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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.


Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak reps gain valuable insights from SME Day 2025 participation in Kuala Lumpur
The visiting delegates gather for a group photo during the engagement session involving the SME Association of Malaysia and Matrade. KUCHING (May 11): A delegation of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Association of Sarawak took part in the SME Day 2025 in Kuala Lumpur recently, aimed at building bridges with the sector's key stakeholders across the country. They visited to Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP) as part of the three-day programme, gaining valuable insights into government-backed financing schemes designed to empower SMEs. Moreover, the delegates also connected with fellow entrepreneurs and leaders at a networking dinner hosted by SME Malaysia, which brought together representatives from multiple state branches. The gathering provided a meaningful platform for collaboration, idea-sharing and future partnership opportunities. The delegation also had a productive session at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Office, where they were briefed on the various export assistance packages and support programmes available for Malaysian SMEs, aiming to grow globally. The highlight of the programme was the grand launch of the Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2025, one of the most prestigious honours in the SME landscape. Organised by SME Malaysia, the PBA meant to celebrate outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business practices. This year's launch showcased new award categories, reflecting the evolving priorities of the business community including digital transformation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence. 'The ceremony served as a call to action for Sarawak SMEs to rise to the challenge and gain national recognition for their impact and success. That evening, members attended the 'Trailblazer Night', an exclusive event honouring SME pioneers, who have demonstrated vision and resilience in driving their businesses forward. 'The inspiring stories shared further motivated participants to pursue bold and transformative journeys. 'On the final day, the delegation visited TikTok Malaysia where they were briefed of the platform's tools and marketing solutions tailored to help SMEs build strong digital brands, reach wider audiences, and tap into new markets through short-form video content and e-commerce features,' said the association in a statement today. business networking Small and Medium Enterprises Association