THE Penang government is confident that young entrepreneurs in the state could contribute to the creation of jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang would be able to move forward with its vast talent pool of active entrepreneurs.
“It remains my hope to see the youths in Penang continue to venture into the field of entrepreneurship.
“The state government will provide the necessary support to our young local talents to generate more young leaders who will meet global market demands.
“The state government will not hesitate to work closely with our industry players to promote innovation and empowerment of our youths,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020 in St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
The inaugural Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020 was organised by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC).
A total of 19 teams took part in the challenge.
Despite being a difficult year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Penang government continues to take steps to weather the challenges.
Chow thanked PYDC for organising the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020.
“It provides a new experience to our participants and serves as a stepping stone for the youths in their journey as young entrepreneurs.
“They will be more dynamic and innovative,” he said.
Chow also hoped that PYDC would continue its commitment to develop the young people.
“Congratulations to the organising team for the success of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020,” he said.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who was present, was pleased with the success of the competition.
“It is aimed at cultivating and mentoring the youths in the field of entrepreneurship.
“In line with the ‘Youth For Future’ initiative, the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020 inspires the youths to be more competitive. It also provides a platform for them to interact with each other.
“The participants have also presented their business proposals during the competition. This shows the innovation of our youths,” he said.
ALT Planning won the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 2020, while the first and second runners-up were Interactive Health Labs and XQueue respectively.
ALT Planning took home RM15,000 while Interactive Health Labs and XQueue won RM10,000 and RM8,000 respectively.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) vice-president Datuk Finn Choong, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling and PCCC Young Entrepreneurs Section chairman Lee Toong Leon.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud