OCBC Malaysia invites Malaysian SMEs to participate in the Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards, with submissions open from now until June 30.
The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards recognise high-potential businesses on a regional platform and celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation and cross-border growth.
First launched in Singapore in 2008 and later expanded to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia, the programme is open to companies under 10 years old with annual revenue of up to RM62mil (S$20mil).
OCBC Malaysia head of emerging business Chan Kok Leong said, “Malaysia’s SME landscape is both vibrant and diverse, having produced many successful enterprises that have gone on to pioneer and shape key industries.
“It is therefore crucial that we recognise their potential early and provide the support they need to grow.”
Chan added: “At last year’s Emerging Enterprise Awards, two Malaysian companies emerged as winners, standing out among contenders from Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
“This achievement underscores the strength, vision and competitiveness of Malaysian entrepreneurs.
“Through the Awards, we aim to continue putting a spotlight on Malaysian enterprises, championing their successes and supporting their growth as they scale, realise their ambitions, and further strengthen Malaysia’s SME sector.”
Last year, the Awards drew nearly 100 submissions from Malaysian companies across diverse industries.
Two Malaysian companies – Dodo Ventures Sdn Bhd and Green Environmental Engineering Sdn Bhd – emerged as winners at the regional finals in Singapore, underscoring the growing strength and competitiveness of Malaysia’s SME landscape.
The Awards comprise four categories to recognise businesses across different stages of growth and innovation: Emerging Enterprise Award, Most Promising Startup Award, Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award and Most Promising Sustainability Startup Award.
From 2026, up to six businesses will be recognised across the Emerging Enterprise and Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award categories.
Winners will receive prizes including a two-year interest-free term loan of up to RM 600,000, along with a consulting package by RSM Singapore for growing businesses worth up to RM45,000 each to accelerate growth and regional expansion. For the Most Promising Startup categories, up to three winners will receive industry recognition and media exposure.
A total of 30 businesses will be shortlisted, with winners to be announced in October 2026.
Applications are open from now to June 30 via the official website: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/events-awards/emerging-enterprise.
The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards is supported by preferred payment solutions partner Mastercard, official auditor RSM Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, CBRE Pte Ltd and Enterprise Singapore.
