The inaugural IR Academy Asia Awards saw three industry icons and three rising stars recognized for their contributions to the industry.
Representing the birth of an important new initiative for the Asian gaming industry, the 1st IR Academy Asia Awards were held in late November 2021 where six people were recognized for their past, present and future contributions.
Held at The Londoner Macao, the 1st IR Academy Asia Awards saw a total of six awards presented with three in the Rising Stars category and three in the Industry Icons category.
The inaugural winners of the Industry Icons award were Scientific Games Vice President and Managing Director Asia, Ken Jolly, Director of Business Development for Mega Fortris (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Olivia Lee, and Wynn Macau Ltd Chief Operating Officer, Ciarán Carruthers.
The three Rising Stars award recipients were Scientific Games’ Systems Sales Manager Asia, Amit Patel, Director of Electronic Gaming Operations for Paradise Entertainment, Chun Howe Saw, and Head of Sales for TCSJohnHuxley, Mark Howell.
More than 1,000 votes were cast for the 1st IRAA Awards which saw over 100 people in attendance to witness the birth of this new industry initiative.
The IRAA Awards, under the remit of the IR Academy Asia, recognize the valuable and meaningful contribution to our industry of many of its executives, from young up-and-coming Senior Managers and Assistant Directors right up to Senior Vice Presidents and even some C-level executives.
The IR Academy was founded in 2021 by Inside Asian Gaming to advance professionalism within the land-based industry and to recognize industry executives and their contributions to the industry.
The 2nd IRAA Awards will be held in 2022, with details to be announced via the IRAA website at iracademyasia.com.
IAG would like to congratulate the inaugural winners and to thank our sponsors, who helped make the event a reality. Sands China was Venue Sponsor, and IGT and Scientific Games were both Platinum Sponsors of the 1st IRAA Awards.
Membership of the IRAA remains open at no charge to any person who meets the eligibility criteria. The main eligibility criterion is having worked in the legal, land-based Asian IR or gaming industry in a gaming or non-gaming capacity, for an operator, supplier or professional services provider, for a minimum of two years.
To join the IRAA, visit iracadademyasia.com
