MALAYSIA SME MEDIA GROUP has been officially recognised by ASEAN Records for achieving the First and Highest-Altitude Business Congress Session Delivered by a Panel of Speakers at a Mountain Summit, where four speakers conducted a business congress session at the foot of Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu (4,095 metres) on 17 June 2026.
The ASEAN Records certificate was officially presented during the MALAYSIA SME Sportrepreneur Congress 2026, commemorating an achievement that redefined how entrepreneurship, leadership and personal resilience can be brought together beyond the traditional conference setting.
After ten months of planning and preparation, the initiative transformed Southeast Asia’s highest mountain into an extraordinary venue for business dialogue, demonstrating that entrepreneurship extends far beyond boardrooms and convention centres.
Redefining Business Leadership Through Adventure
The congress brought together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and professionals in a pioneering initiative that combined business learning with physical endurance, teamwork and mental resilience.
Organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Sabah Year, the programme highlighted Sabah’s potential as a destination for business events, adventure tourism and experiential leadership while encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt healthier lifestyles through sport and outdoor challenges.
The congress featured a panel session delivered by distinguished business leaders who drew compelling parallels between climbing Mount Kinabalu and building successful enterprises. The speaker lineup included:
- Raj Gurung, Managing Partner, Superclub International Ltd Hong Kong
- Datuk Roger Wong, Founder & Group Managing Director, KGW Group Berhad
- Gwei Tze Co, CEO, Astra Baby Sdn Bhd
- Virata Gamany, Executive Director, CSI Prop
Collectively, they shared practical insights on resilience, perseverance, leadership and teamwork, reinforcing that meaningful achievements are rarely accomplished alone.
A Historic ASEAN Records Milestone
The ASEAN Records recognition establishes a new regional benchmark for experiential business engagement and reflects MALAYSIA SME MEDIA GROUP’s commitment to creating innovative platforms that inspire entrepreneurs to pursue excellence in both business and personal well-being.
The award was presented by Eldrick Koh, Chief Adjudicator of ASEAN Records, to Wayne Lim, Organising Chairman of the MALAYSIA SME Sportrepreneur Congress 2026 and President & Chief Editor of MALAYSIA SME MEDIA GROUP.
Receiving the recognition, Wayne Lim dedicated the achievement to every member of the expedition.
“This ASEAN Records achievement belongs to every member of the expedition who believed in the vision and committed themselves over ten months of preparation. Through the Sportrepreneur movement, we want to remind entrepreneurs that success is not measured only by the businesses we build, but also by the health we maintain, the resilience we develop and the lives we inspire along the way.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the initiative, Lim added:
“For more than two decades working with SMEs, I’ve seen many entrepreneurs dedicate everything to growing their businesses while neglecting their own health. Through Sportrepreneur, we hope to demonstrate that lasting success includes taking care of both our businesses and ourselves.”
Leadership Lessons Beyond the Summit
Each speaker reflected on how the expedition mirrored the realities of entrepreneurship.
Raj Gurung emphasised the importance of mindset and teamwork.
“Whether you’re climbing a mountain or building a business, success begins with mindset and is sustained by teamwork. When the journey becomes difficult, it is your determination to keep moving forward together that ultimately leads you to the summit.”
Datuk Roger Wong drew comparisons between scaling Mount Kinabalu and building a publicly listed company.
“Standing at the summit reminded me that every great achievement has a story people never see. Just as our IPO took years of preparation, every step up Mount Kinabalu required discipline, perseverance and the support of others.”
Gwei Tze Co reflected on personal growth through embracing new challenges.
“Returning to Mount Kinabalu reminded me that we grow when we challenge the limits we place on ourselves. Just like in business, we never reach the summit without the support of those around us.”
Virata Gamany highlighted leadership through self-development.
“This expedition reminded me that leadership always begins with leading ourselves. When we become the best version of ourselves, we are better equipped to serve our families, grow our businesses and contribute meaningfully to our communities.”
Preserving the Journey Through Summit
The expedition also marked the official launch of Summit, a commemorative publication authored by fellow expedition member Aileen Anthony, Founder of Write Right Communications.
Available in both hardcover and digital editions, the 148-page publication features 18 first-person reflections across six chapters, documenting the participants’ experiences—from preparation and perseverance to the lessons learned at Southeast Asia’s highest peak.
Reflecting on the publication, Aileen Anthony said:
“Every summit tells two stories—the one people see and the one people live. While the ASEAN Records recognition celebrates what we achieved together, Summit preserves the conversations, struggles and breakthroughs that made the achievement possible.”
Looking Ahead
Building on this historic milestone, MALAYSIA SME MEDIA GROUP will continue expanding the Sportrepreneur movement through programmes that encourage entrepreneurs to pursue excellence in business while prioritising health, resilience and lifelong learning.
The record-setting congress not only established a new ASEAN benchmark for experiential business leadership but also demonstrated that the greatest entrepreneurial journeys are measured not simply by the heights reached, but by the character, collaboration and perseverance developed along the way.
The expedition was supported by GX Bank, BMS Organics, Oat Story and Borneo Calling, with co-organisers Entrepreneur Speaker Bureau, Write Right Communications, AI Dave and Summit Attack. The complete list of participants and the expedition documentary are available through the MALAYSIA SME Congress YouTube Channel.
