KUCHING: Malaysia is steadily emerging as a regional innovation hub in Southeast Asia, with entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) playing a central role in shaping the future of ASEAN.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said entrepreneurship is no longer optional but essential to Malaysia’s economic and social progress, as entrepreneurs today are problem-solvers, job creators and nation-builders.
“Our entrepreneurial ecosystem spans fintech, healthcare, agritech, clean energy, and the digital economy.
“Through digitalisation, export facilitation, and innovative financing, we are unlocking new pathways for Malaysian businesses to grow beyond borders and compete globally.
“This is how Malaysia positions itself – not merely to participate, but to lead the regional economy with clarity and conviction,” he said when officiating the Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 National Award Ceremony at a hotel here on Saturday (Jan 24).
Fadillah said Malaysia’s rise as a regional innovation hub is driven by sustained collaboration between the government, private sector and entrepreneurship ecosystem partners, including initiatives that provide funding, mentorship and access to markets.
“Public–private partnerships like the one we celebrate today are essential for scaling impact.
“Let me commend Shell Malaysia for its unwavering commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship through the Shell LiveWire programme – an initiative that has empowered entrepreneurs across more than 20 countries and transformed countless lives here in Malaysia,” he said.
He also praised the ninth-year partnership between Shell Malaysia and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), describing it as a strong example of how corporate leadership and state-driven initiatives can cultivate talent, expand opportunities and build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who also chairs TEGAS, said the agency remains committed to advancing an ecosystem where entrepreneurship is celebrated, innovation is encouraged and meaningful impact is multiplied.
“TEGAS continues to connect innovators, corporates, and government agencies, building bridges that accelerate collaboration, investment and growth.
“I encourage more corporations and organisations to collaborate with startups. Engaging early in the innovation lifecycle brings fresh perspectives and new solutions that benefit industries and communities alike,” he said.
The Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 programme concluded with the selection of five national winners from a pool of 180 entrepreneurs.
The winners were Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd, Lariss Quna Enterprise and Lettuboost Enterprise from Sarawak; Rebooz Technology Sdn Bhd from Peninsular Malaysia; and WAIG Consultancy Sdn Bhd from Sabah.
Each national winner received RM30,000 in start-up funding and access to the global LiveWire network, offering opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The winners are also eligible to compete in the Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards.
In addition, TEGAS awarded an extra RM20,000 in cash to Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd, Lariss Quna Enterprise and Lettuboost Enterprise to further encourage participation from Sarawak.
