AMID shifting global dynamics and economic uncertainty, Singapore’s top 50 private local companies were feted at the 31st edition of the Enterprise 50 (E50) Awards on Nov 24 at the Resorts World Convention Centre.
This year’s awards – under the all-too-fitting theme of “Building A Resilient Nation: Enterprises as Pillars of Progress” – show how those willing to transform will stay the course in today’s business landscape.
For Poh Heng Jewellery, all that glitters was indeed gold as it clinched the top accolade for its efforts to modernise.
The heritage jeweller revamped its 18 stores and launched a new wedding collection to attract younger shoppers.
In second place was Pollisum Group.
For its next stage of growth, the heavy-lift and logistics specialist is seeking private equity firms or strategic investors.
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EU Holidays came in third.
It will launch a travel arm aimed at adventurous young travellers in 2026, and also roll out its own travel card and open a China office.
Minister for Digital Development and Information and guest of honour Josephine Teo said businesses will face new hurdles in the years ahead, such as business model alterations by artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, as well as growing sustainability expectations.
But E50 companies are well-positioned to capture new opportunities, she added.
For instance, digital technologies and AI can raise productivity, develop new services and serve wider markets, while transitioning to a greener economy creates demand for sustainable solutions.
Three special recognition awards were presented to five companies.
JUB Pacific nabbed the Internationalisation Award; Commonwealth Kokubu Logistics, the Sustainability Innovation Award; while Generation Next Communications, KinderWorld International Group and MaxSteel Enterprise were recognised for being five-time E50 awardees.
The E50 awards are jointly organised by The Business Times and KPMG in Singapore, and sponsored by OCBC. Established in 1995, the awards have recognised more than 700 companies.
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