Colombo, Tuesday 06 January 2026: Sri Lanka’s growing influence in Asia’s digital media and thought leadership space was spotlighted on the regional stage as The 3i Show with Stefan de Alwis was awarded Asia’s Best Emerging Podcast Show of the Year 2025–2026 at the prestigious Asia Awards. The recognition positions the podcast not only as a rising regional platform, but also as a source of national pride, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s presence in Asia’s evolving leadership and media landscape.

Presented under the Asia Awards programme—widely recognised as Asia’s No. 1 Brand and Leadership Awards platform, and associated with the World Research Congress with Times of London as its online media partner, the accolade honours excellence in media, leadership, and innovation across the continent. The award reflects the growing global relevance of Sri Lankan-led intellectual platforms that contribute meaningfully to regional dialogue.

“Winning Asia’s Best Emerging Podcast Show Award marks a significant milestone not only for The 3i Show, but also for Sri Lanka’s growing representation in Asia’s leadership, branding, and digital media ecosystem. As the platform continues to expand its reach globally, our team remains committed to elevating local and global voices, fostering cross-border conversations, and positioning the country as a contributor to Asia’s thought leadership future”, said Founder and Host of The 3i Show, Stefan de Alwis.

The 3i Show was conceptualised as a purpose-driven platform centred on Impact, Influence and Inspire —the three pillars that define its name and mission. The 3i show empowers its audience to believe that greatness is possible! Drawing from its strong digital and social media presence, the show curates candid conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers, offering audiences practical perspectives, lived experiences, and forward-thinking ideas that extend beyond borders.

At its core, The 3i Show ignites curiosity, builds courage, and challenges mindsets, empowering anyone willing to learn, grow, and take action to achieve the impossible and positively impact their lives and society. The podcast has steadily built a loyal following by spotlighting authentic stories, regional success journeys, and emerging voices—positioning it as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue across industries.

Stefan de Alwis is an influential Sri Lankan media personality and strategic business leader and philanthropist with a diverse background spanning entrepreneurship, finance, digital transformation, and media. He holds a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship (UK) and an MBA in Finance from the University of Bedfordshire (UK). His professional experience includes leadership roles at Digital 365 Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd, which is a foremost digital transformation organization in Sri Lanka and Hands International Group a diversified conglomerate. Stefan has further represented global organizations and Fortune 500 companies as well as advisory work across investment and private equity sectors and collaborations with internationally recognised brands including Manipal Group and Far East Hospitality.

Complementing his corporate expertise, Stefan has also served as a news anchor on Sri Lanka Rupavahini, the country’s national television network, and is widely recognised as a leading voice in communication and broadcasting —bringing credibility, clarity, and strong narrative ability to the podcast format. Stefan is a firm believer in the importance of education and through the De Alwis Foundation his philanthropic activities include uplifting children’s education through a preschool built by the family and affording scholarships to deserving students.

With this global recognition, The 3i Show cements its position as one of Asia’s fastest-rising platforms — and Stefan de Alwis as a global voice to watch from Asia’s next wave of media and leadership.