The Entrepreneur Colosseum (TEC) Roadshow 2024

Front row, from left: Naaresh, Calvin Chia, Dickson Pua, Datin Katherine Leong, Datuk Dylan Chui, Lim, Dr Bernard Saw, Tai and Amirtha

The Entrepreneur Colosseum (TEC) Roadshow 2024, organised by Persatuan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM), took place on 19 July 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The purpose of the event was to promote the Entrepreneur Colosseum (TEC) competition to UTAR students. Over 20 students and staff attended the event.

Present were DELUX Holding (M) Sdn Bhd and SENZ Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd Founder and Chairman Datuk Dylan Chui, SENZ Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datin Katherine Leong, Eighty One Sdn Bhd Director and PUMM Secretary General Dato’ Jason Foo, 2KINJO Sdn Bhd Founder & CEO Mr Dickson Pua Kah Wai, Venko Global Sdn Bhd Founder and CEO Mr Calvin Chia Yong Xiang, UTAR Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD) Director Ms Lim Guat Yen, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Deputy Director Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) academic Ms Tai Lit Cheng, and Unovate Centre Manager Amirtha Sangeetha Ganesan and Senior Assistant Manager Mr Naaresh Arumugam.

The TEC roadshow, also known as “创业擂台” was organised by PUMM, UTAR’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) partner. Besides promoting “The Entrepreneur Colosseum” competition, the event also featured a captivating sharing session by Datuk Dylan Chui, which sparked a lively discussion and keen interest among the students.

Datuk Dylan shared his experiences founding DELUX Holding (M) Sdn Bhd, a renowned company known for manufacturing and installing auto gates without trails. He recounted how the early days of his startup were fraught with challenges, including financial constraints that made it difficult to sustain the business, as well as frequent sleepless nights and anxiety. Additionally, he faced lawsuits from competitors, which taught him the critical importance of trademark registration. He emphasised that family and business connections played a vital role in the growth and success of his company. Before ending his talk, Datuk Dylan encouraged aspiring students to join PUMM to expand their networks and broaden their horizons.

The Entrepreneur Colosseum competition

“The Entrepreneur Colosseum” is a thrilling pitching competition designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among young entrepreneurs and university students. The competition offers participants the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial prowess and win substantial prizes. Eligibility is open to young entrepreneurs and university students who have an idea, product, or service and are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 30.

The top 10 finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and strive to excel in the competition. The total prize pool for “The Entrepreneur Colosseum” is RM50,000, with the Champion receiving RM20,000, the first runner-up RM10,000, and the second runner-up RM5,000. Additional prizes include RM1,500 for fourth place, RM1,000 for fifth place, and RM500 for those placed sixth to tenth. All winners will also receive benefits in kind.

Guests lighting up the roadshow with their insightful sharing

Ms Lim exchanging souvenir with Datuk Dylan (left) and Mr Calvin Chia

Three lucky draw winners receiving Starbucks gift cards