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Innovation
@ Halal | March-April . 2022
Yazmeen Anshary , COO of Avantcom International Sdn Bhd .
Azrul Izzam , CEO of Airaz Technologies .
Hope for Selangor ’ s youth SAY ASPIRE serves as a platform for youth-owned businesses to penetrate foreign markets
YOUTH are the future of the country . With proper coaching and the right channels , youthowned businesses can use the opportunities available in the global halal market and thrive globally . Their fresh ideas and creative innovations will set them apart from the other players and eventually help drive foreign investments into the country .
Recognising the importance of youth , Selangor Youth Community ( SAY ), founded by Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah , the Raja Muda Selangor , is determined to create a community of youth , for youth and by the youth .
The non-profit , non-political and non-governmental organisation is inspired by Tengku Amir ’ s vision for Selangor to be a vibrant and dynamic youth community through four focus areas : community services , entrepreneurship , arts and culture , and sports and health .
Under the scope of entrepreneurship is Entrepreneurship Selangor , a platform that builds and develops Selangor ’ s entrepreneurs to become global champions . One of the programmes under the platform is SAY ASPIRE .
On Feb 27 , 2022 , SAY ASPIRE wrapped up its third edition of the business pitching finale . Out of 10 finalists , Airaz Technologies Sdn Bhd ( Innersejuk ), Avantcom International Sdn Bhd ( Joielle Baby ) and Inonity Sdn Bhd ( StoreUp ) emerged as the top three winners .
Winners brought home a trophy of recognition , a round-trip flight to the selected country , personalised export coaching , investment opportunities and collaborative networking with agencies .
A good platform
Airaz Technologies CEO Azrul Izzam thanked the organisers for the opportunity . Airaz Technologies is a Malaysian company that provides high tech modest sportswear for all walks of life . It is known for its Innersejuk , cool modest sportswear made from Airaz-developed hightech DriChill technology fabric .
“ We feel delighted and surprised because this is our first time participating in a business competition . InsyaAllah we will expand our products to the international market and make Selangor the global hub of modest fashion or modest sportswear ,” said Azrul .
“ Every finalist is amazing . But , alhamdulillah , maybe they choose us due to our three-year experience exporting ( our products ) to Brunei and Singapore . Maybe that becomes an advantage for Innersejuk or Airaz Technologies to win this competition .
However , personally , for me , this year ’ s competition is very fierce , and everyone can win .”
The company ’ s export strategy included collecting background information on consumer demand , competitive landscape , local import laws , customs requirements , product , price , promotion , place , people , process and physical environment . It wished to penetrate the Middle Eastern , European and North American markets .
( Middle ) Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah .
Winners and finalists
The other winner was Avantcom International Sdn Bhd , an investor , owner and distributor of multiple personal care products championing in the area of cosmetics , adult and baby skincare . It is famous for its range of baby care products , based on Vitamin E , aloe extract and natural oils , Joielle Baby .
The company possesses JAKIM ’ s halal certification , the GMP certification , and is SIRIM-certified . It believed it could effectively penetrate various market segments in other countries by collaborating with numerous social media influencers and its strong distribution channel . The company also attracted its first venture capital investment from 500 Startups .
The next winner was Inonity Sdn Bhd with its simple and smart e-Commerce platform , StoreUp . StoreUp helps Malaysia ’ s small businesses to digitalise and thrive in the economy . It aims to make it incredibly easy for entrepreneurs to sell and grow their businesses online . It also targets to penetrate the Indonesian , Middle Eastern and Australian markets .
The other seven finalists of SAY ASPIRE were SP Juara Sdn Bhd , Shahir Suhaimi Marketing & Resources Sdn Bhd , Laurea People ’ s Sdn Bhd , Kanaloa Malaysia Sdn Bhd , Superb Innovative Skills Sdn Bhd , SAM Group Sdn Bhd and Mad About Cake Sdn Bhd .
About SAY ASPIRE
SAY ASPIRE is a business expansion programme for export-ready companies to penetrate overseas markets through business development and export strategies with the final goal of producing global champions and magnifying social impact . The programme offers personalised coaching , high brand visibility , investment opportunities and overseas market trips .
The modules that will be offered in the programme are : Module 1 : Market research & entry strategies Module 2 : Export logistics and trade financing Module 3 : Export management & requirements Module 4 : Market promotion & tools Module 5 : Cross border e-Commerce and e-Export
The panel of judges for the pitch finale were Tengku Amir , Rodziah Ismail ( Selangor EXCO for housing , urban wellbeing and entrepreneurs development ), Abu Bakar Yusof ( Deputy CEO of MATRADE ), Rizal Nainy ( CEO of SME Corp Malaysia ), Dato ’ Zakaria Kamarudin ( export specialist from Malaysian Export Academy ).