KUCHING (Dec 1): The Sarawak Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EOYS) 2025 marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 20th anniversary by recognising six of the state’s most impactful business figures.

The prestigious event was the highlight of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SCCI) 74th Gala Dinner, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on November 22 this year.

The core mission of the EOYS is to formally recognise the prime movers that drive Sarawak’s economic growth, celebrate the success of both established and up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and encourage the vital growth of the state’s small and medium-scale industries.

“This event marks the 20th Anniversary of the Award, a milestone that stands as testament to two decades of honouring Sarawak’s most inspiring business leaders,” said SCCI president, Datuk Philip Ting, in his opening remarks.

“Over the years we have recognised more than 80 exceptional entrepreneurs, most of whom (those that are still alive) have been invited to join us tonight for this celebration.

“This evening, on behalf of SCCI, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our EOYS 2025 award recipients. Each of you represents the best of Sarawak’s entrepreneurial spirit.

“Again our deepest appreciation goes to the Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industry Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Mintred), and our long standing partner EY, for your unwavering collaboration and support that have sustained this award programme for 2 decades.”

The programme primarily recognises the individual entrepreneur, focusing on essential qualities such as outstanding leadership, vision, dedication, and intelligent risk-taking.

The evaluation process is comprehensive, also taking into account crucial business metrics, including:

— Company milestones and resilience in overcoming industry challenges.
— Corporate culture, values, and financial performance.
— ESG initiatives (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
— Contribution to the community.
— Successful adoption of technology to drive business transformation.

The EOYS Awards recipients under the Master Entrepreneur Category this year are Jordan Ong Chung Siang (representing SME Association of Sarawak); Aaron Tay Kok Tung (representing Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCGCCI)); Goh Kim Sim (representing Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA)); Tommy Raymond Jok (representing Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI)); and Chan Mou Kei (representing Sarawak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI)).

This year, SCCI proudly celebrates and honours one deserving recipient, Dato Prof (Dr) Lau Siu Wai- an EOYS alumnus – with the Sarawak State Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award, recognising his continued entrepreneurial excellence, inspiring leadership, and lasting impact on the community.

In the past, EOYS recipients have been nominated by the Adjudicating Committee to represent Sarawak at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Malaysia Awards, a global platform that recognises outstanding Malaysian entrepreneurs and fosters networking, collaboration, and the sharing of innovative ideas.

Dato Prof (Dr) Lau Siu Wai
Sarawak State Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award