APEA recognises PCH Chairman for entrepreneurial excellence

PCH Plc Chairman S.H.M Rishan, has been awarded the coveted title of Outstanding Entrepreneur at the annual Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards organised for Sri Lanka by Kuala Lumpur based NGO Enterprise Asia. This accolade, which is recognised on a national and regional level, recognised the trailblazing efforts of Rishan and his significant entrepreneurial achievements.

The development of PCH from a small family owned business into the diverse trendsetting corporate entity that it is today is in itself a testament to the entrepreneurial skills of Rishan. Further PCH’s diversification into various fields including ICT solutions and Pharmaceuticals, competing effectively with local and international corporate powerhouses is a hallmark of the innovative entrepreneurial strategy being adopted Allowing PCH to achieve the necessary bi-annual accumulative turnover of over 57.5 million US$ through tenacity and innovation making Rishan eligible for this award.

The title of Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year is open to individuals who have been in control of a registered company for over three years achieving a cumulative turnover of a minimum of US$ 50 million in the last two years through perseverance, tenacity and continued innovation and diversification, while positively responding to competition, environmental factors and adverse situations. This must be a benchmark for positioning themselves as leaders in their respective industries and fields, inspiring future entrepreneurs.

Commenting on receiving the award, Rishan said, “It is indeed a privilege to be recognised with this award for entrepreneurship amongst a host of candidates from a multitude of fields. It is a testament to the adaptability and diversification process that has made PCH the growing corporate entity that it is today. This award recognises entrepreneurial excellence and seeks to give benchmarks and role models for future entrepreneurs, it is indeed an honour to be counted among corporate innovators. This award also opens up opportunities for partnerships with other enterprises within the region, opening doors to network and share business opportunities with other entrepreneurs and affiliated companies throughout the region.”

Enterprise Asia, the organisers of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards has a vision of creating an Asian region that is rich in entrepreneurship and employs it as a source of progressive and sustainable economic and social development. Their main objective as an organisation is to cultivate a culture of corporate integrity and social responsibility within Asia. The APEA awards were started as a means for recognising outstanding entrepreneurship and have now evolved into a credible mark of professional excellence for entrepreneurs within their respective countries.

Enterprise Asia President William Ng said that “Given the economic challenges the region is facing, the need to promote and encourage entrepreneurship is even more urgent. We have already seen how the European debt crisis has affected all of us in Asia. Whilst the West can be our friend some of the time, do not make the mistake to think that they will continue to be our friends all the time. We must mitigate our risks by enhancing intra-regional ties within Asia. We must partner with other Asian companies to benefit from the Asian century.” He further stated, “This year, one of Enterprise Asia’s key initiatives is the launch of Invest Asia. Invest Asia is a multi-prong framework to encourage intra-regional trade and to match successful businesses across boundaries with an aim for capital appreciation and market development.”

“A world without entrepreneurs will be devoid of innovations and competitiveness - the very essence of humanity and progress. Here in Sri Lanka, after two decades of ethnic tension and civil war, the need and urgency to promote entrepreneurship is never greater than now. Through a vibrant entrepreneurial climate, Sri Lanka can and will move towards becoming a more stable, prosperous nation, and Sri Lankans can expect a better standard of living and insulation from global economic uncertainties.”

PCH is the new corporate brand identity for PC House PLC which was recently listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The new brand identity reflects the change from a family owned business to a public company with a vision to be the benchmark for ICT in Sri Lanka. PCH was recognised as the 50th most valuable brand in Sri Lanka for 2011, in the Brand Finance with an honourable A+ brand rating.

PC House was incorporated as a limited liability company in the year 2000, after having commenced business in 1997 and became PCH Plc. Its Board of Directors consists of Messrs S.H.M. Rishan, Mangala Boyagoda, Sarath Wikramanayake, Modarage Thilakasiri, Shanti Kumar Nadarajah, Kuvera de Zoysa and Sharmila Rishan.