New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) The stage is set for top corporate leaders and policy-makers from India, South East Asia and the Gulf region to gather for a gala event here Monday and celebrate the rise of Asia as an economic powerhouse. Also, 13 people will be honoured for their contribution to the spirit of enterprise.


The main attraction at the black-tie event will be the first Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) Awards to be conferred on 13 leading personalities from India, South East Asia and the Gulf in three key business sectors -- infrastructure, energy and power.

"Another focus will be on women who command respect and admiration globally for their effective role in the global business space. One outstanding woman from India, the Gulf and Asia will be honoured under this category," the organisers said in a statement.

The awards have been instituted by Indian Expressions -- a Dubai-based company -- that seeks to connect the Gulf region with India and the larger South East Asian region, and bring closer their respective business communities, top policy-makers and civil society.

The other categories include 'ABLF Lifetime Achievement', 'ABLF Global Asian of the Year', 'ABLF Business Courage' and the 'ABLF Business Excellence' award.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal and women leaders in business and politics will host the 'Woman of Power Award' category.

Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath had launched a website to accept nominations for this category.

"The women of Asia have excelled in every arena and are key players in Asia's growth and development," Sibal, who also holds the human resource development portfolio, said in a statement.

"It is time these exemplary women, who have broken the glass ceiling and re-written business history across Asia and claimed their place of pride in global business world, be felicitated at an international event of significance," he added.

According to Malini N. Menon, founder and managing director of Indian Expressions, the owners and creators of the ABLF Awards platform, the gala has been planned as a showcase of excellence in the corporate arena.

"This will be an annual gala. The inaugural event promises to set in motion an Asian juggernaut of business, to celebrate the Asian significance on the world's corporate landscape in three key areas -- industry, infrastructure and energy," she said.

"We also chose these three sectors since they are the key drivers of an economy with a definitive cascading effect on other sectors. Another facet, with its own dedicated platform, is the recognition of the contributions of Asia's women business leaders."

The organisers said they have received over 3,000 nominations for various awards.