Which Of These 7 Malaysian Businesses Deserves RM250,000? Vote For A Winner Now!
Yup, things are about to get real.
Published for ALLIANCE BANK MALAYSIA, 04 Dec 2015, 06:00 PM
Over the past two months, we've introduced you to the 20 finalists for this year's SME Innovation Challenge
Since then, they've been working hard to sharpen their business skills by attending business coaching sessions and learning from influential leaders like Dato’ Chang Kim Wah from EcoWorld Development Group Berhad, Malek Ali from BFM89.9, Cheah See Yeong from Golden Scoop Sdn Bhd and Yg Bhg Datuk Wira (Dr.) Ameer Ali Mydin from Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad.
They were also given the chance to promote their brands in the media, and more.
The time has now come for the next step: choosing the top finalists for this year's competition. And guess what... you've got a say in who wins!
But first... What’s the SME Innovation Challenge again?
20 young Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were chosen to be coached by business leaders for a few months. At the end of this programme, a panel of judges will choose a grand prize winner to win the coveted Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin Entrepreneurship Award!
They've recently narrowed the field down to just 7 SMEs. But it's not just the judges who will do the choosing. Now they need your help...
Public voting is now open from now till 8 December 2015, and your favourite SME needs your vote to win!
Vote either via Facebook or directly here.
You can only vote once, so it's best to stick around and get to know the finalists, below.
1. Freschcart Grocer
Facebook page: Freshcart
Freshcart Grocer is an online grocer with a proud mission: Delivering fresh and quality wholesome foods to people's doorsteps. They promise only high quality foods, with the following goal: “Changing the way we eat by simply changing how we value food”.
Why you should vote for them:
Because grocery shopping from the comforts of your own home or office beats getting stuck in a jam.
VOTE for Freshcart Grocer.
2. Sangkaya
Facebook page: Sangkaya
Sangkaya is a coconut-centric company. They create innovative products made with coconut milk as the base - instead of dairy, cream and eggs. If you haven't tried their coconut ice cream before - we highly recommend you give your tongue a taste of heaven.
Currently they have more than 30 outlets all over Malaysia.
Why you should vote for them:
Because we're nuts about coconuts... and we can never get enough of ice cream!
VOTE for Sangkaya.
3. Twenty3
Facebook Page: Twenty3
Twenty3 is a female fashion company with global aspirations. It was founded by Sherlyn Tan when she was only 23 years old.
In just two years+, the company has rapidly grown to become one of the largest, most recognizable single-brand online stores. It serves tens of thousands of customers in over twenty countries.
Why you should vote for them:
Because Sherlyn's story is so inspirational and teaches us so many things: youth is no barrier for success, it's okay to dream big, and beautiful things can come from difficult times.
VOTE for Twenty3.
4. CarBengkel
Facebook Page: CarBengkel
CarBengkel is an app which hopes to solve the familiar Malaysian problem: how do you locate a good mechanic - especially in an area you're unfamiliar with?
Utilising GPS, Mobile and Push technology, CarBengkel helps solve this - by matching trusted car workshops with car owners.
Why you should vote for them:
Because trust is the most powerful currency in business. And everyone needs a trustworthy mechanic.
VOTE for CarBengkel.
5. Ash Be Nimble
Facebook Page: Ash Be Nimble
Ash Be Nimble is a homegrown Malaysian brand that designs and manufactures sports apparel. They aim to make a difference in fitness in the ASEAN region with affordable and quality wear.
Their fashionable products sell in Malaysia for RM 100 and below. You can find them at their online store, physical store or at more than twenty stockists around Southeast Asia.
Why you should vote for them:
Because we like looking good while working out. And we like affordable prices even more.
VOTE for Ash Be Nimble.
6. Humble Beginnings
Facebook Page: Humble Beginnings Mille Crepe
Humble Beginnings makes and delivers sweet stuff. Most people know them for their mille crepe cakes, but they also serve ice creams, éclairs, frappes, milkshakes, and smoothies.
Quality is top priority: they emphasise using fresh creams, no preservatives and no artificial ingredients for all cakes. Every item is handmade fresh daily at a location closest to its cafes and customers.
Why you should vote for them:
Because in this world of fast food that is made for convenience, we secretly long for slow food that is made with love.
VOTE for Humble Beginnings.
7. Katsana
Facebook Page: Katsana
Katsana is a GPS-enabled technology provider with a utilitarian mission: to bring modern vehicle technology tracking to everyone. The technology can be used in a multitude of applications, ranging from tracking personal vehicles, to managing hundreds and thousands of vehicles in a company fleet.
Katsana hopes this technology will help make Malaysian roads a safer place.
Why you should vote for them:
Because our roads are still too dangerous right now, and we want a safer world.
VOTE for Katsana.
The SME Innovation Challenge voting starts on 3rd December 2015, and closes at 11:59 pm on 8th December 2015.
Every vote counts - not only for the founders of these impressive companies - but for our Malaysian society too. Remember, your vote is a show of support for our thriving startup community, and can help build the next global Malaysian success story.