SOBA 2017 honours the best in business
(From left) Mohd Shahreen, Mohd Zamree, Yap, Rising Star winner ABBE Group (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Ho Wai Loon, Ong, Malaysian Business of the Year (Above RM25mil) winner Proguard Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd CEO and CFO Datin Cindy Choh, Proguard Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd COO Datuk Lee Ngai Mun, Malaysian Business of the Year (Up to RM25mil) Forefront International Sdn Bhd CEO Darien Mah, Wong, Teh and Lim celebrating the achievement of the grand winners.
It was truly a sight to behold as more than 800 business owners and industry players gathered to recognise and celebrate the achievements of small businesses at The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2017.
Guests, elegantly dressed in hues of red and black, mingled and clinked glasses as the night wore on to reveal the winners of the prestigious awards.
The festivities kicked off with the tossing of the yee sang and the crowd was treated to a dazzling LED light performance.
Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai congratulated the winners at the award ceremony and reiterated SOBA’s support for small businesses.
“The winners have exemplified notable qualities that we wish to see in every enterprise. We would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all participating companies for their outstanding achievements and remarkable personal growth. It is without doubt that you will all excel in your roles and contribute positively to the well-being of society and the country.
“This year marks the eighth edition of SOBA. We hold true to our aim to inspire non-listed companies and SMEs to strive for greater heights in business excellence,” he said.
Wong noted that SOBA received an even greater number of submissions for this round of awards, which shows a growing need for the sector to be recognised.
SMEs play an important role in contributing towards the economic development of the nation and it is hoped that awards such as SOBA will continue to be a significant enabler for organisations to build a competitive edge and make a name for themselves in the industry.
Wong hoped SOBA will also continue to encourage homegrown business owners to soar beyond the usual boundaries, and inspire and encourage local businesses to use their inherent flexibility and agility to create new products and reorient their businesses for the global arena.
SOBA 2017 awards were presented by guest-of-honour International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Star Media Group Bhd chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and Wong.
Over the past eight years, SOBA has helped groom small businesses into more established outfits through various workshops and seminars, which enable SMEs to draw from the experiences of larger successful companies as well as encourage small businesses to share and learn from each other.
SOBA has also been a strong platform for SMEs to benchmark themselves against the industry.
Apart from the main award winners, The Star also recognised 14 companies under the Most Promising Award category for their growth potential in terms of financial status, effort and impactful contribution to society as well as for their unique and creative businesses.
These companies are Joven Electric Co Sdn Bhd, ATKC Hardware Trading Sdn Bhd, AmLion Toothpaste MFG Sdn Bhd, Worldwide Holdings Bhd, Eakonmech Sdn Bhd, ISBA Bersih Sdn Bhd, Auto Count Sdn Bhd, Pitaberry Sdn Bhd, Creative Today Sdn Bhd, Mantra Experiential Sdn Bhd, Wynkids Sdn Bhd, UHY Advisory (KL) Sdn Bhd, FT Hose & Hose Sdn Bhd, and Leong Yin Pastry Sdn Bhd.
It is hoped that these companies will go on to be bigger winners in the future and to inspire other companies to also aim higher.
