Overall Winner of the Established Entrepreneur Category

Media Release
Overall Winner of the Established Entrepreneur Category Overcomes Odds to
Build Asian-Chinese Food and Beverage Empire
Mr Kok Kuan Hwa Ricky, Chang Cheng Group: Overall Winner of Established Entrepreneur
Award Category
Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd: Second New Entrepreneur Award
Category recipient bags double honours as Overall Winner and Winner of EYA for Business
Strategy
Singapore, 21 November 2014 – In its 26th edition, The Entrepreneur of the Year Award (EYA)
celebrated
the
achievements
of
an
entrepreneur
who
made
good
despite
his
disadvantaged background. Chang Cheng Group’s Managing Director Mr Kok Kuan Hwa
Ricky clinched the Overall Winner in the Established Entrepreneur category.
The Award also saw Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan of Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd walk away with
both Overall Winner and EYA for Business Strategy accolades in the New Entrepreneur
category.
EYA is Singapore’s oldest entrepreneur award, co-organised by the Association of Small and
Medium Enterprises (ASME) and the Rotary Club of Singapore. The Award recognises the
exemplary efforts of enterprises that seek innovative ways to develop their businesses and
commend their leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit. It has since honoured more
than 230 entrepreneurs to date, of which around 20 percent have since listed their
companies.
Sharing his thoughts on this new batch of inspiring winners, Mr Wee Chorng Kien Kurt,
President of ASME said, “Our economy owes much of its success to entrepreneurs who
overcame personal struggles and relentlessly pursued their dreams to achieve their business
goals. Led by these strong-willed and determined entrepreneurs, small and medium
enterprises continue to create and sustain a vibrant hub of economic activity within local,
regional and international markets.”
The EYA comprises two segments, namely the Established Entrepreneur and New
Entrepreneur categories. Changes were made to the qualifying criteria for both the
Established Entrepreneur and New Entrepreneur categories – this year, the rubrics include the
evaluation of the entrepreneur’s relevance and resilience amidst existing challenges. It
involved assessing the entrepreneur’s resourcefulness, human capital and productivity,
innovation, as well as business management, branding and communication. These
refinements reflect the ever-changing landscape of business and the evolution of the Award
as it continually improves itself to better cater to the demands of the business community.
The New Entrepreneur category, previously known as the Young Entrepreneur category,
recognises emerging new businesses that have been operating for at least two years, pitting
them against their peers.
The Overall Winner of the Established Entrepreneur category Mr Kok Kuan Hwa Ricky faced
many obstacles, growing up in a poor family and losing his parents at a young age, but his
sheer determination helped him brave the storms. From a restaurant chef, he cultivated his
culinary passion and opened his first stall at Toa Payoh. Now the Managing Director of Chang
Cheng Group, he is looking to expand his business, in hopes of becoming Singapore’s best
food and beverage company.
In response to his win, Mr Kok said, “I would like to thank EYA for the opportunity to participate
in the Award and for recognising our company’s efforts. I am also grateful to our numerous
customers for their unwavering support. Our achievements thus far can be attributed to the
continuous team work by my colleagues and staff members – their contributions have
helped this ordinary food and beverage company embark on an extraordinary journey. After
receiving this award, I believe that we will continue to strive and attain better results than
before, as well as advance further into international markets.”
Another deserving recipient is Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, who claimed two awards at EYA.
“This Award not only judges the track record or the current status of the entrepreneur and his
business, but it also focuses on the future potential and prospects of the business, as well as
the entrepreneur’s capabilities. Winning this award is a clear endorsement that what I have
been doing all this while is going in the right direction; it also gives me a clear signal that the
plans I am putting forward is the right step. Winning this award gives me a lot of motivation,
inspiration, and also builds customer confidence. In addition, it is good recognition for my
business and my company,” said Mr Murugaiyan.
Relying on his keen business acumen and grasp of customers’ needs, Mr Murugaiyan set up
Luvenus’ first store in Changi Airport and is looking to open his first outlet outside Singapore
early next year. In doing so, he transformed his family-owned jewellery business into a
reputable market leader in a highly competitive luxury goods industry.
Mr Murugaiyan is an excellent example of how awareness of a target audience’s needs
builds strong relationships with customers, thereby ensuring steady returns.
“A positive attitude and fervent determination are vital to succeed in an ever-evolving
business climate. Rather than pushing their products, more companies are channelling their
efforts into providing better customer-centric experiences. They design products according
to customer needs and provide excellent client service,” said Mrs Perlita Tiro, President of the
Rotary Club of Singapore.
After months of interviews, appraisals and a stringent final judging that assessed
entrepreneurs on both qualitative and quantitative standards, the conclusive list of Overall
Winners and Sub-Category Award Winners have emerged:
Established Entrepreneur Award Category
Overall Winner

Mr Kok Kuan Hwa Ricky, Chang Cheng Group
Winners of EYA for Innovation and Technology

Mr Sim Eng Tong, Biomax Technologies Pte Ltd

Dr Ye Ning, Sun Singapore Systems Pte Ltd
Winner of EYA for Social Contribution

Mr Nicholas Goh, Verztec Consulting Pte Ltd
New Entrepreneur Award Category

Overall Winner
Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd

Winner of EYA for Business Strategy
Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd
The evening was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Manpower.
Marking its return as the main Sponsor of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the 13th year,
OCBC remains committed to supporting SMEs and entrepreneurship in Singapore.
Mr Linus Goh, Head, Global Commercial Banking, OCBC Bank, said, “Across a diverse range
of industries, this year’s winners share a common focus on innovation in driving the
transformation of their companies and businesses. They have successfully innovated to keep
their businesses relevant to their customers and employees amidst a changing landscape
and growing competition. We congratulate all winners on their achievements and look
forward to seeing them continue to push new boundaries.”
-End-
For media enquiries, please contact:
JUSTIN SHEN (ASME)
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
DID: 6513 0366
Mobile: 9028 6637
Email: [email protected]
RACHELLE TAN (ASME)
Senior Executive, Corporate Communications
DID: 6513 0366
Mobile: 9011 0055
Email: [email protected]
VALERIE WONG (ASME)
Executive, Corporate Communications
DID: 6513 0349
Mobile: 9128 5562
Email: [email protected]
Appendix
Overall Winner & Sub-Category Award Winners
THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 ~ A ROTARY SINGAPORE-ASME AWARD
Established Entrepreneurs:
Overall Winner
Mr Kok Kuan Hwa Ricky, Chang Cheng Group
Winners of EYA for Innovation and Technology
Mr Sim Eng Tong, Biomax Technologies Pte Ltd
Dr Ye Ning, Sun Singapore Systems Pte Ltd
Winner of EYA for Social Contribution
Mr Nicholas Goh, Verztec Consulting Pte Ltd
New Entrepreneurs:
Overall Winner
Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd
Winner of EYA for Business Strategy
Mr Parthiban Murugaiyan, Luvenus Jewellery Pte Ltd
Appendix
AWARD CATEGORIES
ESTABLISHED ENTREPRENEURS
The Established Entrepreneur category of the EYA brings forth veteran entrepreneurs who
demonstrate continuous tenacity and determination in keeping with the times in order to
remain relevant and keep a strong hold in the market.
OVERALL WINNER
Awarded to the most distinguished and deserving Entrepreneur, the Overall Winner is one
who has excelled and surpassed his/her peers in all aspects of the Judging Criteria as chosen
by the Award Judging Panel.
SUB-CATEGORY AWARDS
EYA FOR ENTERPRISE [TITLE SPONSOR – ROYAL SALUTE]
Awarded to the Established Entrepreneur exhibiting strong leadership and entrepreneurial
prowess. Candidates will be judged on their Vision and Mission, Business Management,
Growth and Sustainability and Resourcefulness.
EYA FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Awarded to the Entrepreneur who has effectively leveraged on innovative measures and/or
technology to improve productivity and profitability within his/her organisation.
EYA FOR BRANDING AND COMMUNICATION
Awarded to the Entrepreneur who has not only created a strong brand foothold within the
industry but has also sought and implemented communications technology to enhance
communication to his/her stakeholders, both internally and externally.
EYA FOR SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION [TITLE SPONSOR – ROTARY CLUB OF SINGAPORE]
Awarded to the Entrepreneur demonstrating efforts in contributing to society, involvement in
environment policies and encouraging employee involvement in community activities.
Appendix
AWARD CATEGORIES
NEW ENTREPRENEUR
The New Entrepreneur category of the EYA recognises start-up entrepreneurs who
demonstrate keen business acumen and extensive resourcefulness in employing innovation
for effective differentiation.
OVERALL WINNER
Awarded to the most distinguished and deserving Entrepreneur, the Overall Winner is one
who has excelled and surpassed his/her peers in all aspects of the Judging Criteria as chosen
by the Award Judging Panel.
SUB-CATEGORY AWARDS
EYA FOR BUSINESS STRATEGY
This is awarded to the Entrepreneur who presented strategic plans ensuring competitiveness
and survival in the current world of uncertainty.
EYA FOR INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Awarded to the Entrepreneur who has effectively leveraged on innovative measures and/or
technology to improve productivity and profitability within his/her organisation.
EYA FOR SOCIAL CONTRIBUTION [TITLE SPONSOR – ROTARY CLUB OF SINGAPORE]
Awarded to the Entrepreneur demonstrating efforts in contributing to society, involvement in
environment policies and encouraging employee involvement in community activities.
Appendix
THE ENTREPRENEURS
THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 ~ A ROTARY SINGAPORE-ASME AWARD
Established Entrepreneurs
NAME
Mr Fang Koh Look
Mr Sim Eng Tong
Mr Kok Kuan Hwa
CHINESE
NAME
方科椂
沈应中
Mr Yap Boh Tiong
DESIGNATION
郭观华
李盛先
叶宝中
COMPANY
Executive
Absolute Kinetics
Chairman
Consultancy Pte Ltd
Chief Executive
-
Mr Mark Chng
庄子斌
Mdm Cheah Bee
Technologies Pte
Chew
-
Ltd
Managing
Chang Cheng
长城集团私人有
Director
Group
限公司
Managing
Hong Guan (Tackle)
丰源渔具私人有
Director
Pte Ltd
限公司
Mileage
迈励公关（私
Chairman
Chairman
Managing
Director
-
-
Biomax
Communications
Pte Ltd
Mr Vinod Menon
NAME IN
CHINESE
Officer
Ricky
Mr Lee Sheng Shoy
COMPANY
MindWave Solutions
Pte Ltd
NETe2 Asia Pte Ltd
Managing
Origin Herbal Hair
Director
Treatment Pte Ltd
人）有限公司
-
-
-
Appendix
THE ENTREPRENEURS
THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 ~ A ROTARY SINGAPORE-ASME AWARD
Established Entrepreneurs (CONT’D)
NAME
Mr Terence Lee Y S
CHINESE
NAME
李耀雄
COMPANY
DESIGNATION
曾瑞榮
Dr Ye Ning
叶宁
Mr Nicholas Goh
吴子水
Mr Victor Yeap
-
NAME IN
CHINESE
Managing
Director
Mr Larry Chan
COMPANY
Parts Precision
Technology (S) Pte
-
Ltd
Managing
RFT Marketing Pte
荣福贸易私人有
Director
Ltd
限公司
Managing
Sun Singapore
新加坡恒星系统
Director
Systems Pte Ltd
有限公司
Chief Executive
Verztec Consulting
Officer
Pte Ltd
Managing
Yeap Medical
Director
Supplies Pte Ltd
-
-
Appendix
THE ENTREPRENEURS
THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2014 ~ A ROTARY SINGAPORE-ASME AWARD
Young Entrepreneurs
NAME
Ms Mabel Wong
Mr Parthiban
Murugaiyan
Mr Rodney Tang
CHINESE
NAME
-
-
郑振良
COMPANY
DESIGNATION
COMPANY
NAME IN
CHINESE
Managing
Director
JobStudio Pte Ltd
Managing
Luvenus Jewellery
Director
Pte Ltd
Managing
Royal T Group Pte
Director
Ltd
-
-
-
Appendix
ABOUT THE AWARD
THE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2014 ~ A ROTARY SINGAPORE-ASME AWARD
Inaugurated in 1989 by the Rotary Club of Singapore, The Entrepreneur of the Year Award
(EYA) is the oldest Award in Singapore that salutes and honours local entrepreneurs who
have shown outstanding performance as business owners, be it emerging or established
enterprises, in their chosen field of entrepreneurship.
In 1992, the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) was invited to join hands
with Rotary Club of Singapore as a Co-Organiser of the Award, resulting in the creation of The
Entrepreneur of the Year ~ A Rotary Singapore-ASME Award.
EYA creates a journey for all participants, from the submission of the Business Proposal to the
Site-Visit Interviews, Final Judging and finally the glamorous Presentation Ceremony. The
holistic judging processes, delivered by businessmen, academics, senior civil servants and
other individuals of high repute, will give participants different perspectives on their
businesses, allowing them to take away valuable insights and useful advice to advance their
enterprise further.
AWARD CONCEPT
Entrepreneurs are tireless in their business endeavours.
Resilience, determination and resourcefulness are some of the gears that drive these
enterprising individuals forward, working in unison to convert the smallest efforts into
maximised output. These gears vary in size, shape and function, yet all of them are part of a
grand design, put together to create a sophisticated system that runs like precise clockwork,
providing the impetus to advance.
In an increasing trying business climate, it is this set of interlocking characteristics that will
allow the entrepreneur to withstand challenges and even to shift into high gear, giving the
enterprise greater momentum.
Appendix
ABOUT THE AWARD CO-ORGANISERS
ASSOCIATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) is a not-for-profit organisation
established in 1986 for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs. With wide-ranging services and
programmes, ASME strives to equip member SMEs with the business knowledge and market
opportunities to help them grow their businesses.
ASME, as the champion of a pro-enterprise Singapore, bridges the public and the private
sectors to promote a more conducive business environment which facilitates the start-up,
growth and development of a larger pool of SMEs. The two ASME flagship awards - The
Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Singapore Prestige Brand Award are in recognition of
SMEs’ successes.
ASME will continue to roll out new SME-relevant programmes to enhance its position as the
business association For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs.
www.asme.org.sg
Appendix
ABOUT THE AWARD CO-ORGANISERS
ROTARY CLUB OF SINGAPORE
Rotary Club of Singapore was incorporated on 6 June 1930 and will be celebrating its 84 th
charter anniversary this year.
The objects of Rotary are to:
1. Encourage and foster the ideal of service as a worthy enterprise
2. Set ethical standards in business and profession; and
3. Promote international peace, goodwill and understanding
Since inception, the Rotary Club has embarked on many national projects:
1.
The Rotary Club founded the Singapore Anti Tuberculosis Association (1947), Trafalgar
Rotary School (now known as SILRA) (1951), Spastic Children’s Association of
Singapore (1956), Singapore After Care Association (1958), Singapore Association for
Retarded Children (now known as MINDS) (1962), Society for the Aged Sick (1968)
and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (1972).
2.
Through sponsorship of more than 20 Interact Clubs and Rotaract Clubs, the Rotary
Club groomed many young individuals in its youth leadership programmes. It founded
and ran the Computer Literacy Program for Adults (CLPA) from 2001 to 2004, which
provided computer skills for adults in community centres.
3.
In collaboration with the Singapore Prison Service, the Rotary Club mentored the
inmates of The Kaki Bukit Centre Prison School (Rotary Community Corp). In 1958, the
Club funded the construction of a hostel for the Singapore After-Care Association.
4. The Club initiated the Project LIFE Thailand (2005-2010) and HELP Nepal (2002-2013)
and since 1995, Rotarians and non-Rotarian eye surgeons from Singapore and India
have performed operations in India and Cambodia and funded Eye Centres in
Phnom Penh and Pursat. Annually, the Rotary Club will conduct medical missions in
Indonesia and Philippines.
5.
In 1989, the Rotary Club established the annual prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year
Award (EYA). Jointly organised with the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises,
EYA was established to acknowledge the accomplishments of local entrepreneurs
who epitomise the true meaning of entrepreneurship. In 2009, the Rotary Club
initiated the Rotary Youth Social Entrepreneurship Challenge for aspiring young social
entrepreneurs in Singapore.
Dedicated to the principles and ideals of Rotary, embedded in its motto “Service Above
Self”, the Rotary Club of Singapore continues to be an active great-grandfather club of the
various Rotary Clubs in Singapore.
www.rotary.org.sg
Appendix
ABOUT THE AWARD MAIN SPONSOR
OCBC BANK
OCBC Bank is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of
three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is now the second largest
financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets and one of the world’s most highly-rated
banks, with an Aa1 rating from Moody’s. It was ranked by Bloomberg Markets as the world’s
strongest bank in 2011 and 2012.
OCBC Bank and its subsidiaries offer a broad array of specialist financial and wealth
management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and
transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.
OCBC Bank’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has over
630 branches and representative offices in 18 countries and territories. These include more
than 330 branches and offices in Indonesia operated by subsidiary Bank OCBC NISP and
Wing Hang Bank’s 95 branches in Hong Kong, China and Macau. Wing Hang Bank became a
subsidiary of OCBC Bank on 15 July 2014.
OCBC has been supporting SMEs in key markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and
Greater China. Our industry expertise, strong regional network and innovative banking
solutions have helped customers achieve their growth ambitions. Our successful partnerships
with SMEs have earned us industry recognition, which includes the Best SME Banking
accolade by The Asian Banker in 2012, the ASEAN SME Bank of the Year by the Asian Banking
and Finance for four consecutive years from 2011 till 2014, and the Best SME Bank in
Singapore by Alpha Southeast Asia for the fourth year in 2014.
As a main sponsor of The Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the 13 th consecutive year, OCBC
remains committed to helping entrepreneurs and SMEs succeed locally and internationally.
For more information, please visit www.ocbc.com.
Appendix
ABOUT THE AWARD SPONSORS
OFFICIAL WHISKY – ROYAL SALUTE
The journey begins where others end.
The first iteration of Royal Salute came in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Since then, Royal Salute has been enthroned as a Scotch of great distinction, the only one in
the world with blends that require a minimum barrel age of 21 years.
Together with the Royal Salute 38 Years Old and 62 Gun Salute, Royal Salute offers whisky
connoisseurs an unparalleled range of experience in terms of scent and taste.
INFOCOMMS PARTNER – STARHUB
StarHub is the choice info-communications service provider for businesses and government in
Singapore, where technology and partnerships come together to create solutions for the
benefit of our customers.
StarHub's Enterprise Business Group collaborates with leading brands/companies to offer a
comprehensive suite of solutions that empowers businesses of all sizes to stay ahead of their
game. The group has capabilities to design, build, operate networks, provide network
integration services, as well as cloud solutions.
Visit www.starhub.com/business to find out how we can take your business forward.
Appendix
AWARD TERMS & REFERENCES

Overall Winner:
年度企业家奖 – 总冠军

EYA for Established Entrepreneur:
年度企业家奖 – 成就企业家

EYA for Enterprise:
年度企业家奖 – 企业奖得主

EYA for Innovation and Technology:
年度企业家奖 – 科技创新奖得主

EYA for Branding and Communication
年度企业家奖 -品牌推广与机构通讯奖得主

EYA for Social Contribution:
年度企业家奖 – 社会贡献奖得主

EYA for New Entrepreneur:
年度企业家奖 – 新兴创业家

EYA for Business Strategy
年度企业家奖 - 业务策略奖得主

EYA for Innovation and Technology:
年度企业家奖 – 科技创新奖得主

EYA for Social Contribution:
年度企业家奖 – 社会贡献奖得主
Appendix
AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY GUEST-OF-HONOUR
Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, 陈川仁
Minister for Manpower
新加坡人力部部长
AWARD CO-ORGANISERS
Mr Kurt Wee, 王崇健
Mr Thomas Fernandez
President
Award Co-Chairman
会长
年度企业家奖筹委会联合主席
Association of Small and
Association of Small and
Medium Enterprises
Medium Enterprises
中小企业商会
中小企业商会
Mrs Perlita Tiro
Mr Suresh Keerthi
President
Award Co-Chairman
社长
年度企业家奖筹委会联合主席
Rotary Club of Singapore
Rotary Club of Singapore
新加坡扶轮社
新加坡扶轮社
Mr Linus Goh, 高体良
Head of Global Commercial Banking
总裁,环球商业银行部及金融机构部
OCBC
华侨银行

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