MRANTI CEO Ashran Dato’ Ghazi leads MYRAS & OCTF Global Awards 2026 Honourees
The Malaysia Robotics, AI and Automation Association (MYRAS), in collaboration with the Overseas Chinese Trade Fair (OCTF), Global celebrated outstanding leadership and innovation by honouring distinguished individuals at the MYRAS & OCTF Global Awards: FemForward & MenForward 2026, held in conjunction with the 7th OCTF KL Intelligent Technology Exhibition Gala Dinner.
The prestigious awards were presented by Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, Chairman of the Southeast Asia Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Council (SEAMAT), together with Dr. Kamarazaman Yacob FCILT, Deputy President of MYRAS, recognising visionary leaders whose contributions have significantly advanced artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, strategic communication, supply chain innovation, and international collaboration.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Global CEO Leadership Excellence Award to Mr. Ashran Dato’ Ghazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI). The award recognises his visionary leadership in accelerating Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem through deep technology development, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, and industry-driven innovation.
In addition to the Global CEO Leadership Excellence Award, MYRAS honoured exceptional women leaders through the FemForward Awards 2026:
1. Karis Cheng, Shenzhen OCTF Group, China– Global Leadership Excellence Award
2. Ava Sang, Longgang District Women Entrepreneurs Association, China– Global Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award
3. Agnes Chan, Xin Hwa Supply Chain – Global Supply Chain Women Leadership Excellence Award
4. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jessica Ong Hai Liaw FCILT, National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) – Global Strategic Communication and Leadership Excellence Award
5. Joanne Tham, Synergy Connect Holdings – Global Strategic Event Curation Excellence Award
The MenForward Awards 2026 recognised distinguished male leaders whose vision and professional excellence continue to shape their respective industries:
6. Marcus Fong, Xin Hwa Supply Chain – Global Supply Chain Operational Excellence Award
7. Soon Lam, Adtiki – Global Smart City Visionary Excellence Award
The awards celebrate individuals whose leadership and achievements are advancing technology adoption, industrial transformation, strategic communication, smart city development, supply chain innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation. Representing diverse sectors from Malaysia and China, the recipients embody excellence, innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership in building a future-ready regional economy.
A significant milestone of the evening was the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between MYRAS and OCTF, witnessed by Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, marking a strategic commitment to strengthen bilateral collaboration in technology, innovation, talent development, business networking, and industrial partnerships. The collaboration aims to create greater opportunities for cross-border investment, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem development across Southeast Asia and China.
Speaking on behalf of MYRAS, Dr. Kamarazaman Yacob FCILT, Deputy President of MYRAS, said the awards reflect the Association’s commitment to recognising leaders who continue to inspire excellence, foster innovation, and strengthen strategic partnerships across industries and nations.
“The MYRAS & OCTF Global Awards celebrate individuals whose leadership transcends organisational success to create meaningful impact for society, industry, and the future of technology. Through international collaboration, we aim to build a stronger innovation ecosystem that benefits the region and beyond,” he said.
Through the FemForward and MenForward Awards, MYRAS continues to champion inclusive leadership by recognising outstanding women and men who are driving meaningful transformation across business, academia, government, and the technology sector. The awards serve as an international platform that celebrates excellence, encourages cross-border collaboration, and inspires the next generation of innovators and leaders.
The MYRAS & OCTF Global Awards 2026 underscore the shared vision of MYRAS and OCTF Global to cultivate a dynamic and future-ready innovation ecosystem that accelerates technological advancement, empowers talent, strengthens regional partnerships, and positions Malaysia and Southeast Asia as leading hubs for artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable economic growth.
Source: MYRAS
