IT was a proud moment for Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong when he was bestowed the prestigious INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award at its fourth edition at The Banquet @ Top in Komtar tonight.
The Farlim Group chairman and chief executive officer was chosen for his long-standing leadership and prominent contributions to the Penang and Malaysian society.
Lim was among a total of 19 outstanding Penang people and organisations awarded for their success in their respective fields and contributions to the society.
He is the second recipient of the INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award which was introduced in the award’s third edition in 2017.
The first recipient was Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Michael Yeoh Oon Keng.
The INPenang awards celebration was oganised by CHTNetwork, whose founder and chairman is Ch’ng Huck Theng.
About 400 distinguished guests, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, attended the gala dinner.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Sim Tze Tzin and state Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin.
Chow, who was also the guest of honour, congratulated all winners and commended Ch’ng for organising the international awards.
“I attended this award ceremony about a decade ago, a unique award that only recognises Penang-based organisations and Penangites born both locally and abroad,” Chow said in his speech.
“The Penang government hopes that the winners tonight can in one way or another make an effort to further contribute to the state we call home, one of the perfect places on earth to visit, to invest and to live in.
“We welcome new ideas and investment proposals and we promise that we will do our best to support them.
“I’m convinced that if all of us work together as one regardless of race and religion, our future generations will enjoy a Penang state with a vibrant economy, a green environment and a safe place for us all.”
The guests were entertained by performances from the Penang Symphony Orchestra and a fashion show by models in stunning dresses from one of Malaysia’s leading fashion designers, The MOD House.
An auction was later held with proceeds going to charity.
This year, a new award category for emerging entrepreneurs was introduced.
The INPenang International Awards Winners:
1. Best Transformed Tourist Attraction – The Top Penang (highest iconic entertainment tower).
2. Best Tourism (Museum) – Wonderfood Museum Penang.
3. Top Bridal Studio – Anovia Bridal.
4. Best Household Brand – Sunshine Retail Group.
5. Best Geomancy Service Industry – David Xuan.
6. Best Plastic & Aesthetic – The M Clinic.
7. Best Musical Conductor – Datuk Woon Wen Kin.
8. Health Food Manufacturer – TG Ocean Health Food Industries Sdn Bhd.
9. Best Automotive Manufacturing Industry – Hong Seng Group.
10. Top Developer – Ideal Property Group.
INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Awards Winners:
1. Derick Ooi Tze Wei (founder & managing director of Global Story)
2. Jason Ong Han Yee (creative director of Triple I Production House)
3. Tan Li Mei (founder & CEO of Scoopoint)
INPenang International Outstanding Achievers Awards Winners:
1. Kenya – Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif (executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme)
2. Australia – William Lye (barrister, senior counsel for Victoria)
3. Myanmar – Yeap Huey Huey (founder & managing director of Safety First)
4. Malaysia – Adrian Ang (Group CEO of Mega Fortris)
5. Malaysia – Datuk Henry Goh (co-founder & COO of Macrokiosk Group)
INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong (chairman and CEO of Farlim Group).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian