Being fit is generally sound advice, but for PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd group chief executive and managing director Datuk Michael Tio, it is not just lip service but a way of life for his company.

“It is part of the company’s key result area. If you work for PKT, your health will improve and we’ve consistently built up our exercise facilities and the reward mechanism surrounding them,” he said in his presentation entitled Human Capital and Culture during the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) Engagement with CEOs event in Kuala Lumpur recently.

The provider of logistics solutions has so far spent RM300,000 on equipment for a 2,000 sq ft gym and rewards its employees with overseas trips for losing weight or not falling sick.

Tio said the company also allocates about RM60,000 of incentives annually for the staff to keep themselves fit.

“Our 600-strong team has high productivity. Instead of keeping track of their sick days, we focus on growing the company,” he said, adding that the revenue per employee in his company has risen over the years as a result.

Other speakers at the event included International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong who delivered the keynote address titled “SMEs — Shaping the future” and touched on the importance of SMEs moving away from conventional ways of doing business and the need to leverage government programmes, particularly the SME Masterplan.

Echoing this, Prime Minister’s Department Special Secretariat for Empowerment of Indian Entrepreneurs (SEED) executive director Dr A.T. Kumararajah noted in his presentation “SMEs — It’s Time To Up Your Game” to make good use of the advances of technology, particular information technology.

“Cost has always been an issue but there are many applications or software that they can use either at minimal cost or its free. Using these applications could help many brick and mortar businesses keep track of the business progress and increase efficiency which is key in raising productivity,” he said.

Malaysian Global Innovation and Creative Centre ( MAGIC) CEO Cheryl Yeoh also shared with participants her entrepreneurship experience with a tech startup in the US in a session moderated by Metrobiz chief reporter Lim Wing Hooi.

First held in 2010, SOBA is now in its fifth year. The event aims to encourage Malaysian companies to grow and excel.

The panel of judges for SOBA include representatives from the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Branding Association of Malaysia, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Malaysian Advertisers Association, Malaysian Retailer Chains Association, Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Media Specialists Association and SMI Association of Malaysia.

The awards this year has seven categories — Best in Marketing, Best Brand, Best in CSR, Best Green Initiative, Best Employer, Best Innovation and Best Global Market. The three Outstanding Achievement Awards are Rising Star, Entrepreneur of the Year and Malaysian Business of the Year.

“Cost has always been an issue but there are many applications or software that they can use either at minimal cost or its free. Using these applications could help many brick and mortar businesses keep track of the business progress and increase efficiency which is key in raising productivity,” he said.