1.Q: Why is The Star holding the SOBA 2010?

2.Q: How is SOBA 2010 different from other similar Awards?

3.Q: Can you explain the rationale behind the SOBA 2010 logo?

4.Q: How many award categories are there in SOBA?

5.Q: What are the entry requirements?

6.Q: What are the entry requirements for SME of the Year?

7.Q: Who are the judges for the SOBA 2010 Awards?

8.Q: How do you ensure that the judging process is independent and fair?

9.Q: How do I obtain more information on SOBA?

10.Q: Why is The Star holding the SOBA 2010?

1.Q: Why is The Star holding the SOBA 2010?

A: SOBA 2010 is established to promote excellence and stimulate positive competition, showcasing the achievements attained by outstanding businesses.

In addition, the objectives of SOBA 2010 are:
a. To recognise the role and contributions of outstanding businesses towards the nation and the economy;
b. To encourage local enterprises to continue developing and elevating their businesses;
c. To motivate and inspire home-grown businesses to aim for excellence in their products and services;
d. To celebrate and highlight the achievements of local enterprises that has contributed to the growth of the community; and
e. To inspire and encourage local businesses to promote Malaysia and showcase its products and services to the world.

2.Q: How is SOBA 2010 different from other similar Awards?

A: SOBA is unique because the awards are not sectoral in nature. The Star Outstanding Business Awards will be awarded to local enterprises for excelling in areas that span across sectors and to encourage businesses to soar beyond the usual boundaries. This means not only looking at businesses that do well with their bottom lines, but are at the forefront in anticipating the future needs not only of the company, but of the economic sector in which they operate. An enterprise that knows how to adjust its operational procedures to meet environmental concerns and, in the process grow its profits, will stand out.

We are looking not only at businesses that do well with their bottom lines, but are at the forefront in anticipating the future needs not only of the company, but of the economic sector in which they operate. An enterprise that knows how to adjust its operational procedures to meet environmental concerns and in the process grow its profits, will stand out.

Particular attention will be given to local businesses that export their products or services, as they help to promote Malaysia as a global centre of commercial excellence. It is envisaged that those who are awarded The Star Outstanding Business Awards are looking towards listing on the Malaysian Stock Exchange in the not too distant future.

3.Q: Can you explain the rationale behind the SOBA 2010 logo?

A: The SOBA logo is designed with three main elements, namely an eagle, a gold bar and disc – reflecting different qualities.

The Langkawi helang was specifically chosen as it is a majestic symbol of pride and strength, and a species native to Malaysia. Similarly, The Star Outstanding Business Awards are intended to recognise the contributions of local enterprises towards the nation and the Malaysian economy. The eagle soars gracefully, and represents the efforts and mindset of the forward-thinking businesses of today.

Gripped in the claws of the eagle is a gold bar, which denotes the success and distinction sought after by enterprises.

The disc above the eagle’s wings signifies the abundance of endless opportunities, both locally and globally, that are awailable for businesses in Malaysia.

4.Q: How many award categories are there in SOBA?

A: Nine but you may apply for 8 of them, which are:

SOBA 1: Technology / ICT Award
SOBA 2: Best Use of Media Award
SOBA 3: People’s Choice of Outstanding Malaysian Brand Award
SOBA 4: Community Award
SOBA 5: Best Employer Award
SOBA 6: Environment Award
SOBA 7: Global Market Award
SOBA 8: Entrepreneur of the Year Award
SOBA 9: SME of the Year Award

5.Q: What are the entry requirements?

A: In order to qualify as a candidate for any of the award categories listed except for the SME of the Year Award (see below), local enterprises must meet the following requirements:

a. Not part of a multinational group or listed group;
b. A company duly incorporated in Malaysia in accordance with the Companies Act, 1965;
c. Foreign equity holding does not exceed 50%; and
d. Profitable track record (i.e. profit before tax) for last three (3) consecutive financial years. This track record need not necessarily be an uptrend.

6.Q: What are the entry requirements for SME of the Year?

A: In addition to meeting the requirements listed above, prospective candidates for the SME of the Year Award must also meet the definition of a Small-to-Medium sized Enterprise (SME) as defined by the Malaysian government:

Manufacturing, Manufacturing-Related Services and Agro-based industries “Small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing, manufacturing-related services and agro-based industries are enterprises with full-time employees not exceeding 150 or with annual sales turnover not exceeding RM25 million.” Services, Primary Agriculture and Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

“Small and medium enterprises in the services, primary agriculture and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) sectors are enterprises with full-time employees not exceeding 50 or with annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million.”

7.Q: Who are the judges for the SOBA 2010 Awards?

A: Judges are selected representatives from reputable corporate institutions or esteemed individuals held in high regard.

8.Q: How do you ensure that the judging process is independent and fair?

A: Judges are selected from highly reputable corporate institutions or who are esteemed individuals held in high regard. The judges are then grouped into three panels to ensure there is an avenue for cross-checking and sharing of views to moderate discussions.

Judges are required to sign off and provide marks to questions on pre-printed forms which will then be collated and submitted to the auditors – BDO. BDO will provide independent review of the points earned by applicants and verify the final results.

9.Q: How do I obtain more information on SOBA?

A: You can collect a copy of the submission pack or CD from the Marketing Services Department at Menara Star, Level 10 or download the form here.

10.Q: How many prizes are there in SOBA?

A: 3 – Platinum, Gold and Silver.