KUALA LUMPUR, July 11, 2026 – Over 400 distinguished guests, business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and award recipients gathered at the Sunway Convention Centre today for the 11th CHT International Awards 2026, a biennial gala celebrating outstanding contributions across industries and communities.
Organised by CHTNetwork and supported by MATRADE, with AFFIN DIVENTIUM, Volvo, and Volvo Sisma as Principal Partners, the black-tie event, themed Luminous Pandoratopia, was graced by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Malaysia’s Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, as Guest of Honour. Also in attendance were key figures including Datuk Seri (Dr) Syed Hussian Aljunid, Advisor to CHTNetwork and Chairman of Media Prima Berhad; Mr Alex Castaldi, CEO of Sunway Hospitality Group; and Ms Wendy Liew of AFFIN Bank, alongside representatives from Volvo, Sisma Auto, and numerous industry associations.
In his welcome address, Dato’ Chng Huck Teng, founder of the CHT International Awards, reflected on the Awards’ 18-year journey, noting that over 150 exceptional individuals and organisations have been honoured since 2008, including entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, ministers, and diplomats. He emphasised the platform’s commitment to recognising those who create meaningful impact within their professions and society.
Milestones and Record Recognition
This year’s ceremony marked several significant milestones. For the first time, two recipients were conferred the CHT Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising their extraordinary lifelong contributions:
- Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai – Chairman of BERNAMA
- Dato’ Mohammad Nor bin Khalid (Dato’ Lat) – Malaysia’s beloved cartoonist and cultural storyteller
In a historic moment, representatives from the Malaysia Book of Records officially conferred upon the CHT International Awards the title of “Longest-Running International Personal Namesake Award,” acknowledging 18 years of continuous excellence since its establishment in 2008.
Full List of 2026 Recipients
CHT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
- Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai (Media) – Chairman, BERNAMA
- Dato’ Mohammad Nor bin Khalid (Dato’ Lat) (Creative Arts) – Malaysia’s Beloved Cartoonist and Cultural Storyteller
CHT INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVERS AWARD
- Dr Rick Stephen, AM (Australia) – Continental Director for Asia, Worldchefs
- Mr Steve Ng Meng Tatt (Malaysia) – Group Senior Director, Mega Fortris Berhad
- Major (K) Dato’ Chua Heok Wee (Malaysia) – CEO & Managing Director, Muar Ban Lee Group Berhad
- Mr Ang Eng Tee (Singapore) – Screenwriter
- Dr Mark Leong (Singapore) – Co-Founder & Group CEO, DML Asia Group
CHT EXCELLENCE AWARD
- Sara Heng – Guzheng Artistry & Music Education
- Jaya Wheel Sdn Bhd – Automotive Retail
- BilaBila Retail Sdn Bhd – Convenience Grocery Retail
- Cold Storage Supermarket – Premium Supermarket
- Muar Ban Lee Group – Global Excellence in Palm Oil Processing Technology
- Dato’ Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz – Business-Government
- Professor Sibrandes Poppema – Expatriate
CHT EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
- Mr Jason Chan Ming Hwee – Founder, Zeka Food Sdn Bhd
- Hiper Collective Sdn Bhd
Charity Auction Highlights
The evening concluded with a charity auction featuring exclusive pieces crafted for the CHT International Awards 2026, with part proceeds benefiting charitable initiatives. Among the highlights:
- An Heirloom of Auspicious Elegance – A bespoke 18K yellow gold pendant with green sapphires and diamonds, reinterpreting Peranakan heritage and the Chinese motif Da Ji (“Great Fortune”).
- The Sovereign Heirloom – A high-jewellery neckpiece featuring a forest green tourmaline with palladium white gold and pavé diamonds, inspired by nature’s beauty.
- That’s LIFE: Look, Listen & Feel – An original contemporary artwork by Dato’ Chng Huck Teng, also featured on the cover of the Awards’ commemorative coffee-table book.
Since its international expansion in 2016, the CHT International Awards has honoured recipients from 12 countries, including Australia, Japan, the UK, and the US. To date, more than 150 outstanding individuals and organisations have been celebrated under its philosophy, “Where All Good Things in Life Meet.”
For more information, visit www.chtawards.com
