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#pearlawards

An Official Recognition Initiative Endorsed by the Penang State

Pearl Global Business Awards — “An Official Recognition Initiative endorsed by Government of Penang through Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).” from emerging markets to global powerhouses, the Pearl Global Business Awards unites the world's most outstanding businesses under one prestigious platform.

CEREMONY

14 December 2026

VENUE

Setia Spice Convention Center, Penang

NOMINATE NOW→ VIEW CATEGORIES

1

PLATFORM

12+

INDUSTRIES

70+

CATEGORIES

ABOUT THE AWARDS

An assembly of extraordinary.

The Pearl Global Business Awards exist for one reason: to champion the businesses and leaders who dare to build something extraordinary — starting from Malaysia, growing across ASEAN, and earning their place on the global stage. Presented by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) Organised by TIN Media, this is Malaysia's most prestigious business recognition platform, proudly giving priority to Malaysian enterprises & Entrepreneures ready to be measured against the world's highest standard.

Global by Design

Spanning industries, borders and sectors — judged by a multi-continental panel committed to objectivity, regional relevance and world-class rigour.

A Platform With Purpose

Every winner earned — never appointed, judged across nine dimensions of true business excellence, from public voice to boardroom performance.

A Lasting Honour

Held every two years, your recognition endures well beyond the night — through media features, peer networks and PCEB's exclusive platforms, your legacy stays alive until the world gathers again.

Integrity, Audited

Driven by public voting and independently evaluated —
transparent, merit-based and held to the highest standard of excellence.

"A pearl is not formed overnight — it is shaped by resilience, purpose and the relentless pursuit of better. Just like the businesses that built Malaysia.”
— Pearl Awards COUNCIL
Award Categories

12 Sectors and 70+ Categories.

From boardroom to brand-room, across 12 sectors and 70+ Categories — the Pearl Global Business Awards is where Malaysian and ASEAN excellence gets its verdict, its voice, and its legacy.

01

Investment & Trade

Where capital meets conviction — recognising the forces driving Penang and Malaysia's economic growth on the global stage.

02

Halal & Ethical Industries

Honouring the businesses building a global halal economy rooted in integrity, excellence and trust

03

Sustainability & Green Innovation

Championing the leaders turning environmental responsibility into competitive advantage.

04

Technology & Digitalisation

Recognising the bold minds and breakthrough companies redefining what's possible across ASEAN.

05

Women Empowerment & Gender Equality

Recognizing exceptional leadership in advancing women empowerment and gender equality worldwide.

06

Youth Leadership & Development

Recognizing outstanding youth leaders inspiring innovation, service, and positive community transformation.

07

Digital Economy & Smart Solutions

Recognising the disruptors and digital pioneers accelerating ASEAN's smart economy transformation.

08

Infrastructure & Urban Development

Championing the builders, planners and partnerships constructing the cities and systems of the future.

09

Social Impact & Community Harmony

Honouring the organisations proving that business success and social responsibility are not a trade-off.

10

Leadership & Lifetime Excellence

Recognising the visionaries, icons and lifelong contributors who have permanently shaped their industries.

11

Hospitality, Tourism & Business Events

Celebrating the destinations, experiences and organisations putting Penang and Malaysia on the world's travel map.

12

Media, Communications & Public Visibility

Recognizing excellence in media, communications, and impactful public engagement initiatives.

Categories

Nomination Categories.

Hotel of the Year Nominate

Business Hotel of the Year Nominate

Resort of the Year Nominate

Luxury Hotel of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Heritage Hotel of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Beach Resort of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Sustainable Hotel of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Boutique Hotel of the Year Nominate

Outstanding New Hotel of the Year Nominate

Rising Hotel Brand of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Urban Hotel of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Serviced Residence / Apartment Hotel Nominate

Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year Nominate

Hotel Technology Innovation of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Contemporary Malaysian Fine Dining of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Gastronomic Restaurant of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Malay Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Chinese Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Indian Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Nyonya (Peranakan) Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Nominate

Homegrown F&B Brand of the Year Nominate

Homegrown Restaurant Group of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Halal & Muslim-Friendly Dining Nominate

Bakery & Patisserie of the Year Nominate

Beverage & Mixology Bar of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Event Catering & Banqueting Nominate

Tourism Hero Award Nominate

Excellence in Culinary Tourism Nominate

Innovative Tourism Experience Award Nominate

Sustainable Tourism Champion Nominate

Tour & Travel Agency of the Year Nominate

Digital Innovation in Tourism Award Nominate

Outstanding Experiential Tourism Award or Astro Tourism Excellence Award Nominate

Iconic attraction of the year Nominate

Tourist Attraction of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Umrah & Religious Travel Nominate

Corporate Travel Management Company of the Year Nominate

Outstanding MICE Venue Nominate

Best Destination Marketing Campaign Nominate

Best Business Event Organizer Nominate

Outstanding Sustainable Events Venue Nominate

Exhibition Organiser of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Exhibition Organiser of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Conference Organiser of the Year Nominate

Outstanding International Business Event of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Sustainable Event Management Nominate

Outstanding Event Innovation & Technology Award Nominate

Most Innovative Event Organiser of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Wedding & Celebration Venue Nominate

Heritage Luminary Award Nominate

Hotel General Manager of the Year Nominate

Chef of the Year Nominate

Rising Star in Hospitality (≤40) Nominate

Hospitality Sales & Marketing Leader of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Outstanding Medical Tourism Hospital Nominate

Outstanding Aesthetic & Cosmetic Medical Centre of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Spa & Wellness Sanctuary Nominate

Outstanding Dental Tourism Clinic of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Medical Wellness Retreat of the Year Nominate

Medical Tourism Facilitator of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Healthcare Leader of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Green Technology Champion Nominate

Sustainable Business of the Year Nominate

ESG Leadership Award Nominate

Circular Economy Innovation Award Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Tech Startup of the Year Nominate

Innovation in Digital Transformation Nominate

AI & Automation Excellence Award Nominate

R&D Trailblazer Award Nominate

FutureTech Company of the Year Nominate

Rising Star in Semiconductor & Embedded Technology Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Women Leadership Icon Award Nominate

Gender Equality Champion Award Nominate

Women in Education Excellence Award Nominate

Inclusive Workplace Leadership Nominate

Women Entrepreneur of The Year Award Nominate

Gender Inclusion Initiative of The Year Award Nominate

Outstanding Woman Leader of the Year (by Sector) Nominate

Rising Woman Leader of the Year (40 and under) Nominate

Outstanding Woman Changemaker of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Woman Innovator of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Nominate

Youth Changemaker Award Nominate

Rising Star in Leadership Award Nominate

Young Innovator Recognition Award Nominate

Open to nominees aged up to 40.

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

E-Commerce Disruptor Award Nominate

Fintech Innovation of the Year Award Nominate

Smart City Enabler Award Nominate

Business Model Transformation Award Nominate

Digital Inclusion Advocate Award Nominate

Official Airport Media Partner Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Engineering Excellence Award Nominate

Infrastructure Project of the Year Nominate

Urban Planning Innovator Nominate

Public-Private Partnership Pioneer Nominate

Smart Mobility Leader Nominate

Excellence in Passenger Service (Transport & Mobility). Nominate

Outstanding Architecture Firm of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Commercial Building Design of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Residential Development Design of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Urban Regeneration & Placemaking Nominate

Outstanding Interior Architecture & Design Firm of the Year Nominate

Architect of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Outstanding Manufacturer of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Semiconductor & Electronics (E&E) Company of the Year Nominate

Outstanding SME Manufacturer of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Nominate

Excellence in Sustainable & Green Manufacturing Nominate

Outstanding Food & Beverage Manufacturer of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Medical Devices Manufacturer of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Export Excellence Award (Manufacturing) Nominate

Excellence in Supply Chain & Logistics Nominate

Outstanding Manufacturing Leader of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Outstanding Culinary Academy of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Hospitality & Tourism Institution of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Private University of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Private College of the Year Nominate

Outstanding International School of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Private School of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Early Childhood & Preschool Centre of the Year Nominate

Outstanding EdTech Solution of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Digital & Online Learning Nominate

Outstanding Educator of the Year Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Foreign Direct Investor of the Year Nominate

Outstanding Trade Facilitation Partner Nominate

Economic Development Champion Nominate

Investment Promotion Excellence Nominate

Global Expansion Award Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Media Excellence Award Nominate

Destination Storytelling Excellence Award Nominate

Digital Media Influence Award Nominate

Public Visibility Impact Award Nominate

Strategic Media Partnership Award Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Diversity & Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Champion Award Nominate

Community Leadership Award Nominate

Intercultural Harmony Award Nominate

Social Enterprise of The Year Award Nominate

Public Impact Initiative of The Year Award Nominate

Social Impact Enterprise of the Year Nominate

Excellence in Indigenous Community Empowerment Nominate

Outstanding Heritage Craft & Sustainable Livelihood Initiative Nominate

Community Champion for Education & Empowerment Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Halal Brand Excellence Award Nominate

Ethical Business Leadership Award Nominate

Halal Innovation of the Year Nominate

Best Halal Exporter Nominate

Shariah-Compliant Industry Contributor Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Lifetime Achievement Award Nominate

Global Leadership Excellence Nominate

Visionary CEO of the Year Nominate

Industry Icon Recognition Nominate

Public Service Leadership Award Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Hospitality & Tourism Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Culinary Arts & F&B Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Business & Entrepreneurship Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Manufacturing & Industry Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Technology & Innovation Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Healthcare & Medicine Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Education Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Arts, Culture & Heritage Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sports Nominate

Lifetime Achievement Award – Community & Social Service Nominate

Can’t find your desired category? Contact us

Submit a Nomination
Key Dates

The path to the Pearl.

A meticulous calendar designed to honour craft over campaign. Every phase is independent, evidence-driven, and globally observed.

Phase 01

Nominations Open

24 August 2026

Submissions accepted via the global portal.

01
02
Phase 02

Nominations Close

20 November 2026

Final submissions, supporting evidence locked.

Phase 03

Jury Shortlist

30 November 2026

Independent jury convenes blind review rounds.

03
04
Phase 04

Finalists Announced

1 December 2026
Phase 05

Gala & Ceremony

14 December 2026

Setia Spice Convention Center, Penang.
Public reveal across global media partners.

05
The Judging Process

A rigour designed to be remembered.

Five independent stages. Twelve months of work. One uncompromised result. The Pearl methodology blends quantitative scoring with deliberate jury craft.

35%

Public Voting + Points

30%

Jury Decision

5%

Social Media Engagement

5%

Public Relations

5%

Corporate Social Responsibility

5%

Management Team

5%

Service Quality

5%

Market Competitiveness

5%

Product / Service Uniqueness

The Jury

Curated by leaders who have shaped industries.

The Pearl jury convenes operators, investors, scholars and editors who do not need a stage of their own — they have earned the right to confer one.

The Jury
The Hon. Wong Hon Wai

The Hon. Wong Hon Wai

Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy
Datuk Seri Azman Ujang

Datuk Seri Azman Ujang

Ex-Chairman BERNAMA Malaysia, Chief Advisor TIN Media
PH.D Peter Lee

PH.D Peter Lee

Managing Director General, Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau (South Korea)
Dr. Bona Lee Nahyun, PhD

Dr. Bona Lee Nahyun, PhD

Chief Executive Officer, Born Tiger. (South Korea)
Waikin Wong

Waikin Wong

Regional Director Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Martin Balmer

Martin Balmer

Account Director Asia, Europe & Middle East, Northstar Meetings Group- (United Kingdom)
Industry Advisory Panel
Dato' Ong Bee Leng, CEO

Dato' Ong Bee Leng

CEO, Penang Women's Development Corporation (PWDC)
Ms Josephine Tan, CEO

Ms Josephine Tan

CEO, Penang Green Council (PGC)
Mr. Edry, CEO

Mr. Edry

CEO, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC)
Ts. Ng Kwang Ming, CEO

Ts. Ng Kwang Ming

CEO - Digital Penang
mr. Mohd Azraie Ramli, CEO

Mr Mohd Azraie Ramli

CEO, Penang Halal International.
Gala Ballroom
The Gala Night

One evening.
A lifetime of recognition.

Experience a prestigious awards ceremony featuring exceptional achievements, fine dining, distinguished guests and valuable networking opportunities, celebrating excellence on an international stage.

Date
14 December 2026
Venue
Setia Spice Convention Center, Penang
Dress Code
Black-Tie / National Formal
Programme
Reception · Ceremony · Dinner · After-party
Editorial / press articles

The Pearl in the press.

From newsroom features to investor briefings — the Pearl story is told by the world's leading editorial houses.

Buletin Mutiara •Eng • Aug 2026

Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 to celebrate Penang’s business excellence

Buletin Mutiara • Chinese • Aug 2026

首届珍珠全球商业奖12月登场　 65奖项开放提名表彰卓越成就

Guang Ming Daily (光明日报) • Chinese • 24 Aug 2026

珍珠全球商业奖12月登场 65奖项邀全球商界角逐

Sin Chew Daily — Northern (星洲日报·北马) • Chinese • 25 Aug 2026

槟州会展局首办珍珠全球商业奖 颁奖礼12月14日举行

Penang Hyperlocal • English • Aug 24, 2026

Inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards to Debut in Penang This December, 65 Award Categories Open for Nominations to Recognize Excellence
TTR Weekly • English • 27 Aug 2026

Pearl Global Business Awards 2026
OFFICIAL ORGANISER

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