KUCHING: Five promising Sarawak-based startups are one step closer to the global entrepreneurial stage after being named winners of the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2025 Sarawak-level challenge today
More than just a recognition of potential, the victory marks a transformative journey ahead for Desa Inspirasi Resources, Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd, Lariss Quna Enterprise, Lettuboost, and Maxeon Technologies Sdn Bhd.
These ventures will now proceed to the national-level competition in November this year at the TEGAS Digital Village here.
The winners will receive a full year of tailored business mentorship to sharpen their strategies and accelerate their ventures.
They will also gain access to critical resources, networks, and support channels through TEGAS – all essential tools for scaling up sustainably.
A selected few from the national level will earn the honour of representing Malaysia at the Shell LiveWIRE Global Finals in Mexico.
There, they will not only showcase their innovations on a global platform but also stand a chance to be nominated for Shell’s prestigious Top Ten Innovators Global Awards.
Shell Sarawak’s General Manager, Choong Yen Li, said the programme has been instrumental in empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn bright ideas into businesses that drive real-world change.
“This initiative equips individuals not just to build their businesses but to make a meaningful impact by generating employment and contributing to the wider community,” said Choong in her official remarks, delivered by Shell Social Performance Manager, Iris Soh.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister who also chairs TEGAS, Datuk Len Talif Salleh officiated at the awards ceremony and presented each winner with a RM10,000 startup grant from Shell, supplemented with an additional RM5,000 by TEGAS.
“This is more than a funding opportunity; it’s an ecosystem that fosters innovation, resilience, and social impact.
“I urge more of our local entrepreneurs to embrace this platform,” said Len, highlighting the programme’s holistic support in knowledge, networks and resources.
This year’s panel of judges included TEGAS Manager, Afida Zaidi; The Borneo Post‘s Executive Business Editor, Ronnie Teo, who is also Kuching Division Journalists Association’s (KDJA’s) Chairman and Federation of Sarawak Journalists Association’s (FSJA’s) President, as well as Senior Manager of Mobility Sales and Operations at Shell Malaysia, Dr Alex Pega Mahda.
First introduced in Sabah in 2015, followed by Sarawak in 2016 and Peninsular Malaysia in 2022, Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia continues to play a vital role in strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship.
The programme has inspired a new generation of innovators to tackle modern socioeconomic challenges through practical, impactful business solutions.
Also present at the event was TEGAS’ Chief Executive Officer, Udin Bujang.
