As pointed out in our cover story this week, Singapore’s economic achievements today are thanks to the contributions of both the government-linked and private sector companies. To spur ever-sharper entrepreneurial drive, professional services firm EY has been organising its annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Singapore awards
On Aug 7, EY announced four category winners out of 50 nominees for this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Singapore awards. They are Patrick Cheo, CEO of Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group — EY Entrepreneur Of The Year for Education Services; Chin Wei Jia, Group CEO of HMI Medical —EY Entrepreneur Of The Year for Health Care; Kelvin Lim, executive chairman, executive director and group managing director of LHN Group – EY Entrepreneur Of The Year for Real Estate and last but not least, Carolyn Choo, CEO and managing director of Worldwide Hotels — EY Entrepreneur Of The Year for Hospitality Services.
One of them will be named this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Singapore at a gala on Oct 17 and go on to represent the country at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY) award in 2026.
“Be they founders or second-generation business owners, the four winners helm homegrown brands that have thrived through times of change and economic uncertainties,” says Lee Chuan Teck, executive chairman of Enterprise Singapore and chairman of the judging panel.” They demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial grit, innovation and resilience in not just overcoming challenges, but transforming their businesses through decisive strategies and seizing breakthrough opportunities.”
Liew Nam Soon, EY Asia East deputy regional managing partner and Asean managing partner, notes that the companies have a combined history of over 120 years in Singapore. “Their leadership in challenging [the] status quo — boldly restructuring the business, venturing into new portfolios, reimagining concepts and adapting strategies in a crisis — is noteworthy,” he says.
Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group, co-founded by Adam Khoo and Cheo, began with just $8,000 in capital. Today, the Singapore-headquartered company has a global presence in 160 countries, running three education brands: Aktivate for youth education, Piranha Profits for financial education and Growth Catalyst for executive education. In 2024, the company made $25 million in revenue.
See also: Stina Ehrensvärd, co-founder of Sweden’s Yubico, named EY World Entrepreneur Of the Year 2025
For HMI Medical’s Chin, she joined the company founded in 1998 by her mother, Gan See Khem, in 2002, during a period of corporate restructuring. Since then, she has launched market-first healthcare services, turned around loss-making operations, and expanded the group’s footprint through ambulatory and specialist care centres.
In addition, HMI Medical also won the honorary EY-Bank of Singapore Family Enterprise Award of Excellence. Selected by knowledge partners, Business Families Institute @ Singapore Management University (BFI @ SMU) and the INSEAD Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise, the award recognises HMI Medical’s ability to remain true to its founding values while “delivering business growth and uplifting local communities”.
Lim of LHN is another new generation business leader who is now making his mark. He joined the company in 1997 and has led the company into a multidisciplinary real estate group operating, including co-living.
See also: Nominations open for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 awards in Singapore
Choo, CEO and managing director of Worldwide Hotels, was recognised for her role in redefining the mid-tier hospitality experience and expanding the group’s footprint across the Asia Pacific. Like Chin and Lim, Choo is also a next generation business leader. The group, Singapore’s largest homegrown hotel chain, currently owns and manages 41 properties with over 8,600 rooms.
As part of the awards, its 24th edition, EY was also conferred the honorary EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award to Thai Huong, founder and chairwoman of the strategic council of Vietnam’s TH Group, this year. The award recognises Southeast Asian businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy and community.
This year, the Bank of Singapore returns as a platinum sponsor. Singapore Exchange is also returning as a partner for the sixth year. The Edge Singapore is one of the official media partners.
