The SME Malaysia – Platinum Business Awards (PBA) 2026 Roadshow continued its nationwide journey in Kuantan, bringing together nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, government representatives, financial institutions and industry stakeholders at The Zenith Hotel Kuantan.
The roadshow was officiated by YB Dato’ Amizar bin Abu Adam, Chairman of the Pahang State FELDA, Cooperatives and Entrepreneurs Affairs Committee, and hosted in collaboration with Persatuan SME Pahang.
The event highlighted the importance of strengthening Pahang’s SME ecosystem and helping local businesses progress from survival to sustainable growth and expansion.
Pahang SMEs Urged to Strengthen Governance and Technology
In his address, YB Dato’ Amizar emphasised the need for Pahang businesses to strengthen financial management, embrace technology and build stronger governance as they prepare for the next stage of growth.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the business ecosystem, describing PBA 2026 as a platform where recognition can serve as a benchmark for companies to assess their performance and strengthen their brands.
The roadshow comes as Malaysian SMEs navigate an increasingly competitive business environment, with digitalisation, artificial intelligence and changing market conditions creating both challenges and opportunities.
PBA 2026 Supports SME Malaysia’s Empowerment Mission
For Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of SME Association of Malaysia, the Kuantan roadshow forms part of SME Malaysia’s broader mission of “Empowering the SMEs.”
He said empowerment involves more than providing assistance, instead requiring entrepreneurs to have the confidence, knowledge, connections, technology and opportunities needed to grow.
“We want our SMEs to be stronger in governance, smarter in technology, bolder in innovation and more competitive in the global market,” he said.
Dr Chin noted that AI, digitalisation and global competition are rapidly reshaping the business environment and urged SMEs to turn these changes into opportunities.
With its 2026 theme of “Governance, Digitalisation and Intelligence”, PBA aims to recognise businesses that are developing the capabilities needed for the future while encouraging more entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level.
Dr Chin also stressed that technology alone does not transform a business — people and entrepreneurs do.
Pahang Businesses Encouraged to Look Beyond Day-to-Day Operations
Dato’ Simon Wong Yuan Cheat, President of SME Association of Pahang, said the Kuantan roadshow provided an important opportunity to bring PBA 2026 closer to the state’s diverse business community.
He encouraged Pahang entrepreneurs to look beyond their day-to-day operations and focus on building stronger companies for the next five to 10 years.
Businesses, he said, should use the PBA journey as a benchmark for areas including governance, financial management, branding, technology and growth readiness.
“PBA is not merely about who brings home an award,” he said. “It is about asking ourselves whether we are ready to move to the next level.”
Dato’ Simon encouraged more companies from Pahang to participate in PBA 2026, not simply to pursue an award, but to test themselves, build credibility and demonstrate that Pahang businesses can compete at a higher level.
He added that Pahang needs more businesses that are stronger, more professional, more digital and more competitive, with the ambition of expanding beyond the state into national and international markets.
Three Pillars of Platinum Business Awards 2026
Datuk Wira Richard Lau Chi Chiang, Organising Chairman of Platinum Business Awards 2026, said PBA is designed to recognise, showcase and elevate the achievements of Malaysian SMEs.
He explained that the three pillars of PBA 2026 — Governance, Digitalisation and Intelligence — reflect the capabilities businesses will need to remain competitive in the future.
Governance provides the foundation through integrity and sound management, while digitalisation enables greater efficiency and market reach. Intelligence reflects the growing importance of data, technology and AI in business decision-making.
Datuk Wira Richard stressed that PBA is not limited to large companies.
Businesses demonstrating achievement, innovation, growth or meaningful impact within their industries and communities should have the opportunity to tell their stories and gain recognition.
“Your success is not only something to be proud of. Your success can inspire other entrepreneurs,” he said, calling on entrepreneurs across Pahang and Malaysia to nominate their companies for PBA 2026.
Business Networking and Industry Connections
The Kuantan roadshow also featured business-sharing and networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with financial institutions, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Among those in attendance were Amir Alfatakh Yusof, Head of Islamic Business & Government Coverage at Alliance Islamic Bank; Lee Shin Mei, Chief Executive Officer of CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd; Cody Tay Yap Seng, Secretary General of SME Association of Pahang; Mohamad Irwan bin Mohd Sudi, Industrial Strategic Partnership Officer at PERKESO Negeri Pahang; Joyline Chai, Vice President and Academy Chair of the ESG Association of Malaysia; Dennix Yeow Wah Fuong, National Secretary General of SME Association of Malaysia; Calvinn Tay Chok Hong, Council Member of SME Association of Malaysia; and Yip Nim An, Vice President of the Malaysia Cross-Border E-Commerce Association.
Members of SME Malaysia and SME Pahang were also present at the event.
PBA 2026 Roadshow Heads to Shah Alam
With Kuantan marking another milestone in the nationwide PBA 2026 Roadshow, SME Malaysia is now preparing for the final roadshow in Shah Alam on 17 August 2026.
SME Malaysia is encouraging entrepreneurs and business owners to make use of the roadshow opportunities to learn more about the Platinum Business Awards 2026 and its nomination process.
Following the final roadshow in Shah Alam, the PBA 2026 nomination period will close on 31 August 2026.
SME Malaysia is urging companies not to wait until the last minute to participate.
Businesses that have achieved, innovated, grown or created meaningful impact are encouraged to step forward, share their stories and have their achievements recognised through the Platinum Business Awards 2026.
