MINDA 2025 & FORUM MEDIA APPRECIATION HI-TEA AT ROTI By D'TANDOOR, KUALA LUMPUR: A NEW CHAPTER IN ASEAN CORPORATE EXCELLENCE

Ampang 1 July 2025, MALAYSIA INDUSTRY AWARD (MINDA) is BACK AGAIN to honour excellence performance of corporate and prominent individuals who contributed to the economy of Malaysia. For 2025, the theme is CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE - SHAPING ASEAN'S FUTURE.

This year, 2025, MINDA be organised by Federation of Malaysian Business Associations for the 5th time on 7 August 2025 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

For 2025, MINDA expands beyond the boundary to include corporate and individual winners from ASEAN countries in conjunction with Malaysia being the Chairman of ASEAN in 2025

There will be 40 award winners in 2025. The main categories of the awards are;

1. Lifetime Achievement Awards

 2. ASEAN International Awards

 3. MADANI Young Rising Star Awards 

4, MADANI Woman Excellence Awards 

5. Industry (Excellence/ Innovation/ Outstanding) Awards

On the same day, FMBA will also host a landmark ABCD Forum 2025 with the theme Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation. The forum which are supported by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia (MITI) and the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) will group together top leaders, ministers, entrepreneurs and innovators. The forum will discuss in depth 3 high impact topics:

1. Scaling ASEAN's Digital Future- AI, E-Commerce and Inclusive Tech 

2. Building a Green ASEAN- Sustainable Practices and Green Economy 

3. Unleashing ASEAN's Entrepreneurial Spirit- Empowering MSMEs for global Impact

As one of the main objective of FMBA is to help companies, especially SME to grow together, MINDA 2025 will launch ASEAN BUSINESS CONNECTIVITY (ABC), a database platform for all companies in ASEAN to be registered as member of ABC and get connected to each other and together grow our business beyond own country. The functions of ABC are;

1. As central database for all businesses in ASEAN countries 

2. As centre of reference 

3. As organiser for B2B meeting 

4. As platform to promote products and services for members

MINDA 2025 & ABCD FORUM MEDIA APPRECIATION HI-TEA AT ROTI By D'TANDOOR, KUALA LUMPUR: A NEW CHAPTER IN ASEAN CORPORATE EXCELLENCE

KUALA LUMPUR 1 July 2025- The Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA) proudly announces the soft launch of the Malaysia Industry Awards 2025 (MINDA 2025) and ASEAN Business Community Development Forum (ABCD Forum) in a distinguished ceremony held today in conjunction with Media Appreciation Hi-Tea at Roti By d'Tandoor, Kuala Lumpur. The highly anticipated business forum and awards ceremony will take place on 7 August 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

In a landmark development this year, MINDA 2025 will expand its reach beyond Malaysia, elevating the awards to an international platform by engaging ASEAN nations. This strategic move aligns with Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, reinforcing the country's commitment to regional cooperation and business integration.

Speaking at the event today, FMBA Chairman Dato Seri Abdul Malik Abdullah stated:

"With the theme 'Champions of Change - Shaping ASEAN's Future", MINDA 2025 aims to position itself as a reputable authority in recognising corporate champions, not only in Malaysia but across the ASEAN region. This expansion is timely as Malaysia leads ASEAN in 2025, and we are proud to play a role in promoting excellence and synergy among our regional peers."

About MINDA Awards

The Malaysia Industry Awards (MINDA Awards). hosted annually by FMBA, is a prestigious event that honours excellence, innovation, and leadership across various sectors. It celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations whose contributions have significantly impacted Malaysia's economy and now aims to extend its recognition across Southeast Asia.

Highly regarded by industry leaders, ministries, and government stakeholders, the MINDA Awards has, over the years, become a symbol of national pride for local entrepreneurs and businesses. The event draws participation and accolades from a wide spectrum of industries, reinforcing its role as a key driver of business recognition and national development.

This year's event will feature the presentation of awards to exceptional recipients by esteemed dignitaries and will be attended by top business personalities, government leaders, and international delegates. MINDA 2025 will grant 40 prestigious awards under the category of;

1) Lifetime Achievement Awards 

2) ASEAN Intenational Awards 

3) MADANI Young Rising Star Awards 

4) MADANI Woman Excellence Awards 

 5) Industry (Excellence/ Innovation/ Outstanding) Awards

Regional Expansion: ASEAN Focus for 2025

In conjunetion with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, MINDA 2025 is proud to announce the inclusion of ASEAN companies and leaders in its award selection and programming. This regional integration reflects FMBA's vision of building Stronger cross-border networks and acknowledging excellence throughout Southeast Asia.

As part this expanded scope, prominent ASEAN business leaders and industry experts will participate in the awards, contributing to deeper dialoque, exchange of knowledge, and cross-culture collaboration.

Introduction of the ASEAN Business Community Development Forum (ABCD Forum)

One of the flagship components of MINDA 2025 wil be the ASEAN Business Community Development Forum (ABCD Forum), which will take place on the same day as the awards ceremony. This thought-leadership platform will feature expert speakers from across ASEAN who will present papers and discussions on pressing economic, trade, digital transformation, and sustainability issues relevant to the region.

The forum is poised to become a premier regional dialogue that facilitates strategic conversations among ASEAN business communities, policy makers, and industry specialists.

ABCD Forum will carry a theme " Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap - Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation" endorsed and supported by Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and ASEAN Chamber of Commerce Industry (ACCI). Three major topics will be presented on 7 August 2025 by prominent speakers;

Topic 1: Scaling ASEAN's Digital Future- AI, E-Commerce and Inclusive Tech

Speakers:

YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia.

Ms Lisa Sam Hui Min, President, The law Society of Singapore.

H.E. Chea Ratha, State Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia.

Topic 2: Building A Green ASEAN- Sustainable Practices and Green Economy

Speakers:

Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, President & CEO Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

 Datuk Seri Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur.

Mr. Eric Francia, President & CEO of ACEN Corporation, Philippines.

Topic 3: Unleashing ASEAN's Entrepreneurial Spirit - Empowering MSME's for Global Impact

Speakers :

YB Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, Minister of Health Malaysia.

Mr. S Raja Singham, Founder of BAC Education Group (Malaysia).

Ms. Rosaline Khine Khine New, Secretary General Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Dato, Seri Abdul Malik Abdullah,T FOunder Chairman ofDTandoor Group of Companies.

Haji Musa Haji Adnin, Executive Chairman Adinin Group of Companies (Brunei).

Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim, Founder & Chairperson of Women Leadership Foundation (WLF).

ABCD Forum offers special incentive HRD Corp claimable fee of RM1,750 per person for attending all three (3) topics. Also, a special Dual Pass (ABCD Forum & MINDA Award Dinner) of RM2,799 are on offer based on first come first serve basis

Launch of ASEAN Business Connectivity (ABC): Driving Regional Trade 

Adding to the excitement, FMBA will also unveil the ASEAN Business Connectivity (ABC) - an innovative online business database platform designed to connect and promote businesses across ASEAN countries. This digital initiative wil serve as a central hub for regional business networking, enabling:

1) Promotion of ASEAN products and services "

2) Real-time business directory access 

3) Cross-border collaboration opportunities 

4) Market expansion and export facilitation

The ABC platform will be officially launched during the MINDA 2025 ceremony and is expected to be one of the main atractions of the event. ABC will play a pivotal role in boosting visibility and marketability for businesses throughout the region, supporting the long-term objective of a more cohesive and competitive ASEAN economic bloc.

Industry Backing and Recognition

MINDA's success and credibility are underpinned by the support of over 200 presidents of national and regional business associations. Among the notable supporters are: 

1) Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce 

2) Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association

3) ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation

 4) Branding Association Malaysia 

5) Malaysia Retail Association

Their active participation and endorsement further affirm the MINDA Awards' position as a truly representative and respected institution within the business community.

Legacy of Recognition

Since its inception, MINDA has honoured a multitude of visionary entrepreneurs, high-performing corporations, and impactful organizations for their significant contributions to the nation's progress. The fiull list of past award recipients s publicly available at the official awards website: 

https://mindaawards.my.

Conclusion

As FMBA looks ahead to the 7 August 2025 celebration, MINDA 2025 promises to be more than just an awards event- it is a platform for unity, growth, and regional leadership. With its new ASEAN focus, launch of the ABC database, and introduction of the ABCD Forum, MINDA 2025 marks a transformational chapter for Malaysian and Southeast Asian industries alike.

The FMBA invites all stakeholders--from SMEs to multinationals, from chambers of commerce to startups - to be part of this historic moment that champions excellence and inspires change across borders.