Business awards launched to promote entrepreneurial excellence
Launched at Menara Star on June 5, the event was attended by sponsors and partners, with Star Media Group (SMG) chief executive officer (CEO) Chan Seng Fatt at the helm, together with chief operating officer Lydia Wang.
The event was also graced by SOBA 2025 sponsors Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd (CGC), PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd (PKT Logistics), RHB Bank Bhd (RHB Bank) and U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile), together with official trade promotion partner Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), as well as the awards' strategic and working partners.
In his welcome speech Chan pointed out that since Malaysia officially assumed the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 this year, the country is at a strategic inflection point in its regional journey.
'This leadership role serves as a powerful springboard to strengthen regional integration, enhance market diversification and advance economic diplomacy,' he said.
This presents local businesses the opportunity to venture into new markets on a global scale.
'At the same time, we are navigating a rapidly evolving business landscape – driven by technological disruption, shifting consumer expectations and the increasing imperative for sustainable practices.
'In this new era, agility, foresight and innovation will distinguish those who endure from those who lead,' he cautioned.
In a statement, CGC president and CEO Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak emphasised that CGC is committed to empowering Malaysian micro SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and supporting platforms like SOBA 2025 reflects that mission.
'By recognising SME excellence, we highlight deserving businesses that may benefit from greater access to financing.'
PKT Logistics chief revenue officer Kuan Eu Jin said: 'PKT is a homegrown company and was once an SME. Through ups and downs, we learnt a lot along the way and feel honoured to be able to share it on such a celebrated event like SOBA.'
He advised that in times of uncertainty, SMEs should be able to flex and adapt to the situation, that they should stay close to the powers of the market and innovate a way out or adapt to changing needs.
For RHB Bank, group corporate and business banking managing director Wendy Ting said: 'RHB's continued support for SOBA and similar platforms reflects our commitment to advancing SME excellence as a national economic priority'.
She also shared that for businesses to stay competitive in the current economic climate, they should embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), invest in sustainability and green growth, enhance their cybersecurity and data resilience, prioritise human capital and upskilling and leverage government and private sector support.
U Mobile chief information officer Neil Tomkinson said: 'SOBA is a timely platform to spotlight how SMEs are adapting to major shifts in tech and customer expectations.'
He added that in 2025, trends like Al enablement, cybersecurity, and digital agility will determine business longevity and U Mobile is ready to lead businesses on their journey.
Matrade senior director of Strategic Planning Division, Remee Yaakub noted that 'SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia's economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation and exports.
'By supporting platforms like SOBA, we not only recognise outstanding achievements but also inspire more SMEs to adopt best practices, strive for global competitiveness, and drive the nation's trade performance.'
The launch revealed knowledge-sharing platforms, the SOBA LABs, will continue to offer insights from seasoned business leaders. Those interested can also look forward to SOBA Elevate, an initiative that presents actionable strategies, networking opportunities and more.
The launch also announced six SOBA ambassador appointments for this year from business association experts and past winners. SOBA Awards 2025 will be presented in 18 categories, in two separate tiers: one for below RM25mil, and another for RM25mil and above.
Also included is the Mikro SOBA Mikro Recognition Awards, which recognises local micro brands or businesses with annual turnover of less than RM300,000.
SOBA 2025 is organised by SMG with CGC, PKT Logistics, RHB Bank and U Mobile as main sponsors, and Matrade as the official trade promotion partner. It is audited by BDO while radio stations 988 and Suria are official media partners.
For details, call the SOBA hotline at 017-231 1789 or visit www.soba.com.my.
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