Celebrating the achi of local businesses
SMEs’ contribution to the country’s growth rewarded with S
MORE than 700 business owners and industry players gathered on January 17 to celebrate the accomplishments of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the seventh Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA 2016).
The festivities kicked off with the tossing of the yee sang and went on late into the night as Malaysian companies that have had a significant impact on the growth of the nation and economy were recognised and honoured.
Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai commended SMEs for their uncompromising commitment and efforts toward creating a sustainable and balanced economic growth.
“To all the participating companies who have put in so much of effort to grow your businesses, it is a clear indication of the value you place in the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit,” he said at the awards ceremony.
The SOBA 2016 awards were presented by guest-of-honour Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Star Media Group Bhd chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and Wong.
Apart from the coveted SOBA 2016 trophy, all the winners also won the AmBank SME Special Package & AmBank Signature Priority Banking Membership.
In addition, the Malaysian Business of the Year winners took home a special 24k gold-plated art frame from SOBA 2016 main sponsor AmBank Group.
The Rising Star winner ExcelVite Sdn Bhd also received a cash sponsorship of RM10,000 from SOBA 2016 co-sponsor Credit Guarantee Corp.
Over the past seven years, SOBA has helped groom small businesses into more established outfits through various workshops and seminars s, which enable SMEs to dr raw from the experiences of larger successful companies as s well as encourage small busin nesses to share and learn from each other.
SOBA has also been a strong platform for SMEs to ben nchmark themselves agains st the industry.
SOBA 2016 recorded t he highest number of subm missions to-date.
Liow noted that globa ally competitive SMEs, which h are led innovatively and are e productivity-driven, provide e the key to the growth of the nation’s innovation and technology, human capital d evelopment, finance and ma arket access, as well as the we ell-being of the community an nd society at large.
“As a catalyst, they provide the entrepreneurial vibrancy and vitality which drives economic activity across different industries.
“Believe me when I say your contribution plays an important role to the progress and development of Malaysia as a high income nation and as a strong contender in the global economy,” said Liow.
Apart from the main award winners, The Star also recognised 15 companies under the Most Promising Award category for their growth potential in terms of financial status, effort and impactful contribu-contribution to society as well as for their unique and creative businesses.
These companies are Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd, Avongold Valley Sdn Bhd, Dessert Captain Sdn Bhd, Doux Visage Sdn Bhd, Energetic Point Sdn Bhd, Ever Delicious Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Farm Fresh Milk Sdn Bhd (FKA Ladang Anglo Nubian Sdn Bhd), Galactic