Celebrating EMERGING ICON, Shine on the NANYANG Stage
2026 NANYANG EMERGING ICON AWARD MALAYSIA
NANYANG OUTSTANDING YOUTH AWARD
NANYANG OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
NANYANG OUTSTANDING FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Organized by Nanyang Icon, in collaboration with Nanyang Siang Pau, the event “Nanyang Icon Night” honors individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in business, society, and personal branding. The award recognizes outstanding young representatives (including KOLs) who embody the spirit of innovation and leadership in the Nanyang community.
These awards provide a platform for showcasing influence and expanding resources, celebrating achievements within Malaysia’s business community.
The event offers nominees an opportunity to enhance their business influence and expand their network. Winners gain extensive media exposure and brand interviews that amplify both personal and corporate impact. This helps advance brand development and solidifies the awards as an important benchmark for annual recognition of Malaysia’s top entrepreneurs.
Event Recap | 2025 Nanyang Emerging Icon Award Night
Relive the highlights of the 2025 Nanyang Emerging Icon Award Night — a spectacular evening celebrating Malaysia’s most outstanding young entrepreneurs and business leaders. From emotional award presentations to powerful connections made on and off the stage, every moment was a testament to excellence and ambition. Will you be the next icon on this stage?
About the Organizer of 2026 Nanyang Emerging Icon Award
About the Organizer of 2025 Nanyang Emerging Icon Award
“Nanyang Icon Night” is organized by Nanyang Icon and jointly promoted by Nanyang Siang Pau.
The event aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding young entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in areas such as social responsibility and innovation.
It provides opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs from various fields to showcase their personal and corporate influence. It serves as an annual benchmark for a new generation of Nanyang entrepreneurs and leaders, making a lasting impact on Malaysia’s business community and industrial development.
Through this event, participants gain wide media exposure and in-depth brand interviews. Special coverage further enhances both personal and corporate influence, helping to strengthen brand development in Malaysia and the broader Nanyang region.
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Malaysia's Nanyang Emerging Youth Award, Nanyang Outstanding Entrepreneur Award, and Nanyang Outstanding Female Entrepreneur Award invite talented individuals from all fields to participate.
The Nanyang Siang Pau special feature—“Nanyang Emerging Icon Awards”—is now open for entries.
The awards aim to recognize young entrepreneurs and outstanding business leaders who have demonstrated excellence in business innovation and social impact. We believe that every visionary and dedicated entrepreneur deserves a stage to showcase their achievements and stories.
By participating, contestants gain official recognition and brand exposure. They also receive exclusive coverage in Nanyang Siang Pau and other major media platforms. This expands corporate influence, particularly in Malaysia and the broader Nanyang region. The awards provide a platform for women entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, and outstanding business leaders to reach wider markets and audiences.
In the Media Spotlight: nanyang Emerging icon Award Malaysia
In the Spotlight: nanyang Emerging icon
Recent media coverage highlights the initiatives and influence of the Nanyang Emerging Icon within the industry. Below are the latest news features and articles showcasing our work and impact.
- : 南洋商报
- : 21 January 2026
Early 2026 in Malaysia: Trade Hits Record High, Education Undergoes Reform
Malaysia’s foreign trade performed strongly in 2025, with the total trade volume exceeding RM3 trillion for the first time, reaching RM3.06 trillion...
Read More..
- : Bernama
- : 20 January 2026
Inaugural Nanyang Emerging Icon Awards Honour Outstanding Local Entrepreneurs
The inaugural '2025 Nanyang Emerging Role Model Awards' today honored 52 outstanding entrepreneurs, recognizing their significant contributions..
Read More..
- : 南洋商报
- : 21 January 2026
The “Nanyang Outstanding Young Leaders Night” honaring 52 young entrepreneurs
On January 20, 2026, the “Nanyang Outstanding Young Leaders Night” award ceremony concluded successfully, honoring 52 young ..
Read More..
Key Dates for 2026 NANYANG EMERGING ICON awards
Key Dates for 2025 NANYANG EMERGING ICON awards
01
Application Open Date:
01/03/2026
02
Application Deadline:
10/10/2026
03
Review Period:
12/10/2026 - 11/2026
04
Winner Announcement Date:
Mid-November 2026
05
Award Ceremony Date:
19/1/2027
Award Ceremony Venue:
KL Area (TBC)
Personal Category Selection Guideline
Personal Category Selection Guideline
| Category | Award Positioning |
|---|---|
|
1. 2026 Nanyang Personal Excellence Award |
An individual honor award presented to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional capability, influential leadership, sustained achievements, and meaningful contributions to their industry or society. |
|
2. 2026 Nanyang Rising Icon Of The Year |
An award that recognizes a new generation of entrepreneurs who have risen rapidly in recent years and achieved impressive
growth.It values not only a strong start, but also the ability to establish clear market positioning and deliver visible results within
a short period of time. |
|
3. 2026 Nanyang Young Entrepreneur Of The Year |
This award honors a new generation of entrepreneurs under the age of 40 who have already demonstrated exceptional potential, clear
direction, and rapid growth in their respective fields, emerging as highly promising leaders of the future. |
|
4. 2026 Nanyang Male Entrepreneur Of The Year |
This award honors outstanding male entrepreneurs, regardless of age, who have demonstrated substantial achievements in business scale, team leadership, and commercial influence. |
|
5. 2026 Nanyang Female Entrepreneur Of The Year |
This award recognizes outstanding female entrepreneurs who have built a strong standing in the business world through capability and leadership, while continuing to generate value and lasting influence. |
|
6. 2026 Nanyang Industry Titan Of The Year |
As the highest distinction within Nanyang’s “Industry Excellence” category, this award honors enterprises and leaders who have
established benchmark status in their respective fields. With sustained achievements that inspire market trust, mature systems that support expansion, and industry influence that drives trends and sets standards, they serve as exemplary models for their peers. |
| Category | Age Eligibility |
|---|---|
|
1. 2026 Nanyang Young Entrepreneur of the Year |
40 and below |
|
2. 2026 Nanyang Male Entrepreneur of the Year |
Open to all ages |
|
3. 2026 Nanyang Female Entrepreneur of the Year |
Open to all ages |
|
4. 2026 Nanyang Male Entrepeneur of the Year |
Open to all ages |
|
5. 2026 Nanyang Female Entrepeneur of the Year |
Open to all ages |
|
6. 2026 Nanyang Industry Titan of the Year |
Open to all ages |
CSR & Brand Innovation Category
CSR & Brand Innovation Category
| Category | Involved Fields |
|---|---|
|
1. 2026 Nanyang CSR Icon Award |
Recognises enterprises with significant impact in philanthropy, education, or community development, embodying the spirit of giving back to society. |
|
2. 2026 Nanyang Technology & Digital Icon Award |
Honours enterprises driving growth through technology innovation or digital transformation, covering AI, e-commerce, and smart manufacturing – representing the spirit of “business through technology.” |
|
3. 2026 Nanyang Innovation Icon Award |
Recognises enterprises that innovate in products, business models, or services, successfully breaking industry boundaries and representing pioneering courage. |
|
4. 2026 Nanyang Brand Icon Award |
Honours brands with strong recognition, trust, and continuous growth, emphasising the long-term value of “brand as an asset.” |
|
5. 2026 Nanyang Culture Icon Award |
Recognises enterprises with influence in cultural heritage, creative content, and the promotion of Chinese values worldwide, representing the global soft power of Nanyang culture. |
| Category | Involved Fields |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanyang CSR Icon Award |
Education, Charity, Community |
|
2. Nanyang Technology & Digital Icon Award |
AI, E-commerce, Smart Manufacturing, Digital Transformation |
|
3. Nanyang Innovation Icon Award |
Product Innovation, Business Models, Service Breakthroughs |
|
4. Nanyang Brand Icon Award |
Brand Identity, Trust Building, Market Growth |
|
5. Nanyang Culture Icon Award |
Cultural Heritage, Creative Content, Chinese Values |
Honorary Category – Entrepreneur of the Year
Honorary Category – Entrepreneur of the Year
| Category | Award Positioning |
|---|---|
|
1. 2026 Nanyang Business Icon Award |
Assessed across growth, leadership, innovation, and social impact, this award is presented to the most representative enterprise of the year, serving as a symbol of the “Nanyang benchmark of business excellence and spirit.” |
|
2. 2026 Nanyang Entrepreneur Icon Award |
As the highest individual distinction, this award honors entrepreneurs who demonstrate a cross-generational spirit in business development, organizational leadership, and industry influence, serving as the most exemplary ambassadors of the “Nanyang spirit.” |
Application Criteria for NANYANG EMERGING ICON AWARD Malaysia
Application Criteria for NANYANG EMERGING ICON AWARD Malaysia
NANYANG PERSONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD | STAR CLASS
1. Content Influence Category (KOL / Public Figure / Creator / Athlete)
- Minimum 100K followers, active for at least 2 years, or proven leadership achievements
- Previous collaborations with brands or appearances in mainstream media
2. Sales Influence Category (Insurance / Real Estate / Direct Sales High Performers)
- Led or developed a sales team for over 3 years with significant organizational impact
- Active in the industry for at least 3 consecutive years and recognized as a benchmark in sales or training
- Recipient of sales awards and maintains consistent media visibility
NANYANG RISING ICON OF THE YEAR | RISING ICON
Candidates must meet at least two of the following:
- Annual revenue: RM5 million to RM10 million
- Position: C-level executive / Director / Partner / Founder
- Establishment / Operations: At least 2 years in operation, with basic financial statements available
- Brand positioning: Clear market positioning with consistent delivery of products and/or services
- Expansion potential: Currently expanding or planning to scale further in areas such as outlets, e-commerce, systems, or team development
NANYANG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR | ENTREPRENEUR CIRCLE (YOUNG / MALE / FEMALE)
Candidates must meet at least two of the following：
Annual revenue: RM10 million to RM30 million (including combined domestic and international revenue, where applicable)
Position: C-level management / Director / Founder
Business stage: Company has been operating for more than 2 years, has entered a growth stage, and is supported by basic financial statements
Brand positioning: Clear brand positioning with continuous delivery of products and/or services
Expansion plan: Currently undergoing or planning business expansion and upgrades, such as outlets, e-commerce, systems, or HR planning
Entrepreneurial mindset: Willing to engage in resource integration, participate in growth-oriented learning, and embrace an open and collaborative spirit
NANYANG INDUSTRY TITAN OF THE YEAR | TITAN COUNCIL
Candidates must meet at least two of the following:
Annual revenue: RM30 million or above (including combined domestic and international revenue, where applicable)
Position: C-level executive / Senior Management / Director / Founder
Business stage: The company is at a structured and professional growth stage, with systems such as SOPs, KPIs, and financial reporting in place
Brand structure: The business has a clear brand architecture and holds notable influence or benchmark status within its industry
Founder profile: The founder demonstrates strong industry vision and is preparing for or advancing initiatives such as capitalization, international expansion, or business diversification
Strategic scale: The company has developed a group structure, or is exploring advanced corporate initiatives such as an IPO, fund structuring, or mergers and acquisitions
Post-Award Recognition & Affiliation
Winners are automatically enrolled into these prestigious categories, gaining access to Malaysia’s top entrepreneur and business leader networks.
Post-Award Recognition & Affiliation
Winners are automatically enrolled into these prestigious categories, gaining access to Malaysia’s top entrepreneur and business leader networks.
SUMMARY |
PARTICIPATION STEPS OF 2026 NANYANG EMERGING ICON AWARDS MALAYSIA
SUMMARY |
PARTICIPATION STEPS OF 2025 NANYANG EMERGING ICON AWARDS MALAYSIA
Step 01: Select Award
- Personal Achievement:
- Nanyang Personal Excellence Award | Star Class
- Entrepreneur Category:
- Nanyang Rising Icon of the Year | Rising Icon (Revenue RM 5 million–RM 10 million)
- Nanyang Entrepreneur of the Year | Entrepreneur Circle (Young / Male / Female) (Revenue RM 10 million–RM 30 million）
- Nanyang Industry Titan of the Year | Titan Council (Revenue RM 30 million and above)
Step 02: Submit a Company or Personal Profile
Specific requirements will be stated in the application form
Required:
A PDF profile or a 3-minute video
Step 03: Additional Awards (Optional)
- Social Responsibility & Brand Innovation Award
- Business Excellence Honor Award
(Additional application form required)
Step 01: Select Award
Personal Achievement：
- Nanyang Personal Excellence Award | Star Class
Entrepreneur Category:
- Nanyang Rising Icon of the Year | Rising Icon (Revenue RM 5 million–RM 10 million)
- Nanyang Entrepreneur of the Year | Entrepreneur Circle (Young / Male / Female) (Revenue RM 10 million–RM 30 million)
- Nanyang Industry Titan of the Year | Titan Council (Revenue RM 30 million and above)
Step 02: Submit a Company or Personal Profile
Specific requirements will be stated in the application form
Required:
A PDF profile or a 3-minute video
Step 03: Additional Awards (Optional)
Social Responsibility & Brand Innovation Award
Business Excellence Honor Award
(Additional application form required)
Registration Process & Fees FOR
2025 NANYANG EMERGING ICON Application
Registration Process & Fees FOR
2025 NANYANG EMERGING ICON Application
Download Registration Form and Upload after completing the PDF.
Please download, complete, and upload the form along with your bank receipt for the application.
Application Mechanism, Fees & Privilege Plan for Nanyang Emerging Icon
Application Mechanism, Fees & Privilege Plan for Nanyang Emerging Icon
Please carefully review the following fee and payment guidelines to avoid missing out on your eligibility. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning participant, we encourage you to complete the payment early to ensure a smooth registration process.
RM 2,800 (excluding 8% SST)
Includes:
- Participation in the judging process
- Data submission
- Official recognition and participation in the award ceremony if shortlisted
- If the applicant is not shortlisted, the organizer will provide you with a media publicity package of equivalent value worth RM2,800.
- Bank Details
NANYANG ICON HOLDINGS SDN BHD
Public Bank Berhad
322 847 6427
- Lifetime authorized use of the official certification badge (for websites, business cards, packaging, advertising, and media)
- Strengthen brand credibility and market influence
- Access exclusive media exposure support and promotional resources
Steps for Submission Instructions for 2026 NANYANG EMERGING ICON Application
Steps for Submission Instructions for 2025 NANYANG EMERGING ICON Application
01
Download The Registration
Form
02
Upload The Completed Form And The Bank Receipt For Verification.
Fill in the Information & Submit the Form
Fill in the Information & Submit the Form
Please fill in the following information and upload the files:
SUBMIT YOUR INQUIRY & CONNECT WITH US
SUBMIT YOUR INQUIRY & CONNECT WITH US
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