IT WAS a night of celebration at The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2018 featuring the creme de la creme of the small and medium enterprises (SME) industry.
Currently in its ninth edition, SOBA recognises the contributions of up-and-coming enterprises towards the growth of Malaysia’s economy, and is aimed at inspiring Malaysian enterprises towards excellence and outstanding performances.
More than 850 guests from various companies and organisations attended the momentous event at New World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
A total of 93 awards were given out across two broad categories – Top-of-the-Class Awards and Outstanding Achievement Awards – based on two tiers, which are up to RM25mil, and the above RM25mil annual turnover. Then there is also the most prestigious Malaysian Business of The Year Award.
It was a big win for Senheng Electric (KL) Sdn Bhd.
The homegrown brand bagged eight awards, including the Malaysian Business of The Year and the Male Entrepreneur of the Year (above RM25mil) awarded to its managing director Lim Kim Heng for Outstanding Achievement
The electronics retail chain also bagged two Platinum awards and four Gold awards under other categories.
Secret Recipe Holdings Sdn Bhd group president and chief executive officer Datuk Steven Sim Leong Thun was awarded for Par Excellence Achievement under the Male Entrepreneur of the Year category while the company received Platinum awards under the Best in Marketing and Best Brand categories.
Berjayapak Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ooi Lay Pheng was crowned Female Entrepreneur of the Year for Par Excellence Achievement.
For the up to RM25mil tier, Prof Muhaya Eye and Lasik Centre Sdn Bhd earned the Malaysian Business of the Year along with two Gold awards under Best Brand and Best in CSR.
Its chief executive officer Muhammad Addaem Mikhail Chandran, was awarded for Par Excellence Achievement under the Male Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The Rising Star awards for companies set up less than three years were clinched by grand winner LNN Design Sdn Bhd and We Build Easy Sdn Bhd received a special mention.
Star Media Group Bhd chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said the winners proved there were still opportunities for greatness and excellence, despite the challenging year for business last year.
He also spoke about the digital wave that was changing the landscape of SMEs.
“As recent as five years ago it may have been a distant reality but today, it is a necessity,” he said.
“Across all industries and cutting across businesses big and small, technology is creating new job functions, increasing business efficiencies and creating new revenue streams.
“In Malaysia, there is still vast room for growth and transformation.”
Guest of honour at the event was International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak.
Also present were Star Media Group Bhd group chief operating officer Roy Tan, group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and chief content officer Esther Ng.
Participation was open to all local enterprises that were not part of a multi-national or listed group, incorporated in Malaysia with foreign equity not exceeding 50%.
SOBA 2018 is organised by Star Media Group with Digi, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and RHB Bank Berhad as main sponsors, Credit Guarantee Corporation as co-sponsor, Matrade as official Trade Promotion Partner and New World Hotel as official venue.
It is endorsed by International Trade and Industry Ministry supported by Bursa Malaysia and audited by BDO with 988, Suria FM and dimsum as official media partners.
For details on SOBA 2018, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1857 or visit www.soba.com.my
