Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP) President and CEO Ruth Yu-Owen has been named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards, highlighting her leadership in the Philippine renewable energy sector.

UGEP was also a finalist for Sustainability Company of the Year, awarded to Philippine organizations that demonstrate measurable progress in environmental initiatives and leadership in sustainability.

Yu-Owen brings over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, including wind, hydro, and solar projects, and has guided UGEP in providing sustainable energy solutions for commercial and industrial estates nationwide. Her leadership also emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and rural socioeconomic development.

The Asia CEO Awards recognize outstanding business leaders and companies across the region for excellence in leadership, innovation, and sustainability, and are widely regarded as a benchmark of corporate achievement in Asia. This year’s ceremony was held on October 14 at Marriott Manila.

The awards were presented by Patrick Dennis Solosa, OIC President & CEO of Maybank Philippines, and Edelyn Castro, Head for Corporate Affairs, Maybank Philippines. UGEP joined other Circle of Excellence awardees including Agridom, BPI, Filinvest REIT, Fluor Daniel Philippines, KMC Solutions, Land Bank of the Philippines, Metro Pacific Health Tech, and RCBC.

Yu-Owen has previously been recognized for her leadership and impact in energy and community development through awards including EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2024), WEPS Leadership Commitment Award (2024), recognition by USAID’s Smart Power Program, and inclusion among the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn (2021).

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