Marking the conclusion of the Global Chinese Economic and Technology (GCET) Summit 2024, a momentous evening with its gala dinner celebrated outstanding achievements through the Special Business Excellence Awards to individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions to economic and technological advancements.
The 2024 summit brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss themes such as entrepreneurship, the digital economy, smart partnerships, green growth, and global connectivity. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of uniting the global Chinese diaspora and building bridges between East and West.
The accolades were divided into seven categories, namely the World Chinese Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award; the World Chinese Icon for Longevity Science, Biotech, Wellness & Education Entrepreneurship cum Leadership Award; the Global Business Excellence Award; Global Chinese Corporation Excellence Award; Global Chinese Medical Centre Excellence Award; Global Excellent Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award; and World Distinguished Business Leader Lifetime Achievement Award. They were awarded to 16 recipients from Cambodia and the rest of Asia.
Oknha Tan Khee Meng, President of the Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC), was awarded the Global Excellent Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership of the Malaysian business community in Cambodia.
The same prestigious recognition was also awarded to Neak Oknha Ly Kunthai, Chairman/Founder of Alpha Group Co., Ltd., and Chairman of the Cambodia Confederation of Investors Association (CCIA).
Meanwhile, Virtus Media Pte., Ltd., the company behind the award-winning Khmer Times newspaper, was announced as one of the three winners of the Global Business Excellence Award, making it the only media company to have been honoured with this accolade. The award was presented to Mohan Bandam, the founder and publisher of Khmer Times.
Originally established as the World Chinese Economic Summit (WCES) in Kuala Lumpur 14 years ago, the forum was the brainchild of Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, founder and chairman of Country Heights Holdings Berhad, and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, KSI President and Co-Chairman of the ASEAN Economic Club in Malaysia.
This year, the summit was rebranded as the Global Chinese Economic and Technology (GCET) Summit to reflect its expanded focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. The rebranding emphasises the critical role of business in driving economic growth while fostering global connections.
Yeoh, in his opening remark, underscored China’s essential role in the quest of Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, in pursuing economic development.
“China, we believe, will increasingly be a strategic partner for ASEAN and the Global South,” he said. “China is a global leader in digital and green technology and can assist ASEAN and the Global South with digital transformation and green transition, a key goal and strategic priority for this forum,” he said.