Chan (centre), SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang (third from left) and Goh (third from right) with GWM management and sponsors at SOBA Prestige in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Outstanding recipients share ideas, mentor peers and build new connections at Star Media Group event
YEARS after receiving recognition, The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) recipients return through platforms such as SOBA’s Prestige event to share ideas, mentor peers and build new business connections.
The role of SOBA as a continuous business ecosystem was showcased during SOBA Prestige 2025, which saw past winners, partners and sponsors gather at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur.
Co-hosted by Great Wall Motor (GWM) and themed “Drive the future: Empowering enterprise with innovation and purpose”, the gathering focused on leadership and innovation in the business landscape.
Star Media Group (SMG) chief executive officer (CEO) Chan Seng Fatt said the annual event offered a chance to connect with leaders behind successful local enterprises.
He said SOBA had earned the respect of the business community and helped companies gain both visibility and credibility.
Lee says passion and innovation are crucial for any business.
“Winning a SOBA award carries weight because it is not just about being visible.
“It is about being assessed, benchmarked against industry peers and acknowledged for building business the right way.”
Chan said SOBA had received over 3,000 entries and recognised more than 650 businesses in the past 15 years.
“The future will not automatically belong to the biggest players,” he said.
“Businesses that endure are those that remain relevant, continue to improve and build trust over time.”
A fireside chat titled “Leadership that gives back: A journey of impact and responsibility” featured Karex Bhd CEO MK Goh in conversation with moderator Freda Liu.
Goh, who joined the family business in 2000 after his father died, said growing up as the youngest in a family-run firm influenced his leadership style.
Lim: Event allows entrepreneurs to connect over shared experiences.
“I guess when you’re the youngest in the family, you don’t talk, right? You listen.”
He said listing the company, which is one of the largest condom manufacturers in the world, was a deliberate move towards sustainability and governance, helping ensure fair decision-making and long-term continuity.
“Today, we have 3,000 employees. The responsibility on my team’s shoulders is not just employees, but the 3,000 families that have grown with us.”
Peoplelogy Bhd founder and managing director Allen Lee said Goh’s emphasis on passion and innovation resonated with his own 25-year journey building a digital workforce transformation firm.
“You must love your business,” he said, adding that innovation remained key to any business.
My Art Studio director Jeffers Lim said the event allowed entrepreneurs to connect over shared experiences, especially those in family-run businesses.
“It’s refreshing to meet people who are on the same journey, even if just to talk about our line of work,” he said, adding that being around other entrepreneurs was also a way to explore future business opportunities.
Siti Noraini says SOBA provides a platform to explore new avenues.
Kanika Sdn Bhd CEO Vinnie Ang said as a second-generation leader, she could relate to Goh.
“What he said really resonated with me and I agree that true leadership also means being a good listener.”
Nippon Sushi Group founder Siti Noraini Nuawi said the SOBA platform brought together entrepreneurs with shared goals and values.
“The platform has value not just for networking, but also to hear ideas and explore new avenues.”
SOBA 2025 was organised by SMG with Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd, PKT Logistics Sdn Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd as main sponsors and GWM Malaysia Sdn Bhd as co-sponsor.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation served as official trade promotion partner, SME Corp Malaysia as supporter and 988 FM and Suria FM as official media partners.
The awards were audited by BDO.
