These categories recognize innovation in the management and practice of human resources since 1 July 2023.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories include
a. An essay of up to 2,500 characters describing the nominee's innovative achievements since 1 July 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.

L01. Award for the Innovative Use of Technology in Human Resources
a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
d. Telecommunications Industries: recognizes achievement in all telecommunications industries.
e. Government: recognizes achievement in all government organizations.
f. Non-Profit: recognizes achievement in all non-profit organizations and NGOs.
g. Public Enterprise: recognizes achievement in all business organizations wholly or partly owned by the state and controlled through a public authority.
h. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Award for Innovation in Human Resources categories.

L02. Award for Innovation in Human Resources Management, Planning & Practice
a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
d. Telecommunications Industries: recognizes achievement in all telecommunications industries.
e. Government: recognizes achievement in all government organizations.
f. Non-Profit: recognizes achievement in all non-profit organizations and NGOs.
g. Public Enterprise: recognizes achievement in all business organizations wholly or partly owned by the state and controlled through a public authority.
h. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Award for Innovation in Human Resources categories.

L03. Award for Most Innovative HR Department / Team of the Year
a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
d. Telecommunications Industries: recognizes achievement in all telecommunications industries.
e. Government: recognizes achievement in all government organizations.
f. Non-Profit: recognizes achievement in all non-profit organizations and NGOs.
g. Public Enterprise: recognizes achievement in all business organizations wholly or partly owned by the state and controlled through a public authority.
h. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Human Resources categories.

L04. Award for Innovation in AI-Powered Human Resource Practices (new for 2026)
Recognizing Asia-Pacific organizations that have integrated AI into HR operations such as recruitment, workforce analytics, performance tracking, or personalized employee experiences.

L05. Award for Innovation in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace (new for 2026)
Recognizing organizations in the Asia-Pacific region for outstanding initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring, leadership, and organizational culture.

L06. Award for Innovation in Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health Programs (new for 2026)
Recognizing organizations in the Asia-Pacific region that have developed and implemented innovative approaches to improve employee wellbeing, work-life balance, or mental health support.

L07. Award for Innovation in Remote or Hybrid Work Practices (new for 2026)
Recognizing Asia-Pacific organizations that have implemented groundbreaking policies, technologies, or cultural shifts that support remote or hybrid work environments.

L08. Award for Innovation in Talent Development & Upskilling (new for 2026)
Recognizing innovative training, mentorship, or skills development initiatives that enhance career growth and talent retention in the Asia-Pacific workforce.