PENANG, 9 April 2022 – Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia has successfully hosted the first-ever Northern edition of the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards (SEBA) 2022 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, in the presence of the guest of honour – Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak and VVIP – YB Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim bin Haji Hussain, Penang State EXCO for Trade, Industry, and Entrepreneur Development. This year, the SEBA 2022: Northern Edition nominated a total of 27 industry players from Langkawi, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak, including celebrity entrepreneurs – – En. Shaheizy Sam and Pn. Syatilla Melvin.

These award winners were carefully assessed on their background, business models, and potential for the future by a prominent board of advisors, namely - Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and Founder of SEBA; Lyndia Wong, Organising Chairperson of SEBA; YBhg. Dato’ Suriani Binti Dato’ Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives; YBhg. Dato’ David Gurupatham, DGK Advocates & Solicitors Advisor YUM, MyPreneurship; and YBhg. Dato’ Lee Chung Han, Chairman of Guardian Group.

As SEBA has expanded to the SEBA 2022: RISE UP concept, branching out to the Northern, Southern, and KL Grand Central editions, the Northern edition saw an overwhelming response, receiving nearly 200 applications from industry leaders who have made their mark in Langkawi, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak; out of which, 27 were nominated to claim the prestigious award at the grand gala event. These SMEs and entrepreneurs come from a multitude of industries including F&B, Education, Hospitality, Logistics, Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Digital Technology & Solutions, Healthcare, Beauty & Wellness, etc.

YB Dato Halim applauded Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia's effort in bringing the SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards to the Northern region, especially after the difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic that hit the nation. He then urges entrepreneurs and employers to focus on continuous learning, improve the overall skills of employees and in turn, improve the overall income level of Penang.

Listed below are some of the most prominent industry leaders to receive the SEBA 2022: Northern Edition award:

1. Shaheizy Sam and Pn. Syatilla Melvin, Malaysia’s Beloved Celebrity Entrepreneur
2. Datuk Sirajudin Y Mohamed Mydin, Founder of the Nasi Kandar Kayu Group
3. David ST Loh, World-renown Photographer & Innovator of Photography and Art Businesses
4. Edmond Lau Kian Hong, Executive Director of Dr Ko Skin Specialist

Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and Founder of SEBA, said, “Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia has chosen the Northern region to be a part of SEBA 2022 as it aligns with the Penang 2030 plan of the state government, and we fully support this approach to developing talent by cultivating and providing a platform for talent discovery and growth. The initiatives of Penang2030 create a solid foundation for establishing a resilient post-Covid-19 community. As a result of the pandemic's devastation, it is more important than ever to support entrepreneurs, where existing and developing solutions can be used to encourage and stimulate additional growth. Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia will continue supporting and collaborating with the government to assist present and future entrepreneurial leaders.” 

This year, life insurance and family takaful provider - Sun Life Malaysia, join in as the Official Insurance Partner to offer their expertise in financial and protection planning for all nominees and awardees, while Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad has joined in as the Official Banking Partner, offering financial solutions to all, and

Setia SPICE Convention Centre, as the Official Venue Partner. For more details, visit www.seba.asia.

Listed below were the recipients to receive the SEBA 2022: Northern Edition award:

BEST SMEs:

1. IKHLAS TIJARAH SINERGI ASSOCIATE PLT – Innovative Strategy in Takaful Business
2. GLOJAS HAIR TRANSPLANT, AESTHETICS & PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALIST CENTRE – Hair Transplant, Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Specialist
3. PUSAT TUISYEN AKHIAR – Fast-Growing SME in Education
4. OPERION ECOMMERCE & SOFTWARE SDN BHD – Solution Provider in Software & Technology
5. O2O ECOMMERCE SDN BHD – Leading Solution Provider in eCommerce
6. FLAVARIS (M) SDN BHD – Solution Provider in OEM Industry
7. ENVIRO IFM (M) SDN BHD – Solution Provider in Integrated Facilities Management
8. SPIN SPORTSWEAR – Brand Excellence for Sportswear
9. KARDINAL INDUSTRIES (M) SDN BHD – Innovation and Technology Design
10. HIJANAH HAUL HOLDINGS SDN BHD – Islamic Businesses

TOP ENTREPRENEURS:

1. DATO’ DR JASVINDER SINGH (GLOJAS HAIR TRANSPLANT, AESTHETICS & PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALIST CENTRE) – Leader in Premium FUE Hair Transplant Surgeries
2. AISYAH HIJANAH AZHARI (HIJANAH HAUL HOLDINGS SDN BHD) – Young Entrepreneur in Islamic Business
3. SYAHRUNIZAM SHAHWAN (IKHLAS TIJARAH SINERGI ASSOCIATE PLT) – Dynamic Male Entrepreneur in Takaful Business
4. DATUK SERI G THIRUMURUGAN (SEMANGAT DELIGASI SDN BHD) – Leading Male Entrepreneur in Palm Oil and Manufacturing Industry
5. MOHD SUHAIMY SUPUAN (PUSAT TUISYEN AKHIAR) – Inspiring Entrepreneur in Education
6. NORASHEKIN DAUD (ASHEKIN RICH RESOURCES) – Leading Female Entrepreneur in Memorial Service
7. DR SRITHARAN RAO (MESRA BERSAMA HEALTHCARE SDN BHD) – Inspiring Male Enrepreneur in Healthcare Services
8. DR EDMOND LAU KIAN HONG (DR KO SKIN SPECIALIST) – Outstanding Quality in Professional Practice
9. DATUK JOSHUA RENU GOPAL (SEMANGAT DELIGASI SDN BHD) – Young Leader in Palm Oil and Manufacturing Industry
10. DANIEL ONG (KARDINAL INDUSTRIES (M) SDN BHD) – Innovative Entrepreneur in Technology Design
11. ADAM HAM (GLOBAL CREATIVE & MEDIA AGENCY) – Top Publicist and Public Relation Specialist

BOARD OF ADVISORS AWARDS

1. DATUK SIRAJUDIN Y MOHAMED MYDIN – Top Homegrown Entrepreneur of the Year
2. DAVID ST LOH – Inspiring Entrepreneur in Photography & Art
3. DATIN SELWINDER OLIKH – Women Empowerment Leader of the Year
4. SHAHEIZY SAM & SYATILLA MELVIN – Celebrity Entrepreneur Couple of the Year
5. DATO’ SRI SHAHEEN SHAH SIDEK – Entrepreneur of the Year in Tourism & Hospitality

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