Was at a much-hyped industry awards last night, where 71 companies received "Best of" in their respective industries. The awards foundation had patrons with names that read like a list of the rich and famous (though none of them were present at the dinner) while some of the awardees were monopolies in their own industries (think national electricity board and national telephone service provider...hmmmm).
Admittedly, some were the best in their industries and they do deserve the awards, but there were several never-heard-before brands and some others which were weaklings in their industries (should I actually name them?) but well, their corporate bigwigs went to the stage and received a framed certificate as well as a cheap-looking (probably Made in China) trophy....the kind we give away at school competitions.
Well, in my opinion, awards are certainly money-making ventures for the organisers...despite it being a black-tie affair in a 5-star hotel (the hotel also "won" an award for its category....and was also named as one of the top sponsors in the event). I heard that corporate sponsorships totalled some RM3 million plus each winning company paid some RM10,000 each for the award (some technical fees were cited plus dinner tables) as well as guests (again corporate companies) which also contributed to the jackpot through the tables.
I guess the organisers reaped a good deal at the end of it...guests had an entertaining night...top performers, 5-course fine dining, free cigars (also sponsored) and the well-dressed fratenity of businessmen and businesswomen.
Are awards good? Only if the winners deserve it. Some did, but not all.
Admittedly, some were the best in their industries and they do deserve the awards, but there were several never-heard-before brands and some others which were weaklings in their industries (should I actually name them?) but well, their corporate bigwigs went to the stage and received a framed certificate as well as a cheap-looking (probably Made in China) trophy....the kind we give away at school competitions.
Well, in my opinion, awards are certainly money-making ventures for the organisers...despite it being a black-tie affair in a 5-star hotel (the hotel also "won" an award for its category....and was also named as one of the top sponsors in the event). I heard that corporate sponsorships totalled some RM3 million plus each winning company paid some RM10,000 each for the award (some technical fees were cited plus dinner tables) as well as guests (again corporate companies) which also contributed to the jackpot through the tables.
I guess the organisers reaped a good deal at the end of it...guests had an entertaining night...top performers, 5-course fine dining, free cigars (also sponsored) and the well-dressed fratenity of businessmen and businesswomen.
Are awards good? Only if the winners deserve it. Some did, but not all.
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