vision is to build a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN community. And its mission is to commit to promoting ASEAN awareness through people-to-people interaction, and collaboration with ASEAN stakeholders to build a caring, cohesive, equitable, and peaceful ASEAN Community. The organisation’s focus is on youth development in the region.
It received two awards: the 3G Championship Award in Social Responsibility 2021 as well as the 3G Capacity Building Award 2021.
South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF)
As a South African-based zakah management organisation, the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) remains committed to upholding the third pillar of Islam. The organisation plays an important role in alleviating poverty in South Africa through capacity-building programmes that seek to empower, transform, and make a difference in the lives of those it serves.
The organisation got the 3G Transparency Award 2021 and the 3G Championship Award (Capacity Building) 2021.
Dignity for Children Foundation
Dignity for Children Foundation (Dignity) aims to empower underprivileged urban poor children to break the cycle of poverty through quality education, positively transforming their lives and the lives of the community around them. Dignity achieves this by establishing high-quality learning centers; implementing specialised learning environments to develop children academically and socially thus empowering them to become productive members of society.
It received the 3G Children Welfare Award 2021 and the 3G Advocacy Award 2021.
BDO Foundation
BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, the largest bank in the Philippines. As a non-stock, non-profit organisation, the foundation helps alleviate the plight of underserved sectors of society through its advocacies in the areas of disaster response, rehabilitation and rebuilding, and financial inclusion.
The foundation received the 3G Excellence
Award in Education & Literacy Program 2021.
Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) founded the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in May 1979. It currently has 54 member states, which are also part of OIC, in addition, 3 countries have observer status. The organisation’s headquarter is located in Rabat, Morocco and its Director General is Dr Salim M. AlMalik. ICESCO is a multicultural organisation with experts from all over its member states; this diversity brings in different perspectives and expertise to the organisation.
The organisation received the most prestigious award presented to a multilateral organisation for its overall best performance in its class; the 3G Leadership Award for Public Sector and Multilateral Institutions 2021.
Rumah Zakat
Rumah Zakat is a World Digital Charity Organization that manages zakat, donations, alms, and other social funds through community empowerment and humanitarian programmes. Currently, there are 1,686 Empowered Villages in 1,203 sub-districts, 285 municipalities,
33 provinces, with a target to build 1,700 empowered villages. Rumah Zakat seeks to harmonise all of its programmes in order to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
It received the 3G Social Responsibility Award 2021 and the 3G Best Social Impact Award 2021.
Friends of Cancer Patients
Friends of Cancer Patients is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1999 under the directives and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah-UAE, Founder and Patron of the Friends of Cancer Patients, International Ambassador of the World Cancer Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), International Ambassador for Childhood Cancer for UICC and Patron of the First Global NCD Alliance Forum.
The organisation grabbed the 3G Leadership Award for Social Sector & Philanthropy 2021 and the 3G Best Community Service Award 2021, a tribute to the outstanding services rendered to the community.
METRO TV
METRO TV is the first news television in Indonesia that started broadcasting in 2000. It is a subsidiary of the Media Group headed by Surya Paloh, the Chairman, who has a wealth of experience in the local media industry. On November 25, 2000, Metro TV went on air for the first time in a series of trial broadcasts to seven cities. At first, it was aired for only twelve hours a day until April 1, 2001, when 24-hour broadcasting began.
It received the 3G Responsible Journalism
Award 2021.
Sharia Economic Talk with Gunawan Yasni
The development of Islamic economy and finance in Indonesia has become a unique attraction in the eyes of European countries and the world. Gunawan Yasni conducts a dialogue with global economic leaders to explore more about how countries in the world see Islamic economics as an attraction in the current financial system.
The programme received the 3G Advocacy Award (Shari’a Economy and Governance) 2021.
Award Winning Personality
Kabeer Naqvi
Kabeer Naqvi represents a small percentage of professionals who have risen to the very top of the microfinance banking industry in Pakistan at a remarkable pace. He has 21 years of work experience to his name and has been with U Microfinance Bank since September 2015. He is the architect of the turnaround story at U Microfinance Bank.
He has extensive work experience in External Audit, Corporate Finance, Internal Audit, and Taxation and has served at Ernst & Young Saudi Arabia, TPL Pakistan, House of Habib, and Tameer Microfinance Bank. He served as the Chief of Staff & Chief Financial Officer at Tameer Microfinance Bank where his glorious career spanned over 9 years. He is a trained accountant and a distinguished fellow member of ACCA – the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He is also part of the board of directors at Pakistan Micro finance Network and also chairs its audit committee.
Mr. Naqvi is the youngest President & CEO of a microfinance bank in the history of the Pakistani financial sector.
He received the 3G Best Emerging Leader in Corporate Sector Award 2021.
Virtual award ceremonies are becoming a norm due to the ongoing pandemic situation and is likely to continue post-COVID. Hosting an award ceremony virtually allows for a global mass audience that is nearly impossible
to achieve in a physical ceremony. The pandemic has forced the world to look for new avenues and new ways of conducting business. As they say, the show must go on. However potentially lucrative online award ceremonies have proven to be, we all hope to one day return to physical ceremonies with a chance of networking. The current ongoing situation has made us realise that it is even more important that we continue to celebrate and recognise achievements of people, companies and institutions across industries and continents. This a powerful way of moving forward when everything else seems to be at a standstill.
Once again, this year the Global Good Governance Awards 2021 were held and the online ceremony was viewed by millions of people tuning in to different platforms throughout the globe.
The statistics of the global viewership have been represented in the tables below.
