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Beyond Boundaries: SEBA Awards 2024 Celebrates ASEAN’s Finest Entrepreneurs


TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin (center), officiated the ceremony, accompanied by YAB Toh Puan Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Hajah Norlidah Binti Tan Sri Datuk R.M Jasni (right) and YBhg. Datuk Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and Founder of the SEBA Awards (left).

An Evening of Inspiration and Achievement

On the evening of November 14, 2024, the prestigious SEBA Awards made a grand return to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Held at the Wyndham Grand Bangsar, the event’s 11th edition embraced the theme “Beyond Boundaries | Taking Connections Further,” celebrating exemplary achievements in entrepreneurship across the ASEAN region. The awards night shone a spotlight on visionary leaders and industry pioneers who are reshaping industries and redefining success across various fields, including agriculture, construction, retail, technology, finance, healthcare, and property.

Distinguished Guests and Keynote Highlights

The SEBA Awards 2024 saw the attendance of notable dignitaries, including TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin, alongside top entrepreneurs and key stakeholders from ASEAN’s economic landscape. In his keynote address, TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah applauded SEBA’s unwavering commitment to fostering excellence, stating, “SEBA stands as a beacon of inspiration for our ASEAN entrepreneurs, showcasing talent that transcends borders. I am honoured to witness such dedication and applaud the platform for cultivating a culture of resilience and innovation.”

Honouring Excellence Across Diverse Sectors

This year’s SEBA Awards celebrated outstanding leaders from various industries. Among the key award recipients were:

  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Datuk Seri Dr. KK Chai, KK Group of Companies

  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Andrew Khong, SEO.my

  • Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year: Farhan Omar, Kapten Batik (M) Sdn Bhd

  • Innovative Mental Health Platform: Amaze Synergy Venture Sdn Bhd

  • Innovative Leader in Digital Solutions: Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd

  • Excellence in Agriculture Business Leadership: Happy Plantations (Kota Marudu) Sdn Bhd

  • Visionary Woman Leader in Property Development: Joanne Wendy Chung, Hap Seng Properties Development Sdn Bhd

  • CSR Icon of the Year: Dato Dr. Hartini Zainudin, Yayasan Chow Kit

  • Celebrity of the Year: Aisha Ratna

  • Media Personality of the Year: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama

  • Performing Artist of the Year: Jo Kukathas, The Instant Cafe Theatre Company

These awards highlighted the recipients’ pivotal roles in driving innovation, fostering growth, and setting new industry benchmarks.

IoT Award Winners: A Celebration of Connectivity

The SEBA Awards also recognised leaders in IoT technology development. Notable winners included:

  • Best IoT Connectivity Provider: My Evolution Sdn Bhd

  • IoT Industry Leader: Cre8 IoT Sdn Bhd

  • Excellence in IoT Technology Development: LG Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd

These accolades underscored the importance of technology in shaping the future of ASEAN’s economy.


YBhg. Datuk Nitesh Malani, Chairman of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia and Founder of the SEBA Awards, emphasized the event’s role in inspiring entrepreneurs to push boundaries, elevate industry standards, and foster a resilient, interconnected ASEAN community. He highlighted how SEBA has grown significantly in both scope and impact, truly embodying its theme, ‘Beyond Boundaries.’

A Night of Elegance and Networking

The event unfolded in an atmosphere of sophistication, with refined decor and lighting creating the perfect setting for an evening of celebration. Guests enjoyed a lively blend of entertainment and networking opportunities, fostering a sense of shared vision among ASEAN’s top entrepreneurs and innovators. The evening’s highlights were not only the awards but also the connections forged, embodying the theme of “Taking Connections Further.”

Amplifying SEBA’s Mission

Prominent media outlets, including The Star, Bernama, Astro Awani, and TV3, provided extensive coverage of the event, amplifying SEBA’s influence and ensuring the achievements celebrated reached a wider audience. This media attention highlighted SEBA’s role in inspiring future generations of leaders across ASEAN.

Looking Ahead: SEBA’s Expanding Horizons

The SEBA Awards are set to continue their mission of championing entrepreneurship with two upcoming editions: the Northern Edition in Penang in February 2025 and the Borneo Edition in June 2025. Nominations are now open, signalling SEBA’s commitment to fostering regional business excellence and innovation across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.


The SEBA Awards 2024 not only celebrated the region’s finest entrepreneurs but also reinforced the spirit of resilience, innovation, and interconnectedness that defines ASEAN’s economic future. As SEBA moves forward, it remains a vital platform for recognising talent, nurturing growth, and taking connections beyond boundaries.

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