MiRXES co-founders named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 Singapore
BIOTECHNOLOGY startup MiRXES' co-founders Zhou Lihan, Zou Ruiyang and chief investment officer Isaac Ho have been named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 Singapore (EOY).
The cancer detection test kit and Covid-19 test kit maker edged out four other winners in their respective categories after having come on top in the Biotechnology category.
The EOY is organised by professional services firm, EY. This year's edition, the 20th, was held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with guest-of-honour, Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development.
MiRXES combination of science and entrepreneurship that can significantly impact human lives and support socioeconomic goals appealed to the judging panel. The nominees are weighed against six judging criteria of entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, national and global impact, innovation and purpose-driven leadership.
"Having created the world's first molecular blood test for early gastric cancer detection, Lihan, Ruiyang and Isaac found themselves in a unique position to tap on their existing technologies and pivot swiftly to develop and mass-produce Covid-19 test kits that were instrumental to Singapore's fight against the pandemic. They have demonstrated a strong sense of purpose, innovation and agility at staying true to their corporate mission of saving lives and have worked relentlessly to amplify the Singapore brand abroad." said Wong Ngit Liong, chairperson of the judging panel and executive chairman of Singapore-listed Venture Corporation.
Previous overall award winners include Secretlab co-founder and chief executive Ian Ang in 2020 and IYUNO Media Group chief executive officer David (Hyonmoo) Lee in 2019.
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"This award belongs to the entire MiRXES family which has shown dedication, resilience and agility especially for the past 22 months as we remain strong as One Team during these unprecedented times. We hope that winning this award can raise the awareness of RNA diagnostics, cancer screening and preventive healthcare and everyone will be more proactive in managing their health," said Zhou.
The awards also had four other nominees vying for the top award:
Digital automotive solutions:
Aaron Tan, founder and chief executive, Carro
Financial services:
Alex Chua, chief executive officer, Goldbell Financial Services
Collectibles and lifestyle products:
Jackson Aw, founder and chief executive, Mighty Jaxx
Digital insurance solutions:
Walter De Oude, founder and deputy chairman, Singlife
Max Loh, Singapore and Brunei managing partner, EY noted in his opening remarks that the winners have been unstoppable despite the circumstances.
"Even as the world experiences stops and starts, our leading entrepreneurs have time and again shown how they can navigate uncharted territories, overcome setbacks and thrive through uncertainty. Their energy, agility and tenacity are helping to pave the path forward for socioeconomic recovery," said Loh.
In her speech at the event, Indranee congratulated the winners and celebrated their ambition, foresight and grit in making a difference with innovation.
"I am confident that all of you will be able to keep up the entrepreneurial spirit and persevere on this journey to make an impact," she said.
Besides these categories, two other awards were given out, the EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award and the EY Family Business Award of Excellence.
Djoko Susanto, founder of PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk was awarded the EY Asean Entrepreneurial award for growing his business from a grocery store to a large retail business chain.
"With his astute business acumen and determination, Mr Susanto has grown the company to more than 16,000 stores, which hires over 130,000 people across Indonesia and the Philippines. Beyond the socio-economic impact made in terms of job creation, the company also gives back to the community, for example, through providing support and relief during the Covid-19 pandemic," said EY's Loh.
Goldbell Group was named the winner of the EY Family Business Award of Excellence, having been selected by knowledge partners Business Families Institute @ Singapore Management University and the Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise, Insead. The group possesses a core business anchored by legacy and culture, and a drive by the second and third generation to innovate and grow into new areas Loh noted.
"Clearly, the entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive in the family, as they seek to chart a sustainable and long-term strategy for the business," said Loh.
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