Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs: SAY ASPIRE's 5th Edition Honors Selangor's Best

Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs: SAY ASPIRE's 5th Edition Honors Selangor's Best. | Attending the 5th edition of the SAY ASPIRE programme on August 14th, 2024, at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya was nothing short of inspiring. 

This remarkable event brought together 10 exceptional young entrepreneurs, each given the unique opportunity to present their business pitches to a distinguished panel, including DYTM Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Crown Prince of Selangor.

The SAY ASPIRE programme, an entrepreneurial development initiative, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs to expand their products and services into the global market. The programme offers comprehensive mentorship and export strategy training, marking its fifth successful edition since its inception in 2018. 

This initiative, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Tengku Amir Shah through the Selangor Youth Community (SAY), continues to nurture and develop young entrepreneurial talent across Selangor.

The 2024 edition of SAY ASPIRE, running from January to August, has supported 30 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Selangor, all eager to explore international markets. To qualify, companies must be based in Selangor, have directors aged between 18 and 40, and maintain a clean business record. 

This year's edition was a collaborative effort, supported by YB Mohd Najwan Halimi, the Selangor State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship, as well as MATRADE and MEDICPETS, an alumni company from the first edition of SAY ASPIRE. MEDICPETS, under the leadership of Miss Siti Sofiah, contributed RM50,000 to assist entrepreneurs in penetrating the Bruneian market.

The energy in the room was electric as each participant passionately presented their innovative ideas and business strategies, all competing for the top spots in the SAY ASPIRE Pitch Finale. 

The presentations were judged by a panel of experts with extensive experience in business and exports, including:

- His Royal Highness Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, Crown Prince of Selangor

- YB Mohd Najwan Halimi, Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship, Selangor State

- Mr. Mansor Shah bin Wahid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE (Export Development)

- Miss Siti Sofia Ramli, Chief Executive Officer, Medipets Sdn. Bhd.

- Mr. Sheikh Farouk Sheikh Mohamed, Managing Director, AEON Big (M) Sdn. Bhd.

I was truly impressed by the level of dedication and creativity displayed by these young entrepreneurs, each one showcasing remarkable potential to expand their businesses on a global scale.

The Top 5 Winners

A special congratulations goes out to the top 5 winners who stood out with their brilliant pitches:

- First Place: DASC International Sdn Bhd

- Second Place: Citra Kesom

- Third Place: Skinny Bakers

- MEDICPETS Special Award: Zaahra Ventures

- MEDICPETS Special Award: Al-Meswak Mu’min

The top 3 winners will enjoy significant rewards, including:

- Sponsored flights to a selected country worth RM10,000 for promotional and business negotiation purposes.

- Personalized mentorship.

- Booth space and networking opportunities to help realize their export dreams.

- Opportunities for business incentives and investments.

- Collaboration networks with relevant agencies.

- A prestigious trophy and certificate.

Acknowledging All Participants

The 10 youth companies that competed in the SAY ASPIRE Final Pitch 5th Edition are:

1. Citra Kesom Sdn Bhd - Health drinks

2. Al-Meswak Mu’min Sdn Bhd - Toothpaste products

3. Deanna Creations Sdn Bhd - Packaging & delivery services

4. Bayu Somerset Sdn Bhd - Fashion

5. Skinny Bakers Group Sdn Bhd - Cookies

6. Aducktive Food Sdn Bhd - Snacks

7. DASC International Sdn Bhd - Cosmetics (Skincare)

8. Complement Ventures (M) Sdn Bhd - Lifestyle (Candles)

9. Zaahara Ventures Sdn Bhd - Instant Prayers Wear

10. Meet Mee Kitchen Sdn Bhd - Instant Pan Mee

Each of these companies brought something unique to the table, and their hard work and perseverance were evident in their presentations. A special shoutout to all participants—you have truly showcased the immense potential of Selangor’s youth.

A Reflection on the Day

Attending this event left me deeply inspired by the passion and drive of these young entrepreneurs. It serves as a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that arise when talent is nurtured and supported. 

Congratulations once again to all the winners and participants! The future looks bright, and I can’t wait to see how these entrepreneurs grow and succeed on a global stage. 

#SAYASPIRE #YouthEntrepreneurship #GlobalExpansion #Innovation #SelangorYouth