THREE companies from Penang were among 50 that clinched the top enterprise awards from the Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Develop-ment Association (PUMM).

They are EE-Lian Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd (Diamond Award), Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd (Diamond Award) and Ewein Zenith Sdn Bhd (Platinum).

Other recipients include two Kuala Lumpur companies – Celcom Axiata Bhd and Gamuda Bhd – both winning Honorary Awards.

Celcom Axiata commercial and SME Business director Datuk Kenneth Lee said the awards would help boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“These enterprise awards are a recognition for doing the right thing like creating employment opportunities and economic spill-over effects.

“Penang is the ideal venue to host this event as the state is a hotbed of SME activities,” he said at the PUMM Awards Night at Straits Quay Convention Centre on Saturday.

Lee added that Celcom would launch new solution packages for SMEs in the country this year.

Tio was present at the PUMM Awards Night.

Gamuda executive director Szeto Wai Loong said the awards served as a platform for SMEs to learn from each other.

“The awards also give them the confidence to compete in overseas markets.”

Szeto added that the Penang Transport Master Plan, which was about to take off in the state, served as a good platform for Gamuda to work with the local SMEs.

They were speaking on the sidelines of the Top 50 Enterprise Awards Malaysia 2015/2016 presentation.

Also present were PUMM National Advisor and PKT Logistic group managing director Datuk Michael Tio, PUMM national president Datuk Tony Looi Chee Hong, patron Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, PUMM Penang chairman Tan Lay Seong and event organising chairman Lee Eng Hai.

In his keynote address, former prime minister Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was one of the poorest countries in the world before Independence.

“Malaysia has changed tremendously.

“Now there are not only millionaires but also billionaires.

“To start a new business, entrepreneurs should know that if there is no risk, there is no gain.

“We are glad to see those who have done well today and we hope to see even more entrepreneurs creating wealth to propel Malaysia to become a fully developed country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said entrepreneurship had long played a significant role in the development of Penang and Malaysia.

“Entrepreneurship is the key to making inventions work and be relevant in the marketplace,” he said.

PUMM, established in 1993, was founded by entrepreneur Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

It has helped many young entrepreneurs realise their vision.