11th Edition of CHT International Awards 2026 Official Group Photo of Awardees
The Sunway Convention Center was in celebration with Malaysia’s top visionary leaders on July 11, 2026, as more than 400 of the region’s most influential minds gathered for a night of sheer brilliance. Dressed in exquisite black-tie attire, diplomats, captains of industry, and creative visionaries came together to celebrate the 11th CHT International Awards 2026.
Organized biennially by CHTNetwork, this year’s event was themed “Luminous Pandoratopia”—a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to those who illuminate their respective industries with leadership, innovation, and a commitment to societal impact.
The star-studded gala was graced by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, alongside a distinguished roster of business leaders and dignitaries.
YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur Development & Cooperatives Development as Guest of Honor of the 11th CHT International Awards 2026
Since its inception in 2008, the CHT International Awards has established itself as a premier boutique awards platform. This year, the event reached a monumental milestone, officially entering the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Longest-Running International Personal Namesake Award”—a testament to 18 years of continuous excellence and over 150 global honorees.
“The CHT International Awards has always been about recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations whose achievements create a meaningful, lasting impact within their professions and society.” — Dato’ Chng Huck Theng, Founder of CHTNetwork
Datuk Andrew Lim, Group Executive Chairman of CGH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Cold Storage Supermarket) accepting an award at CHT Excellence Award 2026 (Premium Supermarket Category)
This year’s awards recognized an extraordinary cohort of leaders, spanning lifetime achievements, global game-changers, and the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.
CHT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2026
For the first time, two coveted Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to cultural and media icons whose legacies have shaped the nation:
- Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (Chairman, BERNAMA) – For his monumental contributions to Media.
- Dato’ Mohammad Nor bin Khalid (Dato’ Lat) – Malaysia’s beloved cartoonist and cultural storyteller, honored for Creative Arts.
CHT INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS AWARD 2026
Celebrating five exceptional leaders from Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia who have driven industry success on a global scale:
- Dr. Rick Stephen, AM (Australia) – Continental Director for Asia, Worldchefs
- Mr. Steve Ng Meng Tatt (Malaysia) – Group Senior Director, Mega Fortris Berhad
- Major (K) Dato’ Chua Heok Wee (Malaysia) – CEO & Managing Director, Muar Ban Lee Group Berhad
- Mr. Ang Eng Tee (Singapore) – Acclaimed Screenwriter
- Dr. Mark Leong (Singapore) – Co-Founder & Group CEO, DML Asia Group
Adam Ham, CEO of GCMA & Social Media Entrepreneur Influencer & Sara Heng, Malaysian Musician Award recipient for the category – Guzheng Artistry & Music Education of CHT Excellence Award 2026
CHT EXCELLENCE AWARD 2026
Acknowledging seven national organizations and leaders championing diverse sectors from education to retail:
- Sara Heng (Guzheng Artistry & Music Education)
- Jaya Wheel Sdn Bhd (Automotive Retail)
- BilaBila Retail Sdn Bhd (Convenience Grocery Retail)
- Cold Storage Supermarket (Premium Supermarket)
- Muar Ban Lee Group (Global Excellence in Palm Oil Processing Technology)
- Dato’ Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz (Business-Government)
- Professor Sibrandes Poppema (Expatriate Category)
Bilabila Mart’s Paramjit Singh, Executive Director & Justin Tan, Executive Director – Growth accepting an award for the category – Convenience Grocery Retail of CHT Excellence Award 2026
CHT EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD 2026
Shining a spotlight on the visionary NextGen trailblazers of tomorrow:
- Mr. Jason Chang Ming Hwee (Founder, Zeka Food Sdn Bhd)
- Hiper Collective Sdn Bhd
ART, PHILANTHROPY, AND BESPOKE LUXURY
True to the CHT philosophy, the evening concluded on a high note of philanthropy with a thrilling charity auction. The highlight of the auction featured two breathtaking high-jewelry masterpieces from the Heirloom Series by ONE EAST MUSEUM, designed by Dato’ Chng Huck Theng:
- An Heirloom of Auspicious Elegance: A stunning 18K yellow gold pendant set with rare green sapphires and diamonds, modernizing the classic Chinese Peranakan Da Ji (“Great Fortune”) motif.
- The Sovereign Heirloom: A sculptural high-jewelry neckpiece showcasing a magnificent forest green tourmaline cradled in gold, palladium white gold, and pavé diamonds.
Guests also bid on That’s LIFE: Look, Listen & Feel, an original contemporary painting by Dato’ Chng Huck Theng. The striking artwork also doubled as the cover art for the evening’s commemorative coffee-table book.
With a seamless blend of high society, elite networking, and a profound commitment to charity, the 11th CHT International Awards proved once again why it remains one of the most prestigious and anticipated events on the regional social calendar.
