MIRI: Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) students recently demonstrated their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in the highly anticipated Innobiz Productive Race, Sarawak Zone.
The Faculty of Business team comprising Lenna Wee, Hong Xiao Wen, Nancy Ping, Emily Yu and Jaseline Sia came in second.
Another team comprising Gerald Yeo, Muhammad Iman Zulkifli, Aaron Alexander David, Kelvin Fong and Felicia Hwong won the Most Creative Media Social Productivity Content category.
Both teams won cash prizes.
Hosted by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) at Coco Cabana, Miri, the event was held in conjunction with Minggu PMKS (Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil & Sederhana) or PMKS Week 2023 and saw the participation of 50 university and secondary school students from Miri.
Innobiz Productive Race, an annual competition designed exclusively for university and secondary school students, challenges participants with a series of innovative tasks and problem-solving challenges.
Its key aim is to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit among students and empower them with a real-world business experience. Throughout the event, students have the opportunity to showcase their business acumen, creativity, and teamwork skills.
Advisor to the participating team, Dr Fayrene Chieng, commended the two teams members for demonstrating their ability to think critically, embrace innovation, and work effectively as a team.
“By participating in the event, our students have gained invaluable experience in a simulated business environment, allowing them to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication,” she said.
Featuring various challenges that reflect real-life business scenarios, the competition required participants to engage in market research, product design and development, marketing and promotions, financial planning, and pitch presentations.
These activities were carefully designed to expose the students to the intricacies of entrepreneurship and provide them with a solid foundation for potential future ventures.
“It was also an opportunity for them to gain insights into the role of MPC and other government agencies in promoting and supporting the growth of SMEs,” Dr. Chieng added.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) are the biggest contributors to the country’s economic growth, and also catalyse the formation of Malaysia’s future.
Recognising the importance and contribution of PMKS to economic development and national progress, the PMKS Week programme is organised throughout the country each year to increase public awareness and promote SME products and services from various industries.
Curtin Malaysia’s pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive Professor Simon Leunig congratulated the two teams, saying: “The Innobiz Productive Race was an excellent opportunity for our students to unleash their entrepreneurial potential.
“By participating in the competition, young minds gain hands-on experience and learn the intricacies of running a successful business. We are thrilled that our students performed so well in the competition.”
