Dear All,
The following article first appeared on my Malaysian Today column along other high profile bloggers like Joel Neoh, Ganesh Bangah and Daphne Iking entitled “Writer's blog” on the 21-27 August 2008 issue.
Each year around this time for the last 4 years, the young and upward mobile below 40 waits with a bated breath. The wait is of course for the revelation of which 40 individual managed to make the cut for the Prestige’s Top 40 under 40 list.
For the benefit of those who don’t know , published by Prestige a leading social and lifestyle magazine of choice among corporate leaders, high-flying business folk and Asia’s elite – the Prestige Top 40 Under 40 List honors forty Malaysian under the age of 40 who are chosen based on their remarkable achievement in their chosen field.
Among the fields represented includes communication, home and property, fashion, retail, consultancy, food and beverage, technology and entertainment. The list is traditionally unveiled in a special booklet profiling their respective success story, at a gala that toast the honorees.
This year some 350 guests congregated at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Ballroom on the 16th of August to fete the 4th batch of the Top 40 under 40 honorees . The guests also include past Top 40 individuals who take the opportunity to catch up with their otherwise very busy peers.
Among the remarkable individuals honored this year include fellow Sri Cempakans Sheik Faisal Sm Nasimuddin (CEO of Naza Italia) & Benjamin Yong (CEO of the Delicious Group Sdn. Bhd, fellow college and Curtin University mate renown Feng Shui Consultant and Author Joey Yap, Beauty with a heart former Miss Malaysia Dato’ Anna Lim, PR Dynamo Elaine Chuah of Priority Communications, Malaysian Idol Jacyln Victor, rapper Extraordinaire & founder of Kartel records Joe Flizzow, Malaysia’s very first astronaut Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, film director Bernard Chauly, Miss Malaysia World 2007 Deborah Henry, Director of faces Model Management Bhd. Claranz Geh, Best English Album Award (AIM) Winner Melissa Indot & one of my favorite fashion designer Calvin Thoo.
This year also saw the introduction of the “Most Promising Individual” awards. The winner is chosen based on his or her success in his or her chosen field, contribution towards nation building and the economy & society. This year the award went to the 25 year old Ruth Yeoh, Director of Investments of YTL Corporation Berhad Group of companies. Ruth Yeoh is not only a high achiever in her corporate career; she is also extremely committed to addressing environmental issues and climate change. She has also co-authored with Dr. Kenny Tang a book entitled “cut Carbon, Grow Profits: business Strategies for managing Climate Change and Sustainability”.
Many of the honorees shared that they are truly humbled by the recognition accorded to them. It will actually drive and motivate them to strive harder in their future pursuit. I take this opportunity to congratulate all of this year’s Top 40 under 40 honorees. I hope you too will make it there the year if not next!
Cheers,
KIDCHAN
H/P: +6(012 215 9933) kidchan@portraitone.com
“100 People You Must Know in Asia”-Malaysia Tatler
“the most sought-after wedding photographer in Malaysia” -NST
“Picture Perfect”-The Edge Daily”
Kid Chan- Celebrity Photographer” – Harper's Bazaar
“Top 40 under 40”- Le Prestige