Latest news with #2025PlatinumBusinessAwards
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- 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.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
SME awards roadshow in Sarawak drawn over 150 key figures
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent 2025 Platinum Business Awards (PBA) National Roadshow in Kuching attracted more than 150 key figures. This included local business leaders, government representatives and financial institutions. The roadshow highlighted the progress and opportunities within Sarawak's small and medium enterprises, said the SME Association of Malaysia. The roadshow was not just about promoting the awards, but also functioned as a valuable platform for strategic discussions and the exchange of insights and experiences, it added. National president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the Sarawak state government had demonstrated a firm commitment to advancing SME development, with efforts extending beyond urban centres into rural areas. He added that the approach underscores the state's solid infrastructure and supportive policies, which are creating exceptional growth prospects for SMEs, especially in sectors such as agriculture, food security, and their associated value chains. "SMEs need more than just financial support, they require technological transformation and market integration. "We aim to leverage resources from our nationwide branches to foster cross-sector collaboration among members, shifting from traditional businesses to new areas such as digitalisation, agri-tech and renewable energy," Chin added. Advisor to the Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais said the Platinum Business Awards remain a key platform for acknowledging the exceptional accomplishments of small and medium-sized enterprises. "This year's evaluation criteria place greater emphasis on corporate culture and sustainability, underscoring that true success goes beyond profit. "It comes from how a business treats its people, gives back to society, and protects the environment. Despite challenges, many SMEs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability," he added.
New Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
2025 Platinum Business Awards roadshow reaches oil-rich Miri
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Platinum Business Awards (PBA) national roadshow made its debut to the oil-rich city of Miri in Sarawak today, drawing the participation of nearly 60 entrepreneurs and business leaders from various industries. PBA's organiser SME Association of Malaysia said the roadshow focused on promoting and introducing the awards' core values, evaluation criteria and nomination process to the business community in Miri. The aim was to encourage more local enterprises to take part in this prestigious national platform and strive for greater recognition. Sarawak transport minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said Miri is not only an important city in the state but also a crucial part of Malaysia's industrial development journey, where the entrepreneurs have laid a solid foundation with courage and determination. "PBA is more than just an honour, it is a reflection of a company's resilience and core values. It recognises those who stay true to their mission in challenging times, continue to create value and dare to innovate. "I hope Miri's outstanding businesses will shine through this year's awards and stand tall on the national stage," he added. The association's national president Dr Chin Chee Seong said the roadshow also engaged with local SME community and recognise the efforts of the Sarawak SME Association in nurturing entrepreneurs. "SMEs are currently facing numerous challenges, including rising operating costs, minimum wage hikes, e-invoicing implementation and fuel price adjustments. We will continue to be a voice for SMEs," he said. He urged SMEs in Miri to join the Sarawak SME Association to amplify their voices at both the state and national levels. Sarawak SME Association president Jordan Ong said SME Malaysia and the former continue to expand influence and strengthening engagement with SMEs across the states. "Bringing this prestigious national award to such a vibrant city is timely. It allows us to connect, share experiences and recognize the exceptional business talents nurtured on this land," Ong added. Organising chairman of the 2025 PBA, Yeow Wah Fuong, said this year's evaluation framework centres around three core values, which is leadership, integration and sustainability that aim to identify outstanding enterprises with strong business foresight. He added that the 2025 edition features 21 award categories spanning various sectors from technology and environmental innovation to service excellence and corporate culture, ensuring a broad platform for companies of different scales and industries to be recognised.
