Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia – November 29, 2024 — The Youth Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (YEB), held in conjunction with the SME World Forum 2024 at MILA University, Negeri Sembilan, gathered aspiring young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and academia to explore the role of youth in driving innovation and sustainable business practices. Jointly organized by Curtin University Malaysia and the International Council for Small Businesses (ICSB), the YEB program is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Bootcamp stood out for its innovative structure, offering a blend of masterclasses, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on training. What made the experience even more remarkable was the students’ active participation. Their eagerness to learn, engage, and contribute to discussions was palpable throughout the event. These young minds brought fresh, creative ideas, showcasing their potential to drive transformative change in the entrepreneurial world.
The Bootcamp’s masterclass showcased an impressive line-up of speakers from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique insights and expertise. A highlight of the event was the two captivating keynote addresses: “The Role of Youth in Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” delivered by Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, President and CEO of ICSB, and “Introduction of Humane Entrepreneurship” by Professor Ki-Chan Kim, Chairman of ICSB. These thought-provoking speeches inspired participants and underscored the crucial role of youth and innovative and humanistic approaches in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The informative session on pitching strategies for successful youth-led start-ups rounded out the day, preparing the participants for the event’s highlight—the pitching competition. Participants were grouped into teams presenting innovative solutions to sustainability challenges. All teams impressed judges, especially a team with a groundbreaking idea to use biotechnology to address global food security issues, showcasing today’s youth’s ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Curtin University Malaysia and the Organising Lead of the YEB, highlighted the importance of nation-building, stating, “Youth entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of future economic resilience and global progress. Initiatives like YEB are vital in cultivating the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
Dr Ayman commended the participants, stating, “The students displayed a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and the passion and determination to make a difference. Their active participation during mentorship and pitching sessions and ability to engage meaningfully with industry leaders highlighted their readiness to embrace challenges and opportunities.”
The Youth Entrepreneurship Bootcamp at the SME World Forum exemplified the commitment of Curtin University Malaysia and ICSB to nurturing the youth with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. By fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, these young visionaries take their first steps into the entrepreneurial world; their creative ideas and unwavering drive will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for SMEs and beyond.
