- Celebrating People-First Workplaces, Now Across 3 Regions, Including Middle East and Africa
- 56 Companies in Singapore and Malaysia the First to Be Recognised as Workplaces of Happy Employees
The Employee Happiness Awards Singapore 2026, a global platform that celebrates organisations committed to building positive, people-first workplaces, marks a powerful debut as the platform’s inaugural edition in Southeast Asia. Attracting participation from more than 80 companies in Singapore and Malaysia across more than 25 categories, the gala award ceremony was attended by more than 200 business and human resource leaders and innovators in their field. Held on 10 April 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, the dinner drew a close to the 6-month nomination and selection process which saw 56 companies winning awards for gold, silver and bronze across 25 categories.
The night unfolded as a vibrant celebration of organisations and individuals who are redefining workplace culture. From moments of anticipation during award announcements to the energy of teams coming together on stage, the evening reflected the spirit of collaboration and pride that defines people-first workplaces. Beyond the awards, the event served as a meaningful platform for connection, where conversations, ideas, and experiences were exchanged among some of the region’s most forward-thinking organisations.
Conceptualised by Eventyst Global, a Dubai-based event management company which believes that employee happiness is not a perk, but a strategy, the Employee Happiness Awards was created as a platform to celebrate organisations that prioritise employee well-being, engagement, and inclusive workplace cultures. What began as a single regional initiative in 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, has grown into a multi-country movement, including the Middle East and Africa. With the inclusion of Singapore and Malaysia in Southeast Asia, the awards have now established a presence across three regions, underscoring a unified global commitment to building better workplaces.
Each edition follows a consistent, rigorous framework, combining nominations and expert jury evaluation, ensuring credibility, transparency, and global relevance while respecting local workplace contexts. Submissions are assessed on programme design, consistency in execution, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that recognition was awarded to initiatives that demonstrate real, lasting impact.
Winners from the evening represented a diverse mix of industries and were recognised for their innovative and impactful contributions to employee happiness.
Nippon Sanso Holdings Singapore’s Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, Pauline Loo says, “”This recognition at the Employee Happiness Awards Singapore and Malaysia 2026 is a celebration of our people and our belief that when employees thrive, the organisation flourishes. It reflects our ongoing commitment to develop people, enable growth, and partner the business to create sustainable value through skills and workforce development.” Nippon Sanso is the Silver winner for the Best Employee-driven Business Change category and Bronze winner for the Best Learning and Development Strategy category.
Silver award winner for the Best Small Company to Work For, Macross Consultancy’s founder, Teo Chee Keat, adds, “It is a profound honor to be recognised at the Employee Happiness Awards Singapore and Malaysia 2026. As Macross Consultancy evolves, this award validates our commitment to balancing professional excellence with a people-first culture. It serves as a powerful motivation for us to continue nurturing a workplace where every team member can thrive.”
Winner of the Gold Award for the Best Inclusion Strategy for People of Disabilities category, dnata Catering and Retail Singapore’s Managing Director, Matthew Igo Ball, says, “This recognition highlights the consistent effort our team in Singapore has made to foster a positive and supportive workplace culture. In a fast-paced, high-performance environment like ours, employee well-being is fundamental to how we operate and deliver for our customers every day. It brings to life our global dnata values, and we will continue to invest in a workplace where our people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.”
The successful launch of the Employee Happiness Awards in Singapore and Malaysia further strengthens its position as a global benchmark for workplace excellence, and a testament to what organisations can achieve when people are placed at the centre of business strategy. The award ceremony was not just a night of recognition, but a celebration of intent translated into action, of cultures built with care, and of workplaces designed for people to truly thrive.
For more information about the Employee Happiness Awards in Singapore and Malaysia, visit www.sgmy.employeehappiness.org.
Website: www.sgmy.employeehappiness.org
About the Employee Happiness Awards
The Employee Happiness Awards is a global platform that celebrates organisations committed to building positive, people-first workplaces. Established in 2023 in the UAE, the Awards were created to recognise companies that go beyond policies and metrics to create cultures where employees genuinely thrive.
What began as a single regional initiative has grown into a multi-country movement, with editions now expanding across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Each edition follows a consistent, rigorous framework, combining nominations and expert jury evaluation, ensuring credibility, transparency, and global relevance while respecting local workplace contexts.
At our core, we believe that employee happiness is not a perk, it is a strategy. Our ethos is rooted in recognising authentic workplace practices, celebrating leadership that prioritises well-being, and amplifying stories that inspire organisations worldwide to build healthier, more engaged, and more human workplaces.
For more information, visit www.employeehappiness.org.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Lady M, New York City Luxury Confections Brand, Reopens in Jewel Changi Airport
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
