If Part 1 explored the ecosystem, Part 2 reveals the people – the entrepreneurs who were mentored by UMEC management and have scaled new heights in their endeavours.
Behind the structured mentoring, networking sessions and business advisory programmes at the UNITI Madani Entrepreneurship Centre (UMEC) are entrepreneurs whose journeys reflect resilience, reinvention and remarkable ambition.
At the recent Majlis Anugerah Usahawan UMEC 2026, 22 award recipients were recognised — each representing a different dimension of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial landscape.
From B40 Roots to National Inspiration
Among the most moving stories was that of Ahmad Zulfadzli bin Khamidi, 22, recipient of the Anugerah Inspirasi Usahawan Muda.
A homeschool student from a B40 background and a self-described slow learner, Ahmad began helping his mother in business at the age of nine while pursuing informal education. Today, he operates Akademi Pusat Pengujian Amali (PPA) under JPK and is a registered HRD Corp Training Provider.
His journey reflects not just entrepreneurship, but transformation — proving that early disadvantage does not determine destiny.
Women Leading With Authority
Dr Norazlina Abdullah, recipient of Anugerah Inspirasi Usahawan Wanita, brings more than 26 years of expertise in Human Resource Management and organisational development. As Founder and Principal Consultant of Bersatu Consulting Group Sdn Bhd, she has strengthened HR compliance systems across multiple organisations, earning both national and international recognition.
Meanwhile, Datin Sharifah Noor Syed Abd Rahman, winner of Anugerah Perniagaan Eksport Terbaik, transitioned from public service into full-time entrepreneurship in 1991. She now chairs GR Motorsports Sdn Bhd and sits on the board of BookOff Corporation Limited — reflecting Malaysia’s growing female leadership in global business.
Innovation and Industry Builders
Innovation took centre stage through entrepreneurs like Faizah, better known as Faimix, who won Anugerah Inovasi Produk Terbaik. What began as a home-based operation has grown into a manufacturing facility producing award-winning Muruku Nenas — backed by innovation grants and full JAKIM Halal certification.
Rani Wemel, entrepreneur and Co-Founder of LTT Global, was recognised with Anugerah Inovasi Pembelajaran Terbaik for advancing inclusive digital learning across more than 60 countries.
In the ESG sphere, Ir Ts. Nurul Huda Mat Nor, Founder and Managing Director of GEES Group, received Anugerah Kelestarian & Tanggungjawab Sosial Terbaik, reinforcing the growing role of sustainability-driven entrepreneurs in Malaysia’s corporate transformation.
Experience Meets Enterprise = Winning Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is not confined to youth. Jaafar Yaacob, honoured with Anugerah Usahawan Veteran Terbaik, brings over two decades of experience across public and private sectors, particularly in urban planning and finance. His longstanding involvement in cooperatives since 1976 underscores the depth of Malaysia’s cooperative-driven economy.
Similarly, Yang Mulia Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, recipient of Anugerah Mentor SME Terbaik, channels nearly four decades of corporate governance expertise into guiding SMEs through strategic advisory under Peoplez Corporate Advisory.
Creative, Social and Cultural Impact
Entrepreneurial diversity was further reflected in recipients such as:
- Shaharuddin Thamby (Anugerah Usahawan Seni Terbaik), an established actor and producer in Malaysia’s entertainment industry
- Ayob Abd Majid (Anugerah Usahawan Muzik Terbaik), a music industry veteran with over 30 years of regional experience
- Siti Nur Syakirah of Kedidi Global (Anugerah Perniagaan Sosial Terbaik), supplying prosthetic limbs to B40 and asnaf amputees
- Prof. Dr. Ab Aziz Al-Safi Ismail (Anugerah Perubatan Holistik Terbaik), whose Neo Medicare has treated over 5,000 chronic kidney disease patients and earned recognition in the Asia Book of Records 2024
Together, they demonstrate that entrepreneurship extends far beyond commerce — into healthcare, arts, sustainability, training, halal management, and social upliftment.
A Reflection of Ecosystem Strength
From digital transformation leaders like Mohamed Zulkarnain Mohamed to halal industry specialist Muhamad Elyas Harun, and creative entrepreneur Muazam Tajuddin, the diversity of award recipients underscores a central message:
Entrepreneurship flourishes when ecosystems are structured, inclusive and accessible.
Through UMEC’s model — integrating mentorship, networking, financing access and recognition — entrepreneurs are not left to navigate growth alone.
The stories featured here represent only a fraction of the wider network emerging from UMEC’s platform. Yet collectively, they signal a larger shift: Malaysia’s entrepreneurial future is being built not only by large corporations, but by resilient individuals empowered by the right ecosystem.
And as Part 1 suggested, UMEC’s transformation may be quiet — but its impact is increasingly visible. — NMH
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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