PETALING JAYA (Sin Chew Daily) — Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards has emerged as the most reputable and acclaimed award event in the country.

There are a total of 12 award categories this year, namely Lifetime Excellence Achievement, Business Excellence Person of the Year, Business Sustainability Excellence Award, CIMB–Sin Chew Regional Excellence Awards, Retail Excellence Award, Product Excellence Award, Business Service Excellence Award, Manufacturing Excellence Award, Digital and Technology Business Excellence Award, CSR Excellence Award, Property Excellence Award, and Young/Emerging Business Excellence Award.

Winners will be notified in writing in late August.

Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards is jointly organized by Sin Chew Daily and MCIL Multimedia Sdn Bhd. CIMB Bank is the exclusive sponsor while Grant Thornton Malaysia is the auditor.

Among the supporting partners are Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong), Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM), Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM), SME Association of Malaysia, National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM), Asean Retail-Chains Franchise Federation (ARFF) and Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (MICG). Other partners include Skynet, Fine Paper Takeo Sdn Bhd and Setia City Convention Centre.

SME Association of Malaysia president Datuk Michael Kang

“Participating companies have been performing very well in terms of product excellence and branding. I can see that they are working hard in running their businesses.”

PUMM honorary treasurer Datuk Billy Goh

“I can see that this year’s participants have put in a lot of effort in digitization and technology. They are investing in Big Data. Although this is still a very new area, at least they have made the first move.

“It takes time to see the actual change and results.”

BAM president Datuk Eric Chong

“I think a truly exceptional business should be all rounded. They must not only be financially sound but must also have strong corporate philosophies. I’m really looking forward to see some truly exceptional participants.”

SMEs and human resource development committee chairman of ACCCIM Koong Lin Loong

“I notice that many participating companies have lagged behind in the adoption of state-of-the-art technology and R&D. As a matter of fac, SMEs should make the best use of government incentives and loans in this area in a bid to suppress their production and operating cost and compete favorably with global companies.”

CIMB head of commercial banking Yew Teik Beng

“I’m glad to see many real estate developers taking part in Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards. This is a very tough area and developers need to know their markets really well. I hope to see more participants from outside Klang Valley next year.”

ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk Low Kian Chuan

“A good company not only needs to take care of its employees but also the society as a whole, including its business partners, while helping other SMEs grow along with it. It should also make positive contribution towards the society, charitable causes and education.”

Hua Zong executive committee members Kerk Loong Sing

“Healthy finance is the most important aspect in the sustainable development of a company. A healthy company should experience growth inits annual turnover and profit and should not be burdened with excessive loans.

“CSR is also another very important criterion.”

MRA deputy president Law Boon Eng

“I notice that important factors to consider include efficient use of capital, sale and profit growth. Sin Chew Business Excellence Awards is a perfect platform for SMEs to participate and at least share their unique experiences.”

Former MRCA president Datuk Seri Nelson Kwok

“Some emerging companies have done exceptionally well despite the tough business environment over the past three years. Their participation proves that emerging companies not only can survive but also become profitable.”