KUALA LUMPUR, December 11 – SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA), an annual initiative organised by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia that aims to recognise Malaysia’s most notable companies and entrepreneurs, is back once again. In partnership with Celcom Business, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysian hosted their 6th Grand Awards Gala Evening on the 9th of December 2021, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Over 350 guests attended the event to witness the unveiling of this year’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, SMEs and businesses. Among the many that attended the gala dinner were Tan Sri Noh Haji Omar, Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC), Dato’ Suriani Ahmad, Secretary General of MEDAC, and all the Board of Advisors of SEBA 2021. A total of 42 prestigious awards were presented to various SMEs and entrepreneurs hailing from numerous industries.
In line with the external challenges that many businesses have had to experience recently, this year’s event was themed, ‘Thriving the Waves’. SEBA believes this period of emergence from the pandemic is the best time to recognise businesses that have thriving despite the many obstacles. Among the award recipients at the Gala Evening, Dato’ Sri Hajah Siti Nurhaliza Binti Tajuddin was awarded the Entrepreneur of The Year Award, Mr. Shahrul Anuar Bin Zain was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Music Industry, and Mr. Leslie Gomez, from the Olive Tree Group was awarded with the title Excellence in Leadership.
In his welcoming speech, Tan Sri Noh Haji Omar, Minister of MEDAC said, “Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia recognises entrepreneurs who have succeeded in cementing their names within their respective industries and simultaneously elevating Malaysia in the global arena. This is a commendable effort and must be collectively supported.” He further added, “I believe this is a good starting point for entrepreneurs who are bravely facing the challenges on the road to success.
MEDAC is confident that the vision and mission of achieving an entrepreneurial nation will succeed with the cooperation and teamwork from various backgrounds in line with the concept of Keluarga Malaysia. On behalf of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, I call on all Malaysian families to unite with a concerted effort to restore the Malaysian economy which has been impacted by COVID-19. Hopefully, the efforts made by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, will continue to be a catalyst for other entrepreneurs to successfully navigate the efforts that have been carried out.
During SEBA 2021, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia also officially launched their e-magazine, “Asia Connects”. The publication aims to create an enhanced platform for further regional growth prospects as we move towards a post pandemic recovery. This year, SEBA added several new categories, starting with the Halal-preneur Award and the Young Entrepreneur Award. Aiming to adapt and evolve with the times, and as the halal sector is a rising segment within the industry, for the first time, SEBA will be honouring entrepreneurs who have successfully empowered their community in general, within the Halal sector. On the other hand, the Young Entrepreneur Award is designed to empower the youths of today and encourage early entrepreneurship in the community.
December 14, 2021
