03 April 2018 - Filipino Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Mr. Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, the sole recipient from the Philippines received the prestigious Padma Shri (Distinguished Service) award from Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during the civil investiture ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 02 April 2018. 

Mr. Concepcion was recognized for his significant contribution to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. Mr. Concepcion has been an advocate of entrepreneurship since 2005 with the establishment of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (Go Negosyo). He is also the Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines and President and CEO of RFM Corporation.

The Padma Shri award is the fourth highest civilian award instituted in 1954 by the Government of India. The award seeks to recognize works of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines. For this awarding, President Kovind presented five Padma Bhushan and 38 Padma Shri awards. The awardees were presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.