Seoul – The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) has awarded the Satellite Executive of the Year in Asia-Pacific Award to Thomas Choi, CEO of Asia Broadcast Satellite, and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Han Hwangbo, President of Space Technology Group Inc., during the 9th annual APSCC Awards at the APSCC 2012 Satellite Conference & Exhibition in COEX, Seoul, Korea.
The APSCC awards are presented eaAPch year to individuals and organisations whose contributions and achievements have been deemed exceptional by the satellite industry.
Apart from being CEO, Choi is also the founder of ABS, and has over 20 years’ experience in the satellite and aerospace industry. Since its inception in 2006, ABS has become one of the fastest growing satellite operators in the world. It has four satellites in orbit serving customers from Asia to Africa from three premium locations at 3°W, 75°E and 116°E. The fifth satellite, ABS-2, is scheduled for launch in 2013, while two others are scheduled for launch in 2014 and 2015 for the 3°W and 75°E locations, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hwangbo has been in the forefront in the development of the Korean satellite industry for the past several decades. From 1990 to Year 2001, he was the vice president for the Satellite Business Group at Korea Telecom and the program director of the Koreasat – 1, 2 & 3 Programs. He also served as the president of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute from 1989 to 1990.
“As a collective voice representing the satellite industry, APSCC has made a considerable effort to bring the various entities in the satellite community together for communication and cooperation. Each year, APSCC recognises outstanding organizations and individuals through the APSCC Awards to honour them for their collaboration, guidance and support in helping APSCC reach its mission as well as for their contribution to the industry. This year, APSCC and the Awards Committee are pleased to honour the executives and veterans, who have taken the lead to enhance the satellite industry of the region,” said Yutaka Nagai, President of APSCC.