Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, has been voted by the public internet community as the top Thinker of Singapore in the inaugural Singapore 9 project organised by premier digital media company Yahoo!.

Yahoo's Singapore 9 aims to recognise nine Singaporeans who made a big difference in the past year in areas from entertainment to politics, with 5 nominees for online voting in each of the 9 categories. Yahoo nominated Mr Ho for his position as an Asian businessman and thought leader who found opportunity in adversity and leadership in civic causes.

Jeffrey Oon, Country Editor, Yahoo!, said: "Our readers voted Mr Ho as the winner in the Thinkers category, no doubt because of how he managed to transform his vision of creating an eco-friendly Asian luxury spa and resort concept into reality – one that Singaporeans can be proud of. Banyan Tree has since stamped its mark on the global lifestyle and hotel industry without compromising on its values. In addition, his continuing work on eco-preservation and nature conservancy, long before it became fashionable to do so, was also recognised and acknowledged."

Mr Ho said: "It is an honour to be identified as a thinker. The award is also a testimony of Banyan Tree's success as an original brand built from scratch with its own signature concept, and an appreciation of our ethos as a socially responsible company.

Mr Ho added, "I have often decried the absence of thought leaders in Asia and called for the need for such people to ask thought-provoking questions. In my own speeches, writings, business, and work with Singapore Management University, I have tried to walk the talk. It is generous of Yahoo voters to acknowledge this effort. It is apt that the award is in elebration of Singapore's National Day and I'd like to take the opportunity to share this honour with all associates of Banyan Tree, both at home and 32 other countries worldwide."