SARIKEI, Mar 5: Some 60 participants of Techstars Startup Weekend Sarikei Youth Edition (#TSWSARIKEI) impressed mentors with not only their bold ideas but their enthusiasm, team spirit and willingness to venture something beyond their comfort zones.
The event from Feb 28 to March 1 was organised by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and powered by iCube Innovation (iCube) at SMA Sarikei Innovation Centre.
According to a media release today, the event was part of a global startup movement in over 150 countries, which has the ultimate goal of equipping potential entrepreneurs with the fundamental tools of the startup ecosystem, as well as uncovering some of the brightest entrepreneurial ideas among the locals.
The intensive 54-hour event aimed to help participants to focus on an idea and turn it into reality, guided and mentored by successful entrepreneurs, startup founders and experienced mentors.
University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Centre for Applied Learning and Multimedia deputy director Chuah Kee Man, who was one of the mentors, was impressed with the high degree of participation and involvement from all parties.
“I think Sarikei Youth Edition has surprised me in many ways, particularly in the willingness of the participants to go through the innovation process although most of them were in the dark at first.
“The facilitators have done an excellent job in motivating them to go beyond their comfort zones,” he said.
Among the skillful and seasoned entrepreneurs who facilitated the event included AIMS lead generation specialist Jonathan Wong, HAUS Kuching co-founder John-Paul Davis, UCTS lecturer Maximus Tang, Solaku Sdn Bhd managing director Mohd Hisham and partner for David Allan Sagah and Teng Advocates Timothy Lim Teng.
They spent time mentoring the students, providing valuable insights in opening up the students’ minds to the rapidly evolving global startup trends.
The event saw a great mix of youths from Giatmara Sarikei, SMK Bandar Sarikei, SMK Julau, Kolej Komuniti Sarikei, Politeknik Metro Betong, University College Technology Sarawak (UCTS) and many others.
Working in teams, the participants brainstormed and developed their ideas, tested the business model, carried out market validations and tweaked it even further until the final day.
For more details about Techstars Startup Weekend Sarawak, and to find out about upcoming events organised by iCube, please visit www.icubeinnovation.com.my or contact them at admin@icubeinnovation.com.my or 082-266868. —DayakDaily
