The ASEAN Retail Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF) celebrated its 15th anniversary with a gala dinner and awards, commemorating a decade and a half of remarkable achievements and contributions within the ASEAN market.
Held at Sheraton Hotel, Petaling Jaya on Sept 20, 2024, the grand celebration was graced by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan and former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also ARFF’s patron.
Ismail Sabri in his speech said, “ARFF has come leaps and bounds since its founding in 2008. Reflecting on its remarkable 15-year journey and having worked closely with it, especially during my time serving as the Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism as well as the Prime Minister, it is crucial to acknowledge the numerous individuals and organizations that have become the life and blood of ARFF and their contributions, through this federation, to the foster a vibrant and robust retail chains and franchise sector in this country and across Southeast Asia.”
Other invited guests joining the celebration included ambassadors from Cambodia and Myanmar, representatives from the embassies of Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos; and presidents and chairpersons of leading trade associations and chambers of commerce.
ARFF president Dato’ Sri Mike Loh said since its inception, ARFF has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing the retail chains and franchise industry.
“The driving vision behind ARFF’s mission is to elevate ASEAN countries beyond mere geographic locations, aiming instead to forge a dynamic regional powerhouse that serves as a central hub for commerce, culture, resources, and expertise,” he said.
The evening provided a platform for celebration, recognition, and networking to all key industry leaders, distinguished guests, and award recipients.
A central highlight of the evening was the formal installation of ARFF’s new council members for the 2024-2026 term.
The ceremony not only introduced the incoming council members but also set the stage for their future roles within the federation, guiding ARFF towards fostering industry growth and enhancing collaboration across the ASEAN retail and franchise sectors.
In recognition of businesses that have demonstrated exceptional performance and made substantial contributions to the ASEAN market, the event honoured them with the ASEAN Most Recognised Brands Awards.
The 15th anniversary celebration underscored the ARFF’s long-term commitment to driving industry growth and innovation through key networking events, exhibitions, cultural exchanges and trade missions, while supporting Malaysia’s GDP growth through the wholesale and retail trade sector and empowering businesses throughout the ASEAN region.
Recipients of ASEAN Most Recognised Brands Awards:
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Corporate Advisory Excellence
Dr. Wan Ho Yuen Terence (Managing Director)
Beijing Xinghua Advisory Sdn. Bhd.
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Travel & Tourism Industry Development Excellence
Mita Lim (Founder & Managing Director)
ICE Holidays Sdn. Bhd.
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Authentic Tea Retailing Excellence
Ng Yong Ru (Brand Director)
Legend of Tea Sdn. Bhd.
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in International Export Development Excellence
Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz (CEO)
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand: Best Real Estate Agency of the Year
Marcus Mak (Founder)
M Century Properties Sdn. Bhd.
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Innovative Interior Design Excellence
Michael Tan (Director)
MX Design
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Industrial Automotive Parts & Accessories Supplies
Andry Cahya (Director)
PT Avia Cahya Raya
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Innovative Parking Management & Consultancy Services
A. Simon (Managing Director)
RealParking Sdn. Bhd.
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand in Tourism & Hospitality Services Excellence
Dato’ Sri Tan Aik Kiong (Group Managing Director)
The Pearl Kuala Lumpur
- ASEAN Most Recognised Brand: CEO of the Year in Sustainability Development Excellence
Datuk Benson Lau (Managing Director)
Varia Berhad
