TOYM, or better known as “Top Outstanding Young Men” presented by JCI, Malaysia (Junior Chamber International, Malaysia), is a prestigious award which acknowledges the exceptional achievements of ten individuals in Malaysia aged from 18 years to 40 years in different fields as well as their contributions to the society and the community.
The top 30 finalists and 10 winners of the awards were selected from different fields and categories such as Business, Economic and / or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment, Political, Legal and / or Governmental Affairs, Academic Leadership and / or Accomplishment, Cultural Achievement, Moral and / or Environmental Leadership, Contribution to children, World peace and /or Human rights, Humanitarian and / or Voluntary Leadership, Scientific and / or Technological Development Personal Development and / or Accomplishment as well as Medical Innovation.
This year, CEO of Exabytes, Mr. Chan Kee Siak was short listed as the ‘Top 30 Outstanding Young Men’ at the age of only 30 at his first time participation in this awards under the category of Business, Economic and / or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment, prior to the award ceremony which was held at Sunway Pyramid, KL.
The honor of being short listed as the top 30 was indeed an astounding one, judging by the extensive competition coming from numerous exceptionally outstanding individuals in different areas throughout Malaysia.
Chan, one of the youngest finalists at the table
The finalists and winners of the awards were determined by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of highly regarded personalities including Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Tan Sri Augustine Ong, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Lin See Yan, Dato’ Haji Harun Din, Datin Ann Bt Abdul Majid and Toh Puan Datin Dr. Hajjah Aishah Ong on 3 general guidelines:
- How each nominee’s achievement had benefited their community, nation or world;
- The extent to which the nominee’s achievement exemplifies the last tenet of the Jaycee Creed “that service to humanity is the best work of life”; and
- To evaluate whether the achievements demonstrated by the nominee will provide inspiration to our youths to strive to their fullest potentials.
Emcees of the night
TOYM Award Ceremony 2011 organized by JCI started at 7.30pm in the beautiful evening of September 22, with the presence and participation of the top 30 short listed candidates including celebrities like Malaysian singer Penny Tai and veteran Malaysian actress Lai Ming.
Eight exabees reached Sunway Pyramid at 7.00pm in suits or night gowns, only to be stunned by the splendid attire wore by the night’s participants who richly dressed in suits, tuxedos as well as magnificent gorgeous night gowns. Former education minister Mr. Ong Tee Keat was also present, with many gorgeous looking men and classy ladies all gathered in the waiting hall.
The night kick-started by a traditional Chinese dance and a special food presentation among others, followed by speeches by various highly respected individuals including the award organizer and Mr. Ong Tee Keat who took approximately 45 minutes before the grand opening ceremony of the night.
A presentation profiling of Chan’s accomplishments
Being the essence of the awards to provide a stage from which the 30 honorees can challenge and inspire young people from around the country, each winner’s career was highlighted in narrative form on a LCD projector with a presentation profiling of his/her accomplishments, followed by the trophy presentation, and an acceptance speech.
Being comfortably seated at the nicely decorated table with 3 boxes of moon cakes, we anxiously waited for the 10 winners to be announced from each category. When it reached the category of Business, Economic and / or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment, exabees clenched their fists and wished for the best to happen.
Chan receiving the recognition at stage
Although CEO Chan was not selected as the top ten this year, we at Exabytes are truly honored that Chan was short listed as the 30 finalists, in other words, the Top 30 Outstanding Young Men in Malaysia.
Seven happy exabees at the event with Malaysian veteran actress Lai Ming
After the announcement of winners, Malaysian singer Penny Tai, also one of the top 10 winners of the night went on stage to give her spectacular singing performance to everyone before the meaningful night came to an end.
