The Top Asia Corporate Ball 2024, hosted by Top 10 of Asia magazine, was a spectacular celebration held in Grand Hyatt Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and distinguished guests from all across Asia to recognise outstanding achievements and honour the trailblazers shaping the future of various industries.
The evening was filled with unforgettable moments as awards were presented in 50 categories, acknowledging the hard work, dedication and exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations. The award winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges for their remarkable impact in their industries.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the individuals and organisations who have made remarkable contributions to various industries,” said Mr. Lee Seng Chee, the Managing Editor of RHA Media, during his opening speech.
Among the ESG leadership award recipients were Federal Express Services Malaysia (FedEx), Watson’s Personal Care Stores, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad and YTL Corporations. Other outstanding companies and brands honoured were RF3 World Sdn Bh., Corus KLCC, Mr. Tuk Tuk and Biovisma Sdn Bhd.
During the event, several Asian nations were celebrated for their remarkable contributions. Tajikistan earned the title of Asia’s Best Nation for Natural Scenery Tourism, while Indonesia was recognised as Asia’s Best Emerging Market Economy. Lebanon was honoured as Asia’s Top Country for Middle Eastern Cuisine and Laos was lauded for its exceptional Heritage Tourism. Kuwait received recognition for its Hidden Gem Beaches Tourism, while Jordan was distinguished as Asia’s Best Country for Archaeological Tourism. Uzbekistan was celebrated as the Best Destination for Architectural Heritage in Asia. The ambassadors of these esteemed countries graciously accepted the awards on behalf of their respective countries, marking a moment of pride and recognition for their contributions to the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
In addition to the award presentations, the ceremony featured an exciting lineup of entertainment, including performances by international and local artistes, keeping the energy high and the guests entertained throughout the night. Songs were performed by Janella Salvador (Philippines), Han Byul Jung (Korea), Dasha Logan, Suki Low and Dr. Soo Wincci.
The event also featured stand-up comedy by Dr. Jason Leong and Jacky Ng (Singapore). The event was attended by a host of celebrities from Asia, industry professionals and influencers, making it one of the most talked-about gatherings of the year.For more information on Top Asia Corporate Ball 2024, visit www.top10asia.org.
Asia has long been a powerhouse in the chess world, producing some of the most iconic players whose strategic brilliance and fearless gameplay have captivated global audiences. From prodigies who achieved greatness at an early age to seasoned grandmasters who continue to dominate, these players represent the pinnacle of chess mastery. Top 10 of Asia takes a look at its list of the top ten legendary chess players of Asia, whose contributions have elevated the game and inspired countless enthusiasts across generations.
Arjun Erigasi
Hailing from the heritage city of Warangal, India, Arjun Erigaisi is an international chess Grandmaster renowned for his daring and panache playing style. Nicknamed ‘a complete madman’, Arjun lives up to this reputation with his bold and unpredictable moves on the chessboard. Starting his chess journey at the age of seven, Arjun has seen meteoric growth, reaching a peak rating of 2799 and breaking into the world’s top five. With his fearless approach and unwavering confidence, Arjun continues to inspire the next generation of chess enthusiasts globally.
Gukesh Dommaraju
Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, the third-youngest Grandmaster in history as of November 2024, has firmly established himself as a formidable force in modern chess. Despite beginning his chess journey at the relatively late age of seven, he achieved a FIDE rating within six months, a testament to his exceptional talent. Through unwavering dedication and an impressive championship streak, Gukesh has become the youngest player to qualify for the World Chess Championship, embodying the pinnacle of skill and perseverance.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov
Nodirbek Abdusattorov, a chess prodigy from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has taken the chess world by storm with his extraordinary talent. Achieving grandmaster status at just 13, he became one of the youngest in history to do so. His journey began at age 9, when he defeated two grandmasters at the Georgy Agzamov Memorial, capturing global attention. At age 11, he shattered records as the youngest to enter FIDE’s top-100 juniors. By age 18, Abdusattorov had clinched the World Rapid and Olympic titles. As of November 2024, he ranks 6th globally in live ratings, showing no signs of slowing down in his pursuit of chess greatness.
Viswanathan Anand
Widely regarded as the greatest Indian chess player of all time, Viswanathan Anand is most known for his lightning-fast tactical brilliance during chess games, earning him the nickname “Lightning Kid.” Born on December 11, 1969, in Tamil Nadu, Anand became India’s first Grandmaster and later claimed the World Chess Championship title, holding it for six years. With an extraordinary career spanning decades, Anand’s legacy is one of trailblazing achievements and enduring influence in the chess world.
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, born on October 24, 1994, in Nashik, India, is a chess prodigy who became a Grandmaster at 18. Known for his exceptional skill, Vidit won the U-14 World Championship and climbed the ranks, joining the prestigious 2700-rating club in 2018. He claimed notable victories, including the 2018 Tata Steel Challengers and the 2019 Biel Chess Festival. In 2023, Vidit qualified for his first Candidates Tournament, demonstrating that his ambition and drive are as sharp as his game.
Le Quang Liem
Le Quang Liem, best known for clinching the 2013 World Blitz Chess Championship ahead of the world’s elite, is a formidable force in chess. Hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Liem emerged as his nation’s premier chess prodigy. Achieving his Grandmaster title at just 15, he quickly established himself as a player with an exceptionally sharp tactical eye. His brilliance and hard work have resulted in numerous notable games, solidifying his reputation on the global chess stage.
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov
Dubbed a tactical genius, Azerbaijani chess grandmaster Shakhriyar Mamedyarov is renowned for his creative sacrifices and unorthodox opening strategies that often surprise his opponents. Born in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, in 1985, Mamedyarov started playing chess at the age of six. By age 12, Mamedyarov was already a FIDE Master, and by age 17, he had achieved the status of Grandmaster. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov’s journey in the world of chess is marked by his determination, passion and exceptional talent. His unique style and dedication to the game have made him one of the most exciting chess players to watch.
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, a chess prodigy from Tamil Nadu, India, has had one of the greatest youth careers in chess history. Achieving Grandmaster status at just 12 years old, he quickly made headlines by defeating World Champion Magnus Carlsen and reaching the FIDE World Cup final. With victories in global tournaments and a historic qualification for the 2024 Candidates Tournament, Praggnanandhaa’s journey showcases unparalleled determination and brilliance. Turning only 19 years old in 2024, Praggnanandhaa is a symbol of India’s rising dominance in the world of chess.
Ding Liren
Born in Wenzhou, China, a city rich in chess tradition, Ding Liren is the reigning FIDE World Chess Champion as of 2024 and the first from China to achieve this historic milestone. A prodigy, he rose to prominence in 2009 by swiftly defeating the elite grandmasters of his region. Ding became the youngest Chinese champion at 16, and later earning his grandmaster title in the same year. With his record-breaking unbeaten streak and a career of groundbreaking achievements, Ding has forever changed the landscape of chess in Asia and beyond.
Yu Yangyi
Yu Yangyi, one of China’s top chess grandmasters, began playing at seven where he quickly dominated the Chinese youth championships. At age 14, he became the country’s youngest grandmaster. His career highlights include leading China to its first Olympiad gold in 2014, winning the World Junior, Asian, and Chinese Championships the same year, and triumphing in elite tournaments like the Qatar Masters. Always evolving, Yu continues to push the boundaries of his game, making him a cornerstone of China’s chess legacy.
Influencer marketing has rapidly become one of the most powerful tools in the digital marketing landscape and Malaysia is no exception to this trend. As businesses increasingly turn to social media influencers to amplify their brand messages, influencer marketing agencies in Malaysia have risen to the challenge, helping brands connect with their target audiences in authentic and engaging ways. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia shares its pick of the top 10 leading influencer marketing agencies in Malaysia that specialise in identifying the right influencers, ranging from micro to celebrity-level creators and crafting campaigns that drive visibility, engagement and sales. With a deep understanding of local trends, cultural nuances and platform dynamics, Malaysian influencer marketing agencies are able to tailor strategies that resonate with diverse consumer segments. As influencer marketing continues to evolve, these agencies remain at the forefront of innovation, helping brands stay relevant and successful in an increasingly competitive market.
KC Wong
Cheng Qian Yee
KOLHUB
Founded by KC Wong and Cheng Qian Yee, KOLHUB is a full-service, data-driven influencer marketing company that leverages integrated AI technology and digital content strategies to plan, execute, manage and optimise influencer campaigns for prominent brands. It helps businesses identify the right influencers to enhance their visibility and reach through strategic partnerships. As an official TikTok Shop partner, KOLHUB offers expertise in e-commerce, assisting brands in setting up and managing their TikTok Shops, optimising product listings and facilitating seamless transactions within the app. KOLHUB also provides live streaming services, allowing brands to engage directly with audiences in real-time. Additionally, it creates engaging content tailored to TikTok’s unique platform, maximising audience engagement and impact. With a focus on data analytics and creative strategy, KOLHUB empowers brands to thrive in the evolving landscape of influencer marketing and social commerce.
Gofluence
GoFluence is Malaysia’s first and largest influencer marketing platform, serving the Asia-Pacific region with over 100,000 influencers and 4,000 businesses across Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. Supported by MDEC, GoFluence was created to bring transparency and cohesion to influencer marketing. Founded by Same Tham, its platform empowers brands and creators through data-driven matching and end-to-end campaign management, fostering impactful collaborations that resonate with audiences. Emphasising ethical, transparent practices, GoFluence ensures clarity around expectations and remuneration, while actively engaging its community with valuable insights and best practices that drive successful campaigns. GoFluence’s extensive network spanning micro-influencers to celebrities enables brands to engage authentically with diverse audiences. GoFluence believes that strong partnerships drive success, making influencer marketing accessible, efficient and impactful.
nlevel.co
nlevel.co, founded by Nicole Tan, is a dynamic influencer marketing agency with over four years of expertise in Malaysia’s digital marketing landscape. Known for crafting impactful campaigns, the agency collaborates with brands to reach new audiences through social media, influencer partnerships and strategic marketing. Nicole has 14 years of industry experience and she leads nlevel.co in developing innovative solutions tailored to each client, leveraging data-driven insights and a deep understanding of the digital market. nlevel.co’s services cover a broad range, including influencer marketing, social media management and AI-driven marketing strategies, with a focus on delivering high-performance, cost-effective results. The agency is also expanding into Southeast Asia, utilising Nicole’s expertise in integrating O2O strategies, XHS marketing and emerging AI technologies. With commitment to excellence, nlevel.co continues to help brands build visibility, engagement and lasting consumer connections.
Sevenvault
Sevenvault, founded by Adele Chow, is a rapidly growing content marketing agency in Malaysia that excels in social media strategy and influencer collaborations. Adele, an influencer-turned-entrepreneur with a background in mass communication, launched Sevenvault to bridge brands and audiences through impactful storytelling. From her early days as a blogger, she cultivated her skillset and established Sevenvault with a vision to empower authentic brand engagement. Sevenvault has crafted over 1,000 campaigns, partnering with more than 5,000 influencers since its inception. The agency values inclusivity, partnering with influencers from nano to celebrity levels, creating personalised, results-driven content strategies that resonate with clients and audiences alike. Sevenvault’s mission is to foster connections that amplify brand presence, aiming to be a catalyst for brand success in the evolving digital landscape.
Buzzer
Founded by Chris Khristie and Michelle Tan, BUZZER by INFLUASIA is an award-winning influencer marketing agency that empowers brands to connect authentically with audiences through a network of Malaysia’s most engaging influencers. Specialising in tailored influencer campaigns, BUZZER combines strategic insights with creative storytelling to amplify brand messages, drive impactful engagement, and helps clients reach target audiences across various demographics and interests. From nano to mega influencers, BUZZER curates a network of trusted personalities who excel in building genuine connections with their followers. This approach ensures each campaign resonates and engages deeply, maximising ROI and brand impact. BUZZER’s full-service approach includes end-to-end campaign management, from influencer selection and content creation to performance tracking and analytics. The agency also offers brands extensive reach across social platforms and industry-specific niches, delivering campaigns that are data-driven and results-oriented.
Kami Sempoi International Agency (KSIA)
KamiSempoi International Agency (KSIA), a strategic partner of TikTok was founded by To Chin Swee. KSIA is currently recognised as the Top Platinum Agency in Malaysia and one of the Top 5 Agencies in Southeast Asia for TikTok Live Fest 2023, due to its success in cultivating numerous highly successful hosts and leaders on the TikTok platform. KSIA offers enterprising Malaysians the opportunity to grow and thrive as official TikTok Live hosts and social media leaders by providing essential training, guidance, and support to enhance their skills, confidence, professionalism, and entertainment value in their live streams. The agency has established itself as a trusted corporate brand, with its success attributed to a proven, fair and reliable reward system for its official hosts. KSIA has expanded its operations to Singapore and Indonesia.
Mysense
MYSense, led by its CEO DJ Loo, is a premier digital and influencer marketing SEO agency in Malaysia, specialising in healthcare. With a sharp focus on helping businesses thrive in the digital realm, MYSense creates powerful sales channels through a range of services, including SEO, SEM, social media marketing, influencer marketing and medical marketing. The agency also provides consulting services to assist businesses in creating an effective digital marketing strategy. Boasting over five years of experience in influencer marketing, MYSense has successfully executed more than 1,000 influencer marketing campaigns, consistently delivering outstanding outcomes. With access to a curated database of 5,000 top-tier influencers, it ensures efficient, precise influencer matchmaking to maximise engagement. MYSense is the go-to partner for healthcare businesses looking to elevate their digital presence and accelerate growth.
Ittify
Founded in 2015 and led by its CEO, Tan Guan Sheng, Ittify began as a platform specialising in micro-influencers. Over the years, the company has evolved, expanding its database to encompass influencers across all tiers, from emerging voices to top-tier creators. Today, Ittify boasts a network of over 6,000 influencers and has successfully executed more than 250 campaigns for brands across diverse industries. Ittify’s mission is to connect brands with the right content creators who can spark meaningful conversations, generate buzz and drive traffic. Through its robust analytics engine, the platform simplifies the collaboration process, enabling brands to work seamlessly with authentic content creators. Ittify’s approach ensures that every campaign resonates with the target audience, delivering impactful results and measurable success.
Influenow
Influenow is the ultimate influencer marketing platform designed to help brands amplify their presence across Asia. With a mission to build vibrant communities of ambassadors, influencers and affiliates, Influenow enables brands to share their stories at scale. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the platform offers a seamless experience for brands and influencers to collaborate on impactful campaigns that deliver measurable results. Serving as the go-to platform for influencers, content creators, brands and media partners in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, Influenow is rapidly becoming the most sought-after free influencer marketing platform in Southeast Asia. The agency excels in connecting brands with the right influencers, bloggers and industry experts to create exceptional digital content, helping clients grow their online presence and reach target audiences effectively. Influenow offers a comprehensive solution for brands, media partners and prominent figures to launch campaigns, enhance their social media reach and generate tangible earnings.
Asia Influencer X
Asia Influencer X, founded by Fan YaFu and headquartered in Malaysia, is a leading influencer marketing and publicity agency in Southeast Asia. With branch offices in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, the agency has established a strong regional presence. Boasting a network of over 30,000 influencer profiles across Asia, Asia Influencer X caters to a diverse range of clients, providing tailored marketing solutions. The agency specialises in offering localised resources and solutions, ensuring that each campaign is crafted to resonate with target audiences in specific markets. This localised approach enables Asia Influencer X to effectively promote and endorse products and brands, delivering cost-effective marketing solutions for their clients. With a focus on reliability and relevance, the agency is dedicated to helping clients achieve impactful, measurable results across the region.
Japan boasts a stunning collection of modern and contemporary buildings, brought to life by legendary architects whose visionary designs have left an indelible mark both locally and globally. These trailblazers form the backbone of Japan’s architectural identity, celebrated for their unique approaches to form, functionality, and the harmonious interplay of light, space, and materials. In this issue, Top 10 of Asia highlights the top ten legendary living Japanese architects whose contributions have redefined the world of architecture, embodying the very essence of artistic and structural brilliance.
Tadao Ando
Tadao Ando, a former professional boxer turned self-taught architect, is one of Japan’s most prominent figures in contemporary architecture. Renowned for his minimalist concrete structures, Ando’s work is defined by exposed concrete, pure geometric forms and a deep harmony with natural elements like light, wind and water. His unique aesthetic has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Pritzker Prize in 1995. Among his major works are the Church of the Light, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Chichu Art Museum.
Toyo Ito
Toyo Ito, born in 1941 in Seoul, is a visionary architect known for blending sensory experience with functionality, reshaping the essence of space and form. His works like the Sendai Mediatheque and Tower of Winds challenge conventional norms, seamlessly integrating technology, nature and urban landscapes. Winner of the 2013 Pritzker Prize, Ito also champions socially responsible architecture through initiatives like “Home-for-All.” His iconic designs, including the Kaohsiung National Stadium, reflect a timeless philosophy of harmony between humanity, structure and environment.
Shigeru Ban
Shigeru Ban, an acclaimed contemporary architect and the 2014 Pritzker Prize laureate, is renowned for his innovative use of sustainable materials like cardboard, wood and bamboo in his works. His work blends cutting-edge design with humanitarian efforts, creating cost-effective and adaptable shelters for disaster-stricken regions worldwide. Ban’s iconic projects, such as the Cardboard Cathedral in New Zealand and Paper Log Houses in Japan, reflect his philosophy of serving the vulnerable while championing eco-friendly architecture that balances utility, resilience and aesthetic excellence.
Riken Yamamoto
Riken Yamamoto, the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Laureate, is renowned for his community-centric architectural approach, which prioritises the seamless integration of communal and personal spaces. Yamamoto believes architecture should foster connections with the broader environment, transcending individual occupation to engage with the community. His notable works include the Yokosuka Museum of Art, Nagoya Zokei University, and Saitama Prefectural University. Through his designs, Yamamoto champions architecture that enhances social cohesion and strengthens the relationship between space and society.
Sou Fujimoto
Sou Fujimoto’s architectural philosophy revolves around the seamless integration of nature and structure. Growing up in the natural beauty of Hokkaido, Japan, his designs reflect this deep connection. Fujimoto is renowned for incorporating organic elements into his projects. His House Na exemplifies this with its transparent facade and layered design, evoking the feeling of living within a tree. As one of Japan’s most celebrated young architects, Fujimoto continues to create innovative spaces that harmonise with their surroundings.
Kengo Kuma
Named one of Time’s Most Influential People of 2021, Kengo Kuma is currently one of architecture’s hottest commodity. A celebrated contemporary architect and writer, Kuma is known for his innovative designs and thought-provoking works on architecture. Kuma champions the concept of “losing architecture,” creating structures that blend harmoniously with their surroundings. Like a sushi master selecting the finest local ingredients, Kuma emphasises using the best, in-season materials. This philosophy shines throughout his designs, especially in his design of the Japan National Stadium where there is a clear deference to history and the environment.
Hara Hiroshi
Widely regarded as one of Japan’s finest architects, Hara Hiroshi is celebrated for his bold and transformative creations. His iconic works include Kyoto Station, Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building, Tokyo’s Yamato International and Hokkaido’s Sapporo Dome, many of which have received prestigious awards. Blending mathematics, philosophy and art, Hara’s innovative approach has significantly shaped Japan’s contemporary architecture. Often hailed as an architect-polymath, he continues to craft imaginative spaces that inspire and elevate Japan’s architectural landscape.
Terunobu Fujimori
Terunobu Fujimori is a Japanese architect and historian celebrated for his whimsical, nature-inspired designs and his innovative use of materials like charred wood. Born in Nagano, he studied at Tōhoku University and later at the University of Tokyo, where he became a professor. Fujimori’s works, including the Jinchōkan Moriya Museum and unique teahouses, challenge conventions by blending humour, tradition and experimental techniques. As a cultural commentator and author, he gained international recognition at the 2006 Venice Biennale, solidifying his place as a visionary in the architectural world.
Satoshi Kurosaki
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1970 and a graduate of Meiji University’s Department of Architecture, Satoshi Kurosaki is the founder of Apollo Architects & Associates, a renowned Tokyo-based firm specialising in private residences, villas, resort hotels and brand design. Kurosaki has represented Japan as a judge in the prestigious Archiproducts Design Awards for seven consecutive years, gaining international recognition. An accomplished author, his notable works include APOLLO TIMELESS and two volumes on Apollo’s architecture, showcasing his creative philosophy and contributions to modern Japanese and global architecture.
Oki Sato
Oki Sato, founder of Tokyo-based design studio Nendo, is a respected architect and designer renowned for his playful yet functional minimalism. Influenced by his Japanese and Canadian roots, Sato blends humour and warmth into his designs, avoiding the sterility often associated with minimalism. Since Nendo’s inception in 2002, he has undertaken over 400 projects, ranging from furniture to architecture, emphasising simplicity and accessibility. Sato’s work, inspired by Japanese aesthetics and childhood memories, embodies creativity, imperfection and a profound connection with everyday life.
In a business world of intense challenges and immense globalisation, Dato’ Sri Nazeri Omar, President of RF3 World is known for his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the cosmetics and health product industry. His story is one of resilience, vision and unwavering dedication in the pursuit of entrepreneurial achievements and excellence. In a recent interview with Top 10 of Asia, the enterprising visionary talks about his path to success, the challenges he overcame and his impact as a leader driving RF3 World’s expansion across continents. The life of Nazeri is about inspiration and visionary entrepreneurship, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance while affording opportunities for others to become successful in the world of commerce.
Dato’ Sri Nazeri bin Omar, the President of RF3 World, hails from the modest state of Pahang, a state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. His journey from a small town to becoming a global entrepreneur is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Growing up, Nazeri faced financial hardships, and after completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, university seemed like a distant dream. Despite his desire to continue his education, he had to start working to support himself. His first job in his hometown eventually led him to Kuala Lumpur, where he embraced a new life filled with opportunities and lessons. This move marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming one of Malaysia’s prominent business leaders.
Dato’ Sri Nazeri quickly realised that making connections was essential to building a successful career and achieving financial independence. His first significant role was as an insurance agent, a job that allowed him to develop essential skills in marketing, communication and self-presentation. His natural drive for improvement helped him advance to a managerial position within just two years. In this new role, he learned the responsibilities of leadership, managing a team and ensuring smooth operations. However, Nazeri had grander dreams and wanted to create something larger. His ambition led him to leave his stable job to explore new opportunities, despite knowing it could mean financial hardship.
Although he initially struggled to make ends meet with part-time jobs, his experiences as an insurance agent had prepared him well. He had developed excellent people skills and understood the value of building relationships, which were vital for his subsequent career moves. Armed with determination and a desire to change his circumstances, Nazeri began exploring the world of networking. “In life one has to make choices,” says Nazeri. “You can change for the better if you’re determined enough.” Slowly, he built a foundation that would later support his entrepreneurial ventures.
Nazeri’s passion for entrepreneurship grew as he continued networking and observing successful individuals. Driven by a love for challenges and a positive outlook, he firmly believed that kindness was the key to establishing trust and success. “Trust can be built if people are kind to one another,” he emphasises, often advising people that seeing others thrive should be a source of inspiration rather than jealousy. Nazeri’s openness to learning and his genuine excitement for others’ successes helped him foster relationships that would later become invaluable.
Before launching his own ventures, Nazeri took the time to gain knowledge from various industries. “I believe that observation and preparation are essential before one embarks on any endeavour,” says Nazeri. His meticulous attention to detail and willingness to seek inspiration from those around him set the groundwork for his success.
Dato’ Sri Nazeri’s next venture led him into the import-export industry, where he faced some of the most challenging experiences of his life. Entering this competitive field required resilience, confidence, and a strong belief in himself. Despite the obstacles he encountered, Nazeri remained committed to his goals, refusing to give up in the face of adversity. “I’m a person who would never give up just because of initial obstacles,” he shares, emphasising his relentless work ethic.
Throughout this time, he drew strength from his family’s unwavering support and his faith, which helped him remain focused on his vision. His perseverance paid off, and he eventually overcame these challenges, emerging stronger and more prepared for the next phase of his journey.
After gaining valuable experience in the import-export industry, Nazeri decided to explore new areas by becoming a contractor. Although he found the work rewarding, he realised he performed better independently than in partnerships. “That’s why I venture into business on my own, ultimately launching my first entrepreneurial endeavour in the cosmetics and health product industry,” says Nazeri.
Dato’ Sri Nazeri founded RF3 World and introduced his first products, Firmax3 and O2Max3, both of which utilised advanced nanotechnology. He meticulously researched market demands and trends, understanding that high-quality ingredients would set his products apart. “Nanotechnology enables rapid absorption into the bloodstream, providing immediate benefits such as anti-aging, skin brightening, and plumping effects,” he explains. “By incorporating premium ingredients like vitamin A palmitate, hydrolysed soy protein, apple stem cells, and eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali), our products offer unique, health-boosting properties.”
The business quickly gained traction, and Nazeri’s hard work in learning marketing techniques paid off as RF3 World expanded. His dedication to quality and innovation led to the KPDNKK certification, a certification given by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, Malaysia. This further solidified his brand’s reputation. As RF3 World grew, he opened a channel for others to earn income, with 380 stockists joining within the first year. This milestone signalled RF3 World’s arrival on the global stage.
For Nazeri, building a trusted reputation for RF3 World in Malaysia is essential before expanding internationally. “When people are happy with us, they’ll talk about us,” he says, underscoring his emphasis on customer satisfaction. After establishing a solid foundation in Malaysia, he took his first step abroad by entering the Thai market. Although challenging, the Thai venture was a success, with over 500 stockists within two years, thanks to positive consumer feedback.
Encouraged by this success, Nazeri set his sights on other Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. “RF3 World now operates more than five companies in each of these nations,” he explains. This expansion into multiple continents, including Asia, Africa, and America, has cemented RF3 World’s position as a global player in the cosmetics and wellness industry.
Nazeri’s leadership style is hands-on and meticulous. He remains involved in every stage of the business, ensuring that his products and processes align with his high standards. “I believe with good leadership comes a strong foundation,” he explains, emphasising the importance of commitment in building a successful company. His dedication often means sacrificing time with his family, but he remains focused on his vision for RF3 World.
His tireless work has borne fruit, with RF3 World now proudly operating 12 main branches across Malaysia and establishing a presence in over 80 cities worldwide. Under his visionary leadership, RF3 World has also expanded its wings, creating a diversified group of companies that includes RF3 Development Sdn. Bhd., RF3 Petroleum Sdn. Bhd., RF3 Entertainment Sdn. Bhd., and RF3 Agriculture Sdn. Bhd. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the belief that “if there’s a will, there’s always a way.”
Nazeri’s story is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. His rise from humble beginnings to leading a global company shows that success is attainable with hard work, determination and the courage to take risks. “What defines us is not that we never failed but on how well we rise after falling,” he says, emphasising the importance of resilience. Nazeri also believes in prioritising mental health, advocating for courage in the face of fear. “Better to do it scared rather than be scared and do nothing,” he advises.
Today, Dato’ Sri Nazeri Omar stands as a leader who continues to inspire others through his values and commitment to excellence, enlarging the circle of successful entrepreneurs he is creating. His journey reminds us that dreams can be achieved, no matter the starting point, and that true success is about lifting others along the way.
