Juniper
The grandeur of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial excellence came alive at the Pinnacle of Success Business Award (POSBA) 2025, held at the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Jointly organised by WargaBiz, Malaysia’s leading business media platform, and MySayang Malaysia, with SME Corporation Malaysia as the Strategic Partner, the evening was hailed as Malaysia’s own “Oscars of Business.”
The event brought together more than 800 distinguished guests including policymakers, captains of industry, and visionaries. Adding to its prestige, the ceremony was graced by Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Panglima Perang Leftenan Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, together with YB Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, and Mr. Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME. Corp.
Minister Urges Shift to “Made by Malaysia” Economic Model
In his address, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong said Malaysia must shift from a “made in Malaysia” to a “made by Malaysia” economic model to stay strong in a world facing trade wars, tariffs, and global competition. “One important component of the prime minister’s speech that perhaps many people missed out, because all of us were focused on the RM611 billion, all the statistics and the numbers, is the prime minister’s aspiration to move us from a made in Malaysia economic model to a made by Malaysia economic model. Where we focus on high-value sectors and homegrown entrepreneurs like all of you,” he noted.
Sim underlined that Malaysia can no longer rely on being a low-cost investment hub. The nation, he stressed, must move beyond the old “buy cheap, sell cheap” approach and instead focus on building homegrown value and innovation. “I call it 4T. The first T is talent. The second T is technology. The third T are things, products and services. And the fourth T is our trademark, our brands, our patents.”
He also highlighted the need for a more human and humane business model; one that puts focus on workers, people, the environment, and society as a whole.
Pinnacle Industry Icon Award
The Pinnacle Industry Icon Award honoured extraordinary individuals whose names have become synonymous with influence, resilience, and inspiration. Esteemed recipients included:
● Nicholas Lim Pinn Yang, Co-Founder & CEO of Foodie Media Sdn Bhd, who transformed Malaysia’s digital culinary storytelling into a movement followed by millions.
● Datuk Zang Toi, Founder of House of Toi, the celebrated fashion designer whose work has graced royalty and Hollywood, elevating Malaysian artistry to global runways.
● Datuk Burhanuddin Md Radzi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd, the creative force behind Upin & Ipin, a cultural phenomenon that has brought Malaysian storytelling to the world stage.
● Datuk Nicol David, squash legend and Founder of the Nicol David Organisation, a beacon of sporting excellence and youth empowerment.
● Dato’ Hajah Aspalela Ramly, Executive Chairman of Zar Lynx Sdn Bhd, recognised for her leadership in oil & gas, marine, and water treatment industries.
● Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Rozali Ismail, Executive Chairman of Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, whose stewardship has shaped Malaysia’s water and environmental solutions sector.
● Dr Jest Wong, Founder & Managing Director of Harper Elite Sdn Bhd, celebrated for raising standards in education and non-invasive healthcare innovation.
● Muhammad Fikri Mohd Ali, Managing Director of Suria Harmoni Resources Sdn Bhd, a rising force in construction and development services.
● Rozita Ibrahim, Founder & Managing Director of JRM Holistik Group, whose journey from humble beginnings to wellness empire stands as a symbol of perseverance and impact.
● Datin Sri Rosmariza Dato’ Che Umar, CEO & President of Pasaraya Borong Sakan & Saloma Kuala Lumpur, honoured for retail innovation and lifestyle leadership.
● Dato’ Sani Salleh, Founder & Chairman of Sani United Berhad & Sani Group, a visionary who redefined transportation and diversified into multiple industries.
● Datuk Dr Royfaizal Razali Chong, Founder & CEO of Royan Trading Sdn Bhd, recognised for his forward-thinking leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.
● Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, Founder & CEO of Syafinaz Selamat Sdn Bhd, an artistic visionary and cultural entrepreneur whose work has inspired new creative frontiers.
● Dato’ Sri Ahmad Sukimi Ibrahim, Founder & Executive Chairman of Mercu Group Sdn Bhd, a visionary leader whose ventures embody resilience, foresight, and growth across diverse industries.
Together, these icons form the constellation of Malaysia’s finest, each carrying stories ofnperseverance, creativity, and national pride.
Distinguished Personalities & Icons
This year’s awards also shone a spotlight on extraordinary women whose leadership has broken barriers and inspired communities. The Pinnacle Industry Woman Icon of the Year was awarded to Datuk Dr Denise Lim (VKids Trend Sdn Bhd), while the title of Pinnacle Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Datin Wira Prof Dr Janet Lo (Metaventure Holdings & Equiptox Sdn Bhd) and Dr Kalaiselvi Krishnan (Grow Bright Sdn Bhd). The Pinnacle Young & Dynamic Woman Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Mardiana Made (DS Rich Manufacturing Sdn Bhd), a symbol of the rising generation of leaders shaping Malaysia’s future.
Adding to the evening’s prestige, the Pinnacle Distinguished Personality of the Year was presented to Dato’ Sri Nazeri Omar (RF3 World Sdn Bhd), recognising his transformative influence in the beauty and wellness industry. His story stands as a powerful reminder that visionary leadership leaves a legacy far beyond business.
Company Awards
The Pinnacle Legacy Business of the Year Award paid tribute to corporations whose presence has left an indelible mark on industries and communities. Among the honourees were Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd, ST Rosyam Mart Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Kamarulhadi Sdn Bhd, DPS Resources Bhd, Richiamo Group, Zar Lynx Sdn Bhd, HC Precast System Sdn Bhd, Print Expert Sdn Bhd, Saleh Automotive Sdn Bhd, and Titian Hasrat Sdn Bhd.
Their enduring legacies showcase the power of resilience, trust, and long-term vision in Malaysian enterprise.
The Pinnacle Established Business of the Year Award spotlighted companies that have scaled successfully into powerful industry leaders. Recipients included Mega Jati Academy Sdn Bhd, Koperasi Co-opbank Pertama Malaysia Bhd, Beauboss Sdn Bhd, TDC International Sdn Bhd, Trading Castle PLT, Equiptox Sdn Bhd, BS Fitness Nutrition (M) Sdn Bhd, SFJ Beauty Sdn Bhd, YES Empire Sdn Bhd, DFZ Agency Sdn Bhd, Tokku Leko Sdn Bhd, Kaiye Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, Right Track Education Sdn Bhd, Grill Haven Sdn Bhd, and RF3 World Sdn Bhd. These organisations embody innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Pinnacle Startup of the Year Award shone a light on bold beginnings, recognising the new generation of entrepreneurs who are shaping the future. The award went to PRC Group Sdn Bhd, Finn Beauty, and Maxvard Dynamic Sdn Bhd, whose drive, creativity, and pioneering spirit represent Malaysia’s next wave of business leadership.
Brand Awards
The Pinnacle Champion Brand of the Year Award celebrated Malaysia’s most trusted and admired consumer names. Honourees included Co-opbank Pertama, Dr Anne Skin Care, Nutrilavish, Beautyspells, Dentist Malaya, Bubbles O2, Spa Bekam Ar Rayyan, Jade Heritage Spa, Cityspec Optical, Estika Medispa, and Ring Exclusive Jewellery. These brands have become touchstones of quality and reliability, shaping consumer confidence and setting benchmarks across the nation.
Adding to the celebration, the Pinnacle Rising Brand of the Year Award was presented to Maaya Beauty, a brand that has quickly established itself as a beacon of elegance, creativity and innovation in Malaysia’s beauty industry.
The Pinnacle Master Brand of the Year Award recognised household names that have achieved timeless prestige and global recognition. Among the recipients were Do’zee, Serai Group, Daiohs Malaysia, iPainter, and Upin & Ipin. These master brands stand as cultural icons, embodying Malaysian excellence that resonates both locally and internationally. A Night of Inspiration and National Pride In her remarks, Tengku Loreta Tengku Dato’ Setia Ramli Alhaj, Chairman of POSBA 2025, said:
“The stories we honour tonight are more than business achievements. They are human stories of those who dared to dream when the odds were against them, who turned hardship into strength, and who built opportunities not only for themselves, but for the communities around them. These winners remind us that true success is not measured only in wealth or recognition, but in the lives we touch, the people we uplift, and the legacies we leave behind. Each honouree here represents the best of Malaysia. They are not just entrepreneurs; they are nation-builders, role models, and torchbearers of hope.”
Samson, CEO of WargaBiz and organiser of POSBA, also reflected on the journey that inspired the creation of the award. “Eight years ago, when we first began this journey, we held one belief: every entrepreneur has a story worth telling. WargaBiz was founded on that belief; to give a voice to Malaysia’s entrepreneurs, from small and medium businesses to those building global brands. Behind every company is a human story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. The Pinnacle of Success Business Award was created from this vision. We chose the word ‘Pinnacle’ because it represents not only the highest point of success, but also the climb to reach it. It takes courage, resilience, and faith to get there,” he shared.
“Tonight, we honour those who have made that climb; those who remind us that success is not luck, but a journey of vision, determination, and hard work.” The resounding applause that followed reflected not only admiration for the winners, but also the pride of a nation moving forward together in its entrepreneurial journey. It was a collective recognition of innovation, resilience and vision; qualities that continue to shape Malaysia’s place on the global stage.
