Notable guests were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed along with Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) chief executive officer Alex Yeow.
The awards were given out in two tiers – those with turnover of up to RM25mil, and those above RM25mil.
The sweet scent of success was in the air as subscription-based flower business BloomThis Flora Sdn Bhd won two awards in the up-to-RM25mil annual turnover tier – platinum for Best in Marketing and gold for Best Use of Technology.
The company’s co-founder Penny Choo said it was vital to remain customer-centric by leveraging technology to personalise experiences, building trust and support.
“It is important to understand customers and cater products and services to their needs.”
Another multi-award winner of the night was ecommerce company Sea Gamer Mall Sdn Bhd which won platinum for Best Use of Technology and silver for Best Brand in the above-RM25mil annual turnover tier.
Sea Gamer Mall Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Tommy Chieng said: “Small and large companies need to leverage technology to further improve their businesses. We have 4.5 million users all over the world so it is necessary to provide top-notch service.”
Meanwhile, NSW Automation Sdn Bhd managing director K.N. Boo credited out-of-the-box thinking for the company’s successes.
“Innovation and new concepts will keep us ahead of the competition,” said Boo.
It was no surprise that they took home two awards – platinum in Best Innovation and silver for Best Use of Technology.
VIP Education HQ Sdn Bhd managing director Crystal Moh believes that a good working environment for employees is key.
“Only then will our teachers have the passion to teach,” said Moh who clinched the platinum in the Best Employer Category in the up-to-RM25mil turnover tier.Empire Sushi Group Sdn Bhd received platinum in the Best Employer Category for the above-RM25mil tier.
Its founder and chief executive officer Nicole Lim thanked SMG for the recognition.
“This is the fourth year that we are taking part in SOBA and the first time we won platinum. Having dedicated employees is a must for a business to succeed,” she said.
Poliklinik Shaik Sdn Bhd’s efforts to uplift the needy paid off when it clinched platinum in the Best in CSR Category in the up-to-RM25mil tier.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ameen Shaik Mohamed said the company helped to build facilities to supply water and electricity in poor villages.
“We also gave financial aid to our employees whose spouse lost their job during the pandemic,” he added.
HSH Frozen Foods Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Vinnie Ang was also proud to have earned platinum in the Best Brand Category in the above-RM25mil tier.
She hoped to venture into the South-East Asia market soon to turn the company into an established brand in the region.
“This award means a lot to our employees who soldiered on during tough times.
“We plan to expand and make people know that Malaysia has a good brand offering frozen foods,” she said.
SOBA 2021 is organised by SMG with CGC, Maxis, PKT Logistics Group and RHB as main sponsors and Matrade as official trade promotion partner. Supported by International Trade and Industry Ministry and Bursa Malaysia, it is audited by BDO. 988 and Suria are official media partners.
The SOBA 2021 Gala Night was held at One World Hotel Petaling Jaya with Carlsberg as official beer sponsor.
