Eversendai Corporation Sdn Bhd, founded by Dato’ A.K. Nathan in 1984 is a reputable player in the fabrication, design and erection of steel structures, having been involved in the construction of such iconic landmarks as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai and the Burj Dubai – currently the world’s tallest building. In all, the company has completed over 100 projects in Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.

Having to curtail his pre-university course due to financial difficulties, he started work as a printing machine operator and subsequently as an insurance agent. With no formal education in engineering, Dato’ Nathan has grown Eversendai to where it is today, with sheer hard work and perseverance. His first foray into the construction sector was accidental, when he was given the opportunity to work on the Dayabumi project where he learnt Japanese project management techniques on the job.

Dato’ Nathan has steered Eversendai into one of the largest steel contractors in the Middle East with fabrication plants in Dubai, Sharjah and Qatar. Eversendai has awarded the “2005 International Achievement Award” by the Construction Industry Board, Malaysia and at the 20th International Golden Construction Award (New Milenium Award). @ Sept 08

En Mazlan Muhammad surfaced his entrepreneurial abilities during his school days, selling burgers, and importing and distributing apparel to Petaling Street vendors. Today, he has built MM Vitaoils Sdn Bhd into one of Malaysia’s major exporters in value added palm-oil based products in just 5 years. Without any prior experience in manufacturing, he has harnessed significant knowledge of the industry and sees this as his competitive edge, solving complex technological issues the local industry had long been riddled with. His first major feat was setting up factory, manufacturing processes and exporting products all within just 4 months, with first-year operations generating RM28 million in revenues.

MM Vitaoils’ stable of products has an extensive export market covering 63 countries and has been embellished with many international awards. Its margarine product, Blossommm, was recently awarded the Superior Taste Award 2008 by the International Taste and Quality Institute, Brussels and its cooking oil, Serimas, was awarded the AVPA 2008 from Specialty Commodities, Paris.

Mazlan, through MM Vitaoils, has sponsored entrepreneurial projects, palm oil awareness initiatives and supported the development of various schools. @ Sept 08

Dato’ Clement Hii is the Chief Executive Officer of SEG International Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading private higher education providers with six major campuses in the Klang Valley, Penang and Sarawak serving approximately 16,000 students.

Challenges in access to higher education during his early years catalysed Dato’ Clement’s entrepreneurial involvement in education. He started off as a journalist with several local newspapers, and at 32, pursued a law degree with a local college. Determined that he could provide a better quality programme he purchased the cash-strapped college, which had only six students.

Under Dato’ Clement, SEGi has grown through acquisitions of other private higher education providers such as Systematic College and PRIME College, re-branding its campuses under the ‘SEGi College’ label in 2006. Today, together with its international affiliations, SEGi has students from over 46 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa. SEGi’s corporate social responsibility initiatives include the Leadership Training Centre for its students and the Higher Opportunity for Potential Education (HOPE) programme for disadvantaged students. In 2007, SEGi was awarded the Technology Business Review ASEAN Award for “Excellence in Education Sector”. @ Sept 08

Upon returning with a Masters in Architecture from Harvard University, Mr David Mizan Hashim founded Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd. 21 years on, David has evolved Veritas into a multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, landscape design and planning firm specialising in the design of innovative building spaces and environments. It is one of the leading architectural and design practices in South-East Asia.

David has contributed to the design vision for many of Veritas’ projects and commands a diverse portfolio of technology-intensive and industrial projects including the designing of high speed rail systems, station rehabilitation and transport terminals. Veritas’ other prestigious architectural and interior design projects boast names such as KL’s One Sentral, the Dubai Islamic Bank Headquarters and Al-Bareeq Tower in UAE and Riviera City in Vietnam. Veritas has won coveted accolades including the Malaysian Institute of Architects Architectural Steel Award for Micro Detail in 2007 and the Building and Construction Interchange’s Asia’s Top Ten Architects in Malaysia Award 2007.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, David founded the Veritas Fund for Excellence in Design Education to assist in the education of students with modest means. Veritas also supports various aid-relief and charitable organizations. @ Sept 08

Tan Sri Datuk G. Gnanalingam is the Executive Chairman of Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a company he was instrumental in setting up in 1990. Having started his career with the Malaysian Tobacco Company in 1968, he rose to the rank of Marketing Director before leaving to form his own marketing company which handled the commercial operations of RTM. At its helm, Tan Sri has been instrumental in growing Westports into one of the world’s top five ports in terms of productivity and with over 4 million TEUs in 2007 and still growing. Westports’ operational procedures, developed from customers’ wish-lists, led to the port achieving three world records, including cargo handling speed.

His keen passion for developing people is a key success factor for Westports. In 2007, Westports was awarded the Human Resources Minister HR Development Award. Tan Sri has won several prestigious accolades, including the SME Platinum Award 2007 and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK)’s Malaysian Achiever of the Year Award.
Westports has embarked on several poverty eradication projects since 1995 including building of schools, community infrastructure and grants to the poor in Pulau Indah. @ Sept 08