Got a question? Here’s the Helpdesk

FILLING out an application for an award can be a daunting task. Do we qualify? Which documents should be included in the submission? Which categories should we contest in?

To answer these questions and more, Star Media Group will be organising a SOBA Helpdesk session on September 20 to attend to any queries from those interested to participate in this year’s The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA).

The half-day session will start at 9.30am at Menara Star.

On hand to help business owners have better clarity on the judging criteria for the competition are SOBA auditor, BDO Malaysia executive director of advisory Mok Chew Yin, as well as past judge Datuk Dr A.T. Kumararajah. They will be able to shed light on the eligibility requirements, address technical queries and provide pointers on what the judges are looking for in a winning entry.

The session is free but registration is required. Those who are interested to attend should register at bit.ly/sobahelpdesk18 as seats are on a first-come-first-served basis.

The session will also provide SMEs with a chance to network with companies from various industries.

Participants will also be able to hear from Forefront International chief executive officer Darien Mah, which took home the coveted Malaysian Business of the Year Award in the up to RM25mil category at SOBA 2017. Forefront also won the Platinum award for Best in Marketing as well as Gold awards in Best Brand and Best Employer categories.

Mah will be sharing on the company’s experience of participating in SOBA over the past four years.

The company has consistently took home awards every year.

SOBA is open to all local enterprises that are not part of a multinational group or listed group incorporated in Malaysia with foreign equity not exceeding 50%. Those who wish to participate may obtain the awards submission pack from The Star or download the forms at www.soba.com.my.

Deadline for entries is October 19, 2018.

SOBA 2018 is organised by Star Media Group with Digi, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd as main sponsors, Credit Guarantee Corporation as co-sponsor, Matrade as official trade promotion partner and New World Petaling Jaya Hotel as official venue.

SOBA 2018 is endorsed by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, supported by Bursa Malaysia, and audited by BDO, with 988, SuriaFM and dimsum as official media partners.

For more information on SOBA 2018, call Star Media Group Events Business Unit at 03-7967 1388 ext 1857 (Pei Wen) or go to www.soba. com.my.