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We have received reports that entites are being solicited for sales packages purported as "Business Awards". [Read More]
Exercise caution and conduct due diligence before making payment for “business award” offers. [Read More]

Singapore SME 500 Award Categories

Advisory: Unsolicited "Business Award" Participations and Nominations via WhatsApp - Verify Source of Communications

We have received reports from member companies and past award winners informing that they have fallen victim to the growing number of marketing packages disguised as "Business Awards". These schemes are aggressively marketed to Singapore businesses, and typically operate by sending unsolicited WhatsApp messages, cold calls or emails claiming that the business has been "nominated" or "selected" for an award, after which payment is demanded for trophies, plaques, gala dinners, marketing and/or sponsorship packages.

These entities have no affiliation with ATC, the Singapore SME 500 Award or any of ATC's Business Standards programmes.

ATC does not cold-solicit businesses for award participation and any correspondence from ATC are via our official domain @atc.sg or official WhatsApp accounts. ATC's WhatsApp accounts are used only after a verified relationship has been established and only for notices, automated status updates and administrative transactions to existing applicants and members. If your first-ever contact from "ATC" is a WhatsApp message informing that you have been "nominated" or "selected" to participate and pay for an award, it is not from us.

If you are unsure of the source of communications:

  • Do not respond, make payment or share any personal, business or financial information with the sender, unless verified.
  • Do not click on links embedded in suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails.
  • Verify directly with us by calling +65 6304 3145 or emailing members@atc.sg before taking any further action.
  • Report the incident to the Singapore Police Force via the ScamShield helpline 1799 or at www.scamshield.gov.sg
  • File an official report with us

Important Note: ATC only administers the Singapore SME 500 Award and the other segments officially listed under ATC's Business Standards. Any other programmes not listed on our official website is not endorsed by, affiliated with or recognised by ATC.

For more information, please visit our advisory page .

Award Winners Main & Special Category

The Singapore SME 500 Award recognises outstanding enterprises that demonstrate excellence, resilience, strong business fundamentals and the ability to scale. In recognition that enterprises excel in different areas of strength, the Award framework takes into consideration both overall business performance and distinguished capabilities demonstrated by enterprises.

1. Main Category

This is the core recognition conferred to enterprises that successfully meet the established assessment benchmarks and framework under the Singapore SME 500 Award. This recognition signifies that the enterprise has achieved a trusted standard of business excellence and is positioned among Singapore’s distinguished SMEs.

2. Special Category

In addition to the main category, selected Singapore SME 500 awardees may also be recognised under the distinctive special categories, based on strengthens and performance demonstrated during assessment.

These categories highlight businesses that have displayed exceptional capabilities in the focus areas, and are evaluated amongst all awardees of the Singapore SME 500 for the assessed year.

Important Note1: No additional submission or application is required under the special category.
The awardee will automatically be enrolled for review under the special category upon the activation of digital welcome kit and issuance of Singapore SME 500 Award serial number under the main category.

Important Note2: Announcement of Special Category Award Winners.
Winners of the Singapore SME 500 Award Special Categories will be announced during the awards presentation ceremony.

The five special categories under the Singapore SME 500 Award are:

1. Best Digital Adopter
Winner of the Best Digital Adopter category is selected based on the overall grading of its digital capabilities, adoption of digital solutions and the adaptation of digitalization that has increased the business's market share.

2. Fast Growing SME
Awarded to enterprises that demonstrate strong financial performance, management excellence and clear capability to scale, including potential for international expansion.

3. Emerging Brand
Honours enterprises with impactful brand strength, strategic brand initiatives and market reach or potential.

4. Best SME Workplace
Recognises organisations with standout human-resource practices, strong workplace culture and high employee satisfaction.

5. Green and Sustainability
Awarded to enterprises that integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into business processes and demonstrate commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Applications for the Singapore SME 500 Award 2026 are now open!

Exemplify your organisation’s commitment to business excellence, quality and standards — Be assessed and endorsed under the Singapore SME 500 Award 2026.

Apply Now