Margaret (left) and Mariati showing the nomination forms yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) is calling for nominations for the 2012 Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Award.
MPWS chairperson Datuk Hajjah Mariati Robert told a press conference at Wisma Wanita yesterday the nominations for the inaugural award will be closed on March 15.
There are three categories in the award, namely Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Rural Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Most Promising Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The nomination for the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to all entrepreneurs in the State. The award is to recognise the participation and contribution of women in economic development.
The Rural Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award is for business operations outside the city of Kota Kinabalu and the Sandakan and Tawau municipalities.
This award is to recognise the participation and contribution of rural women.
The Most Promising Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a recognition of the significant contribution of younger women with potential in developing the economy. This award serves as an encouragement for other women aspiring to be successful in business.
Mariati said the award is the brainchild of Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun and endorsed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
She said Musa announced the award during the State Level Women’s Day celebration on October 29 last year.
“The State cabinet endorsed the award on March 7 and the Chief Minister has stated that this is the first of such an award to be organised by the State government specifically to recognise the contribution of women in entrepreneurship,” she said.
The award ceremony will be held at Pacific Sutera Resort on March 31.
Chairperson of the award committee Datuk Margaret Fung said the Sabah government was the first State in Malaysia to give this award.
She added that the award is open to all Sabah businesswomen and permanent residents of 25 years standing.
“It aims to recognise the entrepreneurial spirit and good business management skills of women,” said Margaret.