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GEORGE TOWN – In a bid to tackle the apparent shortage of capable entrepreneurs in meeting the state’s economic expectations, the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) is organising a programme to foster and mentor youths towards entrepreneurship.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge 3.0 is aimed at inspiring young entrepreneurs to be more competitive and dynamic in tandem with today’s innovation and technology, said state youth and sports exco Soon Lip Chee.
“This is a platform for youth to interact and share innovative business ideas besides developing their entrepreneurial ideas in any field.
“It will provide opportunities for youth to gain practical experience in entrepreneurship,” he said at the programme’s launch at Komtar here on Wednesday.
Also present was PYDC general manager Gwee Sai Ling, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce representatives Goh Hun Guan and Jeffrey Koh, and S. Pathmanaben from the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang.
The event, designed for Penangites aged 16 to 35, is held in collaboration with the Penang Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang.
Soon said Penang faces a shortage of young talents and skilful entrepreneurs needed for the state to move forward with its Penang 2030 development agenda.
“Penang’s sustainability in economy, multinational companies and their investments are tied to the political stability of the state government, its investment-friendly policies, basic infrastructure, and the good relationship between the corporate world and non-government organisations.
“The state government is determined to equip youths with relevant skills such as problem-solving, innovation and creative thinking, which will help to the economic growth of the state,” he said.
“As a part of the programme, PYDC will organise workshops that offer comprehensive business plans and spur ideas to pitch on.
“We are also rolling out an ‘incubator’ and ‘accelerator’ event at the end of the programme to bridge participants with industries to enable young innovators to make their business dreams come true,” Soon added.
The Young Entrepreneurs Forum would be helping them to connect participating entrepreneurs with the market.
The programme will include a Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai City Council business licensing talk.
Registration for the programme commenced yesterday and ends on May 15. For further details, visit the PYDC website here. – The Vibes, March 25, 2022