Story and pix by K.H. Ong
INNOVATION is the key to moving Penang forward in the 21st century, according to state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
The Tanjung Bungah assemblymember said this when addressing the 2018 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (JCI CYEA) top 30 finalists at Peninsula College in Straits Quay, George Town, today.
He said in the past, Penang’s economy was more labour-based, relying on natural resources before venturing into the industrial age in the 70s and becoming a manufacturing hub in its pursuit to boost its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“In the 21st century, it’s more towards innovation-driven as the key driver of Penang economy. The Penang government has spent millions on science, like on the setting up of Tech-Dome and other learning centres,” Zairil said.
“We recognise the importance of this award. Creativity is to be encouraged not only as a skill but also as an industry so that we can move up the value chain. We’re not just emphasising on science but also on arts.”
He said coding classes are being conducted for about 2,000 students a year, and hope that those with potential can be nurtured to become technopreneurs.
Zairil, who launched the award in early February, congratulated the 30 for making it to the second round out of the about 100 young entrepreneurs throughout Malaysia who took part in a written submission of their business model.
He encouraged them to have the spirit of “Inspire The Next” and that those who did not make it to the top 30 to also expand their network and never give up.
Also present were JCI Malaysia National president Kelvin Chew, JCI United Penang president Ivan Ng, Lee Power Automotive & Tools (Myanmar) Co Ltd managing director Yeap Huey Huey, Peninsula College managing director Datuk Michael Tio and JCI CYEA organising chairman Jee Soo Lip.
Yeap, representing sponsor Safety First, presented a mock cheque for RM50,000 to Jee at the event. The titanium sponsor’s quote, “Teach After You Learn, Contribute After You Earn,” was evidently displayed on the posters and placards at the cheque presentation.
In the second round, the 30 finalists went through an oral interview before judges Prof Ian Pashby, K.C. Lau and Raymond Chong today. They would be whittled down to 10 before the top three winners would be announced at the award’s ceremony at the The Top in Komtar on Sept 1.
The top 30 finalists are: Datuk Cat Chee Pei Lee (Unity Reality), Chew Tan Yin (Beaute Mori), Y.C. Chia (Cloudhax), Chin Wei Choong (Ambitious Academy), Ivan Chin Wen Hau (Gobuilders Netsoft), Nicholas Chong Kah Yean (YFS Corporate), Chong Li Ken (Collaborative Excellence), Ben Eng Kok Chuang (Fusipim), Keda Heng Zh Feng (AMG Vision International), Cherry Ho Lee Ting (Johan Speaking Academy), Dr Koay Chun Hang (O2 Klinik), Aron Koh Kang Boon (Lomo Pictures), Paul Kong Chun Keat (GV Unicorn), Lee Wei Qing (Well Physio), Pennie Lim Pei Ni (Homa), Shirlyn Lim Sok Lin (Kalyx Consultants), Low Yuan Heng (Amplio Ingredients), Eric Ng Wuoi Uoi (Mecobee Packaging), Ooi Boon Sheng (Web Bytes), Ginz Ooi Qing Lin (Webqlo), Datuk Paul Lim Tau Ern (Premiumlogy Holding), Wynz See Chin Ling (S.A.C. Properties), Roys Tan Chin Way (Wild Brains Empire), Tan Li Mei (Scoopoint), Jacelyn Tan Mun Kim (Kids Planet Education), Ivy Tan Suk Shyen (Careemaster), Andrew Tan Tan Hoang (TVB Capital), Daphne Teh Yan Shan (Muzart Learning Centre), Vincent Tong Hooi Leong (DIY Printing Supply) and Hong Ching Chuan (Monkey Theory).