In October 2018, Myanma Awba Group (Awba) was one of the recipients of the inaugural Golden AGROW Award. The award recognises ASEAN regional champions of inclusive business which have made outstanding contributions to the agriculture sector.

The award was presented at the ASEAN Agriculture Summit 2018, held at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City, Philippines. Organised by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Philippines, Go Negosyo, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippines, the event boasted an impressive list of over 50 speakers and some 2,000 participants from the agricultural industry, cooperatives, aspiring and existing agri-entrepreneurs, as well as students and teachers from all over the country.

“We looked to create significant change in Myanmar and ASEAN’s agriculture industry by acquiring an in-depth understanding of the needs of our farmers. From there, we worked to educate them, and provide them with relevant and sustainable solutions,” says U Thadoe Hein, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Awba. “Receiving the Golden AGROW Award is a sign that our commitment to advancing the agriculture sector and supporting the Myanmar farming community has been recognised by the regional community. We will continue to advance the agriculture sector in Myanmar, and by extension, the region, through innovative, sustainable solutions.”

At the Summit, U Thadoe Hein and Awba’s Chief Digital Officer Mr. Adrian Soe Myint also participated on two of the five forums at the Summit.  U Thadoe shared Awba’s mission, vision and how they have shaped Awba’s solutions across the agricultural value chain, while Adrian detailed the challenges and needs that drove the development of Awba’s agri-mobile app Htwet Toe.

Centred around the theme, “Champions and Emerging Icons of Inclusive Business, Technology and Innovation in Agriculture,” the forums examined topics like best practices to support globally competitive agri-enterprises and rural development, disruptive agri-technology and innovation, and financial institutions and fintech shaping financial inclusivity for agri-businesses and smallholder farmers.