EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Malaysia

Nominations

At EY, we believe that entrepreneurs are the moving force behind today’s economy. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award is an annual program that identifies and honors entrepreneurs who have made a difference and are an inspiration to others.

The nominee must be a Malaysian or Malaysian Permanent Resident (MyPR card holder) who is either:

  • An owner-manager primarily responsible for the recent performance of a privately-held company that has at least two years audited accounts; or
  • A founder of a listed company who is still active in top management and who still retains a significant stake in the company.
Categories:
  • Emerging
    Nominees in this category should be aged 35 or under at the close of nomination or the business is between 3-5 years old.
  • Technology
    Entrepreneurs who are developers, providers and/ or promoters of technology, digital and multimedia products and services.
  • Woman
    This category recognizes and honours the accomplishments of outstanding women entrepreneurs in building and leading successful businesses.
  • Master
    Entrepreneurs who have made a sustained contribution to the success of one or more businesses over an extended period; business founded more than 5 years ago.

Entrereneurial spirit

How bold and resilient is the entrepreneur’s mindset and journey?​

  • Sees opportunities others miss, whether solving realroblems, reimagining what’s possible or creating new value that drives growth and innovation.
  • Takes bold personal and business risks, learns from experience and shares their journey, motivations and challenges overcome.
  • Demonstrates resilience, creativity and determination to overcome significant challenges.
  • Cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset and culture that inspires innovation and action within the organization.

Purpose

What values drive the entrepreneur and their vision for the future?

  • Leads with a clear purpose – personal and business – focused on why the business exists, who it serves and the difference it aims to make.
  • Innovates in ways that prioritize long-term value for various stakeholders including people, planet and business.
  • Builds trust by staying true to mission and values, even in uncertain times.
  • Champions inclusive leadership and builds a culture that aligns strategy with core values and vision.

Impact

What real-world positive difference is the entrepreneur making?

  • Serves customers in ways that meaningfully improve lives, communities or industries.
  • Builds inclusive teams and creates access to resources and opportunities for all individuals, recognizing differing needs and experiences.
  • Introduces new or improved solutions that create lasting benefit for people, markets or society.
  • Helps protect, restore or regenerate the environment for future generations.

Growth​

How is the entrepreneur scaling their business and preparing for future growth?

  • Demonstrates consistent growth in financial performance, operational viability and return on equity while scaling the business responsibly.
  • Develops strong, adaptable teams and expands the customer base, leveraging a range of skills, experiences and perspectives.
  • Uses innovation, new approaches and technology to lead, improve and evolve their industry.
  • Creates an agile, resilient business that delivers long-term value for all stakeholders.

​

  • Nomination period
    April - June
    Launch of the EY Entrepreneur Of the Year Malaysia program
    Nomination forms and materials are accepted during this period
 
  • On-site interview sessions
    May - June
    On-site interview sessions will be conducted with participants to find out more about their personal stories and entrepreneurial journey
 
  • Judging process
    July - September
    Dossiers will be presented to the Judging Panel for their review and shortlisting
 
  • Announcement of Top Nominees
    September / October
    Top Nominees shortlisted for each category are announced at a cocktail event
 
  • Top Nominees meet Judges
    October / November
    Top Nominees get the chance to meet with the judges for the final round of judging
 
  • Awards gala
    December
    Category Winners are announced and one of them will be named the overall EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Malaysia. He/ She will go on to represent Malaysia at the prestigious EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year event which is held in Monte Carlo, Monaco the following year.

Each nominee is required to complete a nomination form to participate in the program. The form comprises the below:

Nominee information
  • Particulars of the nominee including contact information, work experience and education background.
Company information
  • Description of the company, contact information and nominee’s ownership details.
Financial data
  • This information is considered confidential. Financial information is an important quantifiable indicator of success available to the judging panel; therefore, it is required that financial data section be completed in full.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

Through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program, we recognize the entrepreneurs who build a confident future for us all.

Learn more

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.