Asian Institute of Management Founder Washington SyCip Honored at 2017 International House Awards Gala for Outstanding Contributions in Leadership

NEW YORK, May 08, 2017 -- International House, a premier residential community dedicated to preparing the next generation of globally-minded leaders, hosted its 2017 Awards Gala on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

Washington Z. SyCip Accepting the Edmonds Award for International Understanding at the 2017 International House Awards Gala, May 4, 2017, in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for International House) (l-r) Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong Vice President Ronnie Chan; Asian Institute of Management Founder and Chairman Emeritus Washington Z. SyCip; and President of Halanna Management Corporation George SyCip attend the International House 2017 Awards Gala at The Rainbow Room on May 4th, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for International House) (l-r) BNY Mellon SEVP and General Counsel Kevin McCarthy; BNY Mellon Chairman and CEO George Hassell; Asian Institute of Management Founder and Chairman Emeritus Washington Z. SyCip; President of Halanna Management Corporation George SyCip; and International House President Calvin Sims at the International House 2017 Awards Gala at The Rainbow Room on May 4th, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for International House)

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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More than 200 guests joined International House President Calvin Sims at the Rainbow Room in New York City to celebrate excellence in leadership exemplified by Washington Z. SyCip and BNY Mellon. In addition to International House Trustees and Alumni, guests included financier Geovanna Lim, real estate investment executives Ronnie Chan and Lulu Wang, and representatives from Mitsui & Co. and Toyota Motor North America. 

Mr. SyCip, 96, founded SGV Group, one Asia’s largest and most prestigious accounting and consulting firms, and is Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Asian Institute of Management. He has dedicated his life to promoting business models based in meritocracy, where individuals can thrive regardless of race or family background. He was presented with the Edmonds Award for International Understanding by International House Trustees Ambassador Frank G. Wisner, who serves as Board Chair, and Susan Stupin, Co-Founder of The Prescott Group.

“I stayed at International House when I was first introduced to America, at about 18 years of age,” the now legendary business leader recalled. “Thank you for inviting me back. I am so happy and grateful to be here.”

BNY Mellon Chairman and CEO Gerald Hassell accepted the Rockefeller Award for Distinguished Philanthropic Service on behalf of his company.  The award was introduced by Peter O’Neill, Chair of the International House Executive Committee and great grandnephew of the late David Rockefeller, who served as an International House Trustee from 1940 until his recent passing.

“The mission of International House resonates more than ever in the current climate,” Hassell noted in his acceptance. “This organization’s work to promote cross-cultural understanding and foster harmony and respect between people of different cultures and backgrounds is desperately needed. Thank you to International House for allowing BNY Mellon to be part of that important work.”

The evening was also highlighted by the introduction of the International House Welcome Fund, which will support Residents whose personal circumstances may have been adversely impacted by some dislocation – whether on-the-ground realities in their home countries or policy changes in the US or elsewhere. The fund will provide current and future Residents important opportunities for education and leadership development, as well as the benefits that come with a welcoming, international community of peers where different religions and cultures are accepted and celebrated.

Pictures from the event are available via Getty Images.

Founded by the Rockefeller and Dodge families in 1924, International House is a non-profit programmatic and residential center dedicated to fostering the next generation of global leaders. Each year, I-House serves as home to 700 carefully selected graduate students and young professionals from 100 countries, representing more than 70 leading universities, businesses, and cultural, non-profit, and government institutions. We provide unrivaled opportunities for residents to learn and thrive through daily interaction in a culturally, politically, and economically diverse community and through programs designed to encourage diversity of thought and experience. I-House is the destination of choice for the best and the brightest of the millennial generation who seek the skills necessary to navigate and lead the conversations that will shape our world. Learn more at www.ihouse-nyc.org.

The International House Awards were established in 1990 to recognize notable individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to fostering global leadership and community building both within and well beyond its corridors. Previous honorees include American diplomat Richard Holbrooke, opera legend and I-House Alumna Leontyne Price, CNN Journalist and I-House Trustee Fareed Zakaria, and the Ford Foundation.

Media Contact:
Heather Mangrum
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