PENANG STATE EXCO FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY & ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT

It gives me great pleasure to be here at the seventh edition of the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA). After six editions, SEBA has expanded beyond the Klang Valley to the Northern Region to recognise and honour entrepreneurs and enterprises from Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak. My warmest congratulations to each one of the nominees and awardees of the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards 2022 | Northern Edition.

Faced with a relentless desire for dynamic change and adaptation and progress, SEBA goes hand in hand with the Penang2030 theme in improving the quality of life, the economy, and the development of the Northern region landscape. Together, we improve the quality of life, economy, increase household income, empower entrepreneurs, increase public participation and construction. This effort to foster and nurture the resilience of Penang society and the Northern region is significant in these difficult times. As the Penang State Executive Councillor for Trade, Industry, and Entrepreneur Development, I pledge to provide entrepreneurs with my complete support, whether they are just starting or looking to develop their business.

Once again, I would like to congratulate all successful 7th SEBA awardees and thank you for your efforts to our community and economy. In these challenging times, your endurance and determination are outstanding. Let us work together to propel the Northern economic landscape towards unimaginable heights globally.

In keeping with the goals of Penang2030, I wish to see greater participation from various entrepreneurs and businesses to stimulate the growth of Penang’s and the Northern Region’s economic development and, thereupon, the development of the community as a whole.

I am delighted to express my gratitude to our partners, past honourees, sponsors, partners, awardees, and friends for your support of SEBA 2022. Firstly, let me applaud the SEBA team, whom all put in much hard work behind the scenes to make SEBA a success today. SEBA was established in 2016 to honour Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the advancement and well-being of the community through their dedication. The process of getting here today hasn’t been as easy due to the unpredictable climate of changes in the SME field of Malaysia.

We stay true to awards based on merit, which is how we build our credibility. We have always stayed true to our mission as a support and connector for SMEs. Our credibility is not built in one day but through a long journey. The same applies to a country, as political stability is the bedrock of economic growth. With the past 15th General Election, our economic state was in a rocking boat of instability which must have worried many of you. Still, with the newfound hope, Malaysians hope the new government can provide stability for SMEs to thrive and expand further.

Upon completing the 7th Edition of SEBA, I am looking forward to seeing what we have in store for the future. With that in mind, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia will continue to serve as the connector of public and private sectors, ready to assist both in achieving better policies and environment for the SMEs to thrive. With that said, along with the theme of “Rise Up”, I hope we soar higher in the coming future with more success to celebrate in the long run. Thank you.