RISE UP NORTHERN EDITION INFO DECK
NORTHERN EDITION
ABOUT YAYASAN USAHAWAN MAL AYSIA
Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia is a non-governmental organisation that is at the forefront of congregating, creating, and developing sustainable enterprises with solid entrepreneurial attributes. Our organisation obtains credibility by serving as a platform that encourages the development of these enterprises since the programmes we offer are designed with their best interests in mind, ensuring that they may reach their goals while maintaining essential principles. Our concerted efforts to establish the link for longestablished, highly successful, or fresh start-ups, act as a means to foster healthy competition and constructive collaboration that propels these organisations ahead. We believe in establishing high quality and
empowerment standards to nurture growth by developing the entrepreneurial spirit. We at Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia are optimistic that we can empower entrepreneurial businesses to exhibit their creativity as change leaders. We inspire business owners to pursue their passions, take risks, and build, organise, and manage market-driven, customer-centric businesses that thrive in a constantly evolving and competitive global marketplace, thereby elevating their reputation as the crème de la crème of Malaysian entrepreneurs. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to recognise and honour these entrepreneurs and businesses. We presently have two initiatives in the
works to make that idea a reality. The SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA) were founded in 2016 to recognise business entities and entrepreneurs who have triumphed in their respective fields. In 2021, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia created Asia Connects, a multifunctional e-magazine available to the general public that collects and amplifies stories of entrepreneurs and businesses pushing change, transforming the business world, and revolutionising. Asia Connects connects Malaysian entrepreneurs with a diverse range of private institutions and key personnel. Our vision is to help the brightest pioneers, innovators, leaders, and inventors realise their aspirations of making Malaysia the next Entrepreneur Hub in Asia.
MESSAGE FROM YAYASAN USAHAWAN MAL AYSIA FOUNDER Nitesh Malani Chairman and Founder
It gives me immense pleasure to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our partners, past honorees, sponsors, and the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA) team, all of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the accomplishment of SEBA. As the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Award founder, I feel that this platform is essential for SMEs and Entrepreneurs to exhibit their achievements and capabilities in today's fast-paced, competitive business climate. SEBA was established in 2016 to recognise Malaysian entrepreneurs, SMEs, and conglomerates whose dedication to their professional or personal endeavours has resulted in exceptional achievements in significant contributions to the progress and welfare of the community at large as the advancement of their respective areas of expertise. Following the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) 's mission and vision, SEBA seeks to create a platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to celebrate their emergence as a superior entrepreneurial country that is prosperous and honourable.
I am proud to announce that the 7th Edition of SEBA will take place in 2022, alongside two other editions, Northern Edition and Southern Edition. With these additional two editions, we aspire to recognise and honour Northern and Southern entrepreneurs who have succeeded in their areas and hope to bring them to the next level: the national level. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia is honoured to be that channel in fostering entrepreneurship and business. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia has chosen the Northern region to be a part of SEBA 2022 because it aligns with the Penang 2030 plan of the state government. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia fully supports this approach to developing talent and SMEs by cultivating, supporting, and providing a platform for talent discovery and growth. The northern region includes the Malaysian states of Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis, and Perak. Each state produces a variety of resources and thriving sectors in these states, such as tourism, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, who unfortunately have suffered a significant loss due to the pandemic.
The theme of the seventh SEBA instalment is "RISE UP," which highlights how these businesses and entrepreneurs overcame all of the challenges and barriers provided by the pandemic and other natural calamities. For the past 48 months, entrepreneurs and businesses have suffered immensely. We aim to honour all of their effort in "rising up." The pandemic has presented entrepreneurs with unprecedented challenges. The emergence of novel virus variants and economic instability created additional economic hurdles. However, they have fought on and finally reached the pinnacle of their careers. What the pandemic has done is change the structure of the economy. These entrepreneurs have experienced many challenges and obstacles, and they must RISE UP and bounce back to push their businesses to new heights. New and unexpected situations will arise in the future, but these entrepreneurs must not allow these predicaments to impede them from reaching greater heights. As Maya Angelou said, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated."
AN INTRODUC TION The SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards advisory board comprises representatives from the government, corporate sectors, and non-governmental organisations to provide counsel, advice, and support. These individuals are accomplished professionals in their fields, thus bringing on different opinions, perspectives, and experiences on important issues. Having this perspective is crucial in
identifying the strength, long-term strategies, and the best MSMEs for SEBA. Our advisory board is deliberately and meticulously formed to assist SEBA in picking the best contenders for the awards. These individuals are the embodiment of our quality and standard. This jury allows the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA) 2022 to carve out a distinct position in the selection of award recipients.
THE BOARD OF ADVISORS
Nitesh Malani
PPN
Founder, Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, MyPreneurship
YBhg. Dato’ Suriani Binti Dato’ Ahmad
Kamarul A Muhamed
Secretary General Ministary of Entrepreneur Development & Cooperatives
Founder and CEO of Aerodyne Group
Lyndia Wong Organising Chairperson SEBA 2022
YBhg. Datuk Irwin SW Cheong
YBhg. Dato’ David Gurupatham
YBhg. Dato’ Lee Chung Han
Co-Founder of Industries Unite
DGK Advocates & Solicitors Advisor YUM, MyPreneurship
Chairman Guardian Group
Tom Wong Chief Executive Officer Cheng & Co.
Zhariff Afandi Malaysian Youth Icon & International Motivator
THE 8-PHASES JUDGING PROCESS
PHASE 01
Pre-qualification by Committee or self nomination
PHASE 02
Online documents submission, vet and validate by Committee
PHASE 08 Award Gala Dinner & Post-event publicity campaign
PHASE 07
Award letter are sent out for recipients’ confirmation
PHASE 03 On-site audit & interview
JUDGING CRITERIA & ELIGIBILITY 8-PHASE QUALIFYING & VERIFICATION FRAMEWORK COMPRISING
PHASE 06
Final verification by Committee
SEBA evaluates nominations based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Quantitative Criteria includes Profitability Ratio, Annual Revenue Growth, Annual Net income Growth, Gearing ratios, Investment in future growthand Revenue growth in the
PHASE 04 Financial assessment rating by appointed auditors
PHASE 05
Jury Judgement by Board of Advisors
past 2 year. Qualitative Criteria includes Entrepreneurial Spirit, Management Strategy, Sustainability Strategy, Marketing Strategy, CSR Work, Innovative Leadership or Ideas and additional criteria may apply for certain award titles.
RISE UP NORTHERN EDITION SEBA is an annual initiative organised by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia that recognises and honours exemplary South East Asian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), firms, and entrepreneurs who are constantly developing and innovating to make society a better place. SEBA aims to provide these entrepreneurs and businesses with the platform for recognition, networking, and continuous growth during and post-awards gala dinner. The award recognises exceptional companies that excel in their respective fields in business strategies, growth metrics, and best practices. For the past six editions of SEBA, it has been held in Kuala Lumpur as one comprehensive awards gala, featuring the best of the best awardees and nominees from different business industries from Klang Valley. For 2022, SEBA begins to expand by featuring two different editions, Northern Edition and Southern Edition. The Northern edition will feature entrepreneurs from Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perlis, and Perak, while the Southern edition will celebrate entrepreneurs from Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan. The purpose of expanding SEBA outside of Kuala Lumpur is because we believe there are many entrepreneurs with stellar performances but are not known outside of their regions. With this platform, SEBA aims to recognise and showcase these talents and subsequently bring them to the next level; the national level.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE OLIVE TREE GROUP STORY
WHATSAPP STORY
Leslie Gomez, the founder and CEO of The Olive Tree Group established the business in 2003 and today owns 19 high-performance restaurants and pubs specialising in North Indian cuisine. The Olive Tree Group is a wellknown establishment among food lovers, and the adventure does not stop there as there with more exciting projects in the works.
Jan Koum was born in 1976 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and grew up there until he and his mother moved to the United States in 1992. They were living in an apartment provided by a government-run aid programme there.
Customers frequent the Olive Tree Group's locations because of the lovely atmosphere they provide. Everything looked to be going swimmingly until the COVID-19 plowed against them. Gomez asserts that the group's growth from one restaurant to the next has been entirely self-funded, and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented enormous challenges. Even though the food and beverage sector is essential, it has not enabled them to sustain revenue. The key selling point for places such as the upscale restaurant Frangipaani or the gastro-pub Rock Bottom is their atmosphere. Clients come to these places to enjoy the ambience. With one movement control order after another, they can't convince these frequent customers to buy meals from them if they do not have that gastronomic, opulent experience. Leslie Gomez was compelled to take drastic measures to ensure his business survived and his staff kept their employment due to the pandemic's effects. Gomez was obliged to take a risky step in his career that he had never taken before: he sought a bank loan. Even though this was inevitable, he did not give up and continued to move forward to keep his business going. He was recently recognised and received the SME of the Year from the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA) 2021 for his perseverance and determination to succeed.
As a teenager, Koum worked as a cleaner to support himself and his mother, as they had few financial resources. Koum developed an interest in technology when he was 18 years old and self-taught computer networking through manual learning. Koum continued his education at San Jose State University. While studying, he worked part-time as a security tester at Ernst & Young, where he met WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton in 1997. Koum and Acton later left Ernst & Young to work for Yahoo! During this period, he dropped out of school to focus on his career. Jan spent around nine years at Yahoo! before quitting to co-found his own company with Acton called Whatsapp. WhatsApp was greatly criticised when originally made available to the general public. The application, however, was improved to become an instant messaging app, allowing users to talk with contacts all around the world for free. The SMS-like feature became popular, and WhatsApp's popularity and user base surged. Whatsapp continued to flourish, and in 2014, Mark Zuckerberg paid $19 billion to buy WhatsApp from Koum and Acton. Koum was on Facebook's board of directors for four years before resigning in 2018. These two entrepreneurs are the perfect examples of the theme SEBA 2022 is carrying, RISING UP! Gomez continued to persevere in the face of adversity, not letting the effects of the pandemic get to him, and continued to find ways to save his employees and business running. Ordinary individuals with the appropriate mindset and motivation can lead to transformational and inspirational stories, as seen in Koum's narrative.
WHY NORTHERN EDITION? The previous six editions of SEBA have been hosted in Kuala Lumpur as a single comprehensive awards gala, presenting the best of the best winners and nominations from various business industries in Klang Valley SEBA begins to expand in 2022 with two different editions, Northern Edition and Southern Edition. The Northern edition will honour entrepreneurs from Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perlis, and Perak, while the Southern edition will honour entrepreneurs from Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan.
The rationale for expanding SEBA beyond Kuala Lumpur is that we believe many entrepreneurs have excelled but are under-recognised outside of their regions. SEBA's platform aims to identify and showcase these talents and bring them to the next level, the national level. SEBA strives to support the state government's efforts to foster creative entrepreneurship as part of the Penang economy's development, following the Penang2030 vision. In the vision, the state government hopes to establish a
platform that will connect entrepreneurs looking for a break with enterprises in need of creative youth and novel solutions to contribute to the future ecosystem. The Northern region is made up of states with a plethora of resources that allow them to create many high-quality entrepreneurs that are successful in their field. SEBA seeks to recognise and elevate these businesses prospering in that region that fosters creative industries and niche business services.
THE BENEFITS The reason for expanding SEBA beyond Kuala Lumpur is that we believe many entrepreneurs thrive but go unrecognised outside of their respective regions. The SEBA platform attempts to identify and recognise extraordinary talent. Following that, SEBA intends to take these remarkable talents to the next level, beyond their regions; the national level.
After discovering these enterprises, SEBA hopes to provide a platform hub where businesses and entrepreneurs may engage, communicate, and share their ideas and experiences with the general public. Northern entrepreneurs who are not well recognised beyond their region can use this to broaden their target market.
Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi
GUEST OF HONOUR Penang is one of Malaysia's most developed states, with the state's economic fundamentals remaining robust despite the pandemic. Despite unprecedented lockdowns, supply chain, and logistical challenges, Penang's industry has shown resilience throughout the critical year of 2020. Penang 2030 is built on four pillars: Liveability, which aims to improve quality of life; The economy, which aims to increase household incomes; The built environment, which aims to improve resilience; and The people, which seek to empower individuals to strengthen civic involvement.
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Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi has been at the forefront of advocating for Pulau Pinang's economic sustainability and expansion. Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi, the Tuan Yang Terutama of Pulau Pinang, has been working tirelessly to take Penang to the next level with the support of the state government. TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi aspires to see entrepreneurs and businesses play an essential part in assisting Penang to accomplish its economic objectives. For this reason, TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Bin Haji Abdul Razak has been named The Patron of the Northern chapter of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and championing the Northern Edition of SEBA 2022: Rise Up. He aspires to elevate these entrepreneurs and businesses who have succeeded in uplifting the Penang economy to the attention and recognition of others. His principles are congruent with SEBA's goal of giving a platform for them to continually thrive and realise their aspirations of making Malaysia rise as the centre for entrepreneurs.
THE AWARDS Award categories are based on best merit, depending on accomplishments and track records. These are selected by the Jury upon a complete audit and review process, involving both qualitative and quantitative benchmarks.
THE FR AMEWORK Leverage on the SME & Entrepreneurship Business Awards Position your brand for a future of enchanced prominence.
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INTERNAL BENEFITS
EXTERNAL BENEFITS
Tactical Growth
Community Visibility
Staff Motivation
Brand Differentiation
Branding Strategy
Customer Confidence
Intrinsic Verification
Networking Opportunities
Leadership Endorsement
Industry Recognition
The business world is rife with competition. While this demands an organisation to adeptly grow and innovate internally, external branding must keep up coherently as well. The SME and Entrepreneurs Business Award, SEBA is a shot in the arm for businesses to grow, open doors of opportunities and build a sturdy path to potential sustainability. Earn industrial recognition and respect from industry peers and clients, with a SEBA trophy in hand, presented by a Minister or equivalent level, as a testament to the award’s strong credibility.
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The award is also a motivational boost for your team. Let them share in the company’s glory and celebrate the momentous award at the gala recognition ceremony. Moments like these are precious and can inspire your team members. Working with award-winning companies can magnify their pride, confidence and drive. Preparing for the award is also a great time for team bonding and strategic discussions for long- term growth and expansion. All these made the SEBA recognition platform a sought-after award, as we only accord the honour to top industrial leaders that are innovative, credible and admirable.
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ENTREPRENEURS Halal-preneur
Empowerment
Most Innovative
CSR Icon of the Year
Leading Entrepreneur
Strategic Entrepreneur
Educational Entrepreneur
Youth/Rising Entrepreneur
SMEs & START-UPS CSR Award
Most Innovative
Most Promising
Best SME
Brand Strategic
Premium Top 10
Best Work Culture
SME Brand Excellence
Best SME Solution Provider
INDUSTRY CATEGORIES
MEDIA & CREATIVE
IT & TECHNOLOGY
AGRICULTURE & FARMING
FASHION
HEALTH & BEAUTY
AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORTATION
BANKING & FINANCE
BUSINESS SERVICES
EDUCATION
INDUSTRIAL & MANUFRACTURING
ENERGY, OIL & GAS
FOOD & BEVERAGES
HOSPITALITY
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION
RETAIL & WHOLESALE
PUBLIC & PRIVATE SERVICES
MEDICAL SERVICES
GREEN INDUSTRY
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
TUAN YANG TERUTAMA (T Y T) AWARD In line with the vision of Penang2030, in achieving its objective of becoming an internationally renowned state, SEBA is also establishing a new category, The TYT Award, specifically for the Northern Edition, which will be presented by the Tuan Yang Terutama, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Bin Haji Abdul Razak, YANG DI-PERTUA NEGERI PULAU PINANG With the dynamic changes and the relentless drive to adapt and progress, SEBA created this award to honour the Penang2030 themes, which is to increase liveability to improve quality of life, upgrade the economy to raise household incomes, empower people to strengthen civic participation, and invest in the built environment to improve Penang society's resilience. We aim to recognise and honour these entrepreneurs
and businesses for their efforts to improve the liveability of their businesses and society as a whole. Due to the challenges that many SMEs and entrepreneurs have faced as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, our goal is to continue to inspire and encourage them on their entrepreneurial journey by providing a solid platform for recognition, networking, and continuing growth. The winner of this prestigious category will be selected from among entrepreneurs who have succeeded in the social, political, and economical aspects of their business. The awardee will be provided with a platform to connect and engage with the most prestigious key stakeholders in order to advance their positions beyond the northern region and on a national scale.
CSR INITIATIVE On March 1, 2007, Tabung TYT Pulau Pinang made its debut. It was established to allow the state government of Pulau Pinang to provide relief and consolation payments to disaster victims to alleviate their suffering. The donations raised by Tabung TYT Pulau Pinang have aided many deserving families, particularly those affected by recent natural catastrophes such as floods and fires. This year, Malaysian states have been hit by what appears to be the most devastating flood occurrence in the country's history, on
top of the strain of recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak. The economy is progressively recovering, but not without other disasters. The burden is borne primarily by the people.
will begin by holding a series of fundraising events. We will start the initiative by collaborating with GLCs, MNCs, and Penang corporations to collect the funding.
Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (MyPreneurship) aspires to be a part of this effort to assist the people of the northern region. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia seeks to contribute to funds that would increase Malaysia's overall level of life and prosperity according to the Penang2030 vision. We want to aid those in need to give back to the community. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the entire economy. The future appears bleak as concerns about sustainability mount. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia believes that the only way to receive abundantly in the future is to give. Opportunities to protect and improve one's life are made available by assisting people in regaining their footing.
TOP AWARDEES 2017-2021 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
2021 Dato' Sri Hajah Siti Nurhaliza Binti Tarudin
2020 Kamarul A Muhamed
2019 Dato' Seri Ivan Tan
2018 Joel Noeh Eu-Jin
2017/2018 Anthony Tan
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR 2021
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR 2020
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR 2019
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR 2018
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR PREMIER EDITION 2017/2018
WINNING ENTREPRENEUR MALAYSIA EDITION 2017
2017 Patrick Grove
MEDIA COVER AGE
MEDIA COVER AGE
RISE UP NORTHERN EDITION
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RISE UP NORTHERN EDITION
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