Curtin Malaysia students pitch bold startups with real-world impact

Miri, Sarawak – 27 June 2025 A wave of entrepreneurial energy swept through Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently as 64 aspiring student entrepreneurs battled it out in a high-stakes Startup Pitch Competition hosted by the Faculty of Business.

Themed ‘Your Ideas, Your Future – Compete to Innovate’, the competition challenged students from Diploma, Foundation, and Undergraduate programmes to pitch bold, original business ideas in just five minutes. Armed with prototypes, budget plans, and business model canvases, the participants showcased not just creativity but real-world entrepreneurial acumen.

Organised by the Faculty of Business’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub in collaboration with the student-led Curtin Malaysia Entrepreneurship Club, the event was designed to mirror the intensity and dynamics of real startup environments, equipping students with essential skills in communication, budgeting, and innovation.

Entrepreneurs Evelyn Pui Siaw Chia, Director of JJ Pet Shop, and Jarone Choo Chin Yi, Director of Horizn Digital Sdn. Bhd, lent their industry expertise as guest judges, delivering valuable feedback and mentorship. Joining them were business academics Dr. Fayrene Chieng and Luke Bong, who helped bridge academic learning with practical, market-driven thinking.

“This platform is about more than just pitching ideas,” said Dr. Tiong Ying, Associate Dean of Research and Development and advisor to the Curtin Malaysia Entrepreneurship Club. “It’s about nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets and guiding students to turn ideas into actionable ventures through teamwork, innovation, and expert feedback.”

The initiative reflects the Faculty of Business’ strong commitment to entrepreneurial education under the leadership of Professor Pauline Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Business. “We are preparing our students to be industry-ready graduates – future founders, changemakers, and contributors to both the local and global economy,” she said.

Associate Professor Lew Tek Yew, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, also played a key role in steering the initiative. His department continues to champion experiential learning through competitions, business simulations, and student-industry collaborations.

For many participants, the event was a game-changer, transforming classroom theory into business reality and igniting their passion to innovate in an ever-evolving global landscape.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, or TikTok.

Students in a group photo with lecturers and judges