The Business Excellence Awards was the Chamber’s largest and most prestigious event, recognised for its night of spectacular and joviality among our distinguished guests comprising C-suite executives, professionals, and government leaders.
With the BMCC celebrating its 60th Anniversary, that year’s Gala Dinner was amplified to signify this important milestone of UK-Malaysian Business Excellence. This jubilee event reminisced on how far the BMCC had traversed to be where it was at that time – a catalyst of change and continuous reciprocity among our fellow esteemed business leaders and members.
UK-Malaysia Business of the Year:
YTL Corporation
The panel was unanimous in its decision on YTL Corporation, for the organisation’s impactful contribution to the UK economy, community, job creation, and many SDGs through the corporation’s diverse businesses, with clearly defined strategies and commitments for the future.
YTL’s investments in Wessex Water, Brabazon, and GENecon have demonstrably had a positive impact on the UK economy. What has been commendable and impactfully demonstrated is local community engagement whether through Wessex Academy, or partnerships in creating carbon-neutral beer.
This award recognises a UK company investing in Malaysia or a Malaysian company investing in the UK, having displayed a stellar track record of investment in the opposite country over the last 2 – 5 years by building on its successful local business; bringing mutual economic benefit to both nations.
First Runner-Up: GSK Malaysia | Second Runner-up: Smith & Nephew Operations Malaysia
UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year:
EcoWorld International
EcoWorld International was the strongest nominee, as evidenced by its impact on the economy, jobs, knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, and society.
With sustainable commitment aligned to UN SDGs, EWI demonstrates commitment towards continuous improvement in addressing climate change, energy, and water use and protecting our environmental biodiversity by achieving 100% diversion of construction waste from landfills in FY2021.
This award recognises an organisation that has successfully partnered with a UK or Malaysian counterpart focusing on its successes over the last 2 – 5 years. The joint-venture collaboration and synergies created through this partnership will have driven exceptional commercial results and shown significant value-creation to the economy; capitalising on the best of UK & Malaysia expertise through a seamless partnership.
First Runner-Up: Sunway University | Second Runner-up: Sunway Medical Centre
UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year:
University of Reading and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
The strategic partnership between the University of Reading and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was evidently shown through the industry links and partnerships built in capacity-building activities, workshops, and talks. The project has gone beyond the funding with more funding opportunities with local government and corporate companies being explored. This partnership has exceeded the initial research and established industry and community links and has great potential.
This award recognises a partnership between a UK higher or further education institution and a Malaysian organisation(s) to deliver significant impact in the last 5 years. The joint-venture collaboration and synergies created through this partnership will have driven exceptional results and shown significant value-creation to the education sector in Malaysia and the UK; capitalising on the best of UK & Malaysia expertise through a seamless partnership.
First Runner-Up: University of Cambridge & Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES) & Universiti Malaya | Second Runner-up: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh & Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Outstanding ESG:
Smith & Nephew Operations Malaysia
The panel of judges were impressed by the clear focus of Smith & Nephew’s environmental strategy (‘People, Planet, Products’) and how this is delivered via a diverse range of activities, which include both global and local actions (e.g. work with local communities). Their employees receive paid leave to work on community projects, and the company makes major donations to a range of environmental crises.
Their environmental policy has driven changes in their GHG emissions and in reductions in landfill.
This award recognises the achievements of an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in adopting ESG practices and ultimately contributing significantly towards the environment and communities, as well as advocating for these initiatives within their industry, supply chains and clients.
First Runner-Up: Press Metal Aluminium Holdings | Second Runner-up: Dialight
Technology & Innovation:
Mott MacDonald Malaysia
The panel was unanimous in their decision. They deemed that Mott MacDonald Malaysia’s modular-based solutions were not only technologically innovative but were also able to help a wide range of businesses, especially SMEs, which cover the majority of businesses in Malaysia. The impact is far-ranging, and the potential scalability is well observed.
This award recognises the achievements of an organisation that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in adopting ESG practices and ultimately contributing significantly towards the environment and communities, as well as advocating for these initiatives within their industry, supply chains and clients.
First Runner-Up: Standard Chartered Bank Global Business Services | Second Runner-up: Turner & Townsend Malaysia
Diversity & Inclusion:
Owen Mumford
Owen Mumford has the right approach to D&I by focusing on dignity at work, equal opportunity, and talent development and recruitment, with an emphasis on rural youth development and hiring single mothers. They are mindful of the welfare of their staff and ensure the right rewards, benefits, and work-life balance policies are implemented.
This award recognises and celebrates organisations across all industries that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering the spirit of diversity and inclusion within the workplace through effective strategies and initiatives.
First Runner-Up: YTL Construction | Second Runner-up: Mott MacDonald Malaysia
Special Award:
UK-Malaysia Business Personality of the Year
This award was presented to Tan Sri (Sir) Francis Yeoh Sock Ping PSM, KBE, Managing Director of YTL Corporation Berhad (received on his behalf by his son, Mr Joseph Yeoh, Vice President of YTL Hotels & Properties) for his outstanding contributions to championing business ties between the UK and Malaysia. Notably, his exceptional role in the investment developments in Wessex and Bristol in the UK. It also recognises his passion and commitment to innovation, philanthropy, and extraordinary contribution to sustainability which has left a significant mark, preserving the legacy between the UK and Malaysia.
This award recognises an esteemed individual who through his/her UK-Malaysian business interests has made a positive impact on their company, the overall economy, and has contributed to the championing of business ties between the UK and Malaysia. This individual would have demonstrated strong leadership skills, creating a culture that motivates, inspires, and encourages innovation and ambition in parallel to achieving success in business.
