Representing four continents, they symbolize an entrepreneurship that creates both wealth and social justice. The winners of the 2013 “Entrepreneur for the World” Awards were announced last week in Singapore during the gala ceremony of the World Entrepreneurship Forum.
The keynote speaker for the sixth anniversary of the World Entrepreneurship Forum was Mr, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Singapore.
Prizes were awarded for the six following categories:
“Young Entrepreneur” Ashish Thakkar – Uganda
Ashish Thakkar is the Founder and Managing Director of Mara Group, which operates in 26 countries and employs over 7,000 people. He grew up in the UK and Uganda, survived the terror of the Rwandan genocide, and started his first company at the age of 15.
“Educator” Daniel Epstein – United States of America
Daniel is the Founder and CEO of Unreasonable Group. Annually, they unite high-impact entrepreneurs from around the world and provide world-class mentorship, access to seed capital, and a global support network.
“Social Entrepreneur” Dr. Jean-Baptiste Richardier – France
Dr. Richardier co-founded Handicap International in 1982 to assist Cambodian refugees mutilated by anti-personnel mines. Thirty years later, Handicap International’s work has benefitted several million people in over 60 countries and was a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Business Entrepreneur”: Fadi Ghandour – Jordan
Fadi is the Founder of Aramex, a leading global logistics and transportation company with 14,000 employees in 354 different locations across 60 countries. He is also the Chairman of WAMDA.com, an entrepreneurship support platform for the MENA region and the Founder and Chairman of Ruwwad for Development, an initiative that helps disadvantaged communities.
“Policy Maker” Her Excellency Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia
She is the first elected female Head of State in Africa, is serving her second term as President and co-received the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. She has built strong relations with regional partners and the international community, attracting foreign investment to her country and restoring Liberia’s international reputation.
“Serial Entrepreneur” Sir Richard Branson – United Kingdom
He is Founder of the Virgin Group, with more than 100 companies worldwide and 60,000 employees in over 50 countries. Branson has challenged himself with many record breaking adventures and has always found entrepreneurial ways to provoke positive change in the world.
