Raising standards: SOBA Elevate makes its first appearance with a range of topics to help SMEs in their growth journey, with (from left) Liu, Kuan, Sim, Choo, Siti Noraini, Ong and Chan.
Petaling Jaya: Entrepreneurs running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who seek to incorporate sustainability strategies into their companies but are unsure how to start can join the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) Elevate session.
Set to take place on Oct 9, from 9am till noon, at the Cybertorium, Level 2, Menara Star, Petaling Jaya, SOBA Elevate makes its debut with a host of talks and discussions that will enlighten SME owners, founders and those in the executive management on how to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance and tools into their business models.
The event is expected to run in two separate sessions, both with a panel of speakers.
Also present will be representatives from SOBA sponsors Credit Guarantee Corp (CGC) and RHB Bank Bhd.
The representatives will be giving talks about services that they can provide to SMEs that will help them on their entrepreneurial journey.
Those who attend will also get to delve into the intersection of sustainable practices and technological innovation, understanding how these elements can drive competitiveness and expansion at home and even overseas.
They will be given tips on how to unlock their company’s full potential with transformative strategies that elevate their sustainability profile, optimise operations and conquer global markets.
Those who have registered are advised to arrive by 8.30am for registration. Doors to the Cybertorium will be opened by 9am.
The first panel session, which will run from 9.25am until 10.25am will cover the topic of “Navigating ESG Investment and Compliance for SMEs”.
The discussion will be moderated by Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) senior director of the Export Promotion and Market Access Division, S. Jai Shankar.
Speakers in this session include KPMG Sustainability Services Department director Liu Chai Hong, Saxon Renewables founder and managing director Reik Ong, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd group chief revenue officer Kuan Eu Jin and RHB Bank’s head of SME banking and engagement Sim Ee Chiew.
During the session, the experts will explore the pros and cons of ESG investment, practical compliance strategies, leveraging ESG for commercial benefits, including exports and accessing ESG-friendly financing.
After a short break, the second session will pick up at 10.45am with the second panel session, on the topic “Exploring Business Expansion Through Partnerships and Collaborations”.
This session is tailored to suit SMEs who are looking to explore strategic alliances as key drivers for growth.
Moderated by Urban Ground Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Vincent Choo, it will host panel speakers Secret Recipe Cakes and Café Sdn Bhd managing director Patrick Sim, Nippon Sushi Malaysia Sdn Bhd founder and director Che Siti Noraini Nuawi, and TikTok Shop offline acquisition manager Cherise Ling.
The discussion will delve into ways of accessing new markets, fostering innovation and mitigating risks through partnerships.
It will also cover effective collaboration strategies, overcoming challenges, and leveraging joint resources to achieve mutual success in an increasingly competitive business landscape.
The first half of the day that focuses on panel discussions will conclude with a networking lunch.
At 1pm, SOBA Elevate shifts gears with the masterclass on “Mastering the art of business presentations”, headed by consultant, speaker, trainer and author Kevin Chan.
Chan has been featured in many media outlets such as TV3, NTV8 and Bernama, and is also a sought-after speaker in financial-advisory agencies, sharing his knowledge on personal finance and corporate financial wellness.
He has successfully managed operations across seven countries in his role as a regional operations manager in Malaysia and Asia.
Chan will be giving two separate sessions on “Planning and preparing your presentation effectively”, as well as on “Dynamic and engaging delivery techniques and handling Q&A”
SOBA Elevate ends at 5.30pm.
SOBA 2024 is organised by Star Media Group with CGC, PKT Logistics and RHB Bank as main sponsors, with Matrade as the official trade promotion partner.
It is audited by BDO while radio stations 988 and Suria are official media partners.
To register for SOBA Elevate, call SMG Events (017-231 1789) or go to www.soba.com.my.
