Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad has revealed the top 13 finalists for its 2024 BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition.
This year, these finalists emerged from a competitive selection process involving 593 applicants across Malaysia. This marks a key milestone in Alliance Bank’s initiative to spotlight and empower Malaysia’s next generation of industry leaders.
A decade of supporting rising entrepreneurs
The 2024 Accelerator Edition commemorates 10 years since the BizSmart® Challenge’s inception.
First launched in 2013, the programme has transformed from a supportive platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into a leading accelerator for Malaysia’s budding entrepreneurs.
Over the years, the BizSmart® Challenge has fostered the growth of many recognisable brands, including Christy Ng, myBurgerLab, Tapping Tapir, BloomThis, and Amazin’ Graze.
With this programme, Alliance Bank continues to nurture industry talent by offering prizes, mentorship, and opportunities to secure business financing, helping businesses scale and thrive in Malaysia’s competitive market.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s finalists, whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are truly inspiring,” shared Alliance Bank Group CEO Kellee Kam in a press release. Kam further highlighted the bank’s commitment to encouraging sustainable business practices and driving the growth of Malaysia’s SME sector.
This year’s process involved a four-day Accelerator Programme, business coaching, and a rigorous pitching competition that included a three-minute final pitch followed by 12 minutes of Q&A.
Industry veterans were among the distinguished judges who evaluated the finalists.
The judging panel featured:
- Kellee Kam, Group CEO of Alliance Bank
- Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner & CEO of 1337 Ventures
- Natalie Tan, Partner at 5X Capital
- Raymond Chui, Chief SME, Commercial and Transaction Banking Officer, Alliance Bank
- Sean Tan, Chief Business Officer of Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC)
- Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle
In addition to the Top 10 finalists, the judges awarded three additional “wild card” entries with a coveted “Golden Ticket” based on their impressive pitches.
The final 13 trailblazers
These businesses now stand a chance to win a share of RM500,000 in cash prizes, along with preferential business loans, branding exposure, and potential venture capital funding.
The finalists for the 2024 Alliance BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition include:
1. Asia Farms Network – Dairy product wholesaler
2. Aenon Solutions – Specialists in automation, barcoding, and RFID solutions
3. BioLoop – Innovator in organic waste management
4. Carching – Adtech mobility startup
5. Flybear – Ecommerce fulfillment and distribution centre
6. Fubizo – Food and beverage product developer
7. Gula Cakery – Expanding bakery chain
8. Mindhive – AI application developer
9. Sin Boon Kee – Traditional coffee manufacturer
10. Ventamin – Skin and wellness supplement producer
11. Volt Motorsports – Automotive service provider
12. Xin Seng Fatt – Soy sauce supplier
13. Zoey Food Supply – Healthy, child-friendly food manufacturer
A feature-length film for the finalists
For the first time in Malaysia, Alliance Bank will showcase the journey of the BizSmart® Challenge finalists in a feature-length documentary.
This film will offer an inside look at the inspiring stories and growth journeys of the finalists, premiering on November 27 at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX. Guests invited for the private screening will witness the accomplishments and the outcome of this year’s competition.
It’s an interesting way to celebrate the eventual winners, and we wish the finalists congratulations and all the best!
- You can learn more about 2024 BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Alliance Bank