IT WAS like boarding a business class flight as attendees of the 2022 Star Outstanding Business Awards launch ascended the stairs to Cybertorium on Level 2, Menara Star at Petaling Jaya.
The guests were representatives of official trade promotion partner Matrade as well as main sponsors Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Bhd (CGC), PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd.
In its 13th consecutive year, SOBA 2022’s theme is “SOAR”, which stands for “Sustain, Optimize, Accelerate and Resilience”.
The SOBA theme this time reflects how companies are expected to reach greater heights as the country transitions into endemic and industries return to pre-Covid-19 production levels.
The launch of the event, which was conceptualized to resemble boarding an airplane, was attended by Star Media Group Managing Director Alex Yeow and Chief Commercial Officer Lydia Wang.
Wang said the central and overarching theme for this year will focus on maintaining the upward trajectory that many local businesses have been on.
“With every challenge that comes your way comes an opportunity to overcome them and discover new ways of doing things,” she said.
Wang also introduced new SOBA categories including Best in E-retail to honor SMEs that have successfully embraced digitalization, Best Halal Product or Service as well as Elite Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
“To help participants get familiar with the submission process, we are also introducing virtual SOBA clinics so that participants can submit their best possible submission,” Wang added.
In addition to being an awards program, SOBA aims to foster a community of high caliber leaders who are willing to share their expertise through a number of exciting initiatives.
One such initiative is the SOBA Biz Club, which provides a way for business leaders to connect in more meaningful ways, build stronger strategic partnerships, and create an ecosystem of shared prosperity.
Also coming soon will be SOBA Labs, which will feature high-level talks and seminars on a variety of business topics.
SOBA is open to locally incorporated companies that are not part of a multinational or listed company, with foreign ownership not exceeding 50%.
Subsidiaries of listed companies can participate.
The deadline for registration is November 11.
There will be two levels of rewards based on company turnover – “Revenue up to RM25mil” and “RM25mil and above turnover”.
Shortlisted finalists will be invited to present their application to the jury.
SOBA 2022 is organized by Star Media Group with CGC, PKT Logistics Group and RHB as main sponsors and Matrade as official business promotion partner.
Supported by Bursa Malaysia, it is audited by BDO, with 988 and Suria as official media partners.
To attend SOBA 2022 or for more information, call SMG Events on 017-231 1789 or visit www.soba.com.my.
