CHT Awards

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - HOSPITALITY

Cititel Hotel Management

Cititel Hotel Management (CHM) - a subsidiary of IGB Corporation Berhad Malaysia, is a successful home-grown hotel management company that constantly seeks right circumstances throughout Asia to promote remarkable hospitality products positioning of three to four star categories.

CHM Hotels are strategically housed in the heart of major Asian cities and within close proximity to selected commercial precincts with convenient access and optimum local attractions, bringing the corporate's business to a whole new level. All guests get to enjoy a varied selection of well-established accommodations and attractive online rates offered by CHM.

The first CHM Hotel - Cititel Penang, a 4-star luxury hotel was launched in 1997 followed by Cititel Mid Valley in early 2008, a 5-star hotel and full service apartments in one of Asia's most vibrant and lively destinations - the Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - HOME & LIVING

Pensonic Group

Being the pioneer in the electrical home appliances market, Pensonic Group was founded by Dato' Seri Chew Weng Khak back in 1965 as Keat Radio and Electrical Co., a small retailer/workshop for electrical home appliances in Balik Pulau, Penang. The name 'Pensonic' pays tribute to the founder, Dato' Seri Chew's home Penang and the company's roots in selling radios - an amalgam of two words, 'Penang' and 'Sonic'.

17 years later, Pensonic Sales and Services Sdn. Bhd. came into existence with several branches in Malaysia and was registered as a trademark in Malaysia two years later, laying the foundation for global expansion and worldwide development.

Until today, with a strong foundation and rapid network distribution, Pensonic Group has evolved greatly and adopted a multi-brand platform catering to various product categories and market segments. It proudly owns Lebensstil Kollektion from Germany and Cornell from USA while holding the sole distributorship rights in Malaysia for selected internationally renowned home appliances brands with Pensonic as its core brand.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - PHILANTHROPY

Dato' Ruby Khong

Founder & Philanthropist of Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK)

An entrepreneur with a heart of gold, the aptly named Dato’ Ruby Khong is celebrated most of all not for her discriminating taste in precious gems but for her selfless side which maintains an altruistic glow. Opting on her own accord to relinquish a lifestyle of sheer opulence, the once socialite and island-owner went from fine-dining at luxury hotels to eating the humble pie and feeding 10,000 homeless people in a single month.

The founder and once president of Kechara Soup Kitchen for eight years, her persisting acts of kindness aren’t random. It was under her angelic wing that the organisation expanded its distribution of 20 food packets per week in 2006 to 2,500 today. With a presence in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuantan, and Johor Bahru, the outfit has since broadened its services to include medical aid, laundry facilities, counselling, and job placements for the destitute.

In 2012, a mobile clinic debuted as part of her vision to offer the less fortunate access to better healthcare. The said launch was followed up with the premiere of Kechara’s Food Bank, an initiative dedicated to distributing pre-loved non-perishable provisions to underprivileged families and small non-governmental organisations across the Klang Valley.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - GREEN & SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Dato' Dennis Chuah

Executive Director of Eclimo Sdn Bhd

Dato’ Dennis Chuah is the founder and executive director of Eclimo, a homegrown electric vehicles company specialised in the manufacture of green technology inspired products and offerings. The brainchild of the man himself, the business was set up in 2008 to run on the ‘Eco Life Mobility’ premise—a concept thought up by the innovative entrepreneur who dared to dream his vision into reality.

Dedicated to research and development, the outfit’s manufacturing process is masterfully designed to preserve the environment by eliminating entirely carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Six years prior to the aforementioned brand’s establishment, he founded ETI Corporation Berhad (ETICB), an MSC status holding company involved in research and development surrounding battery management systems and energy storage.

During the same year Eclimo saw lift-off, ETICB’s market capital value hit RM600 million and landed the highly-driven leader on Forbes Asia’s prestigious annual fourth and fifth ‘Best Under A Billion’ list. Ranked on the MESDAQ market of Bursa Malaysia, the corporation’s ‘green culture’ contributions have not been in vain. Its achievements are an eternal marker of Chuah’s strong business acumen and technological savvy.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - EXPATRIATE

Dato' Teddric Jon Mohr

CEO of International Medical University (IMU) Healthcare

No stranger to the professional tertiary scene, industry veteran, Dato’ Teddric Jon Mohr, is both the chief executive officer and director of healthcare at Malaysia’s International Medical University. An organisational savant with a long-standing history in the field, he holds a Minnesota School of Public Health derived Master’s in healthcare administration, while two separate degrees - in accounting and electronics - remain tucked under his belt.

While a fellow at the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has served as CEO at five hospitals and the CFO at three others—all the while developing, growing, and operating clinics, ambulance services, EAPs, and other medical businesses across California, Kansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, United States, and Malaysia. Also, he has in the past helped both recover two bankrupt hospitals and restructure others into a profitable future.

Since arriving on local soil in 1997, he has successfully recuperated a private hospital which was on the brink of closure prior to his intervention. In fact, Mohr is responsible for bringing JCI accreditation to Malaysia as well as orchestrating the training of six hospitals. Incidentally, he was once a board member and the vice president of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - FEMALE ARTISTE

Sophia Ibrahim

Veteran Actress and Singer

A legacy started by her late grandfather, Aman Belon, a television perennial portrait and name from the 1950s, long-time Malaysian starlet, Sophia Ibrahim, comes from a family of actors and singers. Cherishing her roots with a passion, it is a sensational heritage from which the on-screen personality has never shied away. With last year marking her golden jubilee in the film industry, it was 51 years ago that she made she television debut.

Playing the lead role of ‘Mariana’ in the Malay blockbuster, Ragam P. Ramlee, the 1964 movie produced by Kuala Lumpur based Merdeka Films Productions was the first ever movie in which the actress starred, and may well be the avenue which shot her to stardom, thereby launching her highly decorated career in entertainment. Having established herself as an acting professional more than half a decade prior, the camera-friendly face hasn’t looked back since.

Taking on the classics has been her claim to fame. A second production which set her apart was Dajal Suci released in 1965 - a year after her formal introduction under the spotlight. With the top-rating creation reinforcing her prowess as a thespian tailored for TV, the winning performance was followed up with an equally iconic collaboration with fellow evergreen screen sensation, Datuk Sarimah Ahmad, for the 1970-made Dr. Rushdi.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - MUSIC PRODUCER & COMPOSER

Johan Nawawi

Founder of Johan Nawawi Sdn Bhd

Shooting to stardom in 1984 alongside co-author Adnan Abu Hassan for his penmanship of Sinaran, the ever-green Malaysian hit popularised by homegrown jazz queen, Sheila Majid, and later American saxophonist, Dave Koz, his is a name which needs no introduction. A household legend recognised widely for his ample contributions to the local music industry, multi-award-winning Johan Nawawi is an instantly memorable tour de force.

Ranking high on the composer’s list of noteworthy accomplishments are compositions produced in tandem with numerous iconic artistes, the likes of which include Anita Sarawak, Kris Dayanti, Siti Nurhaliza, Jaclyn Victor, Nora, Dayang Nur Faizah, Ella & The Boys, Rahmah Rahim, and Ibnor Riza, to name a few as well as big-time labels such as Warner Music, EMI, BMG, Sony Music, Universal Music, among many others.

Once a finalist for competitions like Asian Broadcasting Union and TV3’s The Golden Kite World Song Festival from 1986 to 1990, he effortlessly secured second place during The World Peace Song Festival of 1988 followed by a triumphant solo release of Jentayu, which went on to snag the prestigious titles of ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Vocal Collaborations’ at the 1996 installation of the AIM Awards—the Malaysian Grammys.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - PLASTIC & AESTHETIC

Dr Lee Kim Siea

Consultant Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon of Carl Corrynton Medical Centre (CCMC)

A University of Malaya alumnus since 1986, the onset of Lee Kim Siea’s career saw the medical practitioner’s expertise heavily leveraged by the Ministry of Health. Then, in seeking to expand his repertoire, he travelled in pursuit of his post graduate studies around general surgery by enrolling at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a move which proved a fruitful endeavour when he graduated four years later.

By then a highly decorated physician, he opted yet to add to his stripes even further by shipping off to the United Kingdom and spent 1992 to 1996 being formally inducted into the craft of plastic surgery. Upon securing the desired Overseas Trainees Diploma from the Royal College of England in his field of choice,

he resumed his employ with the Ministry before switching to private practice entirely some two years later.

In 1998, Dr. Lee found himself seated on the staff of Penang’s Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre, and by 2013, he jetted full circle when he co-founded Carl Corrynton Medical Centre, which is where he continues to serve as consultant plastic and aesthetic

surgeon. The good doctor is in fact, a pioneer in the cutting-edge application of anatomical implants for breast augmentation.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - PROPERTY DEVELOPER

Dato' Alex Ooi Kee Liang

Director & Executive Chairman of Ideal Property Group

Director and executive chairman of Ideal Property Group, Dato’ Alex Ooi Kee Liang, boasts a track record in property development and construction going back nearly 20 years. Establishing his company in 2001, he expanded the network and saw it evolve from a humble start-up to a full-fledged operation. Then adding business process outsourcing services to the pot, his global pursuits covers projects tethered in Cambodia, Dubai, and China.

His most significant industry contributions entail the widening of Jalan Tun Dr. Awang from single to double-carriage status as well as the launch of Persiaran Rajawali to ease traffic surrounding the old town vicinity of Bayan Lepas. Also, he recently sponsored the administrative building of the SMJK Heng Ee Bayan Baru, constructed a three-acre bicycle park across a 12.5-kilometre stretch as well as saw to fruition the landscape upgrading of Penang’s biggest roundabout.

Meanwhile, he remains the brainchild of a community-oriented housing development regarded for its high appreciation value. In fact, 2013 proved a profitable year, reeling in a GDV of RM1.3 billion when compared to the RM525 million from the year before. The group’s key projects over recent years include One Residence, Fiera Vista, One Imperial, 1-Sky, 1-World, C.E.O. and The One.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD - TERTIARY EDUCATION

Sunway Education Group, Malaysia

A marque rooted in educational excellence while seasoned by time-tested prestige, the Sunway Education Group (SEG) exudes a homegrown heritage aged in visionary leadership. Structured upon a foundation held up by the pillars of solidarity and knowledge, its rich history has persisted for nearly three decades. With its maiden tertiary voyage dating back to 1986, the establishment that was once Sunway College has travelled quite a ways since.

Governed and owned by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, the group incorporated in 2009 is today a complementary consolidation of at least 13 dedicated institutions. Founded by the man himself, and remembered by a legendary metamorphosis which has culminated in a journey leading down the path to becoming the ‘Harvard of the East’, the brand boasts a momentous trail coloured by a long but equal line of triumphs and tribulations.

The stately home of the internationally-acclaimed Sunway College(1986), Sunway TES(1994), Monash University Malaysia (1998), Sunway International Business & Management(2002), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences(2005), Sunway International School(2008), Sunway Le Cordon Bleu (2010), Sunway University(2011), Jeffrey Cheah Institute of Southeast Asia(2014), and four other entities, SEG is only just getting started.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE NATIONAL AWARD - BUSINESS (GOVERNMENT)

Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria

Secretary-General of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)

The secretary-general of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry since 2010, Dr. Rebecca Sta Maria’s primary duty entails oversight of the formulation and implementation of Malaysia’s international trade policies and positions. Her involvement encompasses bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora, whereupon she has in the past led free trade negotiations with India and Turkey, while her current focus rests with the European Union.

Most recently deputy of the same and senior project coordinator at the Leadership Centre of the National Institute of Public Administration just prior, she began her diplomatic service career in 1981 and was seconded to the ASEAN Plant Quarantine and Training Centre as chief administration and procurement officer seven years later. In 2006, Sta Maria chaired the SEOM to spearhead the drafting of the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint.

While previously also the co-chair of the ASEAN-India Free Trade in Goods Agreement, she is presently the chair of the region’s High Level Task Force for Economic Integration and was responsible for the crafting of the AEC 2025 Blueprint and Action Plans, which is due for launch at the tail-end of 2015.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE NATIONAL AWARD - MEDICAL

Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

By far one of the most reputable private healthcare hubs in the country, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur is positioned in the heart of the bustling metropolis referred to as the nation’s capital city. Having premiered on local soil in August of 1996, the long-standing brand has grown from strength to strength as well as risen through the ranks, only to emerge as a trademark recognised for its stamp of distinction, not just in Malaysia but across Southeast Asia.

A regionally-renowned provider of top-notch medical services matching international-level standards, the institute’s dedication to patient rehabilitation and combined expertise in the fields of both preventive and diagnostic medicine renders the organisation a best-in-class treatment facility skilled in the delivery of curative care required in the treatment of a host of conditions that continuously afflict the human body.

As a one-stop medical assist centre catering to every possible need, the hospital holds in its stable, a faculty of more than 150 certified specialist practitioners - most of whom have been formally trained either in the United States, Australia or United Kingdom. The doctors on staff are comprised of experts across multiples specialities as well as sub-specialities, a provision which enables a healthy mix of patient care coverage.

CHT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE NATIONAL AWARD - TOURISM

Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab

Director General of Tourism Malaysia

Having devoted more than three decades to tackling the challenges faced by an industry marked by tremendous volatility due to constant market fluctuations across an ever-evolving landscape, Tourism Malaysia’s director general, Dato’ Mirza Mohammad, is a national treasure with the fortitude to match. A personality equipped with the stamina to keep up with the times, his loyal contributions are a testament to his steadfast passion.

A tenacious marketer steeped in expansive capability, the task of positioning Malaysia as a harmonious melting pot of cultures and beloved travel destination in world’s eyes has been his ultimate mandate. Under his leadership, the rise of the country’s international and domestic touristic value has been significant, recording a 50% increase over the past 10 years alone—a journey riddled with rocky turns yet met with staggering success.

Amidst relentless competition, his team of mission-receptive players has welcomed growth as well as placed the nation in the top 10 spot as a visitors’ marvel contending at the global level. Also, thanks to his insightful direction, Malaysia has risen through the ranks and surfaced as the second highest foreign exchange earner. He spent the 80s supervising promotional efforts in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, and his 90s at the Tokyo office.

CHT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dato' Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza

President and Founder of MASAAM

The founder and president of the Motorcycle and Scooter Assemblers and Distributors Association of Malaysia (MASAAM), Dato’ Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza has and continues to play an instrumental role within the organisation. Having helmed its operations since its inception in 1990, his long-standing leadership has contributed significantly to the stellar record currently observed by the reputable entity.    

Serving as the key reference body between stakeholders, manufacturers, government agencies, and the public, it is today the ultimate authority on all issues, regulations, and harmonisations related to the country’s powered two wheeler industry. Furthermore, given the landscape’s vulnerable and intricate nature, tremendous care is required in its handling, and here is where the association’s expertise matters most.  

Meanwhile, Dato’ Aidid, as he is fondly known, is also the president and co-founder of the Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries, the extension of which MASAAM has been a corresponding member since it was established more than two decades prior. While an elevated platform with region-wide recognition, the foundation was invited to join Geneva’s International Motorcycle Manufacturers Association’s flagship in 2006.

CHT INTERNATIONAL AWARD - TERTIARY UNIVERSITY (IRELAND)

University College Dublin

Built upon a foundation that has held its ground and flourished for more than a century, University College Dublin (UCD) is a brand steeped in excellence and premium pedigree. One of Ireland’s oldest and most formidable names in higher education, particularly in the field of professional medicine, the prestigious institute boasts a rich history going back at least 160 years when the marque first established itself on European soil in the mid-1800s.

Since the time of its inception, the school has gone to great lengths to deliver on a community of high-achievers who undergoes intensive pre-clinical training under the tutelage of prolific educators equipped with nothing less than well-earned professorships. The esteemed facility’s proven track record aside, it is also home to state-of-the-art amenities and programmes designed to prepare its graduating body for a deserving career in healthcare.

Dubbed the nation’s most international university, its current admittance entails a domestic collective of 6000 students from 120 countries worldwide, with over 5000 more spread out across multiple overseas campuses located in the Asian markets of Singapore, China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, international academics make up 35 percent of its overall faculty while 50 percent of UCD’s research staff members are non-Irish.

CHT INTERNATIONAL AWARD - MALE ARTISTE (INDONESIA)

Tengku Ryo

Composer & Violinist

Born of royalty with a heritage tracing back to Northern Sumatra’s Sultanate of Serdang in Medan, violin-wielding virtuoso, Tengku Ryo, is an entertainer whose legend remains no secret to the tropical jewel called Indonesia. An equally formidable brand of music even outside of home, his rhythm-intense compositions, while uniquely astounding, has managed to cast an enigmatic spell over each audience in every country traversed so far.

Recognised for his deep-seated talent and glorified just the same for his speed-infused agility when tackling a performance, Ryo, as he is fondly known, is a classic showman from start to finish. A multi-award-winning composer and instrumentalist, he records further triumph in the 11 accolades he has snagged for his guitar playing abilities, while a wind-worthy master to the beck of the flute and call of the harmonica.

His melodic repertoire has by now been showcased upon the world stage at festivals like the Java Jazz, Black & White World Music, Del Oriente Italia, Fisherman Song World China, and Music-Art and-Style. His 2007 pilot album, Kecik, is to this day touted as an ethnic blend of distinction, as is his hit single, Journey to the Deli, produced by Viky Sianipar. Meanwhile, his famed Spirit collection features Canadian singer, Janelle Thomas.

CHT INTERNATIONAL AWARD - PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT (JAPAN)

Ryosuke Takatsuki

President and CEO of INSPiRE Corporation

Inspire Corporation president, Ryosuke Takatsuki, is also the chief executive officer at Inspire Technology Resource Management, the investment arm of the company he leads. The banking luminary started out in the business back in 1995 as an officer at the Industrial Bank of Japan. During his five-year stint with the group and Mizuho Holdings, he designed an internal credit risk rating as well as enterprise risk management system for both.

At the turn of the century, he joined the Internet Research Institute as business development director to conduct M&A transactions whilst establishing a few joint-venture companies with large Japanese enterprises. The brand grew to become the first IPO company on the Tokyo Mothers Stock Exchange. In May 2000, he came under the employ of Inspire where he served as a director for seven years before his promotion to CEO in 2008.

He originally managed the JSIT-1 or PE fund and raised the ITIF (VC fund). He has since been elected director across at least 20 invested ventures. In 2014, the numbers man partnered with government-backed investment outfit, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, to introduce the first halal fund to major banks and financial institutions Japan-wide at 5 billion yen, which targets the Muslim markets of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.