Startup fest back to inspire folk

A FREE startup and digital economy grassroots event is on the cards to help Malaysians kick-start their own business.

The two-day PJ Startup Festival 2022 organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) on July 16 and 17 is ideal for those intending to start a business, operators of new startups as well as small and mid-size businesses and college students.

“Our smartphones are powered by so many apps created by companies that had just a small idea in the beginning but they worked hard to develop their idea,” said Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei.

“That is why we have Facebook, Instagram and Twitter today.

“So, those interested in the ecosystem can join the event to learn more about how to start up successful businesses too,” she said adding that the event was targetting fresh graduates who were unsure of their next step in life.

MBPJ Zone 16 councillor Terence Tan said the event was open to the public and there was no age limit.

Topics on fundraising for startups, future of trade and work, Islamic digital economy, youth and entrepreneurship, financial technology (fintech), blockchain and cryptocurrencies will be shared with participants.

The event will also feature 97 exhibition booths from startups, government agencies, venture capital (VC) and private equity firms, banks and technology providers.

The panel will include Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, Energy, Science Technology, Environment and Climate Change former minister Yeo Bee Yin, pitchIN chief executive officer Sam Shafie and Ficus Capital VC co-founder and executive director Abdullah Hidayat Mohamad.

The festival will also highlight success stories from startup companies such as Carsome, Hargapedia, Moneymatch and KotakSakti.

Besides that, a startup pitching competition offering cash prizes with an overall value of RM10,000 will be held.

Participants of the contest will also receive valuable feedback from judges.

This festival is a joint effort of Lim along with MBPJ councillors Sakinah Bibi (Zone 6), John Leong (Zone 7), Thayalan Krishnasamy (Zone 11), Bryan Ng (Zone 13), Tan, Nalina Nair (Zone 19) and Ong Yew Thai (Zone 20).

It is supported by MBPJ, Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and VC partners.

The event from 9am to 6pm will be held at MBPJ Civic Centre, Jalan Yong Shook Lin in Petaling Jaya.

For details, visit the PJ Startup Festival 2022’s social media pages.