YOUNG talents are an important pillar to contribute to Penang’s economic development, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Chow emphasised the importance of young entrepreneurs to work on their own skills and in the process create employment for themselves and others.
He said the youths play an integral role in ensuring the state remains in the forefront.
“Penang will be able to advance as a state in the country with a large talent pool of active entrepreneurs.
“The various talents that the youths have will be a major boost to transform the state into an advanced and progressive society.
“The state government and Penangites are undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to take steps to weather the escalating challenges and global economic slowdown.
“We are confident that the creativity and innovation of our youths will be a valuable asset in our efforts to strengthen state’s economy,” he said in his speech after attending the Finals of Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2021 in City Bayview Hotel today.
Chow congratulated all the young entrepreneurs, including the top 12 teams chosen as the finalists, for their participation.
He said he was delighted that this year’s Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) provided a platform for all the 40 participating teams to pitch their business ideas.
The event was organised by state government, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) with Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (Perdasama), Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Session (PCCC YES) and Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Penang.
It was held to cultivate interest in youth entrepreneurship.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who was also present, noted that the number of teams had doubled compared to last year.
“This is a platform for young people, who are keen on entrepreneurship and innovation to share their entrepreneurship ideas.
“I believe that the youths can create a better community and also create new employment opportunities for others through their innovative ideas.
“Youths are the future of our nation and being creative and innovative are an essential focus of youth development,” he said.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said she was pleased with the overwhelming response received.
“These young innovators and business leaders have presented their business ideas ranging from fashion, health supplements, agriculture and others.
“This challenge inspired young entrepreneurs to be more competitive.
“I would also like to thank sponsors UWC Berhad, Hotayi Electronic, NationGate Solution Sdn Bhd, Nova Mulia, VinCaps Capital, CoWork Venture, MYDIN, Big Domain, Big Academy and ICT Digital Mall for making this event a success,” she said.
Tokkong Home Service emerged champions and took home RM15,000 while Planet finished second to win RM10,000 and Corrington Co came third to win RM8,000.
Inno Sports and Optimed Technology won the consolation prizes and received RM1,000 each.
Also present were PYDC deputy general manager Ng Hooi Ting, PYDC directors Joseph Ng and Lee Wei Seang, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) deputy general manager S. Bharathi, PCCC YES chairman Leon Lee, Perdasama representative Malik Faisal Abdul Rahim and MICCI Penang representative S. Patmanathen.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting