MESSAGE FROM PENANG STATE EXCO FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY & ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT

It gives me great pleasure to be here at the 9th edition of the SEBA Awards, and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the nominees and awardees of the SEBA Awards 2023 | Northern Edition. SEBA has expanded beyond the Klang Valley to the Northern Region to recognize and honour entrepreneurs and enterprises from Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Perak, and Kelantan.

As we continue to foster and nurture the resilience of Penang society and the Northern region, I am excited to announce that the theme for SEBA 2023 will be Unity. By working together, we can improve the quality of life, economy, increase household income, empower entrepreneurs, increase public participation, and construction. This effort is significant in these difficult times, and we must continue to propel the Northern economic landscape towards unimaginable heights globally.

I pledge to provide entrepreneurs with my complete support, whether they are just starting or looking to develop their business. In keeping with the goals of Penang 2030, 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.

Once again, I would like to congratulate all successful 9th 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 towards a united and prosperous future.

I am thrilled to extend my sincere gratitude to our esteemed partners, past honourees, sponsors, awardees, and friends for your unwavering support of SEBA 2023. As we embark on a new edition of SEBA, our theme of unity couldn't be more relevant. This idea of unity has become crucial for the sustainability of our business field and the development of businesses in Penang, a state known for its entrepreneurial spirit.

SEBA was established in 2016 with a noble mission to recognise and honour Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of their community. Despite the challenges posed by the unpredictable climate of changes in the SME field of Malaysia, SEBA has stayed true to its core values and beliefs. Our awards are based on merit, and we take pride in building our credibility through a long journey.

As we head into the 9th Edition of SEBA, I am excited to witness the innovative ideas and sustainable solutions that will be showcased by our new awardees. The pillars of strength: ESG Care, Disruptive Innovation and Sustainability will be central in our selection process. We look forward to the impact that these businesses will make on our economy and society as a whole.

As always, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia will continue to serve as the bridge between the public and private sectors, fostering collaboration and developing policies that support the growth of SMEs. I am confident that together, we can build a stronger, more resilient business community that will thrive for generations to come.

Greetings to all and welcome to SEBA 2023: Unity! As we gather here today, we honour and recognise the outstanding achievements of Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of our community. This year's theme, "Unity", emphasises the importance of collaboration and cooperation in building a sustainable and successful business field, not just in Malaysia, but also in Penang.

SEBA 2023 provides an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of companies, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs who have persevered and thrived amidst the challenges of the past years. It is a chance to recognise and celebrate their contributions to the growth and development of the business field, and their role in shaping the economy of our nation.

This year's SEBA will feature awardees from a variety of industries, including F&B, Automotive, Engineering, Green Industry, Information Technology, Digital Technology & Solutions, and more. These businesses and entrepreneurs have shown resilience, creativity, and innovation in their fields, and their success serves as an inspiration to all.

As we move forward, let us continue to promote unity and collaboration in the business field. By working together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greater success for our businesses and our community. I am excited to see what SEBA 2023 has in store, and I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all deserving awardees. Let us continue to unite and rise!