FOR Hah Cheau Jin, better known as CJ Hah, success is not just about building a business or receiving recognition, but also about helping others change their lives.
Her personal motto, “A changed life changes lives”, has guided her journey as an entrepreneur and her efforts to give back to society.
The 43-year-old founder of Polygon Holdings Sdn Bhd was recently honoured with an Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) International Model Award for her achievements and contributions.
Hah started her career 18 years ago in real estate sales before establishing Polygon Holdings in 2017 with 20 employees.
Today, the group has 2,000 employees and is involved in property development, real estate agency, property management, interior design and renovation, property media platforms and real estate technology solutions.
“After experiencing the ups and downs and challenges of running a business, I came to understand that a company must have a long-term vision.
“It cannot rely solely on the founder’s individual abilities.
“Instead, it must establish systems, develop talent and allow more people to discover their potential on the platform.”
Hah has invested in employee training and leadership development, as well as established training systems and an entrepreneurial platform to help young people build careers in the property industry and achieve financial independence.
“I want my journey not merely to be from a real estate salesperson to a corporate leader.
“I want it to be a journey of building a platform that enables more people to change their lives,” she said.
The company has since expanded to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China.
Meanwhile, Excellence Model Award recipient Ng Cheng Kiat, 46, had no experience in the food and beverage (F&B) industry when he ventured into the business.
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Cheng Kiat returned to Malaysia after graduating from Coventry University in the UK and joined the banking industry.
His interest in food eventually led him to set up Riz Kitchen, with the aim of preserving and promoting traditional Nyonya cuisine while introducing it to younger Malaysians and people from different cultural backgrounds.
“Running a restaurant is not just about doing business; it is also a way of passing on traditional culture,” he said.
From its first outlet, Riz Kitchen has grown to 22 outlets as of 2026, offering more than 100 traditional Malaysian dishes.
Cheng Kiat hopes the brand will become one that represents Malaysia, with “muhibah” (meaning harmony and unity) as its core spirit.
The company has also pursued halal certification to make Malaysian cuisine accessible to a wider audience.
“Preserve the essence of tradition, but don’t be afraid to innovate,” said Cheng Kiat.
With Riz Kitchen exploring international markets, he hopes to introduce Malaysian Nyonya cuisine to diners around the world.
Hah and Cheng Kiat were among 32 entrepreneurs honoured at the ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Super Model Awards Ceremony-cum-Gala Dinner 2026 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre.
The event, attended by about 2,000 guests, also marked the 15th anniversary of the ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Committee (YEC).
The awards were divided into two categories – International Model Award, with seven recipients, and Excellence Model Award, with 25 recipients.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who was the guest of honour, said Malaysia needed more young people willing to take risks, build businesses, create jobs and become leaders in their respective fields.
He said initiatives such as Rakan Muda and Geran Sejati Madani x Belia provided young people with opportunities, support and resources to realise their ideas and potential.
ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng praised the winners for their resilience, innovation and leadership, and encouraged them to continue expanding their businesses while creating greater value for society.
ACCCIM YEC chairman Datuk Leon Lee said the committee had strengthened regional collaboration by establishing exchange and cooperation mechanisms with young entrepreneurs’ organisations from Asean, China, Japan and South Korea.
He added that developments in sectors such as electrical and electronics, electric vehicles, advanced materials and energy transition continued to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs despite global economic challenges.
The gala dinner ended with a cake-cutting ceremony and an outdoor fireworks display.
