About the Prizes

Objective

The Nikkei Asia Prizes, which are awarded each year, are designed to recognize outstanding achievements that improve the quality of life in Asia and contribute to regional stability.

Organizer

Nikkei Inc., the sponsor of the Nikkei Asia Prizes, publishes Japan's leading business newspaper, The Nikkei. The company's other operations include online information services, book publishing and compilation of the nation's most widely watched stock index. Nikkei established these awards in 1996 in commemoration of the company's 120th anniversary.

Award Categories

The Nikkei Asia Prizes are awarded annually in three areas of achievement: regional growth, science, technology and innovation, and culture.

Winners

Winners (recipients) may be an individual, group or organization in any Asian nation except Japan. Japanese individuals, groups or organizations are not eligible since part of the purpose of the awards is to promote understanding within Japan of other Asian nations.

"Asia"

As defined here, "Asia" includes East Asia (Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia), South Asia, as well as independent nations in the Pacific region, excluding Australia and New Zealand.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome from specialists in the award categories who know of worthy candidates. Although Japanese individuals may not be winners, they may submit nominations. Individuals, groups or organizations may not nominate themselves. Names of nominators will be kept confidential.

Selection

Judging will be based on each nominee's contributions to the quality of life, culture, and stability of Asia. Consideration will also be given to the originality of each nominee's achievements.

Announcement

Winners of the Nikkei Asia Prizes are announced in The Nikkei, the English-language The Nikkei Weekly, and Nikkei's Web sites.