Latest news with #PBA2025
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.
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak SMEs showing resilience despite global economic challenges — Awg Tengah
PBA 2025 organising chairman Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong (left) presents a memento to Mohd Naroden, as Chin (second left) and Ong look on. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 25): Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak continue to demonstrate strength and adaptability despite global economic challenges, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment said Sarawak has over 74,000 SMEs, representing 6.8 per cent of the total figure in Malaysia. 'These businesses play a significant role in driving our economic growth, with 90.5 per cent involved in services, and smaller shares in construction, manufacturing and mining. 'With global uncertainties such as US reciprocal tariff policies, our SMEs must remain agile to thrive in the dynamic business landscape and align with our 2030 high-income goal,' he said in a speech for the Platinum Business Award (PBA) 2025 Nationwide Roadshow here yesterday. The text of his speech was delivered by Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais. Awang Tengah noted that SMEs form the backbone of Malaysia's economy, accounting for 96 per cent of total business establishments. He said in 2023, SMEs contributed 39.1 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product, employed 48.5 per cent of the workforce, and boosted Malaysia's export from 10.6 per cent in 2022 to 12.2 per cent. On the PBA 2025 Nationwide Roadshow, he said the awards continue to recognise the outstanding achievements of SMEs and align with the nation's digital transformation and innovation goals. 'This year's evaluation criteria placed 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 said. The roadshow, which drew over 150 prominent local business leaders, government officials and financial institutions, served as a forum for strategic engagement and experience sharing, covering key topics such as brand development and market expansion. According to SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong, Sarawak's strong policy support and infrastructure offer unprecedented growth opportunities for SMEs, especially in agriculture, food security and related 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. This is not just business development; it's nation-building,' he said. He added that the association will continue to be a 'third voice' advocating for fairness when policies like SST expansion or rental hikes affect businesses. Meanwhile, Sarawak SME Association president Jordan Ong said the return of the awards after a one-year pause reflected the resilience and transformation of SMEs in the post-pandemic era. 'This is not just an award—it's about recognising the real stories behind your entrepreneurial journey. You create jobs, uplift communities, and drive national progress. Every bit of your effort deserves to be seen. 'This year, we hope to see more Sarawak-based businesses shining on the national stage. Whether you're a start-up or a growing company, this is your time to shine,' he said.
