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OCBC Malaysia invites Malaysian SMEs to participate in the Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards
OCBC Malaysia invites Malaysian SMEs to participate in the Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards
OCBC Malaysia invites Malaysian SMEs to participate in the Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards (“Awards”), with submissions open from now until 30 June 2026.
The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards recognise high-potential businesses on a regional platform, celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation and cross-border growth. First launched in Singapore in 2008 and later expanded to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia, the programme is open to companies under 10 years old with annual revenue of up to RM62 million (SGD$20 million).
Mr Chan Kok Leong, Head of Emerging Business, OCBC Malaysia said, “Malaysia’s SME landscape is both vibrant and diverse, having produced many successful enterprises that have gone on to pioneer and shape key industries. It is therefore crucial that we recognise their potential early and provide the support they need to grow.”
“At last year’s Emerging Enterprise Awards, two Malaysian companies emerged as winners, standing out among contenders from Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia. This achievement underscores the strength, vision, and competitiveness of Malaysian entrepreneurs. Through the Awards, we aim to continue putting a spotlight on Malaysian enterprises, championing their successes and supporting their growth as they scale, realise their ambitions, and further strengthen Malaysia’s SME sector.”
Last year, the Awards drew nearly 100 submissions from Malaysian companies across diverse industries. Two Malaysian companies—Dodo Ventures Sdn Bhd and Green Environmental Engineering Sdn Bhd—emerged as winners at the regional finals in Singapore, underscoring the growing strength and competitiveness of Malaysia’s SME landscape.
The Awards comprise four categories to recognise businesses across different stages of growth and innovation: Emerging Enterprise Award, Most Promising Startup Award, Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award, and Most Promising Sustainability Startup Award.
From 2026, up to six businesses will be recognised across the Emerging Enterprise and Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award categories. Winners will receive prizes including a two-year interest-free term loan of up to RM 600,000, along with a consulting package by RSM Singapore for growing businesses worth up to RM45,000 each to accelerate growth and regional expansion. For the Most Promising Startup categories, up to three winners will receive industry recognition and media exposure.
A total of 30 businesses will be shortlisted, with winners to be announced in October 2026.
Applications are open from now to 30 June 2026 via the official website: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/events-awards/emerging-enterprise
The Emerging Enterprise 2026 Awards is supported by preferred payment solutions partner Mastercard, official auditor RSM Singapore, A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research, CBRE Pte Ltd, and Enterprise Singapore.
Further details on eligibility, categories, and prizes are available in the Annex.
ANNEX
Eligibility Criteria
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Years of Operation |
Up to 10 years (up to 5 years for Most Promising Startup categories) |
|
Annual Sales Turnover |
Up to SGD 20 million or local currency equivalent (based on latest financial year) |
|
Business Incorporation |
Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or Private Limited (Sdn. Bhd.) |
1. Emerging Enterprise Award
|
Sub-Award Category |
Winner Prizes |
|
The Emerging Enterprise Award Recognises enterprises that demonstrate an enterprising mindset, drive consistent, significant and sustainable growth, achieve strong business performance, and show the ability to scale and expand overseas. |
· OCBC (or any of its subsidiaries in Malaysia, Indonesia and/or Hong Kong (collectively, "OCBC Subsidiaries" and each an "OCBC Subsidiary") – a two-year, interest-free term loan of up to SGD 200,000 (or MYR 600,000, or HKD 1,000,000, or IDR 2,000,000,000, as set out in the terms and conditions); · The Business Times - Media publicity in print, digital, and social media for Singapore and the region; and · RSM Singapore - “Consulting Package for Growing Businesses” worth SGD$15,000. |
|
Most Promising Startup Award Recognises enterprises that demonstrates a strong startup spirit and have a unique and commercially viable idea with long-term potential |
· The Business Times: Media publicity across print, digital, and social media in Singapore and the region |
2. Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award
|
Sub-Award Category |
Winner Prizes |
|
Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award Recognises emerging enterprises that capitalises on growth opportunities in the green economy, embedding sustainability in their businesses and leveraging technology and new solutions to transition to low-carbon businesses and industries. |
· OCBC (or an OCBC Subsidiary) – a two -year, interest-free term loan of up to SGD 200,000 (or MYR 600,000, or HKD 1,000,000, or IDR 2,000,000,000, as set out in the terms and conditions); · The Business Times - Media publicity in print, digital, and social media for Singapore and the region; and · RSM Singapore - “Consulting Package for Growing Businesses” worth SGD$15,000. |
|
Most Promising Sustainability Startup Award Recognises enterprises with a commercially viable green or sustainability-related business model that has long-term potential, and demonstrate a strong startup spirit, will also stand to walk away with the Most Promising Sustainability Startup Award. |
· The Business Times - Media publicity in print, digital, and social media for Singapore and the region. |