PENANG, March 21 (Bernama) -- Themed UNITY | Celebrating Entrepreneurs, the Northern Edition of the SEBA Awards was officiated by TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Dato' Seri Utama (Dr.) Ahmad Fuzi bin Hj Abdul Razak and YB. Dato’ Haji Abdul Halim Bin Haji Hussain, Penang EXCO for Trade, Industry & Entrepreneur Development. Hosted by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, the SEBA 2023 | Northern Edition was held on 17th March 2023 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang.  
 
Aptly in tune with the award theme, this year’s recipients showcased Malaysia’s Muhibbah spirit with entrepreneurs coming from different races and backgrounds. The award presentation gala evening celebrated Malaysia’s most eminent SMEs and Entrepreneurs who include Entrepreneur of The Year, Chan Kee Siak of Exabytes Group, Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Dato’ Seri Barkath of Kumpulan Barkath and Dato’ Seri Kadhar Shah Abdul Razak from Nasmir Holdings for his philanthropic work.  Chuah Choon Bin of Pentamaster Berhad and Datuk Wira Ong Choon Heng of Foundpac Berhad were also honoured for their entrepreneurial achievements. Radium Development Berhad, Nextglass Technologies Sdn Bhd and Universal Peak Sdn Bhd were among the winning recipient companies celebrating their successes. Double celebrant, Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamad Feardaus Bin Khairuddin, was honoured for his powerful contributions to the nation and community through his company, Greentech Axis Sdn Bhd.
 
A total of 30 prestigious awards were given to these exemplary entrepreneurs as a reward for their outstanding performance and innovative efforts throughout the year. 
 
During his speech, Mr Nitesh Malani, Founder of SEBA and Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia said, “Since 2016, SEBA has recognised hundreds of Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs.” “On our 9th instalment, we still hold true to our mission as a supporter and connector for businesses not only in Malaysia but now growing regionally as we explore SEBA beyond the borders.”
 
This year’s Unity theme reflects the essence of thriving community or businesses, and as the driving force behind the growth and development of many successful organizations in Asia. To add more meaning to the awards, Yayasan Usahawan announced that in collaboration with  Binary University to contribute scholarships worth RM 7,500,000 million ringgit to 100 deserving students from Penang to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in Malaysia. This will be channelled through Yayasan Amal TYT and Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia.
 
Other than the collaboration, SEBA 2023 Northern Edition highlighted a caring initiative to give back to the community The launch of MyEDF | Malaysia Entrepreneurs Disaster Fund by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia powered by Chip In Sdn. Bhd. as the technology, platform, and payment enabler. 
 
The funds will go directly towards rehabilitating and supporting the affected communities in Malaysia. MyEDF aims to raise RM 1,000,000 from entrepreneurs to support those affected by disasters in Malaysia. This is in sync with SEBA's theme of UNITY, which emphasizes the importance of working together to overcome challenges. Entrepreneurs and members of the community are encouraged to support the initiative through https://myedf.mypreneurship.org. 
 
Mr Nitesh Malani also announced that the Asia Entrepreneurs Summit or AES will be organised in October 2023, as a platform to connect entrepreneurs from across the region to share their insights, experiences, and expertise and to work together in the spirit of unity and collaboration to build a brighter future for all entrepreneurs in Malaysia and beyond.
 
AES aligns with the new slogan Malaysia MADANI, as the driver for the existence of a developed and civilised society based on knowledge, traditions, treasures, and local wisdom.
 
He also announced that Asia’s first NFT for entrepreneurs, SEBAPreneurs will be unveiled this year to add more value to SEBA Awardees. SEBAPreneurs is a collaboration with Cattospace Consultancy, a specialist in developing cutting-edge web solutions utilizing blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.
 
About SEBA
SEBA is an annual initiative organised by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and curated by Xhale Asia (M) Sdn Bhd. SEBA 2023 is in its 9^th instalment, beginning with the Northern Edition in March 2023 and culminating with the Central Edition in October 2023. SEBA showcases Malaysia's most notable companies and entrepreneurs who are recognised for their achievements and contributions to the community and nation-building. 
 
About Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (MyPreneurship)
Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (MyPreneurship) is a non-government organisation that strives on the frontier of gathering, creating, and developing sustainable companies with solid entrepreneurship traits. The organisation builds credibility by serving as a platform that supports the development of companies across all businesses.
 
Photos and post-event information of SEBA 2023 | NORTHERN EDITION, please download here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TMOLWkxnOKeyLOKBid-O_dSXP9Xpbki?usp=sharing
 
SME and Entrepreneurs Business Awards 
Official Site: www.seba.asia
Official Email: support@seba.asia 
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/sebawards/
 
Source: Xhale Asia (M) Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Caroline Ang
Tel: +6012 492 0079
Email: caroline@seba.asia 

--BERNAMA