Applications open for Emerging Enterprise Awards 2023; Asian entries welcome
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While previous editions of the Emerging Enterprise Awards were open only to businesses in Singapore, this year’s will include entries from other Asian markets.
ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
Paige Lim
SINGAPORE – The Emerging Enterprise Awards 2023 is now inviting applications – and accepting entries from companies across Asia for the first time.
While previous editions of the awards were open only to emerging businesses in Singapore, this year’s will include entries from markets such as Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia as well.
Jointly organised by The Business Times and OCBC Bank, the Emerging Enterprise Awards 2023 aims to recognise business innovation, resilience and excellence in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is now in its 16th year.
BT editor Chen Huifen said that since the Emerging Enterprise Awards was launched 16 years ago, it has helped to bring to the stage “promising young Singapore companies that have gone on to be world-class players”.
“With the expanded platform, we hope that the Emerging Enterprise Awards can inject new buzz and opportunities among the finalists,” she said.
A category for enterprise sustainability will be introduced this year.
The category recognises emerging enterprises that are capitalising on growth opportunities in the green economy, embedding sustainability in their operations, and leveraging technology and new solutions to drive the transition to low-carbon businesses and industries.
There are two awards under this category: the Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award, with up to three recipients; and the Most Promising Startup Sustainability Award (one recipient).
These are on top of the existing flagship Emerging Enterprise Award category, under which are two awards: the Emerging Enterprise Award (up to three recipients), and the Most Promising Startup Award (one recipient).
Ms Christie Chu, head of emerging business and commercial banking cash at OCBC Global Commercial Banking, said the introduction of the new Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award category is timely, given the “strong traction” that sustainable business models have among SMEs.
The awards will encourage and provide recognition for start-ups and young businesses across Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia that are making an impact in the sustainability space, she added.
“Despite signs that the general outlook for SMEs in the region is softening amid headwinds such as persistent inflation and a weakening global economy, SMEs continue to hold up strong. We are confident they will remain resilient and overcome the challenges,” said Ms Chu.
This year’s entrants stand to win prizes, including a two-year interest-free term loan of up to the equivalent of $200,000 in the winner’s local currency, and a consulting package for growing businesses worth $30,000.
Past winners of the Emerging Enterprise Awards include gaming-chair maker Secretlab, smart bicycle helmet maker Lumos Labs and rewards platform ShopBack.
Applications for the awards close on June 30. Interested businesses can go to https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/awards/ee/apply-now for more information and to sign up. THE BUSINESS TIMES
