Extension of deadline for SOBA 2021 entries

KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s non-listed companies still has some time to wrap up their applications for the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2021 as the deadline has been extended to Nov 26.

Since its inception, SOBA has highlighted more than 350 deserving companies with several past winners even growing to become public-listed entities.

Despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses – especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – have proven their worth in tackling obstacles to not only survive but thrive in the new normal.

This was reflected in Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) group CEO Alex Yeow’s speech during the awards programme’s launch in late June this year.

“In the time of a pandemic, they have not slowed down but instead used adversity as a driving force to distinguish their businesses from their peers.

“It is with these exemplary enterprises in mind that drove SMG to continue running SOBA every year to provide opportunities to deserving SMEs to benchmark their success and give them a platform to be recognised for their stellar efforts,” he said.

Moreover, companies need to continue improving all aspects of their business more than ever, especially with the paradigm shift in consumer behaviour and the business environment.

Taking the time to go through each aspect of the submission kit in applying for reputable business awards programmes such as SOBA can help companies identify their weaknesses and benchmark them against the best practices of companies at the top of their game.

SOBA is open to locally incorporated enterprises not part of a multinational or listed group with foreign equity not exceeding 50%.

Awards will be given out in two tiers, namely for companies with an annual revenue of up to RM25mil and another category for those generating above RM25mil.

SOBA 2021 is organised by SMG with Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC), Maxis, PKT Logistics Group and RHB as main sponsors and Matrade as official trade promotion partner.

Supported by the International Trade and Industry Ministry and Bursa Malaysia, it is audited by BDO with 988 and Suria as official media partners.

For more information on SOBA 2021, call The Star Events at 017-231 1789 or visit www.soba.com.my.