One for the books: Record holders celebrating a memorable night at the Malaysia Book of Records 30th anniversary dinner event. — Photos by IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Celebration honours records from Everest to the thickest egg tart, with hopes of inspiring future generations
THE Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a black-tie gala that recognised 91 national record holders across sports, business and media as well as arts, science and social impact.
Held at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, the evening brought together more than 800 distinguished guests in a celebration of Malaysians who had dared to dream big and succeeded.
The black-tie event was attended by achievers past and present, including Olympic medallists, pioneering entrepreneurs, Paralympians, influencers and sustainability advocates.
The recipients honoured at MBR’s 30th anniversary record-breaking gala showcased the breadth of Malaysian talent and ambition, with records spanning human achievements, sports, education, business, arts and entertainment, community engagement and technology.
The awards recognised both individual milestones such as youngest or first achievements, as well as organisational accomplishments, including sales performance, community engagement, longest non-stop live streams and entrepreneurship.
The MBR also spotlighted business and entrepreneurial organisations that have supported local brands and record-setting ventures, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, SME Association of Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Pertubuhan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM).
PUMM president Datuk Teh Tai Yong credited the MBR for helping PUMM members boost their brand presence and inspiring them to aim higher and build greater trust, both at home and abroad.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the MBR gala, commended the organisation for evolving in tandem with the nation’s aspirations over the past 30 years.
Legacy of “Malaysia Boleh”
MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio traced the organisation’s roots and its evolution over the decades.
“Malaysia Book of Records started in 1995 during the Malaysia Boleh era, when we needed a record book to register all the Malaysia Boleh record attempts,” he said in his keynote address.
That vision to document, verify and celebrate Malaysian excellence over the past 30 years, Tio said, has resulted in “over 8,800 records and 17 published editions of record books.”
“That’s our journey so far, but we’ve now moved on beyond human achievements to include business and community impact.
“We also want to help NGOs, politicians and communities gain wider recognition for their efforts,” he said.
Inspiring a new generation
In his speech, Tio recounted how the MBR TV series that first aired on RTM in 1996 ran for 250 episodes and helped foster a “Malaysia Boleh” spirit among a generation of young Malaysians.
“Those kids who watched in the ’90s and 2000s? They’re now the ones breaking records.”
To reignite another wave of the same momentum, MBR will soon launch a new series in collaboration with Bernama TV.
Titled “Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa”, the 13-episode programme is scheduled to begin airing on Bernama TV from Aug 26.
“I feel it is important for us to continue that kind of storytelling,
“That’s why we’re starting the new series around the time of our National Day on Astro 502.”
A platform for all Malaysians
Tio added that MBR would continue to expand its efforts to reach every corner of the country.
More than achievements, Tio said, the idea of pushing MBR far and wide is to cultivate national unity.
“During the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, there are plenty of national records happening all over Malaysia and they should be recorded,” he said.
“It’s not just about displaying the achievement –we want it to be recognised, talked about and remembered.”
“I want to see national unity and I want to see all races working together to achieve a record.”
Giving back to athletes
Tio also announced a new charitable foundation to help athletes who lack funding for their record-breaking efforts.
“We feel that many athletes are working hard to break records and go international, but they suffer from insufficient funds.
“Therefore, we decided to establish Yayasan MBR to support our athletes and community projects.”
He cited Soh Wai Ching, a world tower-running champion and world record holder, as an example of the type of athlete the foundation aims to support.
“He didn’t get any funding from our government, despite being a world record holder. That’s why we’re stepping in.”
Tio also announced that former Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had agreed to become the patron of the foundation.
Helping businesses recover
In the business world, MBR also helped SMEs to stand out in a competitive post-pandemic landscape.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of businesses suffered. Post-pandemic, many tried to reactivate but found it difficult.
“So, we reached out to the SME community and activated the Malaysia Book of Records for SMEs to help them with branding and exposure,” said Tio.
Among the earliest and most successful participants was Oriental Kopi, recognised for producing the thickest egg tart and selling the most number of egg tarts.
“It was a brilliant idea and niche selling point. From that point on, we’ve had a lot of applications.”
From Everest to Empire State
The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation to 91 individuals and organisations who had earned their place in the record books.
Among them was Datuk M. Magendran, Malaysia’s first man to summit Mount Everest.
“Standing on the summit of Mount Everest, with the national flag in my hands, was a moment of immense pride,” he said.
“The core motivation was always ‘Malaysia Boleh’ – the belief that Malaysians can achieve greatness, even in a hostile environment.”
Also honoured was Soh, who is also the first Asian triple-champion of the Empire State Building Run-Up.
“My goal is not just to win, but to make a statement,” said Soh.
“Even if it’s not our building, we can be proud that a Malaysian is the fastest.”
Spotlight on innovation and inclusivity
Other notable record recipients included: > Datuk Rosyam Nor – Actor-turned-entrepreneur who launched Malaysia’s first 24-hour upscale wholesale mart – ST Rosyam Mart – during the pandemic. > Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal (15) – Youngest female Malaysian to earn a podium finish in a sanctioned touring car championship. > Norhasmat Abdul Aziz – Double gold medallist at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. > Minbappe (Ahmad Muhaimin) – Malaysia’s first FIFAe World Cup Mobile Champion. > Goh Liu Ying – The first Malaysian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. > Mohd Sukur Ibrahim – Known as Malaysia’s shortest man, who continues to inspire through motivational talks and community work.
Media organisations recognised
Several media organisations were recognised for their continued support of MBR over the years such as Bernama, Star Media Group, Media Prima Group and Media Chinese International Limited Group as well as digital platforms media like MalaysiaKini, MalaysiaGazette, The Scoop Online, Good Foodie Media, TV Sarawak and more.
Gala entertainment and celebration
Guests were treated to a series of live performances including Martin Looi, who holds the record for the highest-altitude violin live stream.
Mark Yong and Pinky Loo, who are record holders for the fastest costume changes, delivered a high-energy performance featuring 14 wardrobe switches in under one minute.
Guests also had the chance to walk through displays of past record editions and themed photo booths.
Tio said MBR has now moved beyond human achievements to include business and community impact.
Tio (first row, fifth from left) and Teo (sixth from left) with representatives from business, entrepreneurial and media organisations, as well as record holders. They received tokens of recognition for their support of MBR and record-setting ventures over the years.
Teo (left) with Mohd Sukur Ibrahim who holds the record for the shortest man at just 100cm.
Branding Association of Malaysia president Datin Winnie Loo (second left) receiving a token of recognition from Tio as Teo and MBR chief executive officer Christopher Wong look on. Loo said that having been featured in MBR’s first edition, she’s seen it evolve into a legacy platform — one that celebrates excellence, inspires purpose and leaves a lasting impact.
Magendran, who was part of the first Malaysian team to conquer Mount Everest, speaking on stage during the dinner event.
Tower runner Soh taking the stage to deliver his speech, reflecting on his journey and achievements.
Guests getting into the spirit of Malaysia Boleh during the anniversary dinner event.
Oriental Kopi managing director Datuk Calvin Chan Jian Chern (second from left) receiving the recognition for producing the thickest egg tart and having sold most egg tarts in a year from Wong (left) as Teo and Tio look on. Chan said the award, recognising sales of over 10 million egg tarts in a year, was a tribute to the team’s dedication and the support of Malaysians who love Oriental Kopi’s local flavours.
Guest were treated to a display of Malaysia Book of Records published throughout the years at the event.
