Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Asean Business Advisory Council Philippines chair José Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III was conferred the Padma Shri award at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Special Commemorative Summit held last month.

Concepcion was in New Delhi, India, as part of the official delegation of President Duterte’s state visit, which aimed to strengthen partnership and foster business ties with India.

The Indian government conferred the Padma Shri award to 73 individuals, including one from each member country of the Asean. The Padma Shri award is the fourth highest civilian award given annually by the government of India on India’s Republic Day.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar recognized Concepcion as a key advocate of entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

Concepcion, in turn, expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Indian government.