This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on September 29, 2015.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd has been voted the “Best Managed Company in Malaysia for a Large Cap”, while its president and group chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh was named “Best Executive for Malaysia” in financial publication Asiamoney’s list of Asia’s Best Managed Companies 2015.

 In a statement yesterday, Sime Darby said the annual awards were based on a poll carried out by Asiamoney, which invited CEOs, chief information officers and senior executives from fund management, as well as senior analysts at brokerages across Asia to nominate the best managed listed companies in Asia and the best executive for each country.

 Sime Darby’s win and Mohd Bakke’s nomination as “Best Executive for Malaysia” were decided through the number of nominations gathered.

 Mohd Bakke said the recognition reflected investor confidence in the company’s resilience.

 “We are very proud of these awards, which speak volumes about the faith of our stakeholders and investors in the company and the management team of Sime Darby.

 “While the company is facing challenging business conditions globally, we remain focused on consolidating and strengthening our financial position to add value for our shareholders,” he said.