Malaysia’s business environment recognizes corporate and SME excellence through a variety of highly respected awards. Below is a detailed report on the leading business award programs, their background, and the latest news for each as of 2025.
Top Business Awards Malaysia for Future Entrepreneur Leaders to Apply
Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA)
Background:
SOBA, organized by Star Media Group, has been held for 15 years and is favored for celebrating non-public-listed homegrown Malaysian businesses and SMEs, with a focus on digital, sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) impact.
Award Features:
SOBA recognizes companies for sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. The program encourages participation from a wide range of businesses, including SMEs driving Malaysia’s economic transformation.
Latest News:
The 15th SOBA Gala marked the achievements of 99 outstanding businesses, highlighting successful digitalization, sustainability, and continuous learning. The 2025 SOBA LAB events guide SMEs on AI, finance strategies, and ESG compliance.
Platinum Business Awards (PBA)
Background:
PBA is organized by the SME Association of Malaysia and stands as one of the most prestigious honors for SMEs and individual entrepreneurs in Malaysia and the broader Asia region.
Award Categories:
Features 21 categories covering technology, branding, digital innovation, sustainability, and more. The award is accessible to all sizes and sectors.
Latest News:
In 2025, the PBA National Roadshow made stops in Penang, Klang, and Ipoh to inspire and empower local enterprises for national recognition. The deadline for nominations is August 7, and the grand finale award night will be held at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre on October 28.
Malaysia National Business Awards
Background:
An annual program by Asian Business Review, the Malaysia National Business Awards recognizes outstanding local businesses in various sectors.
Award Features:
Includes Innovation, Excellence, and Initiative Awards across diverse categories such as financial services, healthcare, real estate, F&B, and construction.
Latest News:
Recent honorees include CapBay (Financial Services), Creative Factory Painting (Arts & Lifestyle), INSTITUT JANTUNG NEGARA (Healthcare), and Involve Asia (Marketing). Axiata was recognized for cybersecurity innovation, CGC Digital for MSME financing solutions, and PR1MA for affordable housing.
ASEAN Business Awards (ABA Malaysia
Background:
Organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, ABA spotlights achievements and innovations at both national and regional levels.
Latest News:
The 2025 edition features a streamlined approach, with only 10 selected categories to emphasize key trends and sectors in ASEAN economic development.
Marketing Excellence Awards Malaysia
Background:
This award has become a benchmark for recognizing outstanding achievements in Malaysia’s marketing landscape.
Latest News:
The 2025 winners will be announced in October, celebrating top achievements in creative marketing campaigns and strategic brand building.
Malaysia’s Best Managed Companies Awards (Deloitte)
Background:
Deloitte Malaysia recognizes local companies for outstanding organizational management, innovation, and contributions to industry and the economy.
Latest News:
2025 Gold Standard winners include Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Mamee-Double Decker Sdn Bhd, Sunway Berhad, and Yinson Holdings Berhad. AME Elite Consortium Berhad and PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd are among the new recipients.
SME100 Fast Moving Companies Award
Background:
SME100 honors Malaysia’s fastest-growing, most innovative SMEs in a highly competitive selection process.
Latest News:
The 2025 list is expected to be published in June, spotlighting businesses across multiple industries.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year
Background
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) is a globally recognized annual awards program that honors top entrepreneurs for their significant contributions to the economy and society. In Malaysia, for more than two decades, EY has supported the entrepreneurial cause, aligning with the government’s focus on nurturing local entrepreneurs capable of competing on the world stage. The 2025 theme, The Shapers, celebrates entrepreneurs who build a confident future by combining innovation and resilience through patient craftsmanship, likened to the artistry of batik-making.
Award Categories
The EY EOY program does not publicly list fixed categories in the provided document. It broadly recognizes entrepreneurial excellence across various sectors and stages, emphasizing innovation, leadership, and societal contributions.
Selection Criteria
While explicit criteria details are not stated in the provided document, the award honors entrepreneurs who:
- Demonstrate transformation and mastery in business
- Navigate trial and error with resilience and innovation
- Shape their enterprises with vision and care to achieve bold ambitions.
Latest News
The 2025 edition of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Malaysia is underway with the Shapers theme focusing on transformation and future-building. EY continues its commitment to highlight entrepreneurial excellence in Malaysia, in line with fostering the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
SEBA (Selangor Excellence Business Award)
Background
Established in 2016, SEBA is a prestigious recognition platform celebrating entrepreneurial achievement primarily in Malaysia, with expanding reach into the ASEAN region, China, and India. The 2025-2026 theme is “ASEAN and Beyond Boundaries,” emphasizing ASEAN collaboration and cross-cultural partnerships to spur innovation and economic growth. SEBA supports tailored growth strategies, mentorship, bespoke retreats, and elite club events aimed at nurturing excellence. It is aligned with Malaysia’s Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) and is focused on elevating Malaysian and ASEAN entrepreneurship to global recognition.
Award Categories
While exact categories are not listed in detail in the document, SEBA recognizes:
- Individual entrepreneurs
- Corporate enterprises across various industries
- Leadership, innovation, and community upliftment
SEBA winners are positioned as role models in their respective industries and countries within ASEAN.
Selection Criteria
Selected by an advisory board comprising notable government and private sector leaders, including YBhg. Datuk Nitesh Malani (Founder, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia), SEBA evaluates nominees based on:
- Excellence in business performance
- Contribution to community and society
- Demonstrated leadership and innovation
- Alignment with the SME and entrepreneurial growth vision for Malaysia and ASEAN.
Latest News
- SEBA 2025/2026 is extending its reach beyond Malaysia across the ASEAN region, including China and India.
- It is the first recognition platform to accept digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- The Award continues to evolve with strong government and corporate partnerships, emphasizing entrepreneurial unity and economic growth across ASEAN.
Golden Bull Award (亚洲金牛奖)
Background:
Established in 2003 and organized by Business Media International with the support of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA), the Golden Bull Award is one of the most venerable honors for SMEs across Malaysia and Asia. It has grown to include Malaysia, Singapore, Mainland China, and Taiwan, with continual regional expansion.
Award Categories:
- Emerging Bull Award
- Outstanding Bull Award
- Super Golden Bull Award (elite-level achievers)
- Distinguished Bull Award (previous winners who continue to grow)
Selection Criteria:
Integrity and transparency are emphasized, with Baker Tilly Malaysia as auditor and CTOS Data Systems providing independent credit reports.
Latest News:
In 2025, a record 19% increase in nominations resulted in over 1,700 companies participating. With SMEs contributing 39.1% to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023 and national targets set at 45% by 2025, the award underscores the sector’s growing importance. Recent winners of the Super Golden Bull Award include Asteel Sdn Bhd, EB Frozen Food Sdn Bhd, and Mingu International Trading Sdn Bhd.
Nanyang Award
Background
The Nanyang Award is organized by Nanyang Icon Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a company registered in 2020, and promoted by the well-known Chinese-language newspaper Nanyang Siang Pau. The award focuses on celebrating youth leadership, business excellence, social responsibility, and personal branding in Malaysia. It places strong emphasis on young leaders, women entrepreneurs, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who demonstrate innovation and positive social impact [based on previous information from nanyangaward.com and confirmed in the latest data].
Award Categories
- Outstanding Youth Award (杰出青年奖)
- Entrepreneur Award (企业奖)
- Annual Outstanding Entrepreneur of Malaysia
- Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award
These categories spotlight business success along with societal contributions, personal and public influence [based on nanyangaward.com].
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated primarily for:
- Demonstrated leadership and innovation
- Business achievements and sustainability
- Social responsibility and positive societal impact
- Influence and reputation in their sector, including KOL status [based on nanyangaward.com].
Latest News
- The application for the 2025 Nanyang Award is open until November 10, 2025.
- Winners will be honored at a gala dinner scheduled for December 16, 2025.
- The award continues to develop as a key recognition platform for Malaysian youth entrepreneurs and social leaders.
To explore more about the Nanyang Award and how to apply, visit the Nanyang Award.
Spotlight on Malaysian Entrepreneurship: Nanyang Award’s Esteemed Honorees
Malaysian entrepreneurship has seen tremendous growth, thanks to a combination of government support, dynamic business environments, and an evolving startup ecosystem. Government initiatives, including grants, financing programs, and various training schemes, have been crucial in nurturing the growth of entrepreneurial talent across the country. These efforts, paired with strong private-sector involvement and a culture of innovation, have made Malaysia a thriving hub for entrepreneurs. This entrepreneurial boom is evident in the growing recognition of exceptional business leaders through various prestigious awards, which not only honor individuals but also inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial paths.
The Nanyang Award: Honoring Entrepreneurial Excellence in Malaysia
The Nanyang Award plays a pivotal role in recognizing Malaysia’s top entrepreneurs. First established in 2013, it aims to celebrate business excellence, encourage innovation, and inspire entrepreneurs to continue striving for success. The award is organized by Nanyang Siang Pau and has become an important fixture in the Malaysian business landscape.
The four main categories of the Nanyang Award are designed to honor a wide spectrum of businesses and entrepreneurs. Eminent Eagles recognize large corporations with significant annual revenue, while Excellent Eagles focus on successful SMEs. The Emerging Eagles category shines a light on businesses with growth potential, and the International Eagles award honors businesses that have made a significant impact on global markets. This diversity of categories allows the Nanyang Award to recognize the achievements of entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey.
What sets the Nanyang Award apart from other recognition platforms is its strong emphasis on resilience and innovation. The Golden Eagle symbol, representing strength and vision, captures the essence of what the award stands for: the relentless pursuit of excellence and the unwavering drive of entrepreneurs to overcome challenges.
Impact of the Nanyang Award on Malaysian Entrepreneurship
The Nanyang Award is not just about acknowledging businesses; it also plays an important role in furthering the growth of Malaysian entrepreneurship. Winning the Nanyang Award elevates a business’s profile, opening doors to new opportunities for partnerships, funding, and collaborations. Entrepreneurs who receive this recognition are often able to expand their reach and strengthen their influence within their industry.
For emerging entrepreneurs, the Nanyang Award serves as a source of inspiration. It encourages young business leaders to aspire to greater heights and provides them with a tangible goal to strive toward. Additionally, the recognition of established entrepreneurs helps foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility within the business community. The Nanyang Award motivates others to follow in the footsteps of its winners, thereby contributing to the continued growth and development of the Malaysian economy.
FAQs about the Nanyang Award and Malaysian Entrepreneurship Awards
What is the Nanyang Award and why is it important?
The Nanyang Award is a prestigious recognition program aimed at honoring businesses and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to Malaysia’s economy. It is important because it highlights entrepreneurial excellence, fosters innovation, and provides a platform for showcasing the achievements of local businesses.
Who are the most successful entrepreneurs in Malaysia?
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in Malaysia include Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, the founder of AirAsia, and Tan Sri Robert Kuok, the founder of the Kuok Group. These individuals have made significant contributions to the economy and continue to inspire new generations of entrepreneurs.
What are the types of entrepreneurship in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, there are various types of entrepreneurship, including small business entrepreneurship, scalable startups, corporate entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship. Each type contributes uniquely to the country’s business ecosystem, fostering a diverse entrepreneurial landscape.
How can I apply for the Nanyang Award?
To apply for the Nanyang Award, entrepreneurs must meet the eligibility criteria for the various award categories. Applications can be submitted through the official Nanyang Award website, where businesses are assessed based on their performance, innovation, and contributions to the Malaysian economy.
Conclusion: Leading Business Awards in Malaysia 2025
In conclusion, Malaysia’s business awards offer invaluable recognition to entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. Programs like the Nanyang Award, SOBA, and PBA play a key role in shaping the future of local businesses. These awards not only honor success but also inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to strive for excellence. Winning an award enhances a company’s profile and opens doors to new opportunities. As Malaysia continues to nurture its entrepreneurial ecosystem, these awards remain vital in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of visionary business leaders.
The Nanyang Award remains a key recognition platform for Malaysia’s top entrepreneurs. By acknowledging their hard work, innovation, and contribution to the economy, the award helps to further the growth of Malaysian entrepreneurship. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, the Nanyang Award continues to inspire excellence, push boundaries, and pave the way for a new generation of business leaders in Malaysia.
