BrazilEY Singapore Entrepreneur of the Year awards set for next month
EY’s 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year awards for Singapore are set to take place at the start of next month, with five candidates in the running for the coveted overall title.
Professional services firm Ernst & Young’s annual Singapore Entrepreneur of the Year winner for 2019 will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Bay on the 3rd of next month, with one of five nominees to represent Singapore at the world event in Monte Carlo next year. Last year’s Singapore title was awarded to Jeffrey Tiong, CEO of data analytics software developers PatSnap, while Brad Keywell of the US took out the world crown.
Joining Tiong on the honour roll will be one of five recent category winners; Ron Tan, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Cityneon (Entrepreneur of the Year; Media and Entertainment); Ng Gim Choo, Founder and Managing Director, EtonHouse International (Education); David Lee, CEO, IYUNO Group (Digital Media Supply Chain); Kong Wan Sing, Founder and CEO, JustCo (Workspace Solutions); and Yeah Hiang Nam, Managing Director and CEO, ValueMax (Financial Services).
“The class of award winners this year reflects diverse profiles: some are in established and traditional sectors, while others are in heavily disrupted or even new sectors that are brought forth by the digital and sharing economy,” said judging panel chair Ron Sim. “Yet, different as they are, they bear distinct similarities in their resilience despite market challengers, their ability to remain unfazed and seize opportunities in technological disruption, and their constant pursuit of innovation.”
Launched locally in 2002 (and heading into its 10th year at a global level, with representatives from more than 50 countries now taking part), the awards seek to celebrate entrepreneurs who have created successful business ventures as adjudged by an independent panel according to criteria including entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity, and global and national impact. This year’s Singapore class winners were selected from close to 40 nominations.
“True entrepreneurs forge on no matter what difficulties they face, fueled by their vision and passion, the trust that their families, stakeholders and employees place in them, and the belief in innovation to grow regardless of how long they have been in the business,” said EY Singapore Managing Partner Max Loh. “These winners have also demonstrated how they are ready to keep disrupting themselves to upend their competition or grow in a fiercely competitive disrupted sector.”
While the five category winners will sweat it out at the awards gala on the 3rd of October – with Ng Chee Meng, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress, in attendance as the special guest-of-honour – EY has also named two non-competing honourary award-winners; Udenna Corporation founder Dennis Uy (Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence) and Far East Organization (Family Business Award of Excellence).
“Dennis’ entrepreneurial story is truly outstanding,” commented Loh, citing the founding of Udenna, which manages a "highly successful" portfolio of multiple business interests spanning a variety of industries. “His impact extends beyond job creation through his portfolio of companies to charity-driven ventures through the Udenna Foundation and Phoenix Philippines Foundation, bringing to life how successful corporates can contribute to the society and help build a better working world.”
