Diplomatic Council Head of Mission, Dato' Steve Cheah, Wins Global Leadership Award for CSR and UN SDG Alignment
The Diplomatic Council (DC) proudly announces that its Head of Mission to Mekong and the Committee Chair of DCISE (Diplomatic Council Committee on Innovation, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Education), Dato' Steve Cheah was honoured with the prestigious Global Leadership Award 2025 for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leadership. The accolade was presented at the 13th edition of the Global Leadership Awards (GLA), held at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. This recognition underscores the profound impact of DC leaders who exemplify excellence, creativity, and commitment to global social impact.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana graciously presided over the ceremony, which recognized leaders driving positive change in business, technology, sustainability, and education. The GLA, organised by The Leaders Online, My Events International, and Maximage Group, reinforced Bangkok’s role as a centre for international collaboration and leadership recognition, aligning perfectly with the Diplomatic Council’s mission.
Dato' Steve Cheah was specifically cited for his exceptional commitment as a pivotal Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Enabler, whose actions—executed through his role as Founder and Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Thailand—are demonstrably aligned with that of the Diplomatic Councill and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His leadership was recognized for creating enduring structures that support sustainable business growth and champion social welfare and education across Thailand and the ASEAN region, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent, emphasizing that sustainable growth is achieved through a thoughtful balance between economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship, a message central to the Diplomatic Council’s mission.
His dedication is made tangible through a wide array of initiatives. As Chairman of the UNESCO EE-Net (Entrepreneurship Education Network) Thailand and Southeast Asia Chapters, he actively drives educational policies that embed entrepreneurial thinking. Through his work with GEN Thailand, he founded the highly successful "Pitch at School" program and the "Empowering Rural Youth" project in partnership with the Royal Chaipattana Foundation. These and other initiatives provide critical upskilling to teachers and have delivered a substantial positive impact on countless youth in local communities. Furthermore, through events like Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), his efforts consistently generate a massive ecosystem reach across Thailand and the ASEAN region, ensuring startups and SMEs have access to vital mentorship, funding, and networking.
The evening’s ceremony honoured 25 outstanding individuals and organisations from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including the Philanthropist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards, which recognised enduring contributions to global progress and humanitarian work. Among the honourees was Mr. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Founder of TCC Group (Thailand), who received the Philanthropist of the Year Award. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon Dato’ Dr. Shamshudeen Yunus, Founder of Tijarah Holdings Limited (Malaysia), and Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE, Chairman of Hima Investments & Consultancy Limited (United Kingdom).
This award marks another milestone for Dato' Steve Cheah, reaffirming his dedication to driving CSR and entrepreneurial development onto the global stage, further cementing the legacy that has previously earned him Royal Decorations from both Malaysia and Europe