The INPenang International Awards 2021 presented biennially by CHTNetwork to recognise ‘Outstanding Penang People & Organisations’ is acknowledged as Penang’s most prestigious red carpet gala event. This edition which marks the fifth installation of the award presentation, saw a turnout of about 300 notable who’s who of Penang and Malaysia. Guest of Honour Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak, the Governor of Penang and YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy representing YAB Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang were among the dignitaries who graced this award night. 

Back from Australia for a study break, Heidi Lim who serenaded the guests with two beautiful and soulful songs was the opening act to this glamorous evening, followed by a short video presentation of INPenang International Awards past years’ events. In his welcoming address, Founding President Chng Huck Theng wished all 17 INPenang International Award recipients continued success and hope that they will also use these blessed opportunities to contribute to the Penang community and YB Yeoh, in congratulating the winners, looked forward to the collaboration from all to realise the Penang 2030 Vision. 

The Winners

Heading the honours list was Dato Seri Chew Weng Khak, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Pensonic Holdings Berhad, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award followed by four respected personalities – Dato Seri (Dr) Syed Hussain Aljunid, Dato Dr Nick Ng, Dr Lim Ban Keong and Ng Kee Guan, winning the INPenang Outstanding Achievers Awards.

For the first time in the awards history, two out of the nine INPenang National Achievers Awards were bestowed onto two very special teams of frontliners, which are the Penang Police Force for Law Enforcement and the Penang Health Department for the Medical sector for their relentless effort and exceptional services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The other seven recipients honoured were Aida Lim Abdullah, Don Hoe, Ranndy Goh, CTG Group, Ee-Jia Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd, Hectarworld Realty Sdn Bhd and The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang. June Goh, Low Chin Siang and Tan Wei Xin were presented with the INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Award Winners.

Highlights of the evening also included a performance by Carinne Lee, who mesmerised the audience with her renditions of popular Malay and Chinese numbers, a fashion showcase featuring INPenang Award Fashion Designer Ranndy Goh’s latest 2021 creations and the Best Dressed Award presented by Ping Chng, CEO of  CHTNetwork Australia to five fashionistas who came dressed to impress. The evening ended on a high note where guests raised their hands and opened their hearts to support the Silent Auction with proceeds benefitting charity organisations. This tradition has always been an integral aspect of CHTNetwork’s charity drive initiatives as Chng believes in giving back to the society. Three art pieces among the other items auctioned raised RM28,000 which will be channelled to the Yayasan Amal TYT. Two of the art pieces donated were Chng’s own creations.

Amongst the other distinguished guests present were Chief Police of Penang Datuk Mohd Shuhaily, President and Group CEO of Affin Bank Bhd Datuk Wan Razly, Tan Sri Richard Koh, Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai and Private Client Director of Louis XIII, Cheryl Xie McCallum.