It was a memorable night of celebration and recognition.
After months of anticipation and preparation, the BMCC Business Excellence Awards 2024 concluded with a spectacular Awards Gala Dinner that recognised our winning nominees for their feats of innovation in business and trade, contributions to driving bilateral trade, and CSR efforts.
Our prestigious event was graced by YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia, and BMCC Co-Patrons, Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, and YBhg Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group. We are deeply grateful for their time and for presenting the Awards to our winners.
The Gala was attended by 500 esteemed guests, including C-suite executives, professionals, and Government officials. We thank all who attended for making the evening memorable with their presence.
“We are proud to recognise and celebrate the robust partnership between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, especially in the digital sector. Malaysia is committed to enhancing digital infrastructure through governance strengthening, data intelligence, talent empowerment, and the adoption of new technologies.
Our aim is to create efficient, smart, secure, and agile government services. We are optimistic about the future achievements that our collaboration with the BMCC will bring, emphasising our shared goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking digital ecosystem.
As Malaysia stands on the brink of unprecedented technological advancements, our bilateral collaboration in digital initiatives is more crucial than ever. By fostering innovation and driving economic growth, we can create a future where technology serves as a catalyst for prosperity. We see the UK as a valuable partner in this journey. Together, we can explore new frontiers in areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital entrepreneurship, paving the way for a vibrant digital economy and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.”
– Yang Berhormat Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominated companies and organisations for their continued contributions to the thriving business relationship between the UK and Malaysia. Moving forward we can expect greater things to come when the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enters into force for the UK later this year.
“As Malaysia is already a member, it will effectively create the first free-trade agreement between our countries, liberalising trade and opening up new business opportunities for UK and Malaysian companies alike. It will also lead to better choices and affordability for consumers and businesses. Additionally, the inaugural meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in London this summer will address trade barriers and enhance cooperation in sectors like education and legal services.”
– Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG British High Commissioner to Malaysia
Congratulations to all our winners for standing out amid stiff competition. This year’s nominees presented strong submissions that showcased remarkable achievements and commitment to sustainable business practices.
Given the exceptional quality of submissions, this year marked the introduction of a presentation and Q&A session, providing our judges deeper insights into our top nominees. Kudos to all nominees for being such strong contenders, and for giving our panel of judges much to consider.”
– Mak Joon Nien, Chairman of the BMCC & Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad
Congratulations to the Winners of the 5th British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
These companies displayed exemplary performance and innovation in their respective fields, and have more than earned their titles!
UK-Malaysia Business of the Year
This year, we congratulate Smith & Nephew Operations Sdn Bhd, who claimed the UK-Malaysian Business of the Year Award in a near-unanimous decision by our judges.
Smith & Nephew is a Medical Technology company that designs and manufactures technology that takes the limits off living. They support healthcare professionals to return to health and mobility, and help them perform at their fullest potential.
To meet the increased demand, they established Smith & Nephew Operations in Malaysia (SNOM), a new high-technology manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan Industrial Park in Penang, Malaysia. The 250,000 square-foot facility, worth more than USD100 million in investment, primarily supports the company’s Orthopaedics business, which is expected to grow strongly in the Asia Pacific region. This is the first manufacturing plant in the ASEAN region and a manufacturing operations entity that represents their new and significant capacity for expansion.
Amidst these achievements in providing quality orthopaedic products for a worldwide market, they also impressed our judges with their dedication to pioneering digital transformation through automation, committing to talent development, and environmental and social programmes, which was proven in their reception of the Outstanding ESG award in 2023.
Discover Smith & Nephew’s world-class manufacturing facility in Malaysia here.
The pinnacle achievement at the BMCC Business Excellence Awards, 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 by building on its successful local businesses; bringing mutual economic benefit to both nations.
First Runner-Up: ActivPayroll Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Second Runner-up: One Complete Solution Sdn Bhd
UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year
For the UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year Award, AstraZeneca Sdn Bhd is the winner for its breadth of partnerships with Clinical Research Malaysia, which included clinical trials, governance meetings, and site visits. These partnerships bear clear socio-economic benefits through advancing medical technology, boosting investments, strengthening local employment numbers, and providing equitable healthcare.
This award goes to any organisation that has successfully partnered with a UK or Malaysian counterpart 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: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI) partnership with University of Dundee, School of Medicine
Second Runner-up: Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd partnership with Astir Living Limited
UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year
In a similar vein, the award for UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year went to Cardiff Metropolitan University and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Their strategic partnership produced reputational enhancements and significant contributions through successful grant applications and innovative initiatives like a dual PhD programme for STEM engagements. This collaboration’s portfolio included championing gender equity and science communication and demonstrated a long-lasting partnership that has great potential for progress.
This outstanding award goes to a partnership between a UK higher or further education institution and a Malaysian organisation(s) that delivered a significant impact in the last five (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: UCSI Education Sdn Bhd partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Second Runner-up: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Technology and Innovation
The Technology and Innovation Award was won by our member Dyson Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, who exhibited great innovative capability in their business vision and development of top-of-the-line household products. The design and development of their state-of-the-art Dyson Submarine in their in-house Global Development Campus utilised close partnerships with Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST) to develop engineers, showcase the application of robotics, machine learning, and AI, and create new employment opportunities in Malaysia.
This award is given to an organisation that successfully pursued new solutions through the application of digital, innovative, and disruptive technologies to operate with greater efficiency and ultimately contributing to Malaysia’s productivity enhancement and paving the way towards technological advancement, especially in the last three years.
First Runner-Up: PricewaterhouseCoopers eTax.com Sdn Bhd
Second Runner-up: AstraZeneca Sdn Bhd
Outstanding ESG
Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd clinched the award for Outstanding ESG with their comprehensive sustainability report and clear strategies to uphold ESG principles. Having earned the reputation of being among the top 15 ports globally, PTP has prioritised Process, Technology, and People in their pursuit of a sustainable future, as evidenced by their use of EV, The Green Boats initiative, and dedication to developing young talent.
This award seeks to recognise the achievements of an organisation that 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: ARUP Jururunding Sdn Bhd
Second Runner-up: Knight Frank Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (Two organisations were awarded as their results tied)
Diversity and Inclusion
The Award for Diversity & Inclusion went to PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia, who astounded judges with their robust D&I policies that affected all employment levels and applied to both internal and external stakeholders. Their emphasis on inclusive leadership and having a dedicated team for D&I efforts, on top of their advocacy for flexible work arrangements, were more than enough reasons for PwC to earn this award.
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: BP Business Service Centre Asia Sdn Bhd
Second Runner-up: YTL Construction
Outstanding SME
As SMEs constitute the backbone of our economy—driving innovation, employment, and economic growth—we inaugurated the Outstanding SME Award category this year. This category celebrates the remarkable achievements of SMEs while championing inclusivity within our awards. It aligns with our broader efforts to bolster and nurture SME growth, fortifying the dynamism and resilience of our business ecosystem. HL Design Group Sdn Bhd earned this honour for their outstanding achievements in upskilling employees, sharing regional knowledge, and committing to sustainability through their unique design models.
This award seeks to recognise the achievements of small and medium enterprises that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in delivering exceptional products and/or services and contribute significantly towards their sector and the overall economy.
First Runner-Up: London Tea Exchange Trade
Congratulations to all the winners, who prevailed despite the tough competition. The nominees this year demonstrated exceptional mettle, innovation, and incredible business strategy.
The BMCC would like to thank our panel of independent judges. We also extend our gratitude to the Judging Panel Advisory Board from The University of Nottingham Malaysia and the British Council, who took up the arduous responsibility of selecting the award winners.
The BMCC applauds all our nominees for submitting and showcasing their successes. We highly commend your capabilities and are honoured to have you in our network of members and for contributing to the strengthening of relations between the UK and Malaysia.
Finally, the BMCC extends our heartfelt thanks to HSBC Bank Malaysia, Sunway Group, bp, British Council, XCL Education Malaysia, GSK, Bluestar AMG, and Key Risk Consulting Asia; our partners, exhibitors, and guests for making our event a success.
Looking to relive the moments?
Find the photos to our 5th Business Excellence Awards & Gala Dinner below!
Don’t forget to tag us at @BMCCMalaysia when sharing your photos on social media!
