19th Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards Honours Malaysia’s Future-Ready Businesses

4 June 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The 19th edition of the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) Malaysia concluded successfully, celebrating the nation’s most future-ready enterprises that are boldly navigating disruption and championing sustainable growth in the new economy.

Organised by Enterprise Asia, the region’s leading non-governmental organisation for entrepreneurship, the prestigious awards ceremony took place on 30 May 2025 at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia; Mansor Shah Wahid, Deputy CEO of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) (Exporters Development); Datuk Wira Dr. Rais Hussin, CEO of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI); and Dato’ Robert Teo, Managing Partner of RSM Malaysia, the event’s Official Assurance Partner.

Held under the theme “Showcasing Future-Ready Enterprises”, APEA 2025 Malaysia recognised outstanding Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and foresight in future-proofing their organisations amid rapid technological and economic transformation.

A distinguished panel of judges evaluated more than 100 nominees, assessing each entrepreneur and business for overall excellence, leadership, and business performance.

Through this rigorous process, top achievers were honoured across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Since its inception in 2007, the APEA has been held across the region, with past honourees including Douglas Tong Hsu (Taiwan), Francis Lui and Lawrence Ho (Hong Kong SAR), Dang Van Thanh (Vietnam), Supaluck Ampuj (Thailand), Hary Tanoesoedibjo and Mochtar Riady (Indonesia), Adi Godrej (India), Manuel Villar (Philippines), and Hoe Kian Choon of Cuckoo Malaysia.

“In an era of constant disruption, the enterprises that will thrive are those that challenge conventions, embrace transformative technologies, and create value beyond profit. These organisations recognise the interconnectedness of economies, societies, and the environment—and take bold steps to shape a sustainable and inclusive future,” said Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of Enterprise Asia, in his keynote address.

Among the winners in the Master Entrepreneur category were Chiew Oon Leong, CEO of Cert Academy Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Lawrence Leow Fong Peng, Chief Executive Director of Teamplete Sdn Bhd, both recognised for exceptional leadership, resilience, and strategic vision.

NS Bluescope Malaysia Sdn Bhd and The Food Purveyor received the Inspirational Brand Award, while Union Profit Cosmetic Manufacturing Sdn Bhd was honoured in the Fast Enterprise category.

Notable recipients in the Corporate Excellence category included Niro Ceramic Group, UAC Berhad, and UM Specialist Centre (UMSC).

The APEA 2025 Malaysia Chapter was proudly supported by RSM Malaysia as the Official Assurance Partner and PR Newswire as the Official News Release Distribution Partner. Supporting Partners included the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, CCI France Malaysia, EuroCham Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC), and the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI). Media partners were Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine.