Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Tan Sri Gnanalingam
National Entrepreneur Award – Datuk M.A. Vijey (Litna)
National Young Entrepreneur Award – Arun @ Arumugam Dorasamy
National Women Entrepreneur Award – S. Ratnavalli Vijayaraj
Tan Sri’s advice:
Malaysians can expect tough times economically in 2010.
He said Malaysia experienced difficulties every 12 years and cited the 1986 economic crisis and the ringgit crisis in 1998.
“Next year will not be too bad but we must be prepared for 2010,” he said in his keynote address to the Malaysian Indian Business Association (Miba) at its Grand Dinner and Awards Night yesterday.
“The Chinese say 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and the Year of the Tiger is not good for Malaysia.”
MIBA’s president explains the award:
“…will be given the award for being one of the most outstanding Malaysian entrepreneurs in the country, said Miba president P Sivakumar in a press statement last week.
Sivakumar described the recipient as a remarkable entrepreneur who has ascended from rags to riches … to be what he is today as an excellent role model for the future generation of potential entrepreneurs in the country.
The 63-year-old tycoon will deliver a special keynote lecture entitled Towards 2020′ where he would share his past business experiences to confront future challenges.
By way of giving recognition to these successful businesspersons, the association feels the occasion will motivate promising entrepreneurs to soar new heights in life and contribute to nation building, said Sivakumar.
A bit on his background:
Gnanalingam was first involved in the transport industry after he was appointed a board member of Port Klang Authority in 1987.
He founded Westports in 1994 and turned it into the country’s largest privately-owned port.
Gnanalingam was credited for introducing innovative measures to boost container shipping traffic during the 1997/98 financial crisis that saw Port Klang achieving positive growth despite the economic slump.
In 2007, business magazine Forbes Asia ranked him at number 29 in its list of 40 richest Asians with a personal wealth valued at US$215 million (RM1.04 billion).
A father of three, it was reported that he is making way for son, Ruben, to eventually take over his business.
Gnanalingam also owns a stake in pencilmaker Pelikan and logistics firm Konsortium Logistiks.