Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the 7th edition of the CSE Masterminds Quiz on 17 October 2025 from 3:00 p.m. onwards at the Main Ballroom, Shangri-La Colombo.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s premier capital market quiz competition, the event will bring together teams from the public and private sector to compete for glory in six subject areas, in international business, global markets, Sri Lankan economy and business, local capital market, sports and entertainment, and current affairs.

This year’s competition will offer prizes worth over Rs. 3.5 million. The champion team will walk away with Rs. 1,000,000, while the second and third-placed teams will receive Rs. 500,000 and Rs. 375,000, respectively.

In addition, the winning teams of the first three places will have the opportunity to double their prize money, provided that all team members hold CDS accounts with at least one transaction completed during 2025. Sector prizes will also be awarded to the best-performing teams representing each sector.

Sponsorship Partners are: Platinum Sponsors: SC Securities Ltd., and Almas Equities Ltd.

Gold Sponsors: Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, Bartleet Religare Securities Ltd., NDB Capital Holdings Ltd. and TWC Capital Ltd. Silver Sponsors: Asha Securities Ltd., Lanka Securities Ltd., Softlogic Stockbrokers Ltd., Nestor Stock Brokers Ltd., and LOLC Holdings PLC.

Shangri-La Colombo will serve as the Official Hospitality Partner, FitsAir Ltd., as the Official Airline Partner, and Co-sponsors including Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC, CT Smith Holdings Ltd., People’s Leasing and Finance PLC, Alliance Finance Company PLC, Capital Trust Holdings Ltd., Barista Coffee Lanka Ltd., Crypto Gen Ltd., Hemas Holding PLC and Teejay Lanka PLC.

The event’s print media partners include Daily FT, Daily Mirror and the Sunday Times.

The goodie bag provided to all participants are sponsored by Flora Food Group, Stripe and Checks Inc., Serendib Flour Mills Ltd., and Design Square Ltd.

The sector winners’ prizes will be sponsored by HNB Investment Bank Ltd., and the audience question section will be sponsored by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Beyond the competition, CSE Masterminds 2025 promises an engaging evening for participants and guests, with an after-party featuring live music, unlimited food, and beverages creating an ideal space to network, celebrate, and unwind.

For further information and team registrations, please contact Charundika – 077 7280 028, Shanika – 076 305 6691 or Dinusha – 076 431 6907.

Huawei Sri Lanka donated IdeaHub devices to 10 teacher training colleges at a ceremony held yesterday (30) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) recently launched its strategic plan titled “12 Pillars One Vision for a Resilient Market,” presenting a transformative roadmap designed to position the country’s capital market as a primary engine for economic growth.

SEC Chairman Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara unveiled the framework at a ceremony attended by Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, senior officials from the SEC and the Colombo Stock Exchange, and key stakeholders from across the financial sector.

The strategic plan represents the culmination of a year-long consultation process involving capital market professionals, regulatory bodies, international development partners, and industry experts in what Prof. Dissabandara described as “a 360-degree assessment” of the market’s challenges and opportunities.

“The SEC Act 19 of 2021 mandates us not merely to regulate, but to create and maintain a fair, orderly, efficient, and transparent securities market,” Prof. Dissabandara said. “For too long, the creation, maintenance and development aspects have been overlooked. This strategic plan reclaims that mandate and charts a course for genuine transformation.”

The Chairman emphasised that the work is intergenerational in scope: “This is not for our generation but for generations to come, going beyond Generation Alpha to Generation Beta and beyond. We must build a vibrant capital market for Sri Lanka’s future.”

Addressing critical market gaps Prof. Dissabandara presented statistics highlighting the urgency of capital market development.

Sri Lanka’s stock market capitalisation represents merely 26% of GDP, compared to Hong Kong’s 1,200%, Singapore and Malaysia’s 200%, and even below regional peers like Bangladesh. The corporate debt market is virtually non-existent at 0.8% of GDP, while Government securities dominate the financial sector at 58.5% of GDP.

Current market participation stands at less than 1% of Sri Lanka’s 22 million population around 60,000 active investors with capital market literacy below 10%.

“We face a fundamental problem of growth,” the Chairman explained. “To achieve the 8-9% annual GDP growth economists agree we need, beyond the current 5% requires massive investment. At least 20% of that investment must flow through our capital markets, providing growth capital without the burden of 8-9% interest rates that currently plague government projects.”

To illustrate the capital market’s transformative potential, Prof. Dissabandara cited John Keells Holdings’ Cinnamon Life project, the largest private sector project in Sri Lankan history, second only to Hambantota Port among all projects.

“This demonstrates the power of our capital market,” he emphasised. “Think about the interest burden if this were financed through loans at 8-9%. Capital formation through equity markets provides growth without debt crisis. This is the model we must replicate across sectors.”

The 2016 Capital Market Assessment provided a baseline, revealing that many identified weaknesses remain unaddressed while potential strengths have been underutilised, leaving Sri Lanka “far behind and somewhat backward” compared to regional markets.

“This is not the final outcome,” Prof. Dissabandara clarified. “We invite continued deliberation, criticism, and additions. Those who can contribute to their own industry’s development, come and join us. The place is ready.”

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges, the Chairman traced the crisis to fundamental growth problems: low economic growth led to budget deficits, debt burden, foreign reserve depletion, and a vicious export-import cycle.

“We’ve moved from rescue to recovery. Now we seek growth,” he said. “Growth cannot happen by simply saying we will do it. We have a great economic plan, but limited funds must be carefully channelled to identified growth areas. The capital market must play its role in this national transformation.” The strategic plan aims to achieve:

Stock market capitalisation of at least 50% of GDP (from current 26%)

Corporate debt market expansion to meaningful levels (from 0.8%)

Market participation increasing to 10% of population (from less than 1%)

500-1,000 listed companies (from 286)

Robust derivatives and alternative investment products

Enhanced investor protection and market transparency

Seamless fund flow from surplus to deficit agents across the economy

Addressing the forum, Prof. Fernando underscored the critical role of investment in driving Sri Lanka’s next phase of growth.

He emphasised that without investment, growth cannot be sustained, noting that while it must be sustainable, at times exponential growth within a defined period is necessary to make up for the decade already lost.

Highlighting the importance of quality investments for capital formation, he stressed that the capital market must not be seen as a domain only for large investors, but one that welcomes participation from all citizens.

‘Bridging the gap between savings and investments is essential,’ he said, adding that in an efficient market, information should be openly accessible to ensure a truly democratic capital market. He further affirmed that the role of government is to act as a facilitator in this transformation.

‘I envision the SEC not simply as a regulator monitoring the market, but as a dynamic facilitator driving capital market formation and development forward,’ Prof. Fernando said.

In his speech Dr. Suriyapperuma, noted that Sri Lanka’s journey of growth and transformation has already begun, built on prudent economic management, financial discipline, and improved governance. He said that early entrants to the market stand to benefit as stability takes hold and opportunities expand.

He pointed to recent GDP growth of around 5% as evidence of this progress, emphasizing that the gains achieved must be made sustainable.

Stability, he said, has already brought tangible benefits: corporates have improved profitability and forecasting ability, investors have seen renewed confidence reflected in market indices, and citizens have experienced lower interest rates, contained inflation, and increased opportunities.

Dr. Suriyapperuma said the SEC’s Strategic Plan and its 12 pillars as a vital step in sustaining this progress by strengthening governance, deepening market participation, and engaging all stakeholders in the journey. He reaffirmed the Treasury’s commitment to supporting initiatives that build on this stability and uplift society to the next level.

John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra illustrated how capital markets have powered John Keells’ growth trajectory over decades.

“We have raised capital repeatedly through rights issues, private placements, and even innovative warrant instruments traded on the CSE. These funding mechanisms enabled us to complete the $ 1.2 billion Cinnamon Life project and invest $ 80 million in the Colombo West Terminal,’ Balendra said.

He emphasised the critical role of investor confidence: “If you build a track record as a listed company, investors will support you even in crisis. This is exactly what happened when Fairfax invested $ 75 million in convertible debentures during our darkest economic period.”

Balendra concluded with a direct appeal: “For unlisted corporates and SOEs, why not leverage capital markets for growth? For listed companies where promoters hold excessive stakes, consider dilution. The new single borrower limits will make this necessity, not choice.”

ADB Consultant Hiran Mendis shared regional perspectives with forum: ‘I remember when the South Asian Federation of Exchanges was established, and the Colombo Stock Exchange held the second Chairmanship, ahead of India’s NSE and Bombay Stock Exchange. That was the regard these institutions had for us. We need to build on that legacy.”

He noted Sri Lanka’s proven capabilities: “The infrastructure we have, the CCP, the trading systems, must be mobilised for the greater good. Exchange-traded funds, Sustainability Bonds including Blue Bonds for our vast exclusive economic zone, consolidation of debt markets, these are proven strategies that can transform our market.”

Mendis said: “We are too small a market to fragment our efforts. When we work together to make the cake bigger, everyone’s slice grows.”

Over 250 finance and capital market professionals participated in this forum.

Defending champions Australia began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2025 campaign with a commanding 89-run win over New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore yesterday, bowling them out for 237.

New Zealand never found momentum in the chase despite a valiant effort from Sophie Devine, who struck a fighting 112 off 112 balls. Once she departed, Australia’s bowlers wrapped things up quickly with Sophie Molineux (25-3) and Annabel Sutherland (26-3) sharing the last five wickets to seal a comprehensive victory while Alana King (44-2) also bagged crucial wickets.

Sutherland turned the tide decisively in Australia’s favour, claiming three wickets in a single over. Along with Devine, she also removed Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, leaving New Zealand with little resistance in the closing stages.

New Zealand’s struggles deepened when Maddy Green was run out after another mix-up, the second such dismissal of the innings. The setback came soon after King had struck twice, removing Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday to break crucial partnerships, leaving Sophie Devine short of support at the other end.

Their chase of 327 began on a disastrous note as they lost two wickets inside the first two overs with Georgie Plimmer and Suzie Bates out for ducks

However, walking in at 0-2, Sophie Devine offered New Zealand hope in their big chase, standing firm even as wickets tumbled around her.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Ashleigh Gardner (115 of 83 balls) steered Australia past the 300 mark after a shaky start against New Zealand with her second ODI ton which arrived at a crucial stage when wickets were tumbling regularly. The defending champions eventually closed their innings with 326 runs on the board.

Earlier in the first innings, New Zealand had Australia reeling thanks to Leah Tahuhu (42-3). She dismissed Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney before removing Tahlia McGrath, breaking a 64-run partnership with Gardner. Amelia Kerr (54-2) added to the pressure, claiming the wickets of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield. Jess Kerr (59-3) claimed the last three wickets for New Zealand while Breearne Illing (75-2) struck with two wickets, including that of Gardner.

Litchfield’s wicket was a milestone moment for Kerr, as it brought up her 100th in Women’s ODIs, making her only the third New Zealand bowler to reach the landmark.

Earlier, playing in her first CWC, Illing removed Australia Captain Healy early on in New Zealand’s opening game of the tournament. But even as partnerships around her crumbled, Gardner stood strong and struck a crucial century to power Australia to a formidable total.

Defending champions Australia, one of the prime contenders for the title, will look to bag their second win when they take on Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday. Meanwhile, New Zealand will once again play at the Holkar Stadium as they look to regroup against South Africa on 6 October.

The Sri Lanka Badminton Novices Championship 2025 began in Ratnapura following the opening ceremony where top officials of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB), the Regional Development Committee and Sabaragamuwa Province Badminton Association graced the occasion.

The five-day grand competition for novice shuttlers, has drawn a large number young and aspiring shuttlers from all parts of Sri Lanka, where the next generation of badminton stars are expected to compete under exciting surroundings. The event is underway simultaneously at three prominent indoor facilities in the Sabaragamuwa region – the Deshabandhu Lt. Col. W. Wimaladasa Indoor Stadium in Kuruwita, the Sabaragamuwa Province Indoor Sports Complex, and the Seevali College Indoor Stadium, both situated in Ratnapura. The organisers, SLB, have been fully supported by the Regional Development Committee and Sabaragamuwa Province Badminton, the entity who have taken the responsibility to conduct the event.

The five-day event includes competitions for shuttlers of the age categories of Under-19, Under-17, Under-15, Under-13 and Under-11. The vast number of shuttlers will compete under Boy’s and Girl’s in Singles as well as Doubles under Junior Events. The Open Event for shuttlers of 14-years and above, includes competitions Singles and Doubles events for Men and Women and Mixed categories. The entire tournament will be conducted in accordance to the BWF Laws of Badminton.

The competition continued at all three venues with the preliminary round matches from 28 September, until 30 September before the knockout stages. The quarter-finals and semi-finals have been slotted to take place today, followed by selected semi-finals and finals of all age categories tomorrow, followed by the awards ceremony.

In every society, two groups need the most care and protection-children and elders. They are at opposite ends of life’s journey, yet they share similar vulnerabilities. Both depend on the love, guidance, and responsibility of families and communities. Strengthening protection for these two groups does not require separate systems; instead, it calls for an intergenerational approach where both are valued, respected, and supported together.

Shared Vulnerabilities, Shared Responsibilities

Children need protection from neglect, abuse, exploitation, and harmful influences-both online and offline. Similarly, elders often face abandonment, financial insecurity, loneliness, and emotional neglect. What is common is their dependence on others for safety, dignity, and wellbeing. Societies that care for children while ignoring elders, or vice versa, miss the bigger picture. True compassion requires creating systems where both generations feel seen and secure.

The Family as the First Shield of Protection

Families are the first line of defence for both age groups. Children rely on parents and guardians for guidance, affection, education, and safety. Elders rely on family members for emotional support, caregiving, mobility, and medical assistance. When families are strong, both children and elders thrive. When families are under stress-from migration, financial difficulties, or work pressures-neglect can occur unintentionally.

Sharing responsibility within families helps prevent burnout. Older grandparents can play active roles in childcare, storytelling, and passing on values, while adults ensure elders receive proper healthcare, companionship, and respect. This exchange builds mutual trust and reduces feelings of isolation.

Intergenerational Bonds as a Protective Force

One of the most effective ways to protect both children and elders is by strengthening intergenerational relationships. When children grow up with engaged grandparents or older relatives, they learn empathy, respect, culture, and history. Elders, in turn, feel needed, valued, and mentally active.

Simple interactions-reading together, doing homework with grandparents, gardening, or sharing traditional games-can improve emotional wellbeing for both. Research shows that children who grow up close to elders develop stronger emotional intelligence, while elders who interact with young people experience less loneliness and sharper memory.

Communities as a Second Home

Beyond families, communities also play a crucial role in protecting children and elders. Community centres, religious institutions, schools, and local organisations can create programmes that bring these generations together. Intergenerational clubs, neighbourhood care teams, and social events can reduce isolation and offer safe spaces for learning and companionship.

Local volunteers can visit elders living alone, while youth groups can assist with errands, technology, or home needs. Likewise, community childcare programmes or safe play areas can reduce risks for children whose parents are working.

Health and Mental Wellbeing

Protection is not limited to physical safety-it also includes mental and emotional health. Children today face rising stress from school pressure, bullying, technology overuse, and social comparison. Elders often struggle with depression, memory issues, loneliness, or limited mobility. Supporting both groups requires accessible mental health services, regular check-ins, and open communication.

Listening to children when they express fear or discomfort, and giving elders the confidence to ask for help, are essential steps in creating a supportive environment.

Policy, Law, and Social Care

Governments also have a duty to protect both generations. Child protection laws, digital safety regulations, helplines, and school safeguards help prevent abuse and neglect. Similarly, policies on elder rights, pensions, caregiving support, and healthcare access ensure seniors are not forgotten.

However, policies should not treat these groups separately. Integrated care systems-where childcare services, elder support, and family welfare programmes work together-have far greater impact. Encouraging flexible work arrangements allows caregivers to look after both their children and ageing parents without financial fear.

Technology as a Tool for Safety

Technology, when used responsibly, can protect both elders and children. Video calls help families stay connected across distances. GPS trackers and emergency alert systems can assist elders with mobility or health concerns. Parental controls and digital literacy programmes protect children from online threats.

At the same time, teaching elders how to use smartphones and internet tools empowers them to stay connected and reduces isolation. Children can even help elders learn technology, creating meaningful collaboration.

A Culture of Care and Respect

Ultimately, the greatest protection comes from mindset. Children should be taught from a young age that elders deserve gratitude and respect, not inconvenience or neglect. Similarly, elders should be encouraged to share time, wisdom, and kindness with children. When both feel valued, families grow stronger and communities become more compassionate.

Moving Forward Together

Protecting one generation should never come at the cost of the other. By building systems that support both children and elders-within families, communities, and national policies-we create a society that honours life at every stage. Their needs may be different, but their right to safety, love, and dignity is the same.

A nation that cares equally for its youngest and oldest members shapes a kinder, more resilient future-one where protection is not a duty, but a shared promise across generations.

As populations around the world grow older, the question of how we care for our senior citizens becomes increasingly important. World Elders’ Day serves as a powerful reminder that ageing is a natural phase of life that should be met with dignity, empathy and meaningful support. One of the most impactful ways to protect and uplift the elderly is by strengthening family-based care and community support systems. Together, these two pillars can ensure that elders live not just longer lives, but happier, safer and more fulfilling ones.

The Changing Reality of Elder Care

Traditionally, elders were cared for within extended family households. Grandparents played active roles in raising children, guiding families and preserving cultural values. However, modern lifestyles have transformed these structures. Urban migration, overseas employment, nuclear families and busy work routines have left many elders without consistent support. Even when families are willing, time constraints and financial pressures can make caregiving a challenge.

Yet, elders continue to contribute to families and communities in countless ways-through wisdom, childcare, life experience and emotional guidance. Strengthening family-based care is not only a moral obligation, but an act of gratitude and respect.

Family-Based Care: A Lifeline of Love and Security

Family care provides emotional stability that institutional care often cannot match. For many elders, familiarity, routine and affection are essential for mental and physical wellbeing. However, caregiving must be shared, not assigned to one individual alone.

Families can strengthen elder care through:

Shared responsibility: Siblings and relatives can divide roles such as financial support, hospital visits, meal planning or companionship.

Flexible arrangements: Adult children living abroad can stay closely involved through regular calls, digital check-ins or financial assistance.

Home adjustments: Simple changes like ramps, railings, non-slip mats and accessible bathrooms help elders remain independent and safe.

Respectful communication: Including elders in decisions about their own care helps them retain dignity and autonomy.

Caregiving should not be seen as a burden, but as an extension of the affection and sacrifice elders once gave.

Emotional Support: The Heart of Family Care

Elders often face loneliness, especially after retirement, the loss of a spouse or when children move away. A supportive family can prevent emotional decline by offering companionship, regular conversations and involvement in family life. Asking elders for advice, listening to their stories or including them in celebrations strengthens their sense of belonging.

Younger generations also benefit from these interactions. Children who spend time with grandparents learn kindness, cultural heritage and respect for ageing.

When Families Need Help: The Role of Communities

Not all families have the resources, time or capacity to provide complete care. This is where community-based support systems become vital.

Community involvement can take many forms:

Elder day-care centres that offer social engagement, activities and meals.

Religious and cultural organisations that coordinate visits, check-ins and festive gatherings.

Volunteer networks that assist with groceries, medical visits or companionship.

Local health clinics that provide free or subsidized check-ups, medicine and screenings.

Senior clubs and activity groups that keep elders mentally and socially active.

These initiatives reduce isolation, promote independence and give families peace of mind.

Government and Policy Support

Strong policies are essential to combine family and community care effectively. Governments can support elder wellbeing by:

Offering financial assistance, pensions or subsidies for low-income seniors.

Providing training and respite services for caregivers to reduce burnout.

Establishing home nursing and mobile medical teams for immobile or rural elders.

Supporting emergency hotlines and legal protections against abuse and neglect.

Encouraging public-private partnerships to build senior-friendly community facilities.

By investing in eldercare infrastructure, governments reduce hospital costs and enhance community strength.

The Role of Technology in Supporting Care

Technology is often viewed as intimidating to the elderly, but with proper guidance, it can greatly improve their quality of life. Families and communities can help elders use:

Video calls to stay in touch with distant relatives.

Telemedicine platforms for medical consultations without travel.

Emergency alert devices for safety.

Messaging apps for staying socially connected.

Digital tools can complement, not replace, personal care.

Respect and Dignity: Non-Negotiable Values

Strengthening elder care is not only about physical assistance, but about preserving dignity. Elders should not feel like burdens or afterthoughts. They deserve:

Autonomy in daily decisions.

The right to express preferences.

Freedom from neglect or abuse.

Recognition for their contributions and experiences.

Showing appreciation, patience and empathy fosters mutual respect and strengthens family bonds.

Building a Compassionate Society

A society that looks after its elders reflects its core values. When communities, families and institutions work together, elders are empowered to live with confidence and purpose. Caring for them also strengthens social fabric, reinforces intergenerational understanding and inspires younger generations to follow the same example in the future.

A Shared Responsibility

Family-based care and community support are not separate approaches-they are interconnected. When families take the lead and communities offer support, elder care becomes sustainable and dignified. No elderly person should feel abandoned, invisible or unheard.

On this World Elders’ Day, let us renew our commitment to those who once supported and nurtured us. By strengthening home care, building community networks and upholding compassion, we can create a world where elders age with love, security and purpose.

Ageing is not the end of usefulness-it is the continuation of humanity’s wisdom. Our duty is to ensure our elders walk their final chapters surrounded by care, respect and dignity.

A new three-storey ward complex costing Rs. 1 billion has been opened at the Dharga Town District Hospital, with Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attending the ceremony.

The project is part of a Chinese-funded initiative to upgrade 13 hospitals across the country.

The 38,400-square-foot facility includes a 96-bed maternal and paediatric ward, a four-bed ICU, general wards, and an outpatient department. The Health Ministry has set aside an additional Rs. 50 million to procure essential medical equipment.

According to Dr. Jayatissa, the facility addresses a longstanding requirement in the area and will help reduce pressure on the Kalutara and Beruwala hospitals. Staffing will be expanded gradually, with more doctors, nurses, and support personnel to be deployed.

The hospital, managed by the National Institute of Health Sciences, is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare in the Kalutara District.

World Children’s Day is celebrated in Sri Lanka on October 1st annually. This year the theme for World Children’s Day is ‘Nurture with Love – To Lead the World’.

The week leading up to Children’s Day has also been declared as the National Children’s Week. It will take place from 25th September to 1st October. Several programmes and initiatives will take place during this time.

Interestingly the date for World’s Children’s Day changes according to region and country. It was first proclaimed during the World Conference of Child Welfare in 1925 and since 1950 is celebrated by several countries on June 1st. Several other countries began celebrating it on November 20th to commemorate the issuance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly.

While here in Sri Lanka we celebrate it on October 1st each year, the day is a great reminder that children are often overlooked and are among the more vulnerable in our society. Giving them a space to grow in security and freedom, looking after their interests and making sure that their rights are protected, is a sign of a healthy and thriving country and people. Most importantly helping them grow in their creativity too, gives children the opportunity to discover their potential and what they would like to be when they grow up.

While conventional education is and always will be a strong foundation for our children, we must not forget that every child cannot fill the formulaic mold. As parents and teachers, giving room for a child’s imagination and encouraging them with what they are good at, can help nurture them to become good leaders and grow to bring true change in the world around them.

In the Junior Mirror, which is the children’s section of the Daily Mirror, you will find a space for your kids to discover creativity and grow their imagination. So get your children to read, to write, to draw and paint, encourage them to do more activities that they love, to nurture a future in which they will find contentment, joy and peace.

SLIM Brand Excellence has received the highest number of entries in its history as the judging process formally gets underway.

SLIM said the record-breaking response underscores rising industry confidence and participation. This year’s competition includes an international judging component, bringing global expertise and elevated benchmarks to the evaluation process. The jury brief took place on 22 September, initiating a rigorous, multi-stage assessment designed to reward strategic clarity, creative strength, and measurable market impact. With enhanced oversight and transparent criteria, SLIM Brand Excellence continues to raise the bar for credibility and standards across the marketing and business community.

The momentum around this year’s cycle affirms SLIM Brand Excellence’s role as a catalyst for professional development and industry progress. Entrants represent a broad cross-section of sectors and disciplines, reinforcing the program’s relevance to brands at different stages of growth. As judging commences, participants can expect a clear, timely process overseen by an experienced jury panel with deep regional and international exposure.

Building on this success, SLIM Brand Excellence will continue to strengthen its framework and partnerships to align with international best practice, ensuring the platform remains contemporary, inclusive, and forward-looking. Details on category evaluations, shortlists, and subsequent milestones will be shared in due course through official SLIM channels.