PETALING JAYA – The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) clinched six awards for putting the island’s tourism industry back on track after it was dampened by the adverse effects of Covid-19.
At the glittering ceremony of the Malaysia Tourism Council Gold Awards at the New World Hotel here, Lada was also recognised for its role in helping Langkawi set up the tourism bubble before the leisure sector was reopened fully.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Zainuddin Wahab presented the awards.
As of December 5, a total of 472,572 tourists have returned to Langkawi, generating tourism receipts worth RM487 million.
Lada chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Mutalib was also singled out for his leadership in guiding the island resort through the bubble.
The awards won by Lada and its subsidiaries includes:
i. Special Awards on Travel Bubble Initiatives – Langkawi Development Authority;
ii. Best Cable Car in Malaysia – Langkawi Skycab (Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd);
iii. The Best Malay Cuisine and Heritage Restaurant – Langsura Geopark Sdn Bhd;
iv. The Best Eco-Friendly Destination – Langsura Geopark Sdn Bhd;
v. Best 3-Star Hotel (Sea View) – Nadias Hotel Langkawi; and
vi. Best Islamic Compliance Hotel – Adya Hotel Langkawi.
In Penang, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak graced the fifth edition of the INPenang Lifetime Achievement Awards at the St Giles-Wembley Hotel.
The founder and group executive chairman of Pensonic Holdings Berhad, which was founded in Penang, was awarded for his long-standing leadership and prominent contributions here.
Datuk Seri Chew Weng Khak beamed with pride at the event. He was among 17 outstanding Penang people and organisations awarded for success in their respective fields and contributions to society.
The INPenang (lifestyle magazine) awards celebration was organised by CHTNetwork, whose founder and chairman is Ch’ng Huck Theng.
He heads the Association of Tourism Attractions Penang.
The awards celebration was also endorsed by the Penang government.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin congratulated all the winners and commended Ch’ng for managing to organise the international awards despite many obstacles due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Penang is indeed filled with exceptional talents who serve as an important catalyst in helping us move towards a more progressive, inclusive and advanced state."
Two special and meaningful award categories were introduced this year namely the Best Frontliner – Medical and Best Frontliner – Law Enforcement.
The two new awards were presented to the Royal Malaysian Police and state Health Department for their exceptional services during the Covid-19 crisis.
The INPenang International Outstanding Achievers Award winners were:
1. Qatar – Ng Kee Guan (International Music conductor)
2. Malaysia – Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussain Syed Junid (Media Prima Bhd Group chairman)
3. Malaysia – Datuk Nick Ng (Mega Fortris Group executive chairman)
4. Malaysia – Lim Ban Keong (Rhone Ma Holdings Bhd Group managing director)
The INPenang National Awards Winners were:
1. Best Promoter of Halal Lifestyle – Datin Aida Lim Abdullah
2. Best Digital Retailing & Training Services – CTG Group
3. Top Film Director – Don Hoe
4. Best Manufacturer of Household Plastic Wares – Ee-Jia Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd
5. Best Real Estate Agent – Hectarworld Realty Sdn Bhd
6. Best Frontliner (Medical) – Penang Health Department
7. Top Fashion Designer – Ranndy Goh
8. Best Frontliner (Law Enforcement) – Penang police force
9. National Preferred Hotel – St Giles Wembley Hotel, Penang
INPenang Emerging Entrepreneur Awards Winners:
1. June Goh (chief executive officer of Wealthy Homes Expert Solutions Sdn Bhd)
2. Low Chin Siang (founder and managing director of Motion In Style)
3. Tan Wei Xin (director of Znen Group)
The INPenang Lifetime Achievement Award went to Datuk Seri Chew Weng Khak (founder and group executive chairman of Pensonic Holdings Berhad). – The Vibes, December 11, 2021