Brunei Joins Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam in Celebrating New Talent and Innovation at Stelliers Asia 2026

Stelliers Asia 2026 is set to shine a spotlight on the brightest talents and groundbreaking innovations in the hospitality industry across 12 Asian countries, with Brunei joining the ranks of Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. This prestigious event celebrates hospitality professionals who are redefining the industry, offering a platform for emerging leaders to gain the recognition they deserve. With a focus on merit-based achievements, Stelliers Asia 2026 promises to honor those who are driving change, inspiring excellence, and setting new benchmarks across Asia’s dynamic hospitality sector.

The application process remains free of charge and will be open until 20 March 2026, allowing all eligible professionals to apply without any financial barrier. This initiative ensures that the awards remain accessible, encouraging a broad range of talent, from emerging professionals to seasoned leaders. Since its 2024 relaunch in Asia, Stelliers has witnessed a surge in interest, with a notable increase in applications across Stelliers Asia and Stelliers Greater China. This growth reflects the increasing value placed on the awards as a credible platform for professional recognition in the hospitality industry.

Stelliers is grounded in the belief that excellence in hospitality is shaped by the people behind the scenes. Unlike many awards that focus on brands or properties, Stelliers places the spotlight on the professionals who manage operations, develop strategies, and ensure exceptional guest experiences. By keeping the process open and accessible, Stelliers ensures that professionals at every stage of their career can participate, giving them a chance to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the industry.

For the Stelliers Asia 2026 awards, professionals from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam are invited to apply. The awards cover a wide spectrum of hospitality roles, including general management, hotel operations, corporate leadership, ownership, security, human resources, and other specialist areas, ensuring that the diversity of talent within the sector is represented.

To be eligible for recognition, applicants must be currently employed and have held their role for at least nine months before the application deadline. In a move that encourages wider participation, hotels are allowed to nominate multiple candidates, with no cap on the number of entries per property. This flexibility reflects the value Stelliers places on recognising all levels of talent within an organisation, from senior leadership to operational staff, ensuring a fair and inclusive approach to the awards.

A major development for Stelliers Asia 2026 is the introduction of three new award categories, each designed to address the evolving needs and responsibilities in hospitality. The Corporate Hotelier category recognizes senior professionals at the corporate or regional level who influence strategy, performance, and company culture across multiple properties. This category acknowledges individuals who lead large-scale operations and guide the direction of hospitality businesses, shaping the industry at the highest level.

The Owner category focuses on hotel owners and asset leaders whose long-term strategic direction and investment decisions have a direct impact on the success and sustainability of their properties. This category highlights the crucial role owners play in the development of the hospitality industry, particularly in fostering long-term growth and innovation.

The Security Hotelier category recognizes professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of guests, staff, and assets within hotel operations. As the hospitality sector faces increasing challenges in securing its properties and guests, this category emphasizes the importance of robust security practices in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

An independent jury made up of industry experts from hospitality, technology, asset management, and advisory sectors will evaluate the entries for Stelliers Asia 2026. The jury’s diverse backgrounds ensure that each entry is assessed fairly and impartially, based purely on the professional merit of the individual. This independent judging process has been a cornerstone of Stelliers’ credibility, ensuring that the awards remain respected and trustworthy.

NORDAQ, as Title Partner, returns for the second consecutive year, supporting Stelliers’ mission to recognize and celebrate the best in hospitality leadership. NORDAQ’s commitment to sustainability, responsible leadership, and operational excellence aligns perfectly with Stelliers’ vision, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in the hospitality industry. NORDAQ’s efforts to help hotels reduce single-use plastics and implement eco-friendly solutions further solidify the partnership’s shared values.

Beyond simply recognising excellence, Stelliers Asia provides a powerful career development tool. For finalists and winners, the awards offer invaluable exposure, career advancement opportunities, and professional credibility. By elevating the achievements of industry leaders, Stelliers provides a platform for professionals to gain regional recognition and expand their influence within the hospitality sector. The awards also offer the wider industry a snapshot of the emerging talent and key trends shaping hospitality in Asia.

The finalists for Stelliers Asia 2026 will be revealed on 5 June 2026, during a live broadcast. This live announcement ensures transparency and allows for real-time engagement with the hospitality community. The awards ceremony will take place in September 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, a city renowned for its vibrant hospitality scene and its role as a hub for the travel and tourism industry in Asia.

As Stelliers Asia 2026 opens its applications, it reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the individuals who are driving the hospitality sector forward. Through its merit-based approach, the awards provide an opportunity for professionals to be recognised for their outstanding contributions, whether they are in senior management, operations, or specialized roles. Stelliers continues to offer a respected and inclusive platform for hospitality talent across Asia, highlighting the value of people, expertise, and leadership in shaping the future of the industry.

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