Few figures have had such a sweeping and measurable influence on Southeast Asia’s SME ecosystem as Datuk William Ng. From a foundation in accounting gained during his time at Systematic College in 1993, William has since evolved into a transformational leader at the intersection of business media, policy advocacy, and SME development. His multifaceted career, anchored in business intelligence and regional cooperation, reflects the critical need for innovative leadership in an increasingly complex global market.
William currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director of Audience Analytics Limited, a Singapore Exchange (SGX:1AZ) listed company valued at over SGD 50 million at its IPO in 2021. Audience Analytics is renowned for its role in enabling business growth through data, analytics, exhibitions, and some of Asia’s most respected award platforms—including the SME100 Awards, Golden Bull Awards, and HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia. These initiatives reach over 500,000 business leaders annually and have become a barometer of SME performance and workplace excellence across 12 markets.
Under William’s leadership, Audience Analytics was named one of RHB Bank’s Top 20 Singapore Small Cap Jewels in 2023, reinforcing its growing market reputation and investor confidence.
William also holds the presidency of SAMENTA (Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia)—Malaysia’s oldest SME organisation. Representing the voice of 1.2 million SMEs, SAMENTA is at the forefront of tackling pressing challenges including de-globalisation, digital displacement, and ESG integration. His advocacy for a pro-SME regulatory environment and productivity-linked incentives has shaped numerous national conversations and policies.
In addition to media and advocacy, William plays a pivotal role in the Retail and F&B Productivity Nexus, a government-industry collaboration under the Malaysia Productivity Blueprint led by MITI and MPC. This initiative addresses sectoral challenges through technology adoption, talent upskilling, and export readiness—aiming to transform Malaysia’s retail and F&B landscape, which collectively contributes over RM 90 billion to national GDP.
A serial entrepreneur, William also founded Business Media International, one of Asia’s leading business intelligence networks. Its brands—including SME Asia, HR Asia, Capital Asia, and Energy Asia—command an audience of over 300,000 professionals and serve as critical platforms for regional thought leadership, research, and industry benchmarking.
His influence extends to board roles in organisations such as the Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors (MACD), where he champions strong governance and corporate sustainability. William has also been invited by foreign governments, including the Russian Federation, to promote Malaysia’s investment ecosystem, highlighting his international stature as a trusted advisor on business strategy and public-private collaboration.
William Ng’s journey is a powerful reminder of how business education—paired with vision and strategic execution—can transform not just companies, but entire industries and economies. His work across awards, analytics, policymaking, and advocacy has materially advanced Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s SME competitiveness, while reinforcing the region’s leadership in sustainable and inclusive business growth.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals