A total of 60 distinguished corporate figures, companies and entrepreneurs from various industries were honoured at the Malaysia Industry Personalities & Entrepreneurs Awards 2026 (APIUM 2026), held in grand style tonight at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by business media portal NiagaTimes, the prestigious event marked its 10th edition and carried the theme “Inspirational Entrepreneurs, Sparking Revolution,” recognising the remarkable contributions of industry leaders and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards the nation’s economic development.
The ceremony was officiated by Datuk Mohamad Alamin, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur & Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), who also presented awards to the recipients.
In his speech, he emphasised that MSMEs continue to serve as the backbone of the nation’s economy through their substantial contributions to employment creation, economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, rising operational costs and volatile international markets, he noted that local entrepreneurs have continued to demonstrate resilience through digital transformation, automation and the adoption of e-commerce technologies.
“The Government, through KUSKOP, remains committed to strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem through various financing initiatives, training programmes and entrepreneur capacity-building efforts to ensure MSMEs remain sustainable and competitive,” he said.
He further highlighted that the national Bumiputera empowerment agenda and cooperative development initiatives continue to be strengthened in line with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan and the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35).
Meanwhile, Advisor of NiagaTimes, Emir Abdul Jalal, said that APIUM 2026 is not merely a platform for recognition, but also a symbol of appreciation for entrepreneurs who continue to rise above challenges and build successful enterprises despite the current economic climate.
He revealed that more than 200 nominations were received this year across a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, technology, education, hospitality, cosmetics, entertainment, healthcare, and food and beverage.
“The award recipients tonight have not only succeeded in building their respective business empires, but have also become an inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs to boldly create change and penetrate global markets,” he added.
Among the evening’s most prominent recipients was Utama Motors World, which received a prestigious recognition for its excellence as one of Malaysia’s leading automotive companies with outstanding sales performance and impressive business growth.
Also receiving special recognition was Monsta Studios, which won the Malaysia’s Best Animation Production Company Award 2026. Founded by Mohd Nizam Abd Razak, the studio continues to gain international acclaim through popular animated productions such as BoBoiBoy and Papa Zola, which have successfully penetrated international markets including Indonesia and the Middle East.
In addition to corporate leaders and successful entrepreneurs, several renowned Malaysian personalities were also recognised for their achievements and influence in their respective fields. Among them was veteran actress Liza Abdullah, who received the Malaysia Primadona of Acting Award 2026 in recognition of her four decades of contribution to the local entertainment industry.
Celebrated comedian Abon was also honoured with the Malaysia Legendary Comedy Artist Award 2026, while entrepreneur and business influencer Dr Fie Tawfek received the Business Influencer of the Year Award 2026.
The event also served as a strategic networking platform, bringing together corporate leaders, company founders, industry players and entrepreneurs from across the country to strengthen collaboration and further enhance the local business ecosystem.
APIUM 2026 continues to stand as one of the country’s prestigious recognition platforms celebrating the achievements of entrepreneurs and local companies across multiple sectors, while reinforcing the spirit of entrepreneurship and elevating the competitiveness of Malaysian industries to greater heights.
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
