Search is on for Malaysia’s most creative young entrepreneur

KOTA KINABALU: The search for Malaysia’s most creative young entrepreneur is back for the seventh year.

According to the 2013 Junior Chamber International Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (JCI CYEA) organising chairman from JCI Petaling Jaya, MK Su, the nomination for 2103 JCI CYEA are now open until May 31.

“The competition is open to all young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 and must be Malaysian citizen,” he said.

He said, the nominees should be owners or managers who have used their creativity and innovation in product development, service development, unique market approach or in improving a business to create positive change.

Speaking during a press conference at Zara’s Boutique Hotel here, yesterday, he added that the nomination process will get through various stages from the online submission, followed with the shortlisting of the top 10 finalists by local independent judges from various industries.

“The top 10 finalists will then be required to do a 5 minutes presentation on their submission and be interviewed before the judges can select the 2013 JCI CYEA winner.

Meanwhile, President of Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM), Datuk Wong Khen Thau urged Sabahans especially the young people to take the opportunities to grow their career.

Wong, who is also the CEO of Asian Tourism International College added that the five elements of JCI which are creative, competitive, initiative, innovative and motivational should be the guidelines for the youngsters to achieve a more meaningful life.

“Competition will make you better, different from others and outstanding,” he added.

He called for more multicultural young Malaysian entrepreneurs from various backgrounds to participate in the 2013 JCI CYEA, as this award is one of the platforms for young entrepreneurs to grow and elevate their careers.

Local President of JCI Petaling Jaya, Nurul Huda Mohamed Afandi, said that the award will give recognition to the young entrepreneurs and also as a door for them to be exposed to the other countries.

The award has received endorsement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Ministry Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA).

All entries are free and to be submitted online by May 31and winner will be announced on Sept 7at its award ceremony at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

For more details, contact the organising chairman, MK Su at 012-330 2881, email at nominaton@jcicyea.com.my or visit www.jcicyea.com.my

Also present were JCIM National Executive Vice Presidents; Safarina Wasli, JCI Tanjung Aru President; Kent Pon, Founder cum Group Managing Director of Aulis Group 2012 CYEA World Finalist, Dr James Yong Chau Leong and Managing Director of Zara’s Boutique hotel; Eliza Goh.