Nominations open for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 awards in Malaysia as the program celebrates its 25th anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 APRIL 2026 ­– From now to 15 June 2026, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) Malaysia program is inviting nominations of outstanding local entrepreneurs for its 25th edition.

The EOY program is EY’s flagship initiative with a 40-year legacy that celebrates, supports and connects founders, transformational CEOs and multigenerational leaders around the world. Launched in Malaysia in 2002 to coincide with the government’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing local entrepreneurs to compete in the global market, the program is now in its 25th edition — a pivotal milestone for the initiative.

Philip Rao, Program Director of EOY Malaysia and Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd. said, “The EOY program was created to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs who are trailblazers and shapers. Much like the art of batik-making, their success is crafted over time by blending innovation, resilience and bold ideas. Many have risen above numerous setbacks to demonstrate relentless tenacity and focus on long-term value, not only for themselves but also for their stakeholders.

“Our 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone that highlights the program’s long-standing impact, credibility and sustained commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial excellence. The EOY Malaysia program has recognized more than 350 entrepreneurs and we will continue to showcase the stories of outstanding individuals who have shaped their craft into masterpieces, inspiring the next wave of Malaysian innovators.”

The award comprises four categories: Emerging, Technology, Woman and Master. Nominees will be evaluated by a panel of independent judges based on a uniform global standard used by all EOY programs in 94 countries and territories. The judging criteria focus on long-term value while assessing four pillars, which are entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, impact and growth. Category winners will be announced at the EOY 2026 Malaysia gala in December and the country winner will be chosen to represent Malaysia at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY).

In May this year, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Malaysia, will be representing the country to compete against 46 other country winners at the WEOY event in Monte Carlo.

The EOY 2026 Malaysia program is proud to have these organizations join EY in support of entrepreneurship: 

• BFM Media Sdn. Bhd.
• Bits and Pixels Sdn. Bhd.
• Bursa Malaysia
• Nanyang Siang Pau Sdn. Bhd.
• The Edge Malaysia

For more information about the EOY Malaysia program, please visit www.ey.com/my/eoy.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the only global program of its kind that supports entrepreneurs as they unlock their ambitions. Established in 1986, this flagship program operates across more than 60 countries and jurisdictions and boasts a global ecosystem of over 30,000 distinguished entrepreneurs. Program participants benefit from lifelong connections, learning resources and insights to help navigate their growth journey, and opportunities to raise the profile of their companies. Each program concludes with a competition and announcement of a winner who goes on to represent their country or region in the ultimate global competition and event for entrepreneurs: EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™. ey.com/eoy

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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd, a member of the global EY organization.