The Malaysian fintech community gathered yesterday and celebrated its achievements at the inaugural, 2023 edition of the Fintech Frontiers Awards, orchestrated by Fintech News Malaysia. The event not only acknowledged the dedication and strides made by key players of the regional fintech sector, but also served as a platform for networking and collaboration.
The gathering was an ideal mix of celebration and engagement. Set against the backdrop of innovation and transformation, the 2023 Fintech Frontiers gathering was more than just an awards ceremony. It was a confluence of ideas, a place where industry stalwarts, emerging startups, and keen enthusiasts came together. Attendees had the chance to exchange views, share their journeys, and discuss the evolving landscape of fintech in Malaysia.
Among those who made significant strides and contributions to the Malaysian fintech realm, certain names and entities stood out. Following nominations from the public along with a month-long public voting period that concluded on 25 August 2023, a panel of expert judges scored the finalists based on a set of qualifiers, and the finalist with the highest score from each individual fintech vertical as well as overall category was declared the winner, and recognised on this night.
The Winners of the 2023 Fintech Frontiers Awards
Top Wealthtech Startup
Robo-advisory Stashaway was celebrated as the Top WealthTech Startup for its forward-thinking approach to wealth management and investment.
Top Payments Startup
Razer Merchant Services secured its position as the Top Payments Startup.
Top Lending/Financing Startup
In a competitive category, Funding Societies Malaysia clinched the award for Top Lending Startup.
Top Islamic Fintech Startup
CapBay Islamic was honored for its efforts within peer-to-peer Syariah-compliant supply chain financing as the Top Islamic Fintech Startup.
Top Insurtech Startup
The Top Insurtech Startup accolade was given to PolicyStreet, marking their dynamic year of growth and contribution to digital insurance solutions that serve their users’ bespoke needs.
Top ESG Startup
The Top ESG Startup award, emphasising the importance of environmental, social, and governance factors in today’s financial landscape, went to earned wage access and payroll specialists Paywatch.
Top Rising Star of the Year
Direct Lending was identified as the Top Rising Star of 2023, reflecting its rapid growth and evolving influence in the industry.
Ecosystem Builder of the Year
Sam Shafie’s efforts through pitchIN earned him the title of Ecosystem Builder of the Year. His relentless drive to create a cohesive and thriving fintech ecosystem made him a natural choice for this accolade. His contributions were seen as instrumental in fostering growth and ensuring that startups had the right environment to flourish.
Female Leader of the Year
Ungku Liza of Boost Life was honored as the Female Leader of the Year, highlighting the pivotal role women play in fintech leadership and the broader financial services industry. Her leadership at Boost Life demonstrated the blend of vision and execution that is essential for transformative growth in this sector.
Founder of the Year
Founder of the Year was bestowed upon Wong Kah Meng from Funding Societies Malaysia. Kah Meng’s unwavering commitment to innovation and his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the fintech space made him a standout in this category.
Fintech of the Year
Touch ‘n Go eWallet‘s range of user-centric solutions and widespread adoption made it the deserved recipient to be named the first-ever Fintech of the Year.
The awards are set to be followed today, 5 October 2023, by the first Fintech Frontiers Conference Malaysia 2023 featuring an impressive lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of fintech, including visionaries, policymakers, and influential investors.
They will share invaluable insights into the current trends and developments in fintech, while also addressing the industry-specific challenges and promising opportunities that lie ahead in Malaysia.
Seats are fully booked, but those interested can still watch the happenings at the Fintech Frontiers Conference live stream.
