KUCHING: Sarawak entrepreneurs have until August 28, 2026 to be nominated for the Sarawak Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EOYS) 2026.
Nominations for the Sarawak EOYS 2026 are now open, with the programme set to recognise entrepreneurial talent and leadership across the state.
The awards are organised by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), in association with the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) and EY.
The awards aim to recognise the best in business in Sarawak, including the prime movers driving the state’s path towards economic growth.
They also recognise up-and-coming entrepreneurs who, through ingenuity, commitment and hard work, have built businesses that contribute to the growth of Sarawak’s economy.
EOYS also seeks to encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises in the state.
The awards comprise three categories, namely Emerging Entrepreneur, Master Entrepreneur and Excellent Entrepreneur (Beyond Sarawak).
The Emerging Entrepreneur category is open to businesses that are between three and five years old or entrepreneurs, aged 35 and below, at the close of nomination.
The Master Entrepreneur category recognises entrepreneurs who have maintained management excellence over a sustained period, with businesses founded more than five years ago.
The Excellent Entrepreneur (Beyond Sarawak) category is for entrepreneurs running a successful business in Malaysia or overseas.
Emphasis will primarily be placed on the individual’s attributes and reputation, rather than the company alone.
The assessment will generally cover purpose-driven leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, including vision, dedication and intelligent risk-taking.
It will also consider company milestones, industry obstacles and resilience in facing uncertainties in the domestic and global business environment.
Other areas include corporate culture, values and incentives, financial performance, growth record, strategic direction, environmental, social and governance initiatives, and the adoption of modern technology to improve efficiency and business transformation.
Green technology initiatives will also be taken into account.
First launched in 2004, EOYS is now in its 21st year. As of last year, more than 80 entrepreneurs from across Sarawak have received the recognition.
EOYS also provides opportunities for networking and media coverage, helping to raise the personal and company profile of recipients.
The EOYS Adjudicating Committee has nominated recipients of the awards to represent Sarawak at the Malaysia EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
The nominated representative will have access to a range of events to help the nominee’s company achieve its potential, as well as the opportunity to join a group of alumni.
Videos of past EOYS recipients from 2015 onwards can be viewed on SCCI’s YouTube channel.
Nominations can be submitted to SCCI through business associations or individuals by no later than 28 August 2026.
For enquiries, participants may contact the SCCI Secretariat at 082-237148 or email to admin@scci.org.my.
