Fernandes named among 10 rising Asia leaders

Tuesday March 11, 2008
The Star Paper
By LEONG HUNG YEE



PETALING JAYA: AirAsia Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes has been named among the 10 rising leaders in Asia.

Initiated by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) in collaboration with AXN Asia, Rising Leaders – The Next 10 Years recognises leaders in politics and business who exemplify the success of Asia today and leadership of tomorrow.


Datuk Tony Fernandes
AirAsia said in a statement that the recognition was part of a special high-profile dialogue Rising Asia – The Next 10 Years between Asia's “most brilliant luminaries on the most pressing and pertinent” economic, political and social issues facing Asia in commemoration of AXN Asia's 10th anniversary.
Fernandes, the only Malaysian on the list, said he was proud of what he had achieved so far with AirAsia.

“I feel very honoured to receive such a recognition. It is a great recognition for Malaysia as well, as AirAsia is a globally known brand,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Fernandes said he felt “really good” when people approached him to thank him for making air travel more affordable.

AirAsia, which started operations in 2001 with RM40mil in debt, has grown into the region's largest budget carrier, operating more than 80 routes. It has carried more than 47 million passengers.

“It has been a long six years since our inception to be where we are today. Going forward, we will continue to stay profitable and, hopefully, increase our flights,” Fernandes said.

A series of interviews featuring the 10 personalities will be aired solely on AXN starting April 1.