BSC 2021 CENTRESTAGES ENTREPRENEURIAL TALENTS AT PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
UUM ONLINE: Kuala Lumpur – In order to strengthen the national entrepreneurship agenda, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) recently virtualized the 2021 National Level Public Institution of Higher Education (PIHE) Business Simulation Competition (BSC) in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) through its Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CEDI).
The competition, which began in February, drew 19 public universities and one polytechnic. All participants in the competition gave their respective presentations in front of a group of venture capital providers in the hopes of obtaining initial funds. However, only six universities advanced to the simulation stage, where they were evaluated by an expert panel made up of agency representatives and industry players.
The Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, officiated at the closing ceremony and award presentation at Hotel Sunway Putra on Tuesday.
In her speech, she stated that the fourth instalment of the competition, which has been organised by MoHE in collaboration with UUM since 2013, was aimed at improving entrepreneurial skills among PIHE students.
According to her, in addition to improving risk management and finance skills, participants can also improve soft skills such as communication and teamwork while boosting their morale.
"The emphasis in this competition can add value and boost students' confidence in becoming entrepreneurs."
"Throughout the competition, participants use business simulations in which we provide a platform for the students to participate and experience the feel of managing a real business," she explained.
She went on to say that the test was not only conducted in a simulated environment, but that the real challenge was limiting the movement of participants, including the organisers, because the competition was conducted virtually.
In her speech, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini congratulated all participants, including academic mentors and university administration, for their unwavering support of the competition.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, who is performing the duties of Vice-Chancellor said, the competition provided graduates with a good platform to become successful entrepreneurs one day.
He also stated that UUM will streamline the team that will represent the university in the business simulation competition next year.
He also expressed confidence that, with UUM’s experience as an organiser and as a university of management and business, UUM would have a good chance of providing strong and competitive competition.
"I fervently hope that lecturers and students will give her their full commitment to UUM's future success."
"I also recommend students who have less exposure to entrepreneurship to take advantage of this opportunity because the simulation competition is a good exercise, and simulation is the second-best option after doing it practically," she said.
The winner of the 2021 National Level PIHE BSC was Medici Sdn. Bhd. from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. They received the Minister of Higher Education Trophy as well as MYR10,000 in cash.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's team Sedaplicious Sdn. Bhd. finished second. They won a trophy and MYR5,000 in cash, followed by team Farmlah from Universiti Putra Malaysia in third place. Team Farmlah was awarded a trophy as well as MYR3,000 in cash.
The University of Malaya team, EZGIG Sdn. Bhd., came in fourth place, followed by the International Islamic University of Malaysia team, Mama Food Resources, in fifth place, and Newmade Technology Sdn. Bhd. from Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia in sixth place.
Mr. Ameir Rahmad, Director of Sedaplicious Sdn. Bhd. from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, was named Best CEO for the National Level PIHE BSC 2021. He received MYR1000 in cash and a certificate of appreciation.