The Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA) is established to promote excellence and stimulate positive competition, showcasing the achievements attained by outstanding businesses.

In addition, the objectives of SOBA 2012 are:

• To recognise the role and contributions of outstanding businesses towards the nation and the economy;
• To encourage local enterprises to continue developing and elevating their businesses;
• To motivate and inspire home-grown businesses to aim for excellence in their products and services;
• To celebrate and highlight the achievements of local enterprises that have contributed to the growth of the community; and
• To inspire and encourage local businesses to promote Malaysia and showcase its products and services to the world.

The Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA) is unique because the awards are not sectoral in nature. The Star Business Awards 2012 (SOBA) will be awarded to local enterprises for excelling in areas that span across sectors and to encourage businesses to soar beyond the usual boundaries.

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 Business Awards 2012 are looking towards listing on Bursa Malaysia in the not too distant future.

The SOBA 2012 logo is designed with two main elements, namely an eagle and a gold bar- 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, SOBA 2012 recognises 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 encircled by the eagle's wings signifies the endless opportunities, both locally and globally, that are available for businesses in Malaysia.

There are eleven (11) awards in two (2) broad categories, but you may apply for ten (10) of them, which are SOBA 1 - SOBA 10.

In order to qualify as an applicant for any of the award categories listed except for the Rising Star Award, local enterprises must meet the following requirements:

• Not part of a multinational group;
• Not part of a listed group;
• A company duly incorporated in Malaysia in accordance with the Companies Act, 1965;
• Foreign equity holding does not exceed 50%; and
• Must submit audited financial statements for past three (3) consecutive financial years
• Platinum winners of SOBA 2011 and SOBA 2010 are not eligible to participate again in the same category

In order to qualify as a candidate for the Rising Star Award, local enterprises must meet the following requirements:

• Not part of a multinational group or listed group;
• Not part of a listed group;
• A company duly incorporated in Malaysia in accordance with the Companies Act, 1965;
• Foreign equity holding does not exceed 50%;
• Must submit latest audited financial statement or management accounts;
• Have been in operations for less than three (3) years; and
• Platinum winners of SOBA 2011 and SOBA 2010 are not eligible to participate again in the same category

Previously known as the Business of the Year Award, this illustrious award is awarded to the local enterprise which has received high ratings in the other award categories and is generally the best in market with exemplary track record in most areas.

The judges comprise representatives from the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Media Specialists Association, Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia, SMI Association of Malaysia, Malaysian Advertisers Association, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia, EXIM Bank and The Star.

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

The judges will use weighted marks for responses to criteria/guidelines as set out in each category of awards in the application forms to arrive at their final decision. Judges are required to sign off and provide marks to questions on pre-printed forms which will then be collated and submitted to the SOBA auditors - BDO. BDO will provide independent review of the points earned by applicants and verify the final results.

The award categories will be reviewed by several groups of judges concurrently, except for Malaysian Business of the Year Award, which will be reviewed by the final panel of judges. The final panel of judges will include one representative each from the initial group of judges.

For the Malaysian Business of the Year Award, the winner will be the company that has received the highest cumulative score from the other award categories. In the event of a tie, the final panel of judges will decide on the winner who is generally the best in market with exemplary track record in most areas.

You can collect a copy of the submission pack from The Star Events Department at Menara Star, Level 10 or go directly to the SOBA microsite at www.soba.com.my. Alternatively, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1244 / 1475 / 1237 (Mon - Fri, 10am - 5 pm) for information.

There will be 3 winners for each category under Top-Of-The-Class Awards - Platinum, Gold and Silver and 1 Grand Winner for each category under Outstanding Achievement Awards.

Winners stand to win the following:

• Free advertising across multiple platforms in The Star media group
  Top-of-the-Class Awards Platinum winners: RM50,000 worth of ad space (print, radio, online)
  Gold winners: RM30,000 worth of ad space (radio, online)
  Silver winners: RM20,000 worth of ad space (radio)
  Outstanding Achievement Awards Grand Winners: RM50,000 worth of ad space (print, radio, online)
  
• Preferential rates for additional ads in The Star carrying the SOBA logo
• Coveted SOBA 2012 trophy at the Awards Night
• Use of SOBA logo/monogram on corporate and A&P collaterals
• Exposure through publicity (print and online)
• Opportunity to attend and speak at special workshops/talks aimed at helping companies grow and move forward
• Free financial consultation/services from EXIM Bank - for companies going abroad/doing business overseas

Finalists will receive Certificates of Merit while Participants will receive the following:

• Certificate of Participation
• Free seat (for company CEO) at the Awards Night
• 1-year free subscription of Flavours, Galaxie and Kuntum magazines upon subscribing to The Star for a year
• Free listing in the SOBA supplement, SOBA Awards Night souvenir programme and SOBA microsite
• Opportunity to self check, network with key business progessionals and the business fraternity

All decisions made by the Organiser shall be final and binding