The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 honored outstanding businesspeople last night for their accomplishments and for exhibiting extraordinary leadership and entrepreneurial zeal. To honor the business leaders who paved the road for future Malaysians who want to start their own business and be successful in it, a number of business organizations gathered together. The awards were intended to recognize those who have excelled, innovated, and exhibited leadership in their respective fields.
The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 awarded multiple businesspeople who have achieved success in their respective industries. One of the major highlights of the evening included Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, who received the Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Celebrity Beauty Entrepreneur for her entrepreneurial leadership with SimplySiti, of which she is the president and founder. The guests also witnessed the Malaysian songstress perform the Oscar-winning song ‘Skyfall’, from the James Bond film of the same name, among other performances of the evening.
Other notable Entrepreneur of the Year award winners also include Dato’ Sri Anne Eu, chairperson of Eu Yan Sang Group in the health and wealth category; Datin Winnie Loo, founder of A Cut Above in the hairstylist fashion entrepreneur category; Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, chief dream-maker of the Enfiniti Creative Universe in the performing arts category; and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A in the aviation category. “At the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023, we celebrate entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of branding, distinguishing themselves from their peers. Their success stories inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, and their contributions to their country’s economic growth are immeasurable,” said Ahmad Latifi Ahmad Bakhra, organizing chairman of the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards.
Another noteworthy winner was Adam Ham, the chief executive officer of Global Creative and Media Agency (GCMA), a premier local agency that deals with public relations, film and TV programs, licensing, and merchandising. The BrandLaureate awarded the former board member of the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) Entrepreneur of the Year in Public Relations & Media for his unwavering dedication, remarkable expertise, and innovative approach that have left an indelible mark on the growth and development of his organization.
“I am currently working on a new reality talent search program called ‘Duta Jenama’ that will be the first to be shown on TikTok, and we are also looking at showing it on other multi-channel platforms as well, including Netflix,” said Ham, giving a snippet of the latest project in his
pipeline when interviewed after receiving his award. “I believe in giving fair opportunities to everyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or even marital status—basically, a platform free from any form of bias and discrimination. So, this will be a chance for me to put the spotlight on the many talents within my extensive network of key opinion leaders and celebrities to showcase themselves and stand a chance to become Malaysia’s next top ambassador with renowned brands,” he added.
The BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Awards 2023 were held at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Co-operatives, Senator Saraswathy Kandasami. Among those in attendance are business luminaries such as award winner Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Sri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, chairman of SimplySiti. The evening began with the World Brands Foundation awarding its world president, Prof. Dr. KK Johan, with the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur of Entrepreneurs Lifetime Achievement Award for his advocacy in the promotion of branding across the world and contribution to the foundation since the inception of the BrandLaureate in 2005.
The award night also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Global Entrepreneur Xchange (GEX) and the World Brands Foundation, while its education arm, The BrandLaureate Education, signed a strategic collaboration with Corporate Coach Academy (CCA), witnessed by Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammuddin Zaizi Bin Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj and Saraswathy. Established in 2005, The BrandLaureate, a Malaysia-based international branding foundation, is known for its commitment to promoting brand excellence and providing a platform to celebrate the success of organizations that have contributed significantly to the economy and their industries.
