DPM Heng Swee Keat hands 2019 SICCI Awards to outstanding Indian entrepreneurs

If brand positioning is key to building brand equity, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI)'s gala dinner in conjunction with its 95th Anniversary, over achieved its positioning objectives. Complete with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr. Heng Swee Keat as guest-of-honour, packed house with Indian business community, phenomenal performance by the child prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram at the opulent Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. 

Winners of the prestigious SICCI Entrepreneur Awards 2019 were announced and a total of 8 awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, were presented to ten recipients at the ceremony attended by more than 700 guests. 

SICCI Entrepreneur Awards 2019 Lifetime Achievement Awarded to  P Mr. Ameerali R. Jumabhoy. Photo Courtesy: SICCI
SICCI Entrepreneur Awards 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mr. Ameerali R. Jumabhoy (centre) – who headed Scotts Holdings, that built Singapore’s first shopping mall in 1982 – by DPM Heng Swee Keat (right) and Dr. T. Chandroo (left) at the SICCI 2019 Awards at MBS, SIngapore Photo Courtesy: SICCI 

The Lifetime Achievement Award  was presented to Ameerali R. Jumabhoy, of the Jumabhoy clan – the clan behind Scotts Holdings – one of Singapore's early property giants.  Jumabhoy headed Scotts Holdings, that built Singapore’s first shopping mall in 1982, for 14 years. He had also led business delegations to 22 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe including from Singapore.  

In his speech the DPM spoke on innovation and internationalisation as key ways in which Singapore has overcome its constraints and grown. He encouraged companies to expand beyond our island nation to India, South Asia and further. DPM further added, "Besides seeking new opportunities locally and abroad, I would like to encourage the SICCI and its members to continue giving back to society". 

Established in 1924 as the Indian Merchants Association, SICCI is one of the three ethnic chambers in Singapore with over 700 members. It is one of the oldest trade associations in Singapore. DPM spoke of Indian pioneers such as Narayana Pillai who played a part in the wider society in Singapore as well. 

Award winners with DPM Heng Swee Keat at SICCI Entrepreneur Awards cum 95th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Setup of International Business Division (IBD) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Photo Courtesy: SICCI
Award winners with DPM Heng Swee Keat at SICCI Entrepreneur Awards cum 95th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Setup of International Business Division (IBD) at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Photo Courtesy: SICCI

The 10 recipients were presented with awards under varied categories. 

Jagdish Prasad Jaiswal – Established Entrepreneur Award

Established Entreprenuer Award winner, Chairman and Managing Director of Peakmore International Private Limited at the SICCI's 95th Anniversary gala event. From L to R: Mr Prasoon Mukherjee (Vice Chairman,SICCI ), Mr Jagdish Prasad Jaiswal (Winner of the Established Entrepreneur Award), Dr T. Chandroo (Chairman, SICCI). Photo Courtesy: SICCI
Established Entreprenuer Award winner, Chairman and Managing Director of Peakmore International Private Limited at the SICCI's 95th Anniversary gala event. From L to R: Mr Prasoon Mukherjee (Vice Chairman,SICCI ), Mr Jagdish Prasad Jaiswal (Winner of the Established Entrepreneur Award), Dr T. Chandroo (Chairman, SICCI). Photo Courtesy: SICCI

 

Shailesh Naik – Promising Entrepreneur Award

Shailesh Naik , Founder and CEO of Matchmove Pay Private Limited  wins the Promising Entrepreneur Award at the 2019 SICCI Awards ceremony. Photo Courtesy: SICCI
Shailesh Naik , Founder and CEO of Matchmove Pay Private Limited wins the Promising Entrepreneur Award at the 2019 SICCI Awards ceremony. Photo Courtesy: SICCI

 

Jayavarman Gnanansekaran -Young Entrepreneur Award

Jayavarman Gnanansekaran, CEO Dei Holding Pte Ltd poses with the  Young Entrepreneur Award at the 2019 SICCI Awards ceremony at MBS Singapore. Photo Courtesy: SICCI
Jayavarman Gnanansekaran, CEO Dei Holding Pte Ltd poses with the Young Entrepreneur Award at the 2019 SICCI Awards ceremony at MBS Singapore. Photo Courtesy: SICCI

 

    Four Special Awards that were presented were to:

    Anil David for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility

    Mohana Kumar Pillai and Anurag Avula for Global Presence

    Maneesh Tripathi for Best Innovation and Technology

    Mohana Kumar Pillai and Sai Kishore Mamidipaka for Foreign-Owned Business

?Chairman, Dr T. Chandroo spoke of SICCI's humble beginnings in 1924, how it has evolved and distinguished itself as a progressive institution in Singapore. He spoke of promoting entrepreneurship amongst the youth in Singapore through –  the Aspiring Entrepreneur Network; ?recognising women through – the SICCI Women Entrepreneur Network (WEN) and encouraging and helping business expand overseas- with a focus primarily on India- through an International Business Division (IBD) within the chamber.

SICCI Chairman, Dr. T. Chandroo giving a speech at the 95th anniversary gala dinner and award ceremony at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on 9th Novermber 2019. Photo Courtesy: SICCI
SICCI Chairman, Dr. T. Chandroo giving a speech at the 95th anniversary gala dinner and award ceremony at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on 9th Novermber 2019. Photo Courtesy: SICCI

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Prasoon Mukherjee, Chairman designate of the chamber’s International Business Division (IBD) said, “This Division aims to streamline its assistance and processes to support the growth of committed companies by assisting with bottlenecks that are related to business expansion and set-up.”

The Awards initiative, now into its 16th year, has not only recognized and rewarded outstanding Indian entrepreneurs and businesses, but has also allowed these personalities to serve as role-models for fellow aspiring Singaporeans.  

Piano prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram and his sister performed at the event to thunderous applause.