(Front row, fourth from left) Ooi, Terry, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Abdul Halim, Syed Saddiq, Lay Seong, PUMM immediate past president Datuk Tony Looi, PUMM vice-president Nelson Beh and the award recipients posing at the ceremony.
THE achievements of 51 inspiring businesses were recognised at the Malaysia Role Model Enterprise Awards (MRMEA) ceremony organised by the Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM) Penang.
Awards were given in three categories – Iconic Role Model, Star Role Model and Role Model.
The recipients were Malaysian and international companies which achieved remarkable performances, collaborative accomplishments and remarkable influence in their respective industries.
The most prestigious category is Iconic Role Model where nominations are by invitation only. The selection for this category is screened and picked by a panel judge and the PUMM organising committee.
The event formerly known as the Malaysia Top 50 Enterprise Awards saw companies such as Ambank (M) Bhd, Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd, China Southern Airlines, Nanyang Siang Pau Sdn Bhd, Nirvana Asia Group and Vitrox Corporation taking home the Iconic Role Model award.
Meanwhile, winners in the Star Role Model and Role Model categories included TeamPME Corporation Sdn Bhd, Johnids Design Sdn Bhd, Rackson Group, PG Mall Sdn Bhd, Lavin NY Sdn Bhd, Artroniq Bhd, MEP Enviro Technology Sdn Bhd and Chuan Seng Trading Sdn Bhd .
State trade and industry, and entrepreneurial development committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain presented the prizes, accompanied by PUMM national president Tan Lay Seong, PUMM Penang liaison chairman Alec Ooi and event organising chairman Terry Tan.
Abdul Halim, who was representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said the state fully supported PUMM’s initiatives which helped to fuel Penang’s economic growth by creating more job opportunities and expanding the business terrain.
“MRMEA , which is held only once every four years, is much- anticipated by the business community as it honours extraordinary individuals who defy all odds to succeed,” he said at the awards night held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
“Some were brave enough to start their businesses at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. They were able to overcome challenges as the word ‘no’ does not exist for them.”
Abdul Halim added that moving forward, he wished for Malaysia to have more entrepreneurs who are not just resilient and innovative but also more compassionate as this will lead to the betterment of society.
“The journey may not be smooth but we are a nation of highly resourceful and talented people, and I am confident if we work together and give our best, we’ll be able to soar even higher.”
Lay Seong also expressed a wish for Malaysian entrepreneurs to reach new heights.
“MRMEA is regarded by many in the business sector as a most prestigious award as it honours only the most outstanding and successful enterprises.
“The recipients are judged not just on their operational excellence but also on how they carry out their corporate social responsibilities.
“Each award recipient will receive a 0.5m-tall pewter trophy and to commemorate this event, a coffeetable book will be published based on the interviews of the recipients,” he said.
Lay Seong said PUMM (Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia) was formed in 1993 by Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and would be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
It has established offices in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Melaka and Sarawak.
The PUMM Penang Liaison Committee (2022/2024) was also installed during the award ceremony with the 15 members introduced on stage.
Ooi said he would work closely with the members to achieve the vision of PUMM Penang to assist young entrepreneurs to identify opportunities and build a positive and ethical business culture.
“I will continue to unite these young entrepreneurs into a consortium so they can contribute to the nation’s wealth,” said Ooi.
Also at the event were state assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Muar MP and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Bersatu Sarawak chief Senator Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian.
(Front row, fourth from left) Ooi, Terry, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Abdul Halim, Syed Saddiq, Lay Seong, PUMM immediate past president Datuk Tony Looi, PUMM vice-president Nelson Beh and the award recipients posing at the ceremony.
Law (second from left) receiving a souvenir from Lay Seong (left) and Ooi (third left). With them is Looi. – Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
(From left) Ooi, Terry, Syed Saddiq, Abdul Halim, and Lay Seong, SJKC Kuang Yu board of governors chairman Datuk Goh Kim Heong and its treasurer Tang Soon Huat with the donation mock cheque at the PUMM Awards night at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
