KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 21): The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has officially launched the National Export Awards (NEA) 2025, Malaysia’s first-ever national award platform to celebrate outstanding Malaysian exporters and strengthen the country’s position in global trade.

The launch, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will take place on Dec 5, 2025. 

Themed “Honouring Excellence, Powering Global Trade,” the NEA 2025 aims to recognise companies that have shown innovation, resilience, and sustainability in expanding Malaysia’s presence in international markets.

The NEA 2025 will feature seven award categories, including Best Exporter for Large, Multinational, and Mid-Tier Companies, as well as Best SME Exporter for Emerging, Bumiputera, Youth, and Women entrepreneurs. All entries will go through a transparent and data-based evaluation process audited by BDO, a well-known international audit firm.

The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), under its Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. 

In a statement, Zafrul pointed to the agility and resilience of Malaysian exporters, which is reflected in Malaysia’s strong export performance even during times of global uncertainty.

“Many of our exporters are catalysts of innovation, champions of resilience and drivers of inclusive, sustainable growth. The NEA 2025 recognises this excellence by celebrating exporters who successfully build a future-ready, innovation-led and sustainable business,” the minister said.

The NEA 2025 represents Malaysia’s ability to lead and excel, said Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

“The National Export Awards is not just an award — it is a national platform to showcase excellence, inspire the next generation of exporters, and reaffirm Malaysia’s position on the global stage,” Reezal added.

Malaysia continues to be recognised as a strong trading nation, ranking 24th in the world for trade and 25th for exports. 

In 2024, the country recorded exports worth RM1.51 trillion, mainly from electrical and electronics, petroleum, and palm oil products. For the first eight months of 2025, exports increased 3.9% to reach RM1.03 trillion, surpassing the RM1 trillion mark.

Reezal said that behind these numbers are stories of SMEs, youth, women, and Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are brave enough to explore international markets. 

“They are the backbone of our economy and the true drivers of growth,” he said.

Matrade also continues to support exporters through various international trade missions. Recent programmes in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Libya recorded RM1.36 billion in export sales. 

Meanwhile, the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) achieved over RM4.5 billion in sales, with an international edition set to be held in Shanghai, China this November during the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

The awards, said Matrade’s Reezal, reflect the government’s commitment to honour those who power the country’s trade success.

“We look forward to celebrating our exporters’ achievements at the official launch on Dec 5,” Reezal concluded.