The ICA-AP Regional Office announced the recipients of the ICA Asia-Pacific Cooperative Excellence Awards 2025 during its 17th Regional Assembly on 26 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Established in 2023, the awards recognise individuals and cooperative organisations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in strengthening the cooperative movement across the region.

The office received 17 nominations from 8 countries for the Enterprising Cooperative Category and 21 nominations from 9 countries for the Inspirational Cooperative Leader Category. Following a rigorous review by the reviewing committee, including Prof. HareKrishna Misra from India, Ms. Samadanie Kiriwandenia from Sri Lanka, and Ms. Eva Sundari from Indonesia, the awards were presented to a total of three winners – two for Inspirational Cooperative Leader and 1 for the Enterprising Cooperative.

Inspirational Cooperative Leader Award: Mr. Gilbert Llanto, Philippines

Major Gen Gilbert Llanto was honoured for his exemplary leadership and four decades of service to the Philippine cooperative sector. As Chairperson of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, the country’s largest cooperative, and President of the National Alliance of Cooperatives, he has championed empowerment, innovation, and sustainability. Under his leadership, ACDI grew from a small Air Force initiative into a diversified, multi-sector ecosystem serving nearly 300,000 members nationwide. He has spearheaded breakthroughs in health, insurance, housing, renewable energy, agriculture, and youth development—always grounded in cooperative principles and a deep commitment to uplifting communities. His visionary leadership continues to inspire transformation across the cooperative movement.

Inspirational Cooperative Leader Award: Mr. Khem Bahadur Pathak, Nepal

Mr. Khem Bahadur Pathak received the award for his transformative contribution to smallholder agriculture in Nepal. Born in Dhading, he pioneered the Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperatives and championed eco-friendly “green road” development, earning national and international recognition. As Chairperson of NACCFL and SKBBL, he has advanced women’s leadership, climate resilience, food security, and disaster recovery in partnership with global institutions. Honored with the Prabal Janasewa Shree IV and FAO Partnership Award, he now serves on the WFO Board, amplifying farmers’ voices worldwide and driving inclusive, sustainable rural development across Nepal.

Enterprising Cooperative Award: Kollam District Cooperative Hospital Ltd.

Kollam District Cooperative Hospital Society Ltd. was recognised for outstanding performance and sustainable innovation under the leadership of Mr. Parameswaran Pillai Rajendran. A full member of ICA and the International Health Cooperative Organization, it stands as one of India’s most remarkable cooperative achievements in healthcare. Established under the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, it transformed its vision into reality with the creation of the NS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences in 2006—now one of India’s largest multi–super speciality cooperative hospitals. With over 1,600 staff, 160 doctors, 38 departments, and more than 7 lakh patients served annually, KDCHS has expanded into Ayurveda, diagnostics, education, geriatrics, and rural health. Repeatedly recognized nationally, it exemplifies cooperative excellence, accessibility, and community-centred care.

The 2025 awardees exemplify the spirit of cooperative leadership and enterprise, setting a high benchmark for the region’s cooperative future.