GOPIO International Business Excellence Awards 2023

The GOPIO International Business Excellence Awards 2023 were held on 2nd December 2023 at the prestigious Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary Banquet of GOPIO Malaysia. The event honoured 23 outstanding individuals from Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Canada, and Singapore, showcasing exceptional achievements across a range of industries. With over 700 attendees, the ceremony highlighted the global contributions of People of Indian Origin (PIO) entrepreneurs.

The Chief Guest, YB Tuan Sivakumar Varatharaju, Minister for Human Resources, Malaysia, presided over the ceremony. Distinguished dignitaries including H.E. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, India; YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasamy, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Malaysia; and H.E. B.N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, were present, adding prestige to the occasion. Their participation underscored the importance of recognising PIO entrepreneurs who have excelled in their fields.

The awards celebrated role models and captains of industries, highlighting their ability to excel in the competitive world of enterprises and commerce. Designed to honour PIO entrepreneur role models, the awards aimed to celebrate excellence in areas such as innovation, market expansion, sustainable practices, and corporate social responsibility. By recognising these remarkable individuals, the awards served as an inspiration for the global PIO business community, showcasing leaders who exemplify innovation, resilience, and dedication to their industries.

A notable highlight was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Datuk Sahadevan Baliah for his significant contributions to the National Land Finance Cooperative Society in Malaysia.

Awardees represented a diverse array of sectors, including healthcare, engineering, telecommunications, media, and integrated services. Their achievements reflected the dynamism of PIO professionals, reinforcing GOPIO’s mission of fostering innovation, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable development.

Awardees of the GOPIO International Business Excellence Awards 2023

1. YH Dato’ Sri Dasnamurthy Kandiah – Bhora Holdings (Integrated Facility Management Services, Malaysia)
2. Ganesan Sinniah Ambalam – Binadam Sdn Bhd (Telecommunication, Malaysia)
3. Dato’ Manukandamurthy Velayoudam – SkyBlue Media (Digital Multimedia Advertising, Malaysia)
4. Dato’ M.S. Murthi – Murthi & Partners (Legal Practice, Malaysia)
5. Nagarajan Thambiah – Kumpulan Naga (Accounting and Audit, Malaysia)
6. Raja Ratnam Arumugam – Tech Terrain College (TVET Education, Malaysia)
7. Ramasanderan Appanan – KC Group of Companies (Logistics and Forwarding, Malaysia)
8. I. Selladurai – Selladurai Textile (Textile, Malaysia)
9. Dato Dr N.K. Sundaram – SASA Group of Companies (Security and Education, Malaysia)
10. Dato’ Kumarasamy Veerappan – Emperor Shipping and Forwarding Sdn Bhd (Shipping and Forwarding, Malaysia)
11. Datuk Sahadevan Baliah – National Land Finance Cooperative Society (Lifetime Achievement Award, Malaysia)
12. Dr Andal Bhaskar (Gynaecologist, Medical Practice and Healthcare, India)
13. Dr Chackochen Mathai – Naturals Salon and SPA (Health and Beauty Care, India)
14. Chokkalingam Muruganandam – FG Engineering and Construction (Engineering and Construction, Singapore)
15. Ganesan Arunasalam – Wildeden Organic Farms (Natural Farming, Canada)
16. Harikrishnan Muthusamy – International Business Management Consultants (Consultancy Services, Singapore)
17. Karunanidhi Kasinathan – K-KCCS India (Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, India)
18. Mananathan R – Mantec (Automotive and Machinery, India)
19. Masaaki Koiwai – Japan BioFarm (Smart Farming, Japan)
20. Samuel John – Hodu Constructions (Construction, India)
21. Thirunal Karasu – Singcorp International (Business Consultancy Services, Singapore)
22. Dr C.K. Ashok Kumar – First World Community (Innovation and Thought Leadership, India)
23. Rajendren – Gnanam Imports (Imports and Trading, Sri Lanka)

The awardees were celebrated for their remarkable contributions to their respective industries, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and excellence. The event continues the tradition of recognising PIO excellence, with previous ceremonies held in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019.