Two Malaysian entrepreneurs were recently recognized for their leadership and innovative contributions at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Young Entrepreneurs Super Model Awards 2026 held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. The event, which also marked the 15th anniversary of the ACCCIM Young Entrepreneurs Committee (YEC), honored 32 individuals in two categories: the International Model Award and the Excellence Model Award.
Hah Cheau Jin, widely known as CJ Hah, received the International Model Award for her achievements as founder of Polygon Holdings Sdn Bhd. Starting out in real estate sales 18 years ago, Hah established Polygon Holdings in 2017 with 20 employees. The company has since expanded significantly, now employing 2,000 people and operating in various sectors including property development, real estate agency, property management, interior design, renovation, property media platforms, and real estate technology solutions. Hah attributes the company’s growth to a long-term vision focused on system development and talent cultivation, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for others to realize their potential. Polygon Holdings has also expanded its operations beyond Malaysia to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China.
Hah has invested heavily in employee training and leadership programs, creating platforms aimed at helping young individuals pursue careers in the property industry and achieve financial independence. “I want my journey not merely to be from a real estate salesperson to a corporate leader, but to be a journey of building a platform that enables more people to change their lives,” she said.
Ng Cheng Kiat, 46, received the Excellence Model Award for his work in the food and beverage sector. Without prior industry experience, he founded Riz Kitchen, a restaurant chain dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Nyonya cuisine. A Kuala Lumpur native who graduated from Coventry University in the UK, Ng returned to Malaysia to join the banking industry before transitioning to entrepreneurship driven by his passion for food. Riz Kitchen has grown from a single outlet to 22 locations nationwide by 2026, offering over 100 traditional Malaysian dishes. The brand emphasizes cultural harmony, or "muhibah," and has obtained halal certification to broaden its appeal.
Ng described his restaurant business as a medium not only for commerce but also for transmitting cultural heritage. Looking ahead, Riz Kitchen aims to expand internationally, introducing Malaysian Nyonya cuisine to a global audience. “Preserve the essence of tradition, but don’t be afraid to innovate,” he stated.
The awards ceremony drew approximately 2,000 attendees, including Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who highlighted the need for more young Malaysians to take risks, develop businesses, generate employment, and assume leadership roles. He also noted government initiatives such as Rakan Muda and Geran Sejati Madani x Belia that provide support and resources for youth entrepreneurship.
Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, ACCCIM president, commended the award recipients for their resilience and innovation, encouraging them to continue expanding their enterprises and contributing societal value. ACCCIM YEC chairman Datuk Leon Lee underscored the committee’s efforts to foster regional cooperation with young entrepreneur organizations from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and South Korea, and pointed to emerging opportunities in sectors like electrical and electronics, electric vehicles, advanced materials, and energy transition despite ongoing global economic challenges.
The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and fireworks display, celebrating the accomplishments of Malaysia’s rising entrepreneurial talents.