This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on April 24, 2017 - April 30, 2017

MEMBERS of the public have been invited to nominate outstanding Malaysian entrepreneurs for the 16th EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) awards.

Nominations are open until June 16, says Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd partner Philip Rao and EOY 2017 Malaysia programme director.

EOY 2017 seeks to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs across four categories: Emerging, Technology, Woman and Master.

An overall country winner will be chosen from among the four category winners, and the country winner will then go on to represent Malaysia at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) in Monte Carlo next year, says Rao in a recent statement.

Nominees will be assessed by a panel of independent judges guided by a set of globally benchmarked criteria that include entrepreneurial spirit, value creation, strategic direction, national and global impact, innovation, personal integrity and purpose-driven leadership.

Commenting on this year’s theme, “Redefining convention. Inspiring change”, Rao says: “Entrepreneurs are a unique few who are able to spark ideas that see past the present to define the future. While others dream of the future, these exceptional individuals create a vision of it and see it built. They defy barriers and redefine convention, significantly transforming the lives of millions by inspiring change and driving growth to build a better working world.

“In the past 15 years, EOY Malaysia is proud to have had the opportunity to hear and share the amazing stories of some of Malaysia’s extraordinary entrepreneurs on a global platform. We are inspired by these individuals who refuse to stay down and who are redefining new norms and benchmarks for businesses across sectors and borders,” he says.

“We are confident there are more outstanding Malaysian entrepreneurs out there whose stories should be heard, whose vision and contributions should be recognised, and whose person should be celebrated. Help us do this by nominating them for our EOY Malaysia awards this year.”

Rao says the annual WEOY provides an incredible platform for some of the world’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, game changers and government leaders from more than 60 countries to meet, share and engage while building their global business network. “Therefore, we strongly urge our Malaysian entrepreneurs, regardless of their business industry or size, to participate in the EOY Malaysia programme. ”

Last year, Karex Bhd CEO Goh Miah Kiat was chosen as the Malaysian EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Goh will represent Malaysia at the WEOY event in Monte Carlo from June 7 to 11 this year.

The Edge Media Group is the official media partner of the EOY Malaysia awards.

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