By V. Sivaji
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), they will introduce the inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026.
The recognition is to celebrate excellence, leadership and meaningful contributions across key industries shaping Penang’s economic growth and global reputation. The awards offers 65 Award Titles Across 12 Strategic Sectors, namely Investment & Trade, Halal & Ethical Industries, Sustainability & Green Innovation, Technology & Innovation, Women Empowerment & Gender Equality, Youth Leadership & Development, Digital Economy & Smart Solutions, Infrastructure & Urban Development, Social Impact & Community Harmony, Leadership & Lifetime Excellence, Hospitality, Tourism & Business Events and not forgetting Media, Communications & Public Visibility.
Present to announce further details on the awards ceremony was Penang State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai. He was accompanied by PCEB Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Also present was Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Board Member of PCEB and Presanth Chandra representing Tin Media who are engaged to run the campaign.
In his opening remarks, Wong welcomed the announcement of the inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026.
“This is a new recognition platform that celebrates 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.
“The inaugural awards will take place on 14 December 2026 in Penang, bringing together business leaders, industry stakeholders and changemakers for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence and achievement. The award titles span a wide spectrum, from Foreign Direct Investor of the Year, Economic Development Champion and Global Expansion Award, to Green Technology Champion, Sustainable Business of the Year, Tech Startup of the Year and AI & Automation Excellence Award. There are also awards recognising Women Leadership, Youth Leadership, Digital Innovation, Infrastructure, Social Impact, Lifetime Achievement, Tourism, Business Events, Media and Destination Storytelling.
“The Pearl Global Business Awards provides an opportunity to recognise these contributions collectively. It is also important because recognition has a role to play in encouraging businesses and individuals to aspire towards higher standards. Excellence should not only be measured through commercial success. It can also be reflected through innovation, responsible growth, sustainability, inclusivity, leadership and positive impact on society,” said Wong.
He also called for nominations, both locally and internationally as they welcome nominations from Penang, from across Malaysia, from ASEAN and from the wider international business community.
“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, is to ” added Wong.
Meanwhile Ashwin added that the recognition and awards ceremony is to highlight outstanding individuals who have contributed through their work and dedication.
“Legacy is not what we have achieved but what we leave behind,” he reminded those present.