CSO30 ASEAN & Hong Kong Awards Set to Recognize Cybersecurity Leaders in 2026
The anticipation is building for the return of the CSO30 ASEAN & Hong Kong Awards slated for 2026, a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing exceptional cybersecurity leaders and teams across the region. In an era marked by rapid evolution in cyber threats, increasing scrutiny at the board level, and soaring expectations for business continuity, these awards serve as a significant platform to highlight individuals and organizations transforming cybersecurity from a mere control function into a cornerstone of enterprise capability.
As the sixth edition of this esteemed awards program approaches, it continues to set a regional benchmark for cybersecurity maturity in ASEAN countries and Hong Kong. The awards create a unique opportunity for organizations to showcase their most impactful achievements while gaining both regional and global visibility. Participants will join an influential community comprising Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) who are redefining what it means to secure an organization in today’s digitally driven landscape.
The CSO30 ASEAN and Hong Kong Awards are recognized globally and celebrate not only the accomplishments of individual leaders but also the collective efforts of teams striving to usher in transformation, cyber resilience, and business continuity. This year’s edition invites candidates from various sectors to position themselves alongside past winners, which include many of the region’s most influential organizations, thereby establishing themselves as key players in the ASEAN and Hong Kong cybersecurity arena.
Organizers are actively calling upon CISOs and CSOs to submit nominations for themselves, their peers, and their teams. Organizations that have made strides in enhancing their cybersecurity posture, made informed decisions through strategic thinking, or forged robust partnerships in the past year are encouraged to bring their initiatives to the forefront.
This year’s awards program features three distinct nomination pathways:
- CSO Leadership – Individual
- CSO Transformation – Individual
- Ecosystem – Team
These categories represent a comprehensive view of modern security leadership, encompassing aspects from board-level influence and transformative enterprise strategies to ecosystem collaboration and tangible resilience outcomes.
In the Individual Leadership category, nominees must demonstrate how a cybersecurity leader has added real value by reshaping organizational protection, influencing executive decision-making, and preparing the business to navigate emerging cyber risks, all while ensuring long-term resilience and continuity.
The Transformation category places a premium on cybersecurity projects completed within the past year, requiring nominees to detail how these initiatives have altered their organization’s protective measures, successfully navigated significant challenges, delivered quantifiable results, and contributed positively to the broader cybersecurity community.
For nominations in the Ecosystem Team category, organizations must articulate how a particular project has influenced and fortified the cybersecurity agenda across their organization, its partners, and even at a national level. Nominations should clearly outline the challenges faced, the outcomes achieved, and the measurable value generated by the initiative.
Individuals who lead teams with demonstrable impacts or know peers deserving of recognition are encouraged to submit nominations. Additionally, CISOs or CSOs whose efforts have had a significant effect on their organization’s resilience are urged to nominate themselves. The region is in dire need of visibility into the leaders and teams who are setting benchmarks for security maturity, operational continuity, and business trust.
The deadline for submitting nominations is set for 31 July 2026. Interested parties can find further details on the awards gala through the official website: CSO30 Awards Gala.
Given the sensitive nature of cybersecurity initiatives, project specifics will remain confidential, allowing nominees to submit their significant work without the risk of exposing sensitive information.
The importance of the CSO30 ASEAN & Hong Kong Awards cannot be overstated, as they acknowledge the type of leadership that is increasingly vital to the region—leaders who are decisive, collaborative, strategic, and resilient. By shining a spotlight on the individuals and teams that integrate cybersecurity as an essential element of business performance and long-term continuity, the awards promote a stronger, more secure future for organizations across ASEAN and Hong Kong.
For further inquiries, media representatives can reach out to Estelle Quek, Editorial Director, CIO ASEAN & CSO ASEAN.