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Zayed Sustainability Prize Demonstrates Global Reach and Impact with over 5,900 Submissions

  • US $5.9 million Prize attracts submissions from 156 countries
  • High number of entries leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to address pressing sustainability challenges
  • Since 2008, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people

ABU DHABI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2024 – The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global award for sustainability and humanitarianism, has officially closed entries for its 2025 awards cycle. A total of 5,980 applications were received across the six Prize categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, from 156 countries.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony, which will be held on 14 January 2025 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This year’s Prize has seen a notable 15% increase in submissions over the previous year from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations, and high schools. Close analysis of the submissions reveals a prevailing trend across all categories: a significant number of solutions are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, 3D printing, and biotechnology applications, revealing the importance of technological innovation in driving progress towards sustainability.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said “For the last 16 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has supported innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges and deliver tangible impact to communities around the world. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to humanitarianism and people focused, inclusive sustainable development, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people.”

“We are deeply encouraged by the record number of applications we have received from every continent. This overwhelming response, particularly from young people and organisations in the Global South, reinforces our belief that innovations harnessing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, coupled with community-driven approaches, are key to effectively addressing climate change and driving social and environmental progress,” he added.

This year’s submissions were more varied than ever, highlighting the universal impact of climate change on nations across all continents. Most of the submissions came from emerging markets, revealing that rapidly developing countries are at the forefront of catalysing local, innovative solutions to address the sustainability gap.

The top submitting countries included Brazil, India, Kenya, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. This year, the Prize accepted submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, promoting inclusivity, ensuring broader participation, and allowing diverse perspectives from different regions and cultures to be represented.

The Food (1,255) and Climate Action (1,532) categories attracted the greatest number of submissions, followed by Health (997), Global High Schools (906), Energy (669) and Water (621).

In the Food category, which received twice as many submissions compared to last year, the entries respond to challenges related to sustainable food production through innovations like agricultural technology (Agtech) for food system resilience.

Submissions addressing deforestation and rising carbon emissions dominated the Climate Action category, with organisations leading efforts in soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable resource use, fostering environmental sustainability.

SMEs and NPOs in the Health category predominantly focus on enhancing access to healthcare and disease prevention through solutions that leverage innovative technologies, community-driven programmes, and partnerships to bridge gaps in medical services, especially in underserved regions.

In the Energy category, the Prize received numerous entries from organisations dedicated to expanding sustainable energy access in vulnerable communities. While submissions featuring emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel systems, energy storage solutions and electric mobility, all critical for the global energy transition, also increased significantly.

Finally, in the Water category, many entries concentrate on enhancing water accessibility through innovative solutions that emphasise water conservation, advanced recycling techniques, filtration processes, and comprehensive treatment systems to ensure clean water resources for all.

The number of submissions from high schools has more than doubled compared to the previous year, signalling a significant increase in youth involvement and dedication to sustainable practices. In the Global High Schools category, the proposals included sustainable food production methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics, effective recycling and waste management strategies, the use of bioenergy, and the creation of bioproducts.

Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category.

Since its launch in 2008, the US $5.9 million Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people around the world. Its global impact continues to grow, as it accelerates sustainable development and humanitarian progress. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories receive US $1 million to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solution(s), while the Global High Schools category has six winners, representing six world regions, with each winner receiving up to US $150,000.

Hashtag: #ZayedSustainabilityPrize

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Zayed Sustainability Prize

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges. A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide. Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet’s most pressing needs. Through its 117 winners, in 16 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 384 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.

NFP nightmare triggers global market crash, Octa analysts report


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2024 – A perfect storm: weak US jobs data, Middle East tensions, and Japan’s policy shift ignite global market chaos. Is this the beginning of the end for the bull market? Octa broker takes a deep dive into Monday’s market meltdown.

Octa

The seeds of what would become a tumultuous Monday for Asian markets were sown during the previous Friday’s U.S. trading session. A seismic shift in investor sentiment was triggered by a far weaker-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which painted a less rosy picture of the U.S. economy than anticipated. This unexpected economic data sent shockwaves through financial markets, causing U.S. stocks to plummet and bond prices to surge. As a result, volatility spiked dramatically, and market participants began pricing in the possibility of more aggressive interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed) this year. This perfect storm of negative factors set the stage for a global market meltdown.

As already said, the catalyst for the ensuing market turmoil was the unexpectedly weak NFP report released by the U.S. government. The data, which revealed a mere 114,000 jobs added in July—a stark contrast to the downwardly revised 179,000 for June and market expectations of 175,000—shocked the investors. This significant miss triggered widespread concerns about a potential recession as the unemployment rate climbed to a near three-year high of 4.3%, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase. Investors reacted swiftly and decisively, dumping stocks in a classic risk-off maneuver. The S&P 500 plummeted at the open, reflecting the bearish sentiment. Simultaneously, bond prices surged, driving the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note to its lowest level since December. The dollar index weakened considerably as markets dramatically increased their bets on a substantial 50-basis point (bps) interest rate cut by the Fed in September, a sharp reversal from the previous expectation of a 31% probability.

The market panic that began in the U.S. quickly spread to Asia, with Japan bearing the brunt of the sell-off. The Nikkei 225, Japan’s benchmark stock index, suffered its most catastrophic decline since the infamous Black Monday of 1987, plunging by a staggering 12% within just six hours. While the looming threat of a U.S. recession undoubtedly fueled the sell-off, the situation was further aggravated by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the rapid unwinding of the yen carry trade.

“The Bank of Japan (BoJ) had long been the cornerstone of the carry trade strategy, providing investors with an abundance of cheap yen to fund investments in higher-yielding assets”, says Kar Yong Ang, Octa analyst, adding that after BoJ decided to raise its key interest rate and signaled a potential tapering of its stimulus program, the decline in USDJPY accelerated. Indeed, the Japanese yen surged in value by over 10% in less than a month, triggering stop orders and forcing numerous macro hedge funds to liquidate their long USDJPY positions. Thus, the unwinding of the yen carry trade triggered a vicious cycle of selling pressure, which spread into other markets.

Mirroring the broader market meltdown, the cryptocurrency market experienced a dramatic flash crash, with the price of Bitcoin plummeting sharply. The primary catalyst for this steep decline was the same as that for traditional equities: widespread investor fear of a potential U.S. recession ignited by the unexpectedly weak NFP report. The report’s dismal employment figures heightened concerns about economic growth, prompting a risk-off sentiment that cascaded across all asset classes, including cryptocurrencies.

However, the market began to show signs of a cautious recovery after a turbulent Monday, during which over $1 billion in leveraged cryptocurrency positions were liquidated and major tokens plummeted by as much as 20% in value. Despite the slight price recovery, the Bitcoin futures funding rate has remained negative over the past 24 hours. This indicates high demand for short positions, with traders still betting on a decline in Bitcoin’s price. Consequently, this situation could potentially lead to a short squeeze. A short squeeze occurs when the price of a heavily shorted asset unexpectedly rises, forcing short sellers to buy back the asset to cover their positions. This buying activity can create a rapid increase in the asset’s price, further accelerating the upward movement as more short sellers are compelled to close their positions.

By Monday evening, the situation had started to normalize. Already on Tuesday, S&P 500, Nikkei 225 and bitcoin reversed to the upside and a sense of normalcy returned to the markets. Fed officials’ comments helped to soothe the investors with Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Fed President, saying that while the U.S. employment data on Friday was weaker than expected, the U.S. was not in a recession. Still, investors continue to bet on aggressive rate cuts by the Fed, which are by no means guaranteed. Although buying the dip has proved to be a very profitable trading strategy over the past decade, it may not end well this time. U.S. ISM Services PMI actually recovered from a four-year low in July, Monday’s data showed, which may help quash fears of a recession and make investors reconsider their excessively dovish interest rate expectations. What is clear is that traders should prepare for an extended period of uncertainty and volatility. However, it remains to be seen whether the latest events represent the end of the bull market in stocks. “In case the Fed starts to indicate that it is not planning to deliver a 50-bps cut in September, investors’ sentiment may turn bearish again. With no major economic data releases scheduled until the U.S. CPI report on August 14, technical trading may prevail”, says Kar Yong Ang.Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

VinFast signs Qatar exclusive dealership agreement with Al Mana Holding W.L.L.


DOHA, QATAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2024 – VinFast Auto has officially signed an exclusive dealership agreement with Al Mana Holding W.L.L. for the distribution of VinFast electric vehicles (EV) across Qatar. The inaugural facility is planned to open in Q3/2024 in the heart of Doha city and will offer four VinFast e-SUV models VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 upon each model’s respective launch in the market.

Mr. Hisham Saleh Al Mana, Chairman of Al Mana Holding Group (in white) and Mr. Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East (4th from the left), along with representatives from both parties at the signing ceremony.
Mr. Hisham Saleh Al Mana, Chairman of Al Mana Holding Group (in white) and Mr. Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East (4th from the left), along with representatives from both parties at the signing ceremony.


Under the agreement, Al Mana Holding will become the exclusive dealer of VinFast in Qatar. With extensive experience and long-standing reputation in the automotive sector, Al Mana Holding will be a reliable partner, helping VinFast quickly capture the potential Qatar market by establishing a network of professional stores and services in the country.

Founded in the 1950s, Al Mana Holding is one of the leading economic conglomerates in Qatar. With a shared vision for a green future, the cooperation agreement between VinFast and Al Mana Holding promises to bring the people of Qatar smart and green mobility solutions, contributing to the sustainable development goals of the country as well as the Middle East region.

Mr. Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, said: “The agreement with Al Mana Holding W.L.L. marks an important milestone in VinFast’s global market expansion strategy, and specifically, our entry into the Middle East. We are confident that Al Mana Holding’s reputation, expertise and market knowledge will enable us to quickly deliver premium products and services to Qatari customers.”

Mr. Hisham Saleh Al Mana, Chairman of Al Mana Holding, said: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with VinFast in Qatar, adding to the Al Mana Holding’s portfolio. VinFast’s innovation and rapid growth showcase their high-quality products. By joining forces, Al Mana Holding and VinFast aim to revolutionize the Qatari automotive landscape, offering customers a range of cutting-edge electric vehicles that cater to their needs while minimizing environmental impact.”

Since the fourth quarter of 2023, VinFast has changed its strategy from a direct sales model to consumers to a hybrid model that leverages existing distribution infrastructure through the establishment of a global dealer network. It is expected that sales through dealers will contribute significantly to VinFast’s sales in the second half of 2024.

In addition to key markets such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, VinFast is actively expanding into neighboring countries in Asia such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, as well as the Middle East and Africa.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play EV manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at:

About Al Mana Holding W.L.L.

Al Mana Holding W.L.L. – a prominent Qatari conglomerate with a history dating back to the late 1950s. As one of the region’s leading automotive dealers since 1998, Al Mana Holding is known for its strong reputation and diverse business portfolio. Learn more at:

Services Sector Lead Growth Among SMEs


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2024 – The services sector continues to lead growth among SMEs. At the recently held Golden Bull Award 2024, 65.3 percent of all the winners were from the services sector, including in retail and wholesale, professional and business services, IT and education.

The manufacturing sector accounted for 23.9 percent of the winners, with the construction and agriculture sectors rounding up the rest of the winners at 9.4 percent and 1.4 percent respectively.

This is in-line with the 2023 MSME Performance Report issued by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, where the services sector led the growth among SMEs, with a 6.5 percent jump in sectoral GDP versus 5.0 percent growth for all SMEs.

The Golden Bull Award is organised by Business Media International in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA), and has been held annually since 2002.

Minister of economy, Rafizi Ramli presented the awards to the winners, which are made up of SMEs of various sizes and from every state across the country. In his officiating address, the minister emphasised the importance of SMEs to the country, and encouraged the SMEs to focus on internationalisation and growth in productivity.

The 2024 program saw a significant increase in participation, with 2,662 nominations received, marking a 15% rise from the previous year. This surge reflects the growing recognition of the crucial role SMEs play in Malaysia’s economy, contributing 39.1% to the nation’s GDP in 2023.

“This year’s Golden Bull Award has truly been a remarkable showcase of the strength and potential of our SMEs. The increased participation and high calibre of nominations reflect the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence among our business community. It is heartening to see such robust support from the government, which aligns with our vision at SAMENTA to empower SMEs to reach greater heights.” said organising chairman Datuk William Ng.

Ng, who is also the national president of SAMENTA added “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding businesses and look forward to their continued contribution to Malaysia’s economic success. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.”

The Golden Bull Award is divided into three categories: Emerging SMEs, Outstanding SMEs, and the prestigious Super Golden Bull Award. These categories are designed to accommodate businesses based on their annual revenue, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment process tailored to recognize the achievements of SMEs at different stages of growth.

The Distinguished Bull Awards was added as a new category to recognise returning Golden Bull Award winners who have made considerable progress or grown their market presence since their previous triumph. 12 distinguished SMEs were recognised for their sustained growth and success.

Baker Tilly Malaysia served as the official auditor for the Golden Bull Award, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process. Meanwhile, CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd provided independent data as the official credit reporting agency.

Established in 2003, the Golden Bull Award is the oldest business recognition program for SMEs in the region, spanning four key markets: mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. It has become a premier platform for celebrating business excellence across these diverse markets.

For more information about the Golden Bull Award Malaysia 2024 and a complete list of winners, please visit https://goldenbullaward.asia/


LIST OF WINNERS OF THE GOLDEN BULL AWARD 2024 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

SUPER GOLDEN BULL CATEGORY

  1. Berjayapak Sdn Bhd
  2. Eastern Fishing Tackle (M) Sdn Bhd
  3. Eastern Suntech Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
  4. Fitline (M) Sdn Bhd
  5. Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd
  6. Intergreen Metals Sdn Bhd
  7. Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd
  8. Percetakan Tenaga Sdn Bhd
  9. Steel Recon Industries Sdn Bhd
  10. Teamplete Sdn Bhd
  11. Wagro Trading Sdn Bhd
  12. Wiki Labs Sdn Bhd

OUTSTANDING SMES CATEGORY

  1. Agensi Pekerjaan Best Choice Solutions Sdn Bhd
  2. Agensi Pekerjaan GCR Sdn Bhd
  3. Agensi Pekerjaan MCS Sdn Bhd
  4. Alientech Asia Sdn Bhd
  5. Alpha Solar Sdn Bhd
  6. An Ju Global Sdn Bhd
  7. AP Merin Services Sdn Bhd
  8. Benwoods Industry Sdn Bhd
  9. Bestmas (M) Sdn Bhd
  10. BOSS Solutions Global Sdn Bhd
  11. BREGO Life Sciences Sdn Bhd
  12. CCIE Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd
  13. CVS Medical Sdn Bhd
  14. DN Cleaning & Services (M) Sdn Bhd
  15. Eastway Express Line Sdn Bhd
  16. ECO Interior Supplies Sdn Bhd
  17. EI Power Technologies Sdn Bhd
  18. Ekaire Marketing Sdn Bhd
  19. Engenious Solutions Sdn Bhd
  20. Focus Chemical Sdn Bhd
  21. Hin Press Sdn Bhd
  22. Hitch On Sdn Bhd
  23. Hitec Metal Sdn Bhd
  24. Hock Cheong Transport Co. (1974) Sdn Bhd
  25. Idealbuild Engineering Sdn Bhd
  26. Ideas Shoes Sdn Bhd
  27. In Grid Design Sdn Bhd
  28. Inazume SEF Sdn Bhd
  29. Infab Classic Industries Sdn Bhd
  30. INK Marketing Sdn Bhd
  31. Intelligent Advisory Sdn Bhd
  32. IPC Industries Sdn Bhd
  33. Jia Quan (M) Sdn Bhd
  34. JR Engineering And Medical Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd
  35. JVG Bina Sdn Bhd
  36. Kaolin (M) Sdn Bhd
  37. KMS Manufactory Sdn Bhd
  38. Kredence Creative Solutions Sdn Bhd
  39. KTL Electrical Engineering Sdn Bhd
  40. Lee Heng High Precision Engineering Sdn Bhd
  41. Light Up 7 Sdn Bhd
  42. Lin Meng Sdn Bhd
  43. Magical Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd
  44. Major Engineering Sdn Bhd
  45. Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd
  46. Milieu Solar Sdn Bhd
  47. MK Porridge Sdn Bhd
  48. MT Food Ingredients Sdn Bhd
  49. Murni Machinery Sdn Bhd
  50. MyKey Global Sdn Bhd
  51. Nexus Wise Sdn Bhd
  52. Octowill Trustees Berhad
  53. P & A Prospect Sdn Bhd
  54. Pan Elite Resources Sdn Bhd
  55. Ping Edge Sdn Bhd
  56. Plus Studio & Marketing Communication Sdn Bhd
  57. Posh Northern Sdn Bhd
  58. Rack Master Industries Sdn Bhd
  59. Realux Sdn Bhd
  60. Red Rhino Security Door (M) Sdn Bhd
  61. Roda Land Sdn Bhd
  62. Rymnet Solutions Sdn Bhd
  63. Sam Properties Realty Sdn Bhd
  64. Sentai Kitchenware Sdn Bhd
  65. Sinsheng Tat Trading Sdn Bhd
  66. Song Song Frozen Food Sdn Bhd
  67. SPCL Systems Sdn Bhd
  68. STI Fire Safety Sdn Bhd
  69. Tacoplast Industries Sdn Bhd
  70. TenQ Group Sdn Bhd
  71. Tech-Latex Scientific Sdn Bhd
  72. TKC Fruits & Vegetables Sdn Bhd
  73. Union Profit Cosmetic Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
  74. Unique Travel & Convention Sdn Bhd
  75. VMG Interior Fit Out Sdn Bhd
  76. Weng Seng Fresh Sdn Bhd
  77. Worldlink Cargo Services Sdn Bhd

EMERGING SMES CATEGORY

  1. 3 Day’s Furniture Sdn Bhd
  2. AG Statue Maker & Silverware Sdn Bhd
  3. Aman O2O Sdn Bhd
  4. Amelisa Pet & Co
  5. Anton & Chen, Advocates & Solicitors
  6. Ascons Real Estate Sdn Bhd
  7. Auntie Michelle Resources (M) Sdn Bhd
  8. Axevents Sdn Bhd
  9. Axrail Sdn Bhd
  10. BIV Multimedia Sdn Bhd
  11. Chevin Sdn Bhd
  12. Collaborative Excellence Sdn Bhd
  13. Corvus Techub Sdn Bhd
  14. Current Energy (M) Sdn Bhd
  15. Endless Momentum Motor Sport Sdn Bhd
  16. Esente Advisory Sdn Bhd
  17. Finex Capital Holding Sdn Bhd
  18. Global Link Plus Properties Sdn Bhd
  19. Hui Brother Restaurant (M) Sdn Bhd
  20. Imagine AI Sdn Bhd
  21. Infinite Renco Sdn Bhd
  22. ITAC Skills Academy Sdn Bhd
  23. Kirin Industry Sdn Bhd
  24. KOA Production
  25. Maze Global Sdn Bhd
  26. Nam Heong Restaurant Holdings Sdn Bhd
  27. ODY Infinite Holdings Sdn Bhd
  28. P & A Transport & Services Sdn Bhd
  29. Prop Wealth Sdn Bhd
  30. Qiye Technology Sdn Bhd
  31. Sky Mirror World Tour Sdn Bhd (GoMyHire)
  32. The Bomb Battle Sdn Bhd
  33. Traderpreneur Xcellence Sdn Bhd
  34. U Plus Realty Sdn Bhd
  35. VBH Group Sdn Bhd
  36. VVinners Technology Sdn Bhd
  37. WITO Technology Sdn Bhd

DISTINGUISHED BULL AWARDS

  1. Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd
  2. Aqurate Ingredients Intl (M) Sdn Bhd
  3. Ezytronic Sdn Bhd
  4. International Footwear (Penang) Sdn Bhd
  5. Kanika (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
  6. Khean Seng Engineering Sdn Bhd
  7. Pilot Construction Sdn Bhd
  8. Seng Kong Shutter Industries Sdn Bhd
  9. Shin-Yo Engineering Sdn Bhd
  10. Sinoflex Logistics Sdn Bhd
  11. The Olive Tree Group
  12. UIS Technologies Sdn Bhd

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARDS

  1. AG Statue Maker & Silverware Sdn Bhd
  2. Alpha Solar Sdn Bhd
  3. Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd
  4. BIV Multimedia Sdn Bhd
  5. BOSS Solutions Global Sdn Bhd
  6. Engenious Solutions Sdn Bhd
  7. Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd
  8. IPC Industries Sdn Bhd
  9. Kredence Creative Solutions Sdn Bhd
  10. Maze Global Sdn Bhd
  11. Pan Elite Resources Sdn Bhd
  12. Percetakan Tenaga Sdn Bhd
  13. Sentai Kitchenware Sdn Bhd
  14. Teamplete Sdn Bhd
  15. Wiki Labs Sdn Bhd

Hashtag: #goldenbullaward

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SAMENTA

Established in 1986, SAMENTA is Malaysia’s oldest and largest association of SMEs, with over 4,700 members across the country. A multi-racial, multi-sector association, SAMENTA has been at the forefront of championing a SME-friendly business environment and connecting SMEs to regional and global opportunities.

About Business Media International

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. BMI owns renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. BMI also organises various exhibitions and has the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in its portfolio.

Golden Bull Award 2024: Services Sector Lead Growth Among SMEs


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2024 – The services sector continues to lead growth among SMEs. At the recently held Golden Bull Award 2024, 65.3 percent of all the winners were from the services sector, including in retail and wholesale, professional and business services, IT and education.

The manufacturing sector accounted for 23.9 percent of the winners, with the construction and agriculture sectors rounding up the rest of the winners at 9.4 percent and 1.4 percent respectively.

This is in-line with the 2023 MSME Performance Report issued by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, where the services sector led the growth among SMEs, with a 6.5 percent jump in sectoral GDP versus 5.0 percent growth for all SMEs.

The Golden Bull Award is organised by Business Media International in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA), and has been held annually since 2002.

Minister of economy, Rafizi Ramli presented the awards to the winners, which are made up of SMEs of various sizes and from every state across the country. In his officiating address, the minister emphasised the importance of SMEs to the country, and encouraged the SMEs to focus on internationalisation and growth in productivity.

The 2024 program saw a significant increase in participation, with 2,662 nominations received, marking a 15% rise from the previous year. This surge reflects the growing recognition of the crucial role SMEs play in Malaysia’s economy, contributing 39.1% to the nation’s GDP in 2023.

“This year’s Golden Bull Award has truly been a remarkable showcase of the strength and potential of our SMEs. The increased participation and high calibre of nominations reflect the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence among our business community. It is heartening to see such robust support from the government, which aligns with our vision at SAMENTA to empower SMEs to reach greater heights.” said organising chairman Datuk William Ng.

Ng, who is also the national president of SAMENTA added “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding businesses and look forward to their continued contribution to Malaysia’s economic success. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.”

The Golden Bull Award is divided into three categories: Emerging SMEs, Outstanding SMEs, and the prestigious Super Golden Bull Award. These categories are designed to accommodate businesses based on their annual revenue, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment process tailored to recognize the achievements of SMEs at different stages of growth.

The Distinguished Bull Awards was added as a new category to recognise returning Golden Bull Award winners who have made considerable progress or grown their market presence since their previous triumph. 12 distinguished SMEs were recognised for their sustained growth and success.

Baker Tilly Malaysia served as the official auditor for the Golden Bull Award, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process. Meanwhile, CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd provided independent data as the official credit reporting agency.

Established in 2003, the Golden Bull Award is the oldest business recognition program for SMEs in the region, spanning four key markets: mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. It has become a premier platform for celebrating business excellence across these diverse markets.

For more information about the Golden Bull Award Malaysia 2024 and a complete list of winners, please visit https://goldenbullaward.asia/


LIST OF WINNERS OF THE GOLDEN BULL AWARD 2024 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

SUPER GOLDEN BULL CATEGORY

  1. Berjayapak Sdn Bhd
  2. Eastern Fishing Tackle (M) Sdn Bhd
  3. Eastern Suntech Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
  4. Fitline (M) Sdn Bhd
  5. Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd
  6. Intergreen Metals Sdn Bhd
  7. Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd
  8. Percetakan Tenaga Sdn Bhd
  9. Steel Recon Industries Sdn Bhd
  10. Teamplete Sdn Bhd
  11. Wagro Trading Sdn Bhd
  12. Wiki Labs Sdn Bhd

OUTSTANDING SMES CATEGORY

  1. Agensi Pekerjaan Best Choice Solutions Sdn Bhd
  2. Agensi Pekerjaan GCR Sdn Bhd
  3. Agensi Pekerjaan MCS Sdn Bhd
  4. Alientech Asia Sdn Bhd
  5. Alpha Solar Sdn Bhd
  6. An Ju Global Sdn Bhd
  7. AP Merin Services Sdn Bhd
  8. Benwoods Industry Sdn Bhd
  9. Bestmas (M) Sdn Bhd
  10. BOSS Solutions Global Sdn Bhd
  11. BREGO Life Sciences Sdn Bhd
  12. CCIE Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd
  13. CVS Medical Sdn Bhd
  14. DN Cleaning & Services (M) Sdn Bhd
  15. Eastway Express Line Sdn Bhd
  16. ECO Interior Supplies Sdn Bhd
  17. EI Power Technologies Sdn Bhd
  18. Ekaire Marketing Sdn Bhd
  19. Engenious Solutions Sdn Bhd
  20. Focus Chemical Sdn Bhd
  21. Hin Press Sdn Bhd
  22. Hitch On Sdn Bhd
  23. Hitec Metal Sdn Bhd
  24. Hock Cheong Transport Co. (1974) Sdn Bhd
  25. Idealbuild Engineering Sdn Bhd
  26. Ideas Shoes Sdn Bhd
  27. In Grid Design Sdn Bhd
  28. Inazume SEF Sdn Bhd
  29. Infab Classic Industries Sdn Bhd
  30. INK Marketing Sdn Bhd
  31. Intelligent Advisory Sdn Bhd
  32. IPC Industries Sdn Bhd
  33. Jia Quan (M) Sdn Bhd
  34. JR Engineering And Medical Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd
  35. JVG Bina Sdn Bhd
  36. Kaolin (M) Sdn Bhd
  37. KMS Manufactory Sdn Bhd
  38. Kredence Creative Solutions Sdn Bhd
  39. KTL Electrical Engineering Sdn Bhd
  40. Lee Heng High Precision Engineering Sdn Bhd
  41. Light Up 7 Sdn Bhd
  42. Lin Meng Sdn Bhd
  43. Magical Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd
  44. Major Engineering Sdn Bhd
  45. Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd
  46. Milieu Solar Sdn Bhd
  47. MK Porridge Sdn Bhd
  48. MT Food Ingredients Sdn Bhd
  49. Murni Machinery Sdn Bhd
  50. MyKey Global Sdn Bhd
  51. Nexus Wise Sdn Bhd
  52. Octowill Trustees Berhad
  53. P & A Prospect Sdn Bhd
  54. Pan Elite Resources Sdn Bhd
  55. Ping Edge Sdn Bhd
  56. Plus Studio & Marketing Communication Sdn Bhd
  57. Posh Northern Sdn Bhd
  58. Rack Master Industries Sdn Bhd
  59. Realux Sdn Bhd
  60. Red Rhino Security Door (M) Sdn Bhd
  61. Roda Land Sdn Bhd
  62. Rymnet Solutions Sdn Bhd
  63. Sam Properties Realty Sdn Bhd
  64. Sentai Kitchenware Sdn Bhd
  65. Sinsheng Tat Trading Sdn Bhd
  66. Song Song Frozen Food Sdn Bhd
  67. SPCL Systems Sdn Bhd
  68. STI Fire Safety Sdn Bhd
  69. Tacoplast Industries Sdn Bhd
  70. TenQ Group Sdn Bhd
  71. Tech-Latex Scientific Sdn Bhd
  72. TKC Fruits & Vegetables Sdn Bhd
  73. Union Profit Cosmetic Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
  74. Unique Travel & Convention Sdn Bhd
  75. VMG Interior Fit Out Sdn Bhd
  76. Weng Seng Fresh Sdn Bhd
  77. Worldlink Cargo Services Sdn Bhd

EMERGING SMES CATEGORY

  1. 3 Day’s Furniture Sdn Bhd
  2. AG Statue Maker & Silverware Sdn Bhd
  3. Aman O2O Sdn Bhd
  4. Amelisa Pet & Co
  5. Anton & Chen, Advocates & Solicitors
  6. Ascons Real Estate Sdn Bhd
  7. Auntie Michelle Resources (M) Sdn Bhd
  8. Axevents Sdn Bhd
  9. Axrail Sdn Bhd
  10. BIV Multimedia Sdn Bhd
  11. Chevin Sdn Bhd
  12. Collaborative Excellence Sdn Bhd
  13. Corvus Techub Sdn Bhd
  14. Current Energy (M) Sdn Bhd
  15. Endless Momentum Motor Sport Sdn Bhd
  16. Esente Advisory Sdn Bhd
  17. Finex Capital Holding Sdn Bhd
  18. Global Link Plus Properties Sdn Bhd
  19. Hui Brother Restaurant (M) Sdn Bhd
  20. Imagine AI Sdn Bhd
  21. Infinite Renco Sdn Bhd
  22. ITAC Skills Academy Sdn Bhd
  23. Kirin Industry Sdn Bhd
  24. KOA Production
  25. Maze Global Sdn Bhd
  26. Nam Heong Restaurant Holdings Sdn Bhd
  27. ODY Infinite Holdings Sdn Bhd
  28. P & A Transport & Services Sdn Bhd
  29. Prop Wealth Sdn Bhd
  30. Qiye Technology Sdn Bhd
  31. Sky Mirror World Tour Sdn Bhd (GoMyHire)
  32. The Bomb Battle Sdn Bhd
  33. Traderpreneur Xcellence Sdn Bhd
  34. U Plus Realty Sdn Bhd
  35. VBH Group Sdn Bhd
  36. VVinners Technology Sdn Bhd
  37. WITO Technology Sdn Bhd

DISTINGUISHED BULL AWARDS

  1. Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd
  2. Aqurate Ingredients Intl (M) Sdn Bhd
  3. Ezytronic Sdn Bhd
  4. International Footwear (Penang) Sdn Bhd
  5. Kanika (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
  6. Khean Seng Engineering Sdn Bhd
  7. Pilot Construction Sdn Bhd
  8. Seng Kong Shutter Industries Sdn Bhd
  9. Shin-Yo Engineering Sdn Bhd
  10. Sinoflex Logistics Sdn Bhd
  11. The Olive Tree Group
  12. UIS Technologies Sdn Bhd

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARDS

  1. AG Statue Maker & Silverware Sdn Bhd
  2. Alpha Solar Sdn Bhd
  3. Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd
  4. BIV Multimedia Sdn Bhd
  5. BOSS Solutions Global Sdn Bhd
  6. Engenious Solutions Sdn Bhd
  7. Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd
  8. IPC Industries Sdn Bhd
  9. Kredence Creative Solutions Sdn Bhd
  10. Maze Global Sdn Bhd
  11. Pan Elite Resources Sdn Bhd
  12. Percetakan Tenaga Sdn Bhd
  13. Sentai Kitchenware Sdn Bhd
  14. Teamplete Sdn Bhd
  15. Wiki Labs Sdn Bhd

Hashtag: #goldenbullaward

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SAMENTA

Established in 1986, SAMENTA is Malaysia’s oldest and largest association of SMEs, with over 4,700 members across the country. A multi-racial, multi-sector association, SAMENTA has been at the forefront of championing a SME-friendly business environment and connecting SMEs to regional and global opportunities.

About Business Media International

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. BMI owns renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. BMI also organises various exhibitions and has the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in its portfolio.

Laos Establishes Bullion Bank to Secure Gold Reserves, Stabilize Kip

The signing ceremony (Photo: Vientiane Times)

The Ministry of Finance, has signed an agreement with PTL  Holding Co., Ltd. on 7 August to establish the Lao Bullion Bank to build gold reserves, enhance financial stability, and strengthen the Lao Kip. 

Laos to Establish Tug-of-War as National Sport Under New Leadership

Laos to Establish Tug-of-War as National Sport Under New Leadership
Lao junior team prepares for Asean Tug of War Championship in 2019 (photo credit: Vientiane Times)

Laos’ Tug-of-War Federation is set to revive the sport under new leadership, with plans to elevate it nationally and increase its regional presence in the coming year.

Lao Woman Found Dead in Thailand, Police Suspect Drug Use

Lao Woman Found Dead in Thailand, Police Suspect Drug Use
Chonburi police investigates the crime scene (Photo credit: Thairath)

A 28-year-old Lao woman, Phraimany, also known as Namfon, was discovered dead at a luxury 7-story condominium in Pattaya, Chonburi Province on August 8, with Thai police suspecting that the use of drugs may be involved.