UTAR Department of Banking and Risk Management of the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) in collaboration with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (ABMB), successfully organised the Alliance Bank Entrepreneurial Venture with ESG Initiatives Business Pitch Challenge on 13 December 2024 at Alliance Bank Berhad Kuala Lumpur. The event demonstrated academia-industry collaboration, providing students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial insight and sustainable business solutions.
The Business Pitch Challenge aimed to develop students’ skills in creating business proposals centred on Entrepreneurial Ventures with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. With ESG becoming a key focus for industries worldwide, the competition encouraged participants to pitch products or services that offer tangible social and environmental impacts. Each team conceptualised a proposal with a seed fund of RM50,000, highlighting their product’s societal benefits and governance strategies.
Five of the 19 participating teams were shortlisted for the final round, where they pitched their ideas before a panel of industry leaders and UTAR academics.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Team AB14, comprising Ng Wei Yean and Chong Hao Yee Richmond, postgraduate students from the Department of Civil Engineering at UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES). Their project, UTAR ECO BLOCK, mentored by Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Siong Kang, stood out for its innovative and sustainable approach to civil construction materials.
The UTAR ECO BLOCK is a lightweight wall solution utilising Lightweight Foam Concrete (LFC) technology, kenaf fibre, and 100% recycled glass waste. This innovative product replaces traditional brick wall systems that heavily rely on high-carbon-emission materials like cement and sand. By incorporating glass waste and kenaf fibre, the product addresses pressing environmental challenges such as diminishing sand resources, high carbon emissions, and inefficient waste management.
The team conducted a life-cycle assessment study that revealed significant reductions in environmental impacts, including global warming and ozone depletion. Additionally, UTAR ECO BLOCK contributes to affordable housing and job creation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Ng Wei Yean shared, “Winning this competition provides crucial validation and resources to develop further and scale our innovative civil construction materials. We are committed to building a sustainable and impactful business that benefits both the environment and the community.” Chong Hao Yee Richmond added, “The platform offered us invaluable exposure to industry leaders and expert feedback, which enhanced our business plan and pitching skills.”
The team credited UTAR for providing a dynamic learning environment that fostered innovation and entrepreneurship. They highlighted how their Bachelor of Civil Engineering coursework, including Project Management, Concrete Technology, and Integrated Project Design, equipped them with the skills needed to conceptualise and present their winning solution.
“Our university’s holistic academic curriculum, combined with industry engagement, played a pivotal role in our success. This competition highlights UTAR’s commitment to nurturing students who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and forward-thinking,” they said.
Other standout teams included:
The challenge concluded with an alumni sharing session featuring Ms Tan Jun Di and Mr Kan Wai Kit from ABMB, who provided insights into industry practices. The event closed with a ceremony led by Mr See Yap Siong and an office tour of Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad.
The Alliance Bank Entrepreneurial Venture with ESG Initiatives Business Pitch Challenge reinforced the importance of integrating ESG principles into entrepreneurial ventures. It also exemplified UTAR’s role in fostering innovative solutions that address global challenges, demonstrating the university’s commitment to advancing sustainability and social impact.
Champion: Ng (far left) and Chong Richmond (far right) with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad Group Chief Business & Transaction Banking Officer Mr Raymond Chui
Second Prize winners (second from left) Lai, Seow and Tan with Mr Raymund Chui (most left)
Third Prize winners (from left) Choo, Yong, Low and Liew with Mr Raymund Chui (second from left)
Team AB03 (second from left): Chang, Tan, Chew and Wong with Mr Raymund Chui
Cheng (right) receiving the certificate on behalf of his team from Mr Raymond Chui
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