This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on May 6, 2024 - May 12, 2024

THE EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Malaysia award is back for its 23rd iteration and members of the public and the business community are invited to nominate exemplary entrepreneurs from now until June 30.

Entries can be made across four categories — emerging, technology, woman and master — where the overall country winner, chosen from among the four category winners, will then go on to represent Malaysia at the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) in 2025.

The theme of the award this year is the same as the last, being “The Art of Entrepreneurship”, where EOY looks to recognise entrepreneurs who are continuously repainting and reframing Malaysia’s economy from innovative new angles through their work and commitment.

“This year’s theme ‘The Art of Entrepreneurship’ celebrates the blend of passion, drive, personality and expertise required [for candidates] to establish businesses that address today’s unique challenges in their pursuit to build a better working world.

These trailblazers consistently demonstrate those traits as they skilfully navigate today’s unprecedented challenges and change. Through their efforts, they create innovative works of art that significantly benefit the communities and economies around them,” says Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd partner Philip Rao, who is the programme director of EOY Malaysia.

He says the EOY Malaysia award programme has grown to become an important part of the country’s local entrepreneurial ecosystem, honouring more than 300 local entrepreneurs across various industries.

“We are excited to continue spotlighting these inspiring innovators and their stories, both locally and on the global stage.

“We believe that Malaysia holds many untold and inspirational entrepreneurial stories. We encourage all home-grown entrepreneurs, regardless of size, background or industry, to join the EOY Malaysia programme,” Rao urges.

The nominees will be assessed based on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact by a panel of independent judges who will be guided by a set of globally benchmarked criteria.

This June, the winner of EOY Malaysia 2023 — Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, who founded JF Technology Bhd — will be representing Malaysia at the WEOY in Monte Carlo, to compete with winners from 47 other countries.

The EOY award is the first and only truly global awards programme of its kind that supports entrepreneurs as they unlock their ambitions. The programme was established in 1986 and celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programmes in more than 60 countries, boasting a global ecosystem of more than 30,000 distinguished entrepreneurs.

For details on the EOY 2024 Malaysia programme and to submit a nomination, visit ey.com/my/eoy. 

The Edge is the media partner of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Malaysia 2024

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.