The marketing communications industry is obsessed with youth. We regularly celebrate our industry's rising stars, and we see it in nearly every brand campaign or initiative designed to engage Gen Z or Gen Alpha as an investment in the future.
As such, it’s easy to lose sight of those with extended service and contribution to the industry, especially if they have moved on from executive positions. But the truth is, it is largely the 50+ with their experience, confidence and capabilities who are building the new world of communications.
We've heard this loud and clear from our subscribers and industry constituency. While Campaign has, and will continue to strongly advocate for greater diversity, equity and inclusion across the marcomms universe and has often covered issues like ageism within it, we recognise the need for a recognition list for older professionals in our workforce who are actively dispelling the stereotypes of being out of step, but to the contrary are leading the pace.
That’s why last year we launched our inaugural 50 Over Fifty list. Now returning for its second year, we’re once again recognising those who have not only excelled in their fields but who continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation, driving the industry forward. While individual achievements and accomplishments are important, we’re also seeking leaders who have shown proven mentorship, governance, and the ability to empower others to achieve meaningful success.
These are not industry veterans heading for the exits, looking for a final note to their swan songs. They’re actively innovating, building new products, companies and cultures to improve on what’s been done in the past. This list will celebrate entrepreneurship, drive, tenacity and a willingness to start afresh, while sharing their valuable skills and experience with others to navigate more effectively.
It is time we abandoned outmoded stereotypes of our most experienced industry contributors and recognised their ongoing efforts to build a new future.
Judging process
Judging will be done by an external jury panel via a secure online portal. The decision of the jury will be final, and no correspondence will be entered regarding the results. Judges reserve the right to raise queries regarding the information provided. Any entry found to contain inaccurate or misleading claims will be disqualified. Entries disqualified due to incorrect information or misconduct will not be eligible for a refund.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our esteemed jury panel.
Key dates and entry fee
Mark your calendars! Here are the key deadlines for participation:
| Early-bird deadline | 2 February 2026 (Monday) | HK$2,900 |
| Standard entry deadline | 24 February 2025 (Tuesday) | HK$3,100 |
| Final Entry deadline | 3 March 2026 (Tuesday) | HK$3,300 |
| Winners announcement | 20 April 2026 (Monday) | |
All entry deadlines close at 6 PM Hong Kong time (UTC/GMT+8). Payment will be made in HKD at the time of submission. A separate fee applies for each entry.
Who should enter?
This initiative is open to marcomms professionals across the Asia-Pacific region who meet the following criteria:
Location: Nominees must be based in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.
Industry: The nominee must work in an industry directly related to advertising, marketing, or communications. Eligible roles include those at brands, agencies, media companies, technology firms, startups, or event companies.
Age: Nominees must be 50 or over as of Tuesday, 3 March 2026 (born on or before 3 March 1976).
Eligibility period: Contributions across a nominee’s career will be considered alongside their achievements since turning 50, recognising both lifetime impact and recent innovation.
How to enter
To get started, review the website and the Entry Pack. The entry kit will answer FAQs and provide a step-by-step guide for submitting the nomination.
Submission guidelines and important notes
- You may nominate up to two people per company/agency per market your organisation operates in. You may nominate two individuals per brand/agency per market if your company has multiple brands or agencies.
- Candidates who have appeared in other Campaign Asia-Pacific listings (e.g., Women to Watch, Women Leading Change Awards, Tech MVP, or the Asia-Pacific Power List) within the last 12 months are not eligible. Such candidates are encouraged to wait until 2027.
- We encourage companies to spotlight talent from diverse markets to ensure a broad representation of the region.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Entries not paid for by the deadline will not proceed to the judging stage. The winners will be celebrated in a dedicated feature on Campaign Asia-Pacific and across its social media channels. This final list will spotlight the diverse talent and invaluable contributions of senior professionals across the Asia Pacific marcomms landscape.
Confidentiality
When submitting your entry, flag any confidential information by enclosing it in [square brackets]. Confidential information will be used for judging purposes and will not be disclosed publicly.
Note that public-facing information or information already in the public domain at the time of disclosure is not considered confidential.'
A note on conduct
Campaign Asia-Pacific reserves the right to disqualify or withdraw an entry, award, or recognition at its sole discretion under the following circumstances:
If incorrect or misleading information is found in the entry. In cases of substantiated misconduct or reputational damage.
No refunds will be issued in the event of disqualification.
Get in touch
We understand you may have questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us:
- General queries: 50over50@haymarket.asia, zamir.khan@haymarket.asia, Kaling.Man@haymarket.asia
- Payment-related queries: Finance_Events@haymarket.asia
We’re here to assist you and ensure the process is smooth. Good luck, and we look forward to receiving your nominations!
