Malaysia Digest – 8 Aug

Here are some interesting startup news around Malaysia, not only in its capital, Kuala Lumpur, but also other startup hubs such as Penang, Malacca, and many more.

(1) Malaysia’s second largest car maker, Perodua, is heavily leveraging Twitter in its ongoing initiative Tweckbot, which is Malaysia’s first tweet-based car check service. The service is free for all Perodua car owners.

(2) Vast business and investment opportunities await Malaysian entrepreneurs in Myanmar, especially in construction and infrastructure, utilities, consultancy services and property development. Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong, executive adviser to the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), said Myanmar, although a rich country in terms of arable land and natural resources, was one of the least developed in the world.

(3) In the vein of reality TV shows like Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank, and the upcoming The Angel’s Gate, Malaysia will have Make The Pitch, its own homegrown entrepreneurial reality show which will screen on television channel NTV7 in October 2011.

(4) The Thailand Trade Show 2011 (TTS 2011) is expected to record a 10 per cent increase in business deals. Thai Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur’s organiser and director, Nannatee Wiboonchutikula, said the projection is based on the higher number of exhibitors taking part in the event this year. The trade show is principally aimed at Malaysian entrepreneurs and industrialists who are eager to explore business opportunities and collaboration with their Thai counterparts, Nannantee said.

(5) Held for the second year running, The Star Outstanding Business Awards aims to recognize the achievements of startups and SMEs. The initiative is in line with the government’s drive to promote entrepreneurship in Malaysia and raise the profile of Malaysian businesses globally.

We thank nordicfactory for the flag image.