Guests of honour and VVIPs gather on stage during the closing of the ceremony.
KUALA LUMPUR (June 24): The Asia-Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Book of the Top and 21st Asia-Pacific Entrepreneur Nobel Records gala dinner and awards ceremony concluded last Saturday at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
This year, 52 awards were presented, honouring the indomitable spirit of outstanding Asia-Pacific enterprises.
It was attended by business and political leaders from Malaysia, China, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Asia-Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Committee (APC) and organising chairman Dato Dr Prof Dr Albert Tan said the Asia-Pacific TOP Excellence Brand Book of the TOP and Asia-Pacific Entrepreneur Nobel Records have become the most prestigious and well-known business awards in the region since they began 23 years ago.
“This year, despite economic downturns, financial crises and uncertainty, we received a lot of nominations. It’s great to see that many businesses are working to improve themselves and their brands and getting ready to take advantage of chances.
“We are very proud to announce that all winners will receive invitations from the governments of China and Cambodia to participate in international business summits and trade delegations in the coming months, providing a great opportunity to enter the Chinese and Cambodian markets,” he said.
Neak Oknha Dr (second right) and his team pose with his awards.
Among the award recipients was Econ Group Ltd chairman and APC (Cambodia) honorary vice chairman Neak Oknha Dr You Sameth, who received the Excellence Brand Award and Excellence Leadership Award.
“I am honoured to receive these awards, which will influence our company’s future development. Our group has over 10 subsidiaries, mainly in healthcare, real estate development, and restaurant businesses.
“We have already expanded to the United States and Australia and hope to expand to more countries, including Malaysia, in the future,” he said.
Chan poses with his award.
Fellow recipient Dato Calvin Chan, who is founder and managing director of Oriental Coffee International Sdn Bhd, said receiving the Asia-Pacific Top Excellence Brand Award was a great recognition for his company.
“We hope to strengthen our commitment to high food quality standards and expand our business. This year, we plan to open five new stores, including in Kuching and Singapore, allowing more people to taste Malaysian cuisine.”
Li (left) and Anran Nami Wellness Centre (Holdings) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Rifa’at Roslan pose with their awards.
Meanwhile, Anran Nami Wellness Centre (Holdings) Sdn Bhd founder Li Hong said winning the Asia-Pacific Top Halal Brand Award will help them expand their market to the Muslim community.
“We use high technology to help our customers take care of their health. We are planning to expand to Singapore, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, and even Europe and the United States,” she said.
The guests of honour at the event were former Malaysian science, technology and innovation deputy minister Datuk Wira Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah, who is APC honorary chairman; Senator Chhit Kim Yeat who is APC honorary vice chairman and Cambodia’s vice chairman of Commission on foreign affairs, international cooperation, media and information; and former Malaysian deputy minister in the prime minister’s department Tan Sri Datuk M. Kayveas.
Apart from APC, the Vifolac, Overseas Chinese Investment Commercial Association of Indonesia, Cambodia Chinese Commerce Association, Confcommercio — Imprese per I’Italia, Global Business Magazine, government agencies, industry groups, financial institutions, and media outlets from around the world were also involved in staging the event.