[31.08.2008] Brunei's noted entrepreneurs honoured

THE nation's thriving entrepreneurs and companies were honoured for their accomplishments in the world of commerce during a glitzy and glamorous affair last night at the inaugural Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2008 held in the capital.

In total 27 awards were presented to what the judging panel saw as Brunei's most successful entrepreneurs and most responsible companies. More than 500 invited guests gave their biggest round of applause of the night to Pehin Kapitan Cina Kornia Diraja Dato Paduka Lau Ah Kok, the founder of the Hua Ho chain of department stores.

Better known by the older generation as "Ah Kok", the organiser described him as a "legendary entrepreneur" who has gone a very long way to gain profound success.

"He endured hardship and experienced many failures while engaging with various businesses, but his strong determination and preserverance has ensured success. Now, Hua Ho department stores can be found all over Brunei," the organiser said.

Dato Paduka AR Hj Idris Hj Abas, founder and CEO of Arkitek Idris, walked the red carpet to receive the coveted "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. The organiser said the bowtie-sporting architect has impressed the judging panel through building diversified businesses and as an individual who has been an active champion of art, education, national planning and community development in the Sultanate.

"He is truly a role model entrepreneur with outstanding business acumen and an active servant of his community," said the organiser.

Event organiser Enterprise Asia, a non-governmental think-tank advocating honest, fair and responsible entrepreneurship across Asia, also presented a special recognition to Pehin Kapitan Lela Di-Raja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin for his "outstanding achievement in building an extremely successful motor empire in a journey spanning 38 years".

Enterprise Asia described the founder and managing director of the GHK Group of Companies as a "well-known philanthropist" who has contributed to numerous charity organisations.

The sole woman to receive an award last night, Norizmah Ahmad Morshidi, the Director of Ideal Food Industries, went on to win the "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year" award. Despite being the daughter of the founder of Ideal Food Industries, the organiser said she started off her career "just like anyone else, from the ground".

"... it did not take long till she proved herself and was the one driving the expansion of Ideal Cafe and Grill restaurants network", said the organiser.

Four local entrepreneurs from construction, furniture manufacturing, boats manufacturing and IT industries who have exhibited "more than ordinary" entrepreneurship skills and lead their businesses into continuously growing financial success "with huge potential for the future" received the "Most Promising Entrepreneur" awards.

Two awards were given to international bank HSBC and security solutions provider G4S Security Services for displaying the best results in the field of social and corporate responsibility (CSR).

"Enterprise Asia seeks to discover and recognise the companies making the biggest contribution in the field of CSR which includes ensuring human transparency in all their business activities," said Enterprise Asia executive director TC Ooi.

G4S was recognised as the company making the biggest investment in people and HSBC as the most responsible company getting involved in various activities aimed at solving different problems in society.

As many as 16 individuals from various fields such as food manufacturing, construction, oil and gas and others climbed on stage to receive the "Outstanding Entrepreneurship" awards which recognise "many years of hard work, persistence, vision and a strong desire to go forward".

The "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" went to Goh Kiat Chun, better known to the younger generation and his fans as "Wu Chun".

The founder of the Fitness Zone chain, currently based in Taiwan as a pop singer and TV series actor, was not present to receive the award but expressed his thanks and gratitude to the audience through a pre-recorded video clip shown during the event.

The Brunei Times