Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Second Finance Minister (centre), Datin Linda Ngiam, Group Managing Director and CEO of Star Publications Bhd. (far right) and Dato’ Peter (third from right) with the other Platinum winners

Dato’ Peter Ng, Chairman of the UCSI Group with various subsidiary heads

Kuala Lumpur, 5 August 2010 - The Star newspaper has selected UCSI Group Chairman Dato’ Peter Ng as its “Entrepreneur of the Year” during its inaugural Star Outstanding Business Awards in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of UCSI University.

Dato’ Ng took home the ultimate prize - a platinum medal Thursday evening during a gala dinner at The Royale Chulan hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The top three finalists received platinum, gold and silver medals.

“I’m deeply honoured for this recognition,” Dato’ Ng said. “UCSI is a great university, and I am proud to have been part of its initial development. I am indebted to our staff and students for their unwavering support.” Dato’ Ng established UCSI University in 1986 when it was known as the Canadian Institute of Computer Studies. It has recently appointed Dr. Robert Bong as its vice-chancellor.

According to The Star, the awards are meant to honour local SMEs and emerging businesses that have excelled in creating a profitable venture that is both environmentally-conscious and helps promote Malaysia as a centre of commercial excellence. The awards are divided into nine categories including “Community,” “Global Market” and “Environment.”

Dato’ Ng beats out four finalists for the category “Entrepreneur of the Year,” which is awarded to “the most outstanding entrepreneur who has propelled his company forward with vision, innovation and farsightedness.”  Candidates were judged on corporate vision, track record of entrepreneurship, financial performance, innovation, leadership, human capital management and engagement in corporate social responsibility activities.

UCSI University, the flagship institution of UCSI Group, developed from a small college to a full-fledged university with three branch campuses that offer more than 60 graduate and postgraduate degrees. Dato’ Ng now heads the UCSI Group as Group Chairman overseeing the growth of more than 15 subsidiaries including the UCSI Blue Ocean Strategy Regional Centre, the Laurent Bleu Skin Science Centre and Sekolah Sri Sedaya.