10 SMEs recognised by SEBA at its 2023 awards ceremony, and what they do

SEBA 2023 Central Grand awards kicked off with a bang on November 30, and many local entrepreneurs and SMEs were celebrated that night.

10 SMEs got the recognition of Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (YUM), winning awards in various categories.

These companies were selected after a stringent vetting and auditing process, and had to meet the criteria of being at least two years old and having a minimum annual turnover of RM500,000.

Here’s who they are.

1. Fingold International Sdn Bhd – Gold-Standard Fintech Innovation

Fingold International is a digital platform for gold where you can buy, sell, and store online at a live market rate. It was first founded in Singapore in 2018, and entered Malaysia in July 2022.

2. INK Marketing Sdn Bhd – Most Iconic Business

With a name that stands for “Innovation & Know-how”, INK Marketing is an accredited below-the-line shopper activation specialist. 

They design and manufacture point-of-sale communications that amplify a brand’s campaign impact, build brand awareness, and drive traffic and increase sales at the store level.

Its Managing Director, Kristy Liew, was also awarded Most Innovative Women Entrepreneur that night.

3. JOYRIDE – Empowerment in Metal Fabrication

JOYRIDE specialises in telco metal fabrication which consists of building structures from raw metal. Their main products include cable ladders, T-brackets, and more.

4. Perlindungan dan Indemniti Malaysia Sdn Bhd (P&I Malaysia) – Best in Marine Insurance

P&I Malaysia was created by the Malaysian government and is the brainchild of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT).

The company started out by establishing an affordable marine liability insurance scheme for small vessel operators, and is now intending to become a full-fledged transportation insurance company.

5. Vessel Pro Sdn Bhd – Excellence in Urban Farming Technology

Vessel Pro is a company that does agritech R&D. In August of this year, it was appointed by MDEC as its official digital agrotechnology partner.

The company’s Head of Business Development, Whan Mugilan, was named SEBA 2023’s Sustainable Farming Steward.

6. Vape Empire Distribution Sdn Bhd – Visionary Industry Leader

Vape Empire was established in 2013 by Zachary Oh and Terence Oh, and the company’s aim is to get people to stop smoking and opt for vapes instead.

They provide mods, e-liquids, atomisers, and accessories in their 65 stores nationwide, and have a presence in over 30 countries too.

Its COO, Daphenie Tan, was named Leading Innovative Female Entrepreneur that night.

7. First Pavilion Technology Sdn Bhd – Brand Excellence

First Pavilion Technology is a regional holding company and parent to a suite of fintech subsidiaries and affiliates providing comprehensive fintech solutions and services to kickstart, define, and accelerate businesses.

Datuk Wira Dr Franck Li of First Pavilion Technology won Leading Entrepreneur in Fintech Solution Industry that night too.

8. E2S Security Services Sdn Bhd – Excellence in Security & Logistics

E2S Security was established to cater to the growing demand for professional security services in Malaysia.

It offers a complete range of personal and corporate security services in various industries, including manufacturing, F&B management, logistics and warehouse, corporate offices, and MNC companies.

In 2021, it was one of SEBA’s Top 10 SMEs, winning the Best SME: Service Provider in Security Services.

9. Goldfinch Jewelry Sdn Bhd – Emerging Jewelry Brand of the Year

Goldfinch Jewelry crafts exclusive and modern gold jewellery, and is aiming to have a total of 50 stores opened by the end of 2023. Their stores span several states, including Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Pahang, and more.

10. Usaha Warisan Sdn Bhd – Most Strategic Supplier & Services Enterprise

There’s not a lot of information on Usaha Warisan online, but based on what little we could find, it’s a company that deals in development, construction, and timber.

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Our heartiest congratulations to these companies for being recognised by SEBA, and we look forward to their continued growth.

On another note, during the awards ceremony last night, SEBA announced that it will be having its inaugural Borneo edition in 2024, spotlighting SMEs and entrepreneurs across Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei. Stay tuned for that!

Featured Image Credit: SEBA