Selecting the Award winners from a list of accomplished business leaders becomes more challenging every year. Under stringent, objective and transparent criteria, business leaders are judged by an independent panel of world-respected management strategists, academics, corporate personalities and CNBC editorial staff.

Heading the judging panel are representatives from our knowledge partner University of Chicago Graduate School of Business: Professor Mark E. Zmijewski, Dean of Executive MBA Programs, and Professor William W. Kooser, Associate Dean for Part Time MBA Programs.

Together with research partner Development Dimensions International (DDI), the distinguished panel go through a unique three-phase judging process based on a combination of criteria including financial performance, leadership, creativity, innovation and social responsibility. Candidates are evaluated based on their ability to create short-term advantage, long-term value, competitive edge, and the demonstration of leadership in the business community.

The team from University of Chicago GSB compiles quantitative company data to bring out the top performers from across Asia. As part of the selection process, judges take account of the past performance of firms, country, industry sector and size. Candidates are shortlisted for the next phase. This process also takes place in India and China, where local business leader awards will be hosted.