SOBA back for its eighth edition
Companies can send entries by Oct 13 PETALING JAYA: Companies, get ready to vie for the country’s premier business awards.
The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2017 enters its eighth edition this year with top-of-the-class awards to look forward to.
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and DiGi have stepped in as first-time sponsors in support of the Star Media Group’s ongoing efforts towards the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
There is more good news – AmBank and Credit Guarantee Corporation are also back as sponsors.
SOBA pays tribute to up-and-coming, non-listed local companies striving to carve a niche for themselves, and marks the achievement of enterprises that have opened new frontiers and made a difference to the national economy.
Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said The Star remained committed to playing a part in supporting the growth and development of the country’s emerging businesses.
“SOBA was incepted with the aim of recognising and rewarding businesses for their grand efforts and achievements, and to help them identify room for growth.
“We are pleased to announce that these objectives have been met with many of our past winners. For other aspiring businesses, we will continue to lend a helping hand,” he added.
Due to overwhelming response last year, the awards will continue to have two broad categories – one for enterprises with a turnover of over RM25mil and another for those generating less than that per annum.
SOBA has seven top-of-the-class awards, namely Best in Marketing, Best Brand, Best in CSR, Best Green Initiative, Best Employer, Best Innovation and Best Global Market, and three “Outstanding Achievement” awards – Rising Star, Entrepreneur of the Year (male/female/ young) and Malaysian Business of the Year.
The awards aim to inspire, drive and steer the companies toward greater success, promote business excellence and stimulate positive competition. The deadline for entries is Oct 13.
SOBA is open to all local enterprises not part of a multinational or listed group incorporated in Malaysia with foreign equity not exceeding 50%.
The panel of judges for the awards is made up of representatives from the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM), Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM), Federation of Malaysia Chinese Guilds Association (FEMACGA), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM), Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC) and SME Association Malaysia.
SOBA 2017 is organised by Star Media Group with AmBank, DiGi and HRDF as main sponsors, Credit Guarantee Corporation as co-sponsor, Matrade as official trade promotion partner and Connexion Conference & Event Centre as official venue sponsor.
It is endorsed by the Secretariat for the Advancement of Malaysian Entrepreneurs (SAME), Prime Minister’s Department, and the Finance and International Trade and Industry ministries.
It is supported by Bursa Malaysia and audited by BDO, with 988, SuriaFM and dimsum as official media partners.
For enquiries, call The Star Events Business Unit at 03-7967 1388 ext 1432 (Jasmine)/ 1657 (Victor) or visit www.soba.com.my