Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), a producer of solar panels, today announced that its CEO and founder, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, has been appointed the first Chief Chairman of the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA).  APVIA members, which include 670 photovoltaic (PV) enterprises, 23 industry associations and 15 research institutions, chose Dr. Shi based on his impeccable credentials and contribution to the solar industry.  Dr. Shi will be the Chief Chairman of APVIA for two years.

"With the Asian PV industry projected to account for approximately one-third of global demand by 2015, Asia is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in driving the growth of the PV industry worldwide," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's CEO & Founder.  "Asia is home to a number of leading PV companies with excellence in manufacturing, technology and R&D, and boasts amazing solar resources.  Through APVIA, the PV ecosystem will collaborate to develop the best technologies, achieve economies of scale, and identify market opportunities to achieve grid parity both in Asia and the world."

As the Chief Chairman of APVIA, Dr. Shi will drive the strategic growth of APVIA to promote the advancement of the Asian PV industry, enhance public-private sector communication on industry policies, create a favorable investment environment to help market expansion, and establish a platform to nurture innovation and technology in the region.

The founding ceremony of APVIA was held in Singapore on October 31, 2011 during International Energy Week, an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Shi as the first Chief Chairman of APVIA," said Mr. Tom Wu, Secretary General of the Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Association.  "APVIA has a strong leader in Dr. Shi who can lead the Asian photovoltaic industry to achieve grid parity. We are excited to work together to help drive job growth and solar installations anywhere the sun shines."

Under Dr. Shi's leadership, Suntech today is the world's largest producer of solar panels. Suntech recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by being the first and only solar company to achieve five gigawatts of solar installations by customers and partners worldwide. The company is committed to a long-term view of empowering a solar tomorrow for businesses, communities and people everywhere under the sun.