The third edition of the Export Excellence Awards was launched yesterday to recognise the excellence of Malaysian exporters and acknowledge their contributions to the economy.

The event was held at W Hotel KL and coincided with the first Export Excellence Awards (EEA) 2022 roadshow, which saw a panel discussion titled “Transport as a Pivotal Lifeline of Trade”.

Standard Chartered Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Abrar A. Anwar, who spoke at the event, said trade connectivity numbers are among the crucial engines to refuel economic growth by sourcing new avenues, facilitating the delivery of products to new market segments and entering new partnerships.

“As a leading trade bank, we are well-positioned to connect the capital, expertise and ideas needed to drive new standards and create innovative solutions for more equitable and sustainable growth. We believe in the potential of globalisation to increase participation in the global economy,” he added.

The bank that has been operating in Malaysia for 147 years, has gained deep local knowledge and understanding of Malaysian corporates and with its broad geographical footprint across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, it seeks to seamlessly support cross-border payments, trade requirements, investment and wealth needs.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong said it was highly encouraging to see the awards programme and the roadshow growing from strength to strength.

Even more encouraging, he pointed out, was the strong strategic collaboration between corporate partners, financial institutions, industry associates, agencies and ministries.

He said collective efforts such as these would encourage local businesses to grow beyond the Malaysian market and seek opportunities globally.

He said it would allow the nation to reap the rewards of the export industry and drive national economic growth.

“The EEA roadshow could not have come at a more opportune time, given the current economic climate, with today’s session covering trade and transport. As borders reopen to a brave new world, it is evident just how vital transport operations, logistics and connectivity are to facilitating international trade,” he said.

Star Media Group Bhd group CEO Alex Yeow shared his belief that local businesses would be able to set higher benchmarks to prove they could stand proud among global giants through healthy competition.

The collective success of these companies plays a large part in contributing to the exponential growth of the nation, as the export industry is a key economic driver capable of closing the gender gap, reducing inequalities and bringing down barriers – with the right policies in place.

Moreover, EEA 2022 will introduce two new categories, namely Rising Star and Woman Exporter of the Year.

This is in addition to the existing special awards for Halal Products, Thriving in Adversity and Exporter of the Year, and the main award categories of machinery, electrical and electronics; agriculture, food and beverage; industrial products; and consumer products and services.

There will be two tiers of the award, namely for small and medium enterprises with annual sales turnover of up to RM50mil for products, and up to RM20mil for services, and medium and large companies with annual sales turnover above RM50mil for products, and above RM20mil for services.

Companies have until Aug 19 to submit their entries. Winners will be announced at the Export Excellence Awards Gala Night, tentatively slated in November.

“To uphold EEA’s founding objective of uplifting all exporters, we are proud to introduce two new award categories to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion this year,” he said.

“The two new Rising Star and Woman Exporter of the Year categories are set in place to give due recognition to the up-and-coming stars and the women who continue to shatter the glass ceiling in the export industry.”

EEA is organised by Star Media Group in partnership with Standard Chartered Malaysia, with PKT Logistics Group as co-sponsor and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) as a patron.

BDO is the official auditor.

For more information on EEA, visit exportawards.com.my or email eea@thestar.com.my.