McDonald’s Hong Kong was voted Company of the Year at the 2025 Business Awards organised by SCMP Live, a highlight for the company as it marks half a century of operating in the city.
The restaurant chain’s CEO Randy Lai and chairman Zhang Yichen received the award from SCMP’s CEO Catherine So during a lunch ceremony in Hong Kong on Friday. The toned-down ceremony replaced the black-tie gala dinners that traditionally capped the annual awards since their establishment in 1990, as a sign of respect for the victims of the Tai Po fire tragedy that took place late last month.
“Today we honour the outstanding achievements of corporate executives, SME owners, start-up founders, and companies that shape the future of Asia’s business excellence,” So said. “We are expanding this programme to serve as Asia’s premier platform for cross-border innovation, transformative leadership, and sustainable growth; also to serve as a strategic bridge between Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial heritage and accelerating economic integration in the Greater Bay Area.”
A total of 43 nominations were received for the awards in six categories, honouring the most noteworthy business owner, corporate executive, company, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), start-up and the best globalised brand. A discretionary award honouring lifetime achievement did not receive any nominations.

