MUMBAI: Satellite operator Asiasat was named the "Best Asian Satellite Carrier" at the 2005 Telecom Asia Awards a few days ago.
 

The presentation took place in Bali, Indonesia. The awards were judged by a panel of telecommunications experts, backed by financial analysis by research company the Yankee Group, on the basis of carriers' financial performance, market leadership, technology innovation and corporate governance.
 
 

Asiasat CEO Peter Jackson said, "We would like to thank our customers, partners and our staff for our achievement in outstanding financial results and high quality service. Building on the wealth of our satellite expertise and experience, we shall continue to strive for excellence in adding value to our customers through innovative service offerings and comprehensive customer service. We are putting in place a solid foundation to lead the industry for the long term".

Asiasat states that it pioneered regional satellite television and private satellite communications networks in Asia with the launch of AsiaSat 1, Asia's first privately owned regional satellite, in 1990. Asiasat now operates three pan Asian satellites that provide customers with access to more than 50 countries and regions in the Asia Pacific, encompassing 3.3 billion people.

In March this year, AsiaSat reported record revenue for 2004 with an increase in net profit and overall satellite utilisation rate. In corporate governance performance, Asiasat was rated as one of the top 10 performers in a survey on corporate governance of 168 Hong Kong listed companies sponsored by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors and conducted by the City University of Hong Kong. In another survey conducted by Institutional Shareholder Services, Asiasat was also among the top rated Hong Kong listed companies in corporate governance standards.