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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 23 October 2026 - The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) hosted The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards 2026 on the night of 22 October 2026 at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, honouring brands and leaders whose courage and commitment have turned ambition into achievement. The evening also marked the official launch of TBAC | IBES - International Brand Excellence Standard, published by The BrandLaureate Accreditation Council (TBAC), established under TWBF.Celebrating the best of the best
Among the honourees, Sarawak Media Group (SMG), the parent company of TVS, received The BrandLaureate BestBrands Award 2026 for Nation's Pride Excellence in Corporate Branding and Media Development (Lumi News, https://luminews.my/news/4795430).
Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, President of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM), received The BrandLaureate Icon Leadership Award for Global Leadership in International Sports. The award was presented by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif, Patron of The BrandLaureate (Bernama via The Sun, https://thesun.my/sports/cycling-chief-amarjit-singh-bags-brandlaureate-leadership-award/ ; Stadium Astro; Berita RTM).
In a PKBM statement reported by Bernama, Datuk Amarjit said: "This award reflects the collective commitment of national federations, athletes, coaches, officials, partners and the many dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes."
A clear road for every brand
For 20 years, The BrandLaureate has honoured the best of the best. With TBAC | IBES, every brand now has a clear road toward that same excellence. The Awards remain the summit that celebrates excellence; TBAC | IBES is the road that helps brands build the trust to get there.
TBAC | IBES is a standard, not an award. It asks brands to show evidence, not claims, across Six Trust Pillars: Brand Strategy and Position; Governance and Brand Care; Customer and Staff Experience; Money and Market Strength; New Ideas and Change; and Ethics, Environment, and Trust. Each pillar is scored from 1 to 5, and independent reviewers check the evidence. Brands that meet the standard earn a BrandMark at one of three tiers: Verified, Distinguished or Icon. Every status can be checked publicly in the TBAC verification registry.
The pathway has three steps: BRAND ALLY, BRAND ASPIRANT and BRANDMARKED. TBAC | IBES begins with 12 inaugural Brand Allies from several countries. Any brand can start with the free Brand Snapshot, a 24-question self-check that takes about 10 minutes. (The Snapshot is a self-check only and does not lead to any BrandMark outcome.)
Speaking at the launch, Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, International Advisor, asked the audience: "What happens when EDUCATION meets The BrandLaureate?" He closed by inviting every brand in the room: "Welcome to the family!"
The launch was led under the vision of Prof. Dr. KK Johan, World President of The BrandLaureate.
How brands can take part
- Free Brand Snapshot: https://www.tbac.ac/snapshot
- About the standard: see the What is IBES page at tbac.ac
- Become a Brand Ally: https://www.tbac.ac/join
- Public Registry: https://www.tbac.ac/registry
About TBAC | IBES
TBAC | IBES - International Brand Excellence Standard is published by The BrandLaureate Accreditation Council (TBAC), established under The World Brands Foundation (TWBF). Known as "The Gold Standard for Brands and Branding," it helps brands demonstrate trust with evidence across Six Trust Pillars, through a clear pathway from BRAND ALLY to BRAND ASPIRANT to BRANDMARKED, with BrandMark tiers of Verified, Distinguished and Icon. tbac.ac
About The BrandLaureate
For 20 years, The BrandLaureate has honoured outstanding brands and leaders, with honourees in 80 countries. It is part of The World Brands Foundation (TWBF). thebrandlaureate.com
Media contact
TBAC | IBES
Email: info@tbac.ac
Web: tbac.ac
Phone: +603 7710 0348