The ASV Awards honors employee-led initiatives across the Ajinomoto Group that embody ASV—creating social and economic value through business.
Launched in 2017, the ASV Awards accelerate ASV by turning employee ownership into organizational momentum. By fostering individual growth and capability development, the awards drive progress for both people and the business—spotlighting initiatives such as Smart Salt and innovative packaging solutions.
This year's Gold Prize goes to the Thai Farmer Better Life Partner Project by Ajinomoto FD Green (Thailand) Co., Ltd and AJINOMOTO CO., (THAILAND) LTD. Cassava farmers—essential partners in producing tapioca starch for umami seasonings—are at the heart of this initiative. By tackling critical challenges such as aging, education gaps, health risks, and greenhouse gas emissions, and by collaborating with the Thai government and academic institutions, this project sets a powerful model for sustainable change. Its double win, including the Employee Voting Prize, reflects broad recognition of its strong ASV spirit.
YUZURU TANAKA
Unipos Inc.
Representative Director and Chairman
Congratulations to all ASV Awards participants and winning teams. The presentations powerfully highlighted one truth: innovation is born from collaboration. In uncertain times, it is people and their connections that move us forward—and the ASV Awards showcase that strength brilliantly. We look forward to seeing this platform continue to inspire and shape the future.
| Target audience | Ajinomoto Group employees both in Japan and overseas |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Held annually (entries accepted at the end of the fiscal year) |
| Chairperson | CEO Nakamura / 6 external judges (including 3 external directors) / 7 internal judges |
| Evaluation criteria |
1. Social value 2. Economic value 3. New challenges (new perspectives, unique innovative initiatives, etc.) • Judging method: The judges evaluate entries based on social value, economic value, and innovative challenges. In addition, employee voting is conducted, and the results are incorporated into the scoring to determine the final ranking. • Awards: 1 Gold Prize, 1 Silver Prize, 1 Bronze Prize, 1 Try&Learn Award, 1 Innovation Award, 1 Employee Voting Prize, and the General Manager's Award (not guaranteed to be awarded). |
Kenji Fuma Neural Inc.
CEO
Comments from External Judges on the Gold Prize–Winning Project
Congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement. You have taken a bold first step toward a sustainable supply chain in Thailand by uniting farmers, government, and partners around a shared goal. This is only the beginning—the real challenge lies ahead. We look forward to seeing this story evolve and to welcoming you back to the ASV Awards.