Curtin Sarawak students present business ideas at CPA Australia Entrepreneurial Challenge 2013

Miri – 29 October 2013 – The first CPA Australia Young Professional Leaders Entrepreneurial Challenge 2013 jointly organised by CPA Australia Young Professionals Network and CPA Australia Student Charter Curtin Sarawak (CPAASC) was recently held at the campus of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) here.

Attended by undergraduate business and engineering students of Curtin Sarawak, the entrepreneurial challenge provided a platform for students to present their business ideas, as well an opportunity for them to network and exchange ideas with fellow students and industry professionals.

During the challenge, each team of four members was given RM500 as capital to start up their business. They were given two weeks to earn as much profit as possible and prepare a business report with a financial statement.

At the final presentation, each team was given five minutes to present their business ideas to the judges and persuade them to invest in their businesses.

The judges were Chairman of CPA Australia Young Professionals Network Shaun Lee; CPA Australia Divisional Councillor (Malaysia) Dr. Edward Lim; CPA Australia Young Professionals Network Committee Member Zen Chow; and Head of the Department of Accounting at Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business, Dr. Anbalagan Krishnan.

The winning team comprised Matthew Kong Wei Neen, Mah Shi Yoong, Er Yan Ting and Teo Ming Er. They walked away with a RM1,000 cash prize, four digital cameras and certificates of appreciation.

The RM600 first runner-up prize went to Jong Ling, Ling Yi Qing, Karen Hee Tau Fung and Chan Mie Ching, while Elaine Lee Chia Tung, Lai Xin Xin Karen, Chong Jing Tze and Ng Ting Ting won the RM400 second runner-up prize.

13 teams took part in the event and generated profits amounting to RM13,900, including each team’s RM500 start-up capital. The amount was donated to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Sunflower Centre at a cheque presentation recently. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Sunflower Centre was its chairperson, Liza Chai.

In his speech during the presentation, Curtin Sarawak’s Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ir. Yudi Samyudia said he was pleased to see the students demonstrating their creativity and professionalism in the challenge, adding that such challenges help students enhance their business knowledge and skills.

Meanwhile, Dean of School of Business Professor Francois Therin remarked that Curtin Sarawak has a long history of excellent partnership with CPA Australia, particularly in regards to the recognition of the School of Business’ accounting courses and educational support.

“I am convinced that through the CPA Australia Student Charter Curtin Sarawak, the synergy between the university and CPA Australia will be significantly enhanced in the years to come,” said Professor Therin.

Professor Samyudia presenting a souvenir to Mr. Shaun Lee as Dr. Anbalagan looks on.

Liza Chai receiving mock cheque from Mr. Zen Chow on behalf of Miri Sunflower Centre as others look on.

The winning team, Dr. Lim (2nd right) and Mr. Chow (right) in a photo call.

Participants Vinodh Rajendran and Sarah Jabeen presenting their business ideas to the judges.