After years of experience as an Automation Engineer in multinational companies, Mr. Chuah Choon Bin founded Pentamaster in 1995. The Company is involved in the design, assembly and installation of computerized automation systems and equipment for the semiconductor and manufacturing industries. Mr. Chuah’s ability to innovate, motivate and maintain close rapport with the people around him has successfully nurtured a company beginning with two individuals to a workforce of 200, creating a niche in the industry within just a few years.

Pentamaster is today a global market player with representative offices in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, and appointed distributors in Malaysia, Singapore, China and Taiwan. Its customers around the world include semiconductor and computer industry giants such as Intel, Dell, Toshiba, Linear Technology and Texas Instruments. Often commended for its excellent customer service and support, Pentamaster has received recognition for being the preferred supplier and partner to several of its major customers as well as a merit award for innovative in product design. @ Sept 02

asiaEP began when Dr. Tan in 1995 envisioned the huge potential for internet-based business activities in the coming century. After formulating the appropriate internet business strategies, Dr. Bernard and his co-founders created asiaEP in 1998 with a handful of staff in a small back office in Puchong to provide services in the areas of e-marketplace development and other customized e-solutions. asiaEP has a horizontal portal which hosts eight vertical portals for various manufacturing sectors. Through these portals, products and services from small-to-medium scale enterprises are promoted worldwide.

Its web-site has more than 100,000 products displayed online, with a cumulative indicated buying value in excess of USD88 billion across 5 continents, estimated at about 16% of Asia’s total e-merchandising. Today asiaEP, an MSC-status company, is the Southeast Asia’s largest manufacturing e-marketplace provider. Dr. Bernard Tan, who holds a Doctorate of Business Administration in e-Business, is also actively involved in social activities through non-profit organizations. @ Sept 02

Y Bhg Dato’ Hazimah Zainuddin started her career in an administrative role. Driven by her passion for a more tangible achievement, she quickly progressed into a marketing role and by the time she left employment, she held a key position in a public listed company involved in the marketing of building materials. She then formed the first bumiputra company to act as an agent for a public listed company in the distribution of spare parts, lubricating oils etc. Soon after, she started Hyrax Oil Sdn. Bhd. in 1991 which focused in the design and development of top quality and high performance automotive, industrial and specialty lubricants and other petroleum derivatives.

Over the years Hyrax has achieved consistent growth volume and geographical spread and profitability. Hyrax’s client list includes large corporations both local and international, including the Government of Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and a number of oil majors. Driven by her desire to repay society, she continually contributes by participating in selected social events and organizations. @ Sept 02

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh is the Chairman of the YTL Corporation group of companies. Since taking over YTL Corp at a tender age of 21, Tan Sri Francis, a Civil Engineer by training, has been instrumental in transforming the family business from a mid-sized contractor into a conglomerate. The Group grew from a single listed entity in 1985 to a force comprising five listed companies - YTL Corp Bhd., YTL Power International Bhd., YTL Cement Bhd., YTL Land and Development Bhd., and YTL e-Solutions Bhd. with a combined market capitalization of RM12 billion with core activities spanning from power generation and transmission, owning and managing integrated water and sewerage facilities, property and hotel development, cement manufacturing, construction contracting to e-commerce initiatives.

With the clear commitment to produce world class products and services at third world prices, the YTL Group has registered an impressive compounded annual growth rate of 55% since 1986. With Tan Sri Francis at helm, YTL Corp achieved many significant firsts and has won many local and international excellence awards including those for corporate governance. Apart from serving on numerous Boards and Business Councils, Tan Sri Francis also promotes arts, music and sports as he believes, other than business, these are important alternative means of communication that represent the best human endeavours. @ Sept 02