THE Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is set to launch the inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026, a prestigious, state-endorsed platform celebrating excellence, leadership and meaningful contributions across key industries driving Penang’s economic growth and strengthening its global reputation.
The inaugural awards will feature 65 award categories across 12 strategic sectors, recognising businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals whose achievements have made a significant impact on Penang’s development.
Among the awards are the Foreign Direct Investor of the Year, Economic Development Champion, Green Technology Champion, Sustainable Business of the Year, Tech Startup of the Year, AI and Automation Excellence Award, Women Leadership Icon Award and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, among others.
The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 is an official recognition initiative by the Penang government, conceptualised by PCEB and professionally executed by TIN Media.
The inaugural awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Dec 14, with the venue to be announced at a later date.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran said the awards were created to recognise influential leaders, organisations and changemakers whose contributions demonstrate impact, innovation, sustainability, inclusivity and leadership, while reflecting Penang’s ambition and transformation as a competitive regional and international business destination.
“The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it recognises the growth and transformation of Penang’s key industries over the past decade.
“It seeks to honour the businesses, institutions and individuals whose vision, resilience and contributions have helped strengthen Penang’s economy, enhance its global competitiveness and shape the state’s continued progress,” he said.
Ashwin said this during a press conference at Komtar today.
He added that the Pearl Global Business Awards would serve as a biennial platform to recognise excellence across Penang’s strategic development sectors, while promoting innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and global competitiveness.
The initiative, he said, would also help position Penang as a regional and international hub of leadership and business influence.
Meanwhile, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who was also present, described the awards as a new recognition platform celebrating the businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals contributing to Penang’s continued growth and development.
“The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 represents an important step in recognising the breadth of talent, enterprise and leadership that exists within Penang, while opening the platform to deserving nominees from Malaysia, ASEAN and the international business community.
“It also provides an opportunity to recognise these contributions collectively.
“Recognition has an important role to play in encouraging businesses and individuals to aspire towards higher standards,” Wong said.
He stressed that excellence should not be measured solely by commercial success, noting that it could also be reflected through innovation, responsible growth, sustainability, inclusivity, leadership and positive social impact.
“At the same time, the awards support our aspiration to strengthen Penang’s profile as a regional and international hub for business, investment, innovation and leadership,” he said.
Wong also issued a call for nominations, encouraging individuals and organisations from Penang, Malaysia, ASEAN and the wider international business community to participate.
“We welcome nominations from Penang, from across Malaysia, from ASEAN and from the wider international business community.
“If you are a business that has made a significant contribution to your industry, an entrepreneur who has built something meaningful, a leader who has created positive change, an organisation advancing sustainability or innovation, or an individual whose work has strengthened Penang’s global connections, we encourage you to put forward your nomination,” he said.
Wong also encouraged industry associations, professional bodies, business networks and members of the public to nominate deserving individuals and organisations.
“The Pearl Global Business Awards should belong to the people and businesses who are helping shape Penang’s future.
“I believe the inaugural edition will mark the beginning of a meaningful biennial platform; one that recognises achievement, inspires excellence and builds a stronger sense of pride in what Penang has accomplished and what we can achieve together,” he said.
Also present at the press conference were Penang Green Council (PGC) chief executive officer Josephine Tan Mei Ling, Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng, PCEB director Datuk Khoo Boo Lim and TINTech.Group co-founder Presanth Chandra.
At the same press conference, Wong announced that the Penang Porr Kalai Silambam Association (PSPKPP) will organise the ‘MBR-100 Hours Non-Stop Silambam Performance Relay’, a large-scale programme combining sporting endurance with Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
The event will be held from Aug 28 to Sept 1 at Padang Kawad, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Wong said the programme would be more than just a Silambam performance, as it would bring together elements of sports, heritage and community participation.
“What is even more encouraging is that the programme has received participation from nine states and the Federal Territory, including Penang, Kedah, Perak, Perlis, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
“A total of 150 participants will take part in the programme.
“This clearly shows that the MBR 100 Hours programme has not only received support at the Penang state level, but has also gained the attention and commitment of the Silambam community throughout the country,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi