KUALA LUMPUR: Popular celebrity chef, singer and entrepreneur Datuk Fazley Yaakob has been awarded Celebrity Entrepreneur Of The Year at the SME Entrepreneurship Business Award (SEBA 2021).
The 43-year-old whose real name is Ahmad Fadzli Yaakob expressed his surprise and was grateful for the recognition of his efforts during his decade-long journey in the entertainment and food industries.
"I never thought that I would be part of the distinguished line of personalities that have received this prestigious award.
"Although the year has been a very trying and challenging one but this is a sweet way to close it off.
"It's the best end to 2021 and the perfect start to 2022 for my brands like Suka Sucre Bistro, Minang Kapau, Mala Mala and Bala's Banana Leaf," said Fazley in a recent statement.
The Asmara Ini, Bila April and Cerita Asmara singer added that he would also be collaborating with international brands such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and three others including one related to the medical industry to be announced in the near future.
The awards ceremony was held recently in Shangri-La Hotel here where other notable names in the business fraternity were also honoured.
The awards were presented by Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar, and Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (MyPreneurship) founder, Nitesh Malani.
Previous recipients of the Celebrity Entrepreneur Of The Year SME Entrepreneurship Business Award included Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor, Elfira Loy and Shuib Sepahtu.
Fazley added that the award was also a fitting start for others with aspirations in the food and beverage sector.
"I have helped many young entrepreneurs to build their business and generate income through F&B businesses from homes, stalls and restaurants as well.
"I see this achievement as a starting point for us to work together to build up our business brands," he said.