A total of 105 Malaysian exporters have made the shortlist for NEA 2025, representing a diverse mix of large corporations, SMEs and emerging entrepreneurs
The National Export Awards (NEA) 2025 has officially commenced its screening process by shortlisting 105 exporters, representing some of Malaysia’s most dynamic exporters across diverse industries.
Collectively, the top five exporters shortlisted recorded a combined export turnover of RM120.08bil in 2024, underscoring the relevance of the pool of exporters being evaluated for the awards.
Their products and services reach key markets such as the United States, China, Japan, India, Indonesia and the Philippines as well as countries in Africa and the Middle East, reflecting the nation’s deep integration into global supply chains.
These figures highlight Malaysia’s growing influence in international trade – and the exporters driving this growth through innovation, sustainability and strategic market expansion.
The NEA 2025, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), aims to shine a spotlight on such achievements, honouring businesses that exemplify leadership and excellence in exports.
Guided by the theme “Honouring Excellence, Powering Global Trade,” the awards will recognise companies across seven categories: Best Exporter for Large Companies, Multinational Companies, and Mid-Tier Companies, as well as Best SME Exporter for Emerging, Bumiputera, Youth, and Women.
This underscores the NEA’s commitment to highlighting export excellence at every level, while promoting inclusivity and diversity within Malaysia’s export ecosystem.
Winners will be determined through a rigorous, independently verified framework that measures export value, market expansion, innovation and sustainability practices.
Since its establishment in 1993, MATRADE has worked to equip Malaysian exporters with the knowledge, networks and platforms needed to succeed abroad.
Through initiatives such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), eTRADE and its network of overseas offices, MATRADE has built an ecosystem that supports businesses in scaling from first-time exporters into confident global players.
Across industries, Malaysian exporters are proving that leadership in global trade is no longer defined by size alone.
Many SMEs are leveraging digital platforms to reach new markets, while established manufacturers are strengthening compliance, innovation and sustainability across their supply chains.
Increasingly, companies are embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into their operations – an approach that gives Malaysia its edge and ensures long-term relevance in a shifting global landscape.
Malaysia’s overall trade performance mirrors this transformation. In 2024, total trade expanded by 9.2% to RM2.880 trillion, surpassing the RM2 trillion threshold for the fourth consecutive year. Exports rose 5.8% to RM1.509 trillion, marking a four-year streak above RM1 trillion.
Momentum has carried into 2025. For the period January to September 2025, total trade reached RM2.235 trillion, with exports contributing RM1.170 trillion.
In September alone, trade stood at RM257.51bil, including RM138.68bil in exports. This not only marked the 65th consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020 but also reinforced Malaysia’s global competitiveness.
Through the NEA, MATRADE aims to raise the bar for the wider export community, ensuring that leadership in trade is not only about performance in numbers but also about responsibility, integrity and sustainable competitiveness.
Exporters are celebrated not merely as contributors to GDP, but as innovators, standard-setters and ambassadors of Malaysian excellence on the world stage.
To learn more about the NEA 2025, visit https://nea.com.my/.
