Platinum Business Awards 2025 roadshow gathers 100 entrepreneurs in Kuantan
The roadshow is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the annual awards and encourage SMEs to explore growth opportunities beyond their immediate markets.
Bebar assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the arrival of PBA in Kuantan underscores the city's status as a vital economic hub on the East Coast.
He added that this city is home to resilient and forward-thinking entrepreneurs who continue to grow and transform from traditional trades to technology-driven sectors.
"PBA is not just about celebrating success, it serves as a powerful platform to boost visibility, expand networks, and stimulate nationwide SME collaboration," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the association continuously strengthens its engagement with the government and relevant agencies to secure greater resources and policy support for SMEs.
He added that through its extensive network of branches across the country, it has built a strong service infrastructure that is truly connected to businesses and closely supports its members.
He also said that the greatest value of the association lies in its ability to provide members with practical and tangible support—not merely information but becoming a trusted partner in their growth journey.
Pahang SME Association president Datuk Simon Wong said the PBA roadshow aims to boost awareness and participation among East Coast businesses.
"For a business to remain sustainable, it must continuously grow, innovate, and transform. In today's rapidly changing environment, we cannot wait for a crisis to take action.
"Entrepreneurs must step out of their comfort zones, embrace new ideas, adopt new technologies and business models, and drive transformation and innovation continuously," he added.
Wong further noted that as we move deeper into the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an undeniable force of change.
He said businesses must actively embrace AI and integrate it into all aspects of operations from production, logistics, and sales to finance and management.
He added that the AI transformation is no longer an option but a necessary path for the future of business.
According to PBA 2025 organising chairman Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong, this year's awards include 21 categories, covering sectors such as manufacturing, technology, services, and green transformation.
He encouraged businesses from all industries to take part, adding that it helps them stand out in a competitive market, enhances credibility and reputation, and opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
Guests at the event included Alliance Bank vice president Titan Lee Wen Chieh and Media Prima Bhd business development director Roche Chew.
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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Platinum Business Awards 2025 roadshow gathers 100 entrepreneurs in Kuantan
KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 100 entrepreneurs gathered in Kuantan today as the 2025 Platinum Business Awards (PBA) National Roadshow continued its push to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand beyond local markets. The roadshow is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the annual awards and encourage SMEs to explore growth opportunities beyond their immediate markets. Bebar assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the arrival of PBA in Kuantan underscores the city's status as a vital economic hub on the East Coast. He added that this city is home to resilient and forward-thinking entrepreneurs who continue to grow and transform from traditional trades to technology-driven sectors. "PBA is not just about celebrating success, it serves as a powerful platform to boost visibility, expand networks, and stimulate nationwide SME collaboration," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the association continuously strengthens its engagement with the government and relevant agencies to secure greater resources and policy support for SMEs. He added that through its extensive network of branches across the country, it has built a strong service infrastructure that is truly connected to businesses and closely supports its members. He also said that the greatest value of the association lies in its ability to provide members with practical and tangible support—not merely information but becoming a trusted partner in their growth journey. Pahang SME Association president Datuk Simon Wong said the PBA roadshow aims to boost awareness and participation among East Coast businesses. "For a business to remain sustainable, it must continuously grow, innovate, and transform. In today's rapidly changing environment, we cannot wait for a crisis to take action. "Entrepreneurs must step out of their comfort zones, embrace new ideas, adopt new technologies and business models, and drive transformation and innovation continuously," he added. Wong further noted that as we move deeper into the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an undeniable force of change. He said businesses must actively embrace AI and integrate it into all aspects of operations from production, logistics, and sales to finance and management. He added that the AI transformation is no longer an option but a necessary path for the future of business. According to PBA 2025 organising chairman Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong, this year's awards include 21 categories, covering sectors such as manufacturing, technology, services, and green transformation. He encouraged businesses from all industries to take part, adding that it helps them stand out in a competitive market, enhances credibility and reputation, and opens doors to both local and international opportunities. Guests at the event included Alliance Bank vice president Titan Lee Wen Chieh and Media Prima Bhd business development director Roche Chew.
Sinar Daily
02-07-2025
- Sinar Daily
Alliance Bank launches Malaysia's first SME business pitch film to inspire entrepreneurial resilience
SHAH ALAM - Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad made history with the launch of The Ultimate Elevator Pitch, Malaysia's first feature-length SME business pitch documentary, offering a cinematic portrayal of entrepreneurship. Streaming exclusively on iQIYI from July 18, the film highlights the real-life journeys of 13 entrepreneurs from the 2024 BizSmart® Challenge: Accelerator Edition. In conjunction with World MSME Day, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad unveiled The Ultimate Elevator Pitch, a pioneering feature-length documentary spotlighting the entrepreneurial journeys of 13 finalists from the 2024 BizSmart® Challenge. This milestone initiative represents a convergence of business development, cinematic storytelling and digital media, making it the first of its kind in Malaysia. The film, directed by Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ampersand Advisory, Sandeep Joseph, offers rare behind-the-scenes access to high-stakes business pitches, mentorship sessions and the personal challenges encountered by SME founders. The Ultimate Elevator Pitch is available on iQIYI on July 18. "We see entrepreneurs as heroes and that is how we approached this movie. It is raw, relatable and relevant. These are the stories of Malaysia's future business leaders, told without filter," Sandeep said. Alliance Bank Group CEO, Kellee Kam, described the film as a portrait of resilience and ambition. "It is a celebration of the changemakers building our future. For over a decade, we have supported entrepreneurs beyond financial services. This movie invites the public to witness the grit, vulnerability and determination behind Malaysia's SME founders," Kam said. The documentary also serves as a prelude to the 2025 BizSmart® Business Conference (ABBBC), scheduled for Oct 7 at W Kuala Lumpur. Themed "Boundaries Reimagined", the conference will bring together over 35 speakers, including high-growth founders, seasoned investors and BizSmart® alumni such as Timothy Tiah, Winnie Loo, Radius Khor, Mah Jun Kit, Nor Arieni and Dr Jay. Topics will range from cross-border expansion to digital disruption and resilient brand building. The 2024 BizSmart® Challenge marked its 10th anniversary with the introduction of the Accelerator Edition, drawing a record-breaking 593 submissions. It included a multi-stage evaluation; a four-day accelerator programme, a 60-second Elevator Pitch and a final pitch to a panel of industry leaders. Every finalist received a prize, with BioLoop, Gula Cakery, and HiiVolt emerging as the top three, collectively earning a share of RM550,000. Highlighting its role as a pioneer in SME financing, Alliance Bank extended its support through a suite of financial tools beyond conventional banking. These included venture capital via 1337 Ventures and 5X Capital and funding from Cradle's MYStartup and Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC). In line with current digital consumption trends, the film will stream exclusively on iQIYI. Head of Brand Partnerships, APAC & Middle East at iQIYI Evangeline Song said this was the first time a bank-led SME initiative has been transformed into a cinematic experience that balances heart and ambition. "It highlights the highs, lows and spirit of local founders who are taking bold steps to shape their future," Song said. The idea for The Ultimate Elevator Pitch was sparked by a single insight: entrepreneurship is not just strategy — it is deeply emotional. "This is more than a celebration of success. It is a visual archive and story of what it takes to build a business in today's Malaysia," Sandeep added. Alliance Bank reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive entrepreneurial growth through its early bird promotion for ABBBC 2025, with ticket prices starting at RM88 until July 3. The conference aimed to facilitate networking, business matching and dissemination of strategic insights for SME development. For more information on the BizSmart® Challenge, visit To watch The Ultimate Elevator Pitch, visit iQIYI starting July 18. For details on the 2025 BizSmart® Business Conference, visit
The Star
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Brace for price hikes across the board, consumers told
PETALING JAYA: Consumers should brace themselves for a gradual increase in prices of goods following the implementation of the new electricity tariffs effective July 1, say business groups. This is because manufacturers and those in the affected sectors may not be able to absorb higher costs and would likely pass on to consumers. SME Association of Malaysia president Chin Chee Seong said it is too early to gauge the overall increase in electricity bills for businesses. 'It is difficult to say how much their electricity bills will increase at the moment. 'This is because the new tariffs are based on the amount of electricity used and on different rates of consumption. 'Talk among some SMEs is that there is likely to be at least a 20% increase in electricity bills,' he said when contacted yesterday. Chin said the association will gather feedback from its members to determine how much more they have to pay for their electricity. Asked whether the SMEs will absorb the higher electricity costs, Chin said it is unlikely. 'Most of them would not absorb the cost and pass it down to either their supply chain or consumers. 'We should expect to see an increase in prices, especially among the SMEs, food and beverage, and the retail sectors,' he said. Federation of Malaysian Business Association vice-chairman Nivas Ragavan said some businesses may try to absorb the electricity cost increase, but not entirely. 'Manufacturers have always tried to absorb cost increases where possible through efficiency measures and cost optimisation. 'However, with rising cumulative costs such as raw materials, logistics, labour and now energy, many, particularly the SMEs and export-driven businesses with thin margins, will not be able to absorb the full cost,' he said when contacted yesterday. He said the manufacturing sector is expected to see its electricity bills increase between 5% and 7%. 'For energy-intensive industries, the impact could be more significant, especially if they are not eligible for the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through rebate,' he added. As a result of this, Nivas said that it is likely that some portion of the increased energy cost will be passed down the supply chain. 'This could take the form of adjusted pricing to downstream partners and eventually may have an impact on consumer prices, depending on the sector and product,' he said. He noted that some manufacturers will try to minimise the increase in cost where possible to remain competitive, especially in global markets. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the new electricity tariffs will not have a uniform impact on the manufacturing sector and will vary according to electricity usage. 'FMM understands that 70% of medium voltage customers, many of whom are industrial users, will have a reduction in electricity bill ranging from 4% up to 18% depending on the load factor. 'The higher their load factor, the higher the reduction in their bills,' he said when contacted yesterday. However, Soh said the remaining 30% with a low load factor may see an increase of between 3% and 10% in the electricity bills. 'Some customers in this category have installed solar PV systems, allowing them to offset the increase in bill through the revised mechanism under the renewable energy schemes,' he added. Asked whether the increase in cost will be passed down through the supply chain, Soh said it is unlikely due to stiff market competition.
