KUALA LUMPUR: The Export Excellence Awards (EEA) Gala Night has returned after a break due to Covid-19 restrictions, to salute exporters and recognise those who excelled in delivering Malaysian products abroad.

       EEA 2021, the second edition of the awards, was held at Shangri-La KL with Carlsberg as the official beer sponsor, and saw 30 awards being given out to deserving exporters of different sizes – from small and medium enterprises to mid-tier and large companies – as well as different sectors and geographical regions.

       Aside from the gold and silver winners in five industry categories, the event also recognised several winners with special awards.

       Rising to the top were two Exporters of the Year – Northeast Precision Sdn Bhd and Pentamaster Corporation Bhd.

       A special award for halal products was presented to Linaco Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, while Transcargo Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd was conferred the Thriving in Adversity award.

       The event’s guest of honour, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, said the EEA plays a definitive role in enhancing industry excellence by recognising and giving keen appreciation to the calibre and ingenuity of the key drivers of the Malaysian economy.

       “These awards could not have come at a more opportune time. We’re living in a time of extraordinary change, where we’ve had to change the way we live, rethink the way we work, and relook at how we can create a more sustainable future for people and the planet,” he said.

       Star Media Group Bhd (SMG) chief executive officer (CEO) Alex Yeow said the EEA provides a platform to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities to the world.

       “With this, we want to recognise and honour successful exporters and their contribution to our economy.

       “You have proven that we can stand tall among international giants.

       “This could not have been more evident than within the last year alone,” he said.

       Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Abrar A. Anwar said Malaysia remains one of the leading exporting nations in the world.

       “According to a Standard Chartered study, ‘Borderless Business’, European and US companies ranked Malaysia as the second most favourable South-East Asian country for opportunities to establish or expand their resourcing, selling or operations over the next six to 12 months.

       “We hope the awards will inspire and encourage more businesses to grow beyond Malaysia while honouring the heroes of the nation who are showing tremendous resilience while navigating global headwinds and demonstrating excellence by thriving in adversity.”

       The event was also attended by International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia chairman Datuk Yvonne Chia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) CEO Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd senior vice-president Mohamed Azman Mohamed Taufik, SMG director Chan Seng Fatt, as well as other heads of companies and corporate guests.

       The awards programme aims to build a community of Malaysian exporters to support one another, share thought leadership and best practices with the industry’s elite and provide a platform for exporters to showcase their capabilities and global potential.

       EEA is organised by SMG in partnership with Standard Chartered Malaysia, with Matrade as a patron.

       For more information on EEA, visit exportawards.com.my, contact Victor at victorcheong@thestar.com.my or Jency at jencyjohn@thestar.com.my.