This year’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year Singapore awards has named four leading entrepreneurs as winners.
In its 23rd edition, the winners are:
- Edy Tan Wei Hock, CEO, Chye Thiam Maintenance, named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Environmental Services
- Samuel Yik, managing director of Dian Xiao Er Group, named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Food and Beverage
- Anthony Chow, co-founder and CEO of smart access solutions company igloocompany, named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Technology Solutions
- Zachary Wang, co-founder and CEO, e-scooter and e-bike operator Neuron Mobility, named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year – Mobility
The winners came from over 80 nominations and were selected by an independent judging panel. They fulfilled the four globally benchmarked criteria, namely entrepreneurial spirit, growth, purpose and impact.
Chairperson of the panel, Susan Chong, says this year’s winners epitomised the “foresight, agility and courage of leading entrepreneurs”. Chong is the founder and CEO of Greenphyto. She has served as a judge at the World Entrepreneur of the Year (WEOY) three times previously.
“They reflect an interesting mix, coming from traditional industries as well as new sectors that emerged with the rise of the digital and sharing economy,” she adds. “Regardless, they have not stood still against the test of time, competition and market disruptions. Be it investing in technology and innovation to redefine established ways of operating to venturing into foreign markets beyond Singapore or carving a niche for themselves, these entrepreneurs have changed the face of their industries, created new consumer demands and uplifted quality of lives in communities.”
See also: Key to successful business is to be an unreasonable optimist: igloo founder Anthony Chow
One of these men will be named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Singapore. He will represent Singapore at the annual EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY) award in 2025 to compete with contenders from over 60 countries and jurisdictions.
Singapore’s representative will be announced at the EY EOY Awards Gala. The gala will be held on Nov 18. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, will be the Guest-of-Honour at the awards gala.
On this year’s theme of “The Art of Entrepreneurship,” Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean regional managing partner and Singapore and Brunei managing partner at Ernst & Young Solutions LLP explains that entrepreneurship is an “artful balance of passion, innovation, courage and grit”.
See also: Dian Xiao Er tastes success with automation and Cambodia plans
“Like artists, the winners have created a bold vision and pursued their goals unwaveringly, leaving a mark of difference on the communities they serve,” he says.
“Their pursuit of growth and innovation regardless of how long they have been in the business and seeking out opportunities in places that no others have been, serves as inspiration for many as we continue to foster a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Singapore,” he adds.
Honorary awards
Two honorary awards have been conferred for Asean entrepreneurial excellence and family enterprise excellence.
The EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence award has been awarded to Lance Y. Gokongwei, president and CEO of JG Summit Holdings. The award is an honorary one that is presented on board the EOY platform. It also recognises successful Southeast Asian businesses that contribute to the economy and community in the region. The recipient of this award does not compete for the EOY Singapore 2024 title.
"As a second-generation entrepreneur, Lance started with the company as a junior salesperson and worked his way up to eventually steer his father's company into a flourishing new phase of growth and success,” says Liew. “JG Summit Holdings now has a dynamic portfolio in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, spanning sectors including food and retail, aviation, real estate, energy, financial services and telecommunications. His impact can be seen in his contributions to national progress by advancing quality education for the future workforce while transforming the lives of fellow countrymen.”
The second award, EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence, is given to Tecity Group. The winner was chosen by Knowledge Partners, Business Families Institute @ Singapore Management University (BFI @ SMU) and the INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise.
“Now in its third generation, Tecity Group honours the legacy of its founding generation through its investment, public-listed and philanthropic arms. The Group inspires with their ability to successfully balance business and family interests, grow the business portfolio sustainably and show responsibility for others through philanthropic and social engagements. How the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit continues to thrive through generations is truly exemplary,” says Liew.
Bank of Singapore is the presenting title sponsor for the two honorary awards.
“Bank of Singapore is pleased to be the platinum sponsor of the EY EOY awards in Singapore. Entrepreneurs are an important driving force of the economy, and many of them have pioneered innovations that have significant social and economic impact,” says Jason Moo, CEO of Bank of Singapore. “We are proud to partner EY to celebrate these entrepreneurs’ tenacity and perseverance in building and sustaining successful businesses.”
“In an era marked by rapidly shifting macroeconomic and business landscapes, Singapore entrepreneurs are navigating through unprecedented challenges. These challenges demand not just resilience but innovation. Through programs like the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, now into its fifth year of sponsorship by the SGX Group, we continue to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our homegrown champions,” adds Pol de Win, head of global sales and origination at Singapore Exchange S68 (SGX) Group. The exchange continues as a partner of the EOY awards for the fifth year.
The Edge Singapore is one of the official media partners for the awards.
