KUALA LUMPUR: Kopitiam Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd (Oldtown White Coffee) won the Franchise of the Year award at the 2023 Malaysia Franchise Awards organised by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) here last night.
The company also bagged the International Franchise System of the Year as well as the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Best Franchise Governance awards.
Established in 1999 with the main vision of serving premium 3-in-1 white coffee blends for Malaysians, Oldtown White Coffee now operates in more than 180 outlets nationwide and also in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
The awards were presented by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a ceremony attended by MFA chairman Datuk Radzali Hassan.
The Malaysia Franchise Awards 2023 also recognised and honored 12 winners for other categories including Franchisor of the Year and Best Franchise Innovation, both of which were won by Global Art & Creative Sdn Bhd, while Base Front Sdn Bhd won the Homegrown Franchisee of the Year.
Several franchise companies that have been members of MFA for the past 26 to 29 years received the Ali Setia Special Award.
The companies were Wah Chan Consolidate Sdn Bh (Wah Chan), Roaster Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd (Kenny Rogers Roasters), Food Discoveries (M) Sdn Bhd (Dave’s Deli), Q-Dees Worldwide Edusystem (M) Sdn Bhd (Q-Dees Worldwide Edusystem) and The Wet World Sdn Bhd (Wet World).
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said the organisation of the Malaysia Franchise Awards was seen as the right step to encourage more entrepreneurs to venture into the franchise business.
“I believe that this award can motivate franchise operators to work harder to achieve excellence and to be on par with international brands.
“Through this effort, it will create a strong and sustainable franchise business ecosystem, producing competitive franchise entrepreneurs, resistant to future challenges and able to stand firm at the global level,” he added.
Meanwhile, Radzali said the organisation of the 25th Malaysian Franchise Awards was a manifestation of appreciation for local industry players who strive to maintain excellent performance to ensure they are on par with global brands.
“With only five categories listed at the beginning of its organisation, the Malaysia Franchise Awards have now given recognition to over 100 companies and individuals.
“This award proves that the struggle of local franchise companies in empowering the economy is very significant and important to support the growth of the country’s economy especially in this challenging economic situation,” he said. – BERNAMA
