The NIKKEI ASIA AWARD, sponsored by Nikkei Inc., is accepting nominations for its fifth (5th) intake. This award celebrates innovation that originates in Asia. It honors efforts that contribute to transforming Asia and the world while promoting a free and prosperous economic society rooted in Asia’s diverse values and perspectives.

Each year, the award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding achievements in areas such as business, research, technology development, and social or artistic endeavors. Only one winner—either an individual or a group behind a single initiative—is selected annually.

The winner receives a prize of 5 million yen.

Brief Details:

• Sponsored by: Nikkei Inc.
• Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
• Gender: Any
• Type: Award
• Eligible Countries: Asia region (Afghanistan included)

Award

The Total Award is 5,000,000 Japanese yen awarded to one winner – a team or an individual.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Nikkei Asia Award, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Nominated by Others: Self-nominations or direct applications will not be accepted.
• Based in Asia: Candidates must be from or currently living in Asia.
• Asian-Origin Activities: Candidates must be involved in initiatives that originated in Asia and contribute to the region’s progress.
• Exclusion: Japanese individuals or groups composed solely of Japanese citizens are not eligible.

For this award, “Asia” includes:

• East Asia (e.g., Korean Peninsula, China)
• Southeast Asia (e.g., ASEAN member countries, Indochina)
• Southwest Asia (e.g., Indian subcontinent countries)
• Asia-Pacific nations

Evaluation Criteria

Selection is based on a comprehensive assessment of activities that demonstrate:

• Originality and Innovation: Introducing new, impactful ideas or approaches.
• Societal Impact: Contributing to the revitalization of the region and improvement of people’s lives.
• Sustainability and Growth: Ongoing activities or businesses with clear potential for future development and expansion.
• Global Influence: Positive social impact with the potential to expand internationally.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should:

• Be actively engaged in their work at the time of nomination.
• Young or early-career individuals whose work has gained recognition are especially encouraged.
• Not necessarily well-known, but must have made genuine, sustained efforts toward improving lives and contributing to regional prosperity.

Note: Receiving prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize or Kyoto Prize is not a determining factor for selection.

Selection Timeline

The selection will be completed in six steps as follows:

Step 1: Screening (1 month after deadline)
The Nikkei Asia Award Admin reviews nominations to ensure they meet eligibility and evaluation criteria.

Step 2: Primary Selection (1 month)
The Selection Committee evaluates all eligible candidates. The top 5 nominees move to the next round.

Step 3: Secondary Selection (1 month)
Advisory Board members assess the shortlisted candidates based on the criteria.

Step 4: Final Selection (2 weeks)
The Selection Committee chooses finalists.

Step 5: Informal Decision (2 weeks)
Winners are notified, and their consent is obtained.

Step 6: Official Announcement (2 weeks)
Winners are publicly announced via the website, Nikkei, and Nikkei Asia.

Additional Notes

• Schedule may change without prior notice.
• The official Nikkei Asia Award website, the Nikkei newspaper, and Nikkei Asia, its English-language media platform, will announce the award results.
• The organizers cannot confirm candidate eligibility or respond to inquiries regarding the status of any individual nomination.

How to submit a nomination for the Nikkei Asia Award?

Nominations can be submitted through the online nomination form linked below.

Nominate Now

For more information about the Nikkei Asia Award, please refer to the official website.

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