PETALING JAYA: Winning the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) has proven to be a catalyst for growth, industry recognition and new business opportunities, according to past recipients.
Impact Volution chief executive officer Max Wong said winning the award last year opened up new horizons for the company.
“Through the application and judging process, we gained greater clarity on our vision, mission and strategies.
“Winning has also led the company to envision bigger goals. More organisations should take part in SOBA,” he said.
For travel curation company Golden Destinations Group, the recognition enhanced its standing within the business community.
“People see us in a different light now. Winning SOBA reflects the hard work we have put into our business journey and has opened doors to new opportunities,” said chief operating officer Charles Lim.
Kanika (Malaysia) chief executive officer Vinnie Ang described the recognition as something money cannot buy.
“It has sharpened my leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Since winning, it has been a continuous journey of growth, confidence and sustainable development for both my team and myself,” she said.
Wynkids founder and chief executive officer Elwin Goh said SOBA is a highly respected business award that positions winners among the industry’s best.
“You are competing against the best of the best and are benchmarked accordingly. It gives you the motivation and roadmap to continue growing,” he said.
Goh, who has since become a SOBA ambassador, encourages more SMEs to participate and embrace innovation.
“That will make the SME ecosystem more vibrant while strengthening the value of the products and services we offer,” he said.
For life sciences company PhytoGaia, the award accelerated trust-building with stakeholders.
“In the global marketplace, trust is everything.
“This recognition sends a clear message to our partners, researchers and customers that we deliver world-class standards,” said vice-president Bryan See.
Homlux Interior Furnishing chief executive officer Law Lee Kiau said the award also highlighted the importance of human capital development.
“We benefit from the community, so we should contribute in return,” said Law.
SOBA Elite Judge Datuk Vincent Choo said the evaluation process goes far beyond revenue and profit.
“We assess innovation, leadership, business growth, customer support, resilience and the ability to create long-term value,” he said.
Choo added that winners are businesses that demonstrate excellence, sustainable success and strong future potential.
“Ultimately, we are looking for companies that are shaping the future of their industries,” he said.
Fellow Elite Judge Datin Winnie Loo said she looks for entrepreneurs who demonstrate sustainable growth, strong values, adaptability and the ability to inspire others while contributing meaningfully to their industries and communities.
“Their vision, resilience during challenging times and ability to turn a business around are qualities that stand out,” she said.
Another Elite Judge, Datuk Teh Tai Yong, said the winners must demonstrate strong leadership, innovation, sustainability, good governance, resilience and the ability to create long-term value.
