Sabahan Youths unleash Entrepreneurial Dreams with Shell Livewire

Shell LiveWIRE is an entrepreneurial program, introduced by Shell in 17 countries all over the. Since 1982, the program has trained more than 10 million budding entrepreneurs and supported over 9,000 businesses. Malaysia’s introduction makes the country its latest 17^th addition.

A total of 130 youths from the ages of 18 to 35 participated in the program in 2016, of which 60 entrepreneurs were selected to participate in a training workshop. From there they undergo another round of pitching their business models, where the top five business ideas are then picked as LiveWIRE grant recipients for the following year’s award.

These five entrepreneurs will receive a year-long program that empowers them to start, operate and manage their own businesses. Each entrepreneur would also receive live coaching and mentoring engagements with certified Shell LiveWIRE facilitators.

“The Shell LiveWIRE program is an important part of Shell’s commitment in supporting and inspiring young people to innovate and provide real business solutions that meets today’s socio-economic needs. There is so much potential in Sabah and Shell has provided support and seed funding to young entrepreneurs in Sabah with the aim of inculcating innovation, contributing back to the economy and sustaining livelihoods,” said Ian Lim, General Manager of Sabah Shell Malaysia.

To help kick start their enterprises, these entrepreneurs will receive a RM10,000 seed grant only after they have incorporated their businesses, finalised their business plans and models, and begun marketing their products and services. From then on, they continue to receive support from the Shell LiveWIRE facilitators for the next two years to help them successfully navigate around the learnings of starting a business.

“It has been a wonderful and eye opening journey with Shell LiveWIRE. I never thought my small idea could have such a potential and now with Shell LiveWIRE. I am truly grateful for this experience and thankful for Shell who has continuously invested in building talent in Sabah to equip the future generation of Sabah,” said Eric Yong of EricTech

“It was a lot of hardwork throughout the program, but I have learned a lot – what it takes to start a business, how to see opportunities, and the perseverance needed to see my dreams come alive. The coaches and my mentor thought me the importance of confidence and in giving back to those who has made you successful. Through Shell LiveWIRE, I know my business idea will be successful not just for me, but also for the community I belong to,” said Rahmawati of 80’s Cookies.

For further Media Enquiries, please contact:

Eevon Chung

Head of Media Relations & Issues Management, Shell Malaysia 

Email: eevon.chung@shell.com

About Shell – www.shell.com.my

Shell is a global leader in power, energy, and gas technology and is working to meet increasing energy demand and supply challenges by delivering smarter products and cleaner energy, infrastructure, and by developing new energy sources while addressing the impact on the environment. Malaysia is one of Shell’s heartlands. The history of Royal Dutch Shell in Malaysia started more than 120 years in Miri, Sarawak. Shell currently has a strong market presence in the upstream and downstream sector in Malaysia. 

Notes to editor:

About Shell LiveWIRE

The Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia program provides services intended to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of young people in East Malaysia, specifically Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak. These include:

• Bright Ideas. Bright Ideas is a training workshop which develops entrepreneurs understanding of the local market and helps them generate business ideas with high potential in Malaysia.

• Become a Successful Owner Manager (BSOM). The BSOM workshops help individuals who have an idea to develop their skills and formalize a professional business plan.

• Masterclasses. The program regularly offers Masterclasses, in which presentations and talks are provided by guest speakers who are leading practitioners of selected industries.

Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia has established partnerships in the area, notably Borneo MAD Incubator, who provide mentoring and training for LiveWIRE entrepreneurs who have completed the BSOM program and offer incubator supports for these budding business owners.

The five recipients of the seed grant from Sabah are:

Eric Yong of EricTech

Eric has developed a tool that will make the process of laying tiles more convenient during the construction phase. He also has other ideas for tools within the same industry which he will develop through his business.

Natra binti Michael of Digital Lawyer

Natra is developing an application that will connect users with certified lawyers who will then be able to provide legal advice based on the users’ needs.

Laurence L Dumling of TACT Academy

Laurence is developing an application that will support teachers by providing a subscription based service and marketplace for teachers to share their resources and learn from each other’s’ experiences.

Francis Xavier Kinjin of Oliver Putut Enterprise

Francis manufactures bespoke furniture out of PVC pipes due to its lightweight but robust quality and its cost effectiveness. His business hires unemployed youths and people with disabilities for the manufacturing process.

Rahmawati binti Syamsulhadi of 80’s Bakery

Rahmawati produces quality artisanal cookies and cakes. She is currently being groomed to be a supplier to Shell Retail stations in Sabah.