KUALA LUMPUR (May 26): Owen Mumford Malaysia claimed the night at the third iteration of the British Malaysia Chamber of Commerce’s (BMCC) Business Excellence Awards, as it grasped the UK-Malaysia Business of the Year title.

Situated as the pinnacle achievement of the award ceremony, the award recognises a UK company investing in Malaysia or a Malaysia company investing in the UK, having displayed a stellar track record of investment in the opposite country by building on its successful local business; and bringing mutual economic benefits to both nations. 

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca and Sunway University were named as UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year in recognition of the former’s agenda to drive digital innovation in healthcare via their partnership with the latter.

After a two year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the BMCC finally brought back its Business Excellence Awards to honour the finest UK and Malaysian companies who have excelled in and contributed to the progress of the business landscape between the UK and Malaysia. 

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba; British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Charles Hay; BMCC Chairman Abrar A Anwar and its chief executive officer Jennifer Lopez graced the event held at Sunway Resort, Sunway City.

In his speech, Abrar noted that two new award categories were added to underline the major thrust in UK-Malaysia business relations and partnerships.

Peering in on the education sector, Lancaster University clinched the newly introduced UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership Award for capitalising on the best of UK and Malaysian expertise through a seamless partnership.

Meanwhile, Sime Darby Property Bhd — equipped with its clear sustainability framework, commitments and active advocacy — was recognised for its outstanding achievements in adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices with the new Outstanding ESG Award.

The Technology and Innovation Award was given to ARUP Malaysia for its use of disruptive technologies to increase efficiency such as the integration of Virtual Reality into their engagement with stakeholders.

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia bagged the highly competitive Diversity and Inclusion Award, celebrating the bank for its outstanding commitment to fostering the spirit of diversity and inclusion within the workplace, through effective strategies and initiatives.

“Much has changed in the business world since the last awards, which makes this edition all the more significant and timely — for the British and Malaysian brands we are honouring tonight are truly dynamic winners in every sense of the word; companies that have made great stories across the industry and scale, despite challenging times.

“As we move into the recovery phase, these brands will certainly have a bigger role to play in promoting Malaysia as a priority destination for global investors, where even in the throes of the pandemic, opportunities never ceased for businesses that were quick to adapt and innovate,” Abrar added.

The sponsors who graced the event include HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd, GlaxoSmithKline, bp, the British Council, Eco World International Bhd, Sime Darby Property Bhd and the London Tea Exchange.