Agrobank’s Agro Biz Awards 2025 celebrates agriculture champions
THE nation’s agricultural trailblazers and food security champions took centre stage earlier this week as the Agro Biz Awards 2025 honoured the industry’s most outstanding contributors.
Agrobank’s inaugural awards ceremony was held at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur on Dec 16.
It celebrated entrepreneurs and businesses whose dedication, innovation and commitment are driving the transformation of Malaysia’s agricultural community (agri-community) and securing the future of the nation’s food supply.
In attendance were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Agrobank independent non-executive chairman Datuk Yunos Abd Ghani, president and group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin and chief business officer Syed Hairul Anuar Syed Fadzil.
The awards recognised industry excellence across five categories: Agrobank SME of the Year, Agrobank Biz Women Award, Agrobank Biz Youth Award, Agrobank Biz Innovation Award and Agrobank Biz Disability Empowerment Award.
Championing inclusivity and sustainability
Mohamad Sabu, who officiated the ceremony, said that the awards recognise excellence and the outstanding contributions of the agri-community towards strengthening the national food security agenda.
“These awards are in line with the government’s aspirations in strengthening the agricultural value chain, empowering local entrepreneurs and ensuring comprehensive national food security,” he said.
“The awards do not merely recognise financial and business performance, but also aspects of leadership, innovation, resilience, social inclusivity and contributions to the community and national economy.”
He added that the awards are also aligned with the spirit of the Madani Economy, where inclusivity and social responsibility form the core of national development.
“By providing targeted financing programmes, technical support and entrepreneurial development initiatives, Agrobank enables agro-entrepreneurs to grow sustainably and remain resilient,” he said.
Mohamad Sabu said the awards recognise not just business performance, but also leadership, innovation, resilience and contributions to society and the national economy.—LOW LAY PHON/The Star
In his opening address, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah stated that the awards signify the exemplary benchmarks for what industry players can, and should, strive for to reach national goals and grow as businesses.
“As a pioneer in the nation’s agricultural development, we organised these prestigious awards as a form of national-scale recognition.
“The overwhelming response we have received reflects the commitment of agricultural entrepreneurs who actively promote the agri-food sector,” he said.
He also highlighted the awards’ commitment to diversity, noting the inclusion of all social and community groups.
“The award categories cover various backgrounds, including categories for women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in line with the principle of leaving no one behind, to recognise the capabilities of all individuals,” he said.
“We also introduced the innovation category to encourage creativity and the use of technology-based solutions and new approaches in business operations, to drive sustainable, high-impact and competitive agricultural growth.”
Benchmark for agri-excellence
The recipients of the first-ever Agro Biz Awards showcased groundbreaking achievements in smart farming, sustainable practices and community upliftment, shaping the agricultural sector into a vibrant hub of modern entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
As recognition for their innovation and achievements, Agrobank offered prizes worth a total of RM70,000.
The prestigious Agrobank SME of the Year award was presented to Aqina Fruits Sdn Bhd, alongside an RM10,000 grand prize, for demonstrating overall excellence in business operations, setting a benchmark for growth and stability.
The runners-up were Penternakan Sumber Unggas Sdn Bhd, which took home an RM7,000 prize and Marine Gold Marketing Sdn Bhd in third, receiving an RM5,000 prize.
The Agrobank Biz Women Award, which celebrates female entrepreneurs who not only pioneer successful ventures but also actively mentor and inspire other women involved in business activities throughout the food supply chain, was presented to Awang Ngah Edar Sdn Bhd.
In second was Fatha Marketing, with Putra Afiq Global coming in third.
Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said the awards recognise individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, youth and PWDs.—LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Meanwhile, the Agrobank Biz Youth Award, which acknowledges young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40, was claimed by Al Amin Barokah for their efforts in increasing youth involvement in the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
The runners-up prize was presented to Nex Ecoventures Sdn Bhd, with SMR Biotech Sdn Bhd claiming the third spot.
Vivendi Asset Sdn Bhd bagged the Agrobank Biz Innovation Award.
This special category honours individuals, companies and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding and transformative innovation in enhancing productivity, sustainability and efficiency within the agricultural and agri-food sectors.
Finally, the Agrobank Biz Disability Empowerment Award was won by Rezeki Ternak Enterprise for their contributions and achievements in championing entrepreneurs with disabilities. RI Edar came in second place.
The winners of the Women, Youth, Innovation and Disability Empowerment awards also took home an RM6,000 prize for their achievements.
Aqina Fruits Sdn Bhd business development director Eileen Tan said the company was deeply honoured by the recognition, and aims to continue championing small-scale farmers.
“We have been partnering with Agrobank for many years, and the bank has facilitated the microfinancing support for our small-scale farmers under our B40 Farmers programme, helping them kickstart their careers under our guidance,” she said.
“We want to continue cultivating and nurturing more farmers to grow with us and to bring them to the world stage, representing Malaysia for farming excellence.”
Vivendi Asset Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Lee Wei Sheng, on the other hand, highlighted the need to continuously innovate for success and thanked Agrobank for their support.
“The fishing and fisheries industry is no longer like how we used to view it. Now, it also involves processing, which requires a lot of capital investment, because the value of the seafood and raw materials is high.
“It is becoming a very modern industry and Agrobank has helped us with our working capital, so that we can acquire the raw materials for our processing, and then re-export our products overseas.”
Rezeki Ternak Enterprise founder Muhammad Arif Ahmad Zaki, who is left-eye blind, shared that he was delighted that PWDs were also getting recognition for their entrepreneurial efforts.
“After losing my job during the Covid-19 pandemic, I started this venture to sustain myself. Since then, I decided to continue this career to earn a living and help my local community,” said the 27-year-old.
“Hopefully, with this recognition, I can continue to grow my business and employ more PWDs, like myself, to come work with me, so that we can prosper together.”
For more information, visit www.agrobank.com.my.