In a competitive and morally imperfect world, business people are often faced with serious ethical challenges. It is all too easy to compromise our principles to get that first deal or to make that lucrative sale, but in the end, those decisions can destroy our business.

The chinese saying, “one cannot be successful without credibility.” sums up the crucial importance of having proper values when striving to achieve growth and success. This is especially pertinent to new entrepreneurs whose foremost goal is for thier business to survive. Although laws and customs vary from country to country and standards of ethics may vary in different business environments, the fundamental principles of honesty and intergrity serve as time-tested standards.

Typically, the incentive to maintain ethical behavior within a company comes down from the top. When CEOs and entrepreneurs are committed to honesty in all their dealings with their customers and business partners, this culture will permeate their organisation as employees adopt the ethics and values of their leaders. The practice of strong business ethics is the ultimate win-win for everyone.

I would like to congratulate the organisers and all those involved for their initiative and perseverance in organising “The 7th Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise – Keris Award 2008”. I see this coveted award as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of adopting and maintaining ethical practices in business.

On the occasion of the Keris Award Presentation Ceremony, I congratulate this year’s recipients and hope that their strong business ethics will be emulated by others.

YAB DATO’ SERI ABDULLAH HAJI AHMAD BADAWI

I would like to commend the hard works and contribution of the organising committee for hosting this prestigious world-class event successfully for thirteen consecutive years.

In a competitive and morally imperfect business world, we are often faced with serious ethical challenges. It is all too easy to compromised our principles to get that first deal or to make that lucrative sale. Many people are honest only to the point where there is the possibility of being caught and when sanctions are applied without fear or favor. However, dishonesty destroys your business. Any gains and benefits you get from being dishonest is only temporary. When the truth gets in the open, you will lose a lot.

World-renowned international corporates are carefully and diligently managing their credibility in order to win the consumers’ hearts and loyalty, and eventually build up international status. That’s why, the number one corporates compete by branding, and the number one brands compete by credibility. Good branding and winning public praise, are the key elements of today’s corporates’ success and trustworthiness.

Now in its 13 years since its inception in 2002, I sincerely hope that this awards-”The Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise-Keris Award” continues to play a role to stimulate and encourage honest operations, and to set a honesty model for our society; continue serve as a platform to honour the achievements of Asia Pacific’s honesty enterprises, expand its influence, invite more nomination, and help to instil the believe that honesty is always the best policy.

Thank you.

YAB DATO’ SRI HAJI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK