Since its inception in 2013, the Sino-Swiss Business Awards have recognized Swiss and Chinese companies making significant contributions to the dynamic business partnership between the two countries. Now in its seventh edition, the 2025 SSBA continues to highlight exceptional Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large corporations that have made remarkable achievements in fostering innovation, driving sustainability, embracing digital transformation, promoting talent development and strengthening business collaborations within the Sino-Swiss community.
It is worth mentioning that this year we created the Legacy Award, honoring companies with a strong Swiss identity—either Swiss-owned or Swiss-managed—that have operated continuously in China for more than 20 years. These businesses represent the enduring spirit of cooperation and long-term commitment between the two nations.
Swiss President of the Council of States Andrea Caroni stated in his opening address, “For 75 years, Switzerland and China have advanced together in a spirit of dialogue and pragmatism. Our relations have steadily deepened — from Switzerland becoming the first continental European country to sign an FTA with China, to today’s strategic innovation partnership. Swiss companies in China — with their innovation and long-term engagement — continue to serve as vital bridges of mutual prosperity.”
H.E. Mr. Guo Shuqing, Member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Vice-Chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee of the National People's Congress stated in his speech, “The Chinese economy has strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, and fertile ground for foreign enterprises to invest and thrive. We will continue to enhance exchanges and cooperations with the Swiss legislative organs, further optimize the business and investment environment, and provide legal safeguards for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations.”
The President of SwissCham Beijing, Mr. ZZ Zhang, also delivered welcoming remarks, pointing out: “This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China—decades of dialogue, trust, and practical cooperation. Business has always been central to this relationship: building connections, sharing expertise, and creating value in both countries.”
The competition remained fierce this year, and the jury conducted a rigorous and impartial evaluation of the nominees in each category. We received in total 45 applications, nominees across five award categories represent a wide range of industries and business models. The winners were selected through a combination of public voting and careful assessment by an independent jury panel comprising experts from academia, government-related organizations, and leaders in the Sino-Swiss business community.
The judging panel praised all participating companies for their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and business excellence, and recognized the winners as pioneers in their fields:
AWARD 1: INNOVATION PIONEER AWARD
- MNCs Winner: Bühler
- SMEs Winner: Bien-Air
AWARD 2: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
- MNCs Winner: Nestlé
- SMEs Winner: Cellcosmet
AWARD 3: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD
- MNCs Winner: Swiss Re
- SMEs Winner: TeamWork
AWARD 4: TALENT DEVELOPMENT AWARD
- MNC Winner: Sulzer
- SMEs Winner: Swisstouches
AWARD 5: SINO-SWISS PARTNER AWARD
- Bank of China Limited Geneva Branch
LRGACY AWARDS:
ABB, Accelleron, Bien-Air, Bühler, Daetwyler, DKSH, Galderma, Glencore, Hitachi Energy, Holcim, Ivoclar, Kuehne & Nagel, Leica Geosystems, Logitech, Mercuria, MSC, Nestlé, Novartis, Oetiker, Roche Diagnostics, Roche Pharma, Schindler, SGS, Sika, Sonova, Straumann, Sulzer, Swiss Centers, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd, Swiss Re, Swatch, UBS, VIRTUARCH
