MATRADE NEA 2025: National Recognition for Leading Malaysian Exporters
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) today launched the National Export Awards (NEA) 2025 to recognise outstanding Malaysian exporters and reinforce the country’s ambition to lead as a globally competitive, service-ready and sustainability-driven trading nation.
Themed “Honouring Excellence, Powering Global Trade”, NEA 2025 reflects the nation’s broader trade vision -- one that sees export success as more than commerce, but as a strategic pillar of economic growth, global positioning and long-term sustainable development, the agency said in a statement.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Malaysia’s strong export performance amid global uncertainty reflects the agility and resilience of its industries.
“Many of our exporters are catalysts of innovation, champions of resilience and drivers of inclusive, sustainable growth.
“NEA 2025 recognises this excellence by celebrating exporters who successfully build a future-ready, innovation-led and sustainable business,” he said.
Meanwhile, MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said NEA 2025 is a national platform to showcase excellence, inspire the next generation of exporters and reaffirm Malaysia’s position on the global stage.
“This is Malaysia’s moment,” he said, “to lead, to compete, to excel.”
Speaking at the soft launch, Reezal Merican said NEA 2025 is not only a showcase of industry excellence, but a grand gesture for MATRADE to give thanks and show its gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tengku Zafrul.
“They (our leaders) have been at the forefront, relentlessly and tirelessly meeting leaders around the world for bilateral meetings and negotiations – especially in the extremely vulnerable and uncertain geopolitical and geoeconomic times we have been facing this year,” he added.
MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said that as global expectations shift toward more responsible trade, Malaysian exporters must rise to meet the moment.
“The NEA honours those leading the way, setting the path that encourages others to follow,” he said.
The 2025 edition, to be held on Dec 5, will feature seven best exporter award categories, including Best Exporter - Large Companies, Best Exporter - Multinational Companies, and Best Exporter - Mid-Tier Companies.
The other categories are Best SME Exporter - Emerging, Best SME Exporter - Bumiputera, Best SME Exporter - Youth, and Best SME Exporter - Women.
Award recipients will be selected through a rigorous evaluation framework based on export value, market reach, sustainability practices and growth trajectory.
MATRADE said the process will be independently verified by a professional audit firm, ensuring transparency and merit-based recognition in line with global best practices.
-- BERNAMA