Angkas and founder recognized at 13th Asia CEO Awards

MANILA: At the 13th Asia CEO Awards, Angkas and its founder Angeline Tham were recognized in the Circle of Excellence for two different categories.

Tham won the award for "Expat Executive of the Year," while Angkas won in the category "Service Excellence Company."

The Asia CEO Awards recognize businesses, businesspeople, and executives who have excelled and significantly improved society.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the other transportation limitations that were put in place during that time were survived by Angkas, a motorcycle taxi hailing service, by a mix of grit and adaptability.

Angkas relentlessly collaborated with the government to pinpoint issues that motorcycle transport could address at various stages of the pandemic.

As the Philippine Red Cross's mobility partner, Angkas now delivers test kits door to door and even transports samples to labs. Health professionals were given free rides by Angkas as transportation restrictions loosened.

“Public service not only for our customers, our bikers' partners, and their families but for the whole nation has always been an integral part of Angkas’ DNA,” shared Angkas CEO George Royeca. “This company was established first and foremost as a solution to Metro Manila traffic, a very real problem many Filipinos face daily, that has economic consequences on a national level,” he added.

Despite the apparent benefits of using a motorcycle as a form of transportation, the common use of motorcycle taxis in the area, and the existence of illegal "habal-habal" services in cities across the nation, a motorcycle taxi service was unfathomable in 2015, the year Angkas was founded.

Motorcycle accidents accounted for 50% of all fatal traffic incidents at the time. The infamously careless driving habits of Filipinos resulted in appalling safety records for motorbikes, making the widespread use of motorcycle taxis impossible.

Tham performed something that no Filipino has ever done before and probably never would have done. As the founder of Angkas, Tham recognized that with the right instruction and encouragement, Filipinos might become responsible and safe riders.

After literally millions of bookings over the course of seven years of operation, her faith and commitment in Filipinos have given Angkas a safety record of 99.997%.

In addition to giving daily commuters in the Philippines a safe, dependable solution to their horrific traffic problems, Angkas also offers its over 23,000 motorbike partners a decent living.

“I know I speak for all of us at Angkas when I say that we are honored by this distinction. Whether or not we win, it is an affirmation for us, and it will inspire us to find more ways to be of service to Filipinos in the days and years to come,” declared Tham on learning the news.

The announcement of the winners of the 13th Asia CEO Awards will be on Tuesday, October 11 at 5 p.m., at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.

Photos from Angkas

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