I would like to extend a warm welcome to all business leaders and guests, particularly those from overseas attending “The Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award”

Entrepreneurship is the most potent fuel for economic growth. Innovative entrepreneurs armed with ingenuity and the courage to succeed, provide the impetus and initiative that moves the economy of the world. In every developed nation, a very vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial culture provides the economic ballast for sustained growth. I see entrepreneurship as the foundationed for competitiveness and innovation, which are important elements in success in today’s globalised world.

For Malaysia, the drive for greater entrepreneurship is both important and urgent. While Malaysia have notched very impressive economic growth over the past decades, we find that the economic landscape have rapidly changed. Amidst these challenges, Malaysia remains steadfast in its determination towards becoming a strong, developed and united nation.

To be succcessful in within this increasingly competitive global market place, Malaysia must move out from its middle development stage towards a human capital-driven economy. Knowledge, innovation and values will be the key determinants of our success as a knowledge-based economy.

This event is therefore very timely. By honouring successful individuals that have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship, we create models for younger generations of entrepreneurs to emulate. I would like to commend Entrepreneur Development Association Malaysia for their initiative, and also congratulate the recipients of The Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award. I hope your positive efforts will lead Malaysia onwards to greater success, and bring us one step closer towards realising our goal of becoming a developed nation by the year 2020.

YAB DATO’ SERI ABDULLAH HAJI AHMAD BADAWI

I would like to commend the organisers for their dedication and the commitment to host this prestigious international business award for the last 15 years. The Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award is given to entrepreneurs who have achieved excellence and Malaysia is proud to be the hosting country for this prestigious event.

Entrepreneurs play an important and influential role in providing economic growth and better living standard in a country. With the global economy showing positive signs of recovery in investment, manufacturing and trade, entrepreneurs’ roles are essential and vital in providing innovative value added products, improving quality and productivity to further enhance the economic growth. In addition, to creating wealth from entrepreneurial ventures, entrepreneurs can also create job opportunities, income and better living conditions for society.

I would like to congratulate all the winners of The Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award. You have proven yourselves to be the benchmark of excellence and great inspiration for other entrepreneurs. I hope more entrepreneurs will follow your examples and move forward to become excellent leaders both in Asia Pacific region and also globally.

Once again, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the award winners, business leaders and participants, particular from overseas to Malaysia. I sincerely wish all of you every success

Thank you.

1Malaysia “People First, Performance Now”

YAB DATO’ SRI HAJI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK