Source: GEM Facebook page.
The Global Entrepreneurship Movement (GEM) launched officially in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today. This non-governmental organization (NGO) aims to create a platform for entrepreneurs from various sectors like social entrepreneurship, technology, and halal to connect.
“This NGO brings together community leaders from different networks who will cultivate strong partnerships for Malaysia and our entrepreneurs," shared YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, GEM patron and Secretary General Treasury, Ministry of Finance. “We have exceptional entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators present today who recognize the potential to internationalize Malaysia and will champion GEM’s vision of making entrepreneurship accessible to all.”
“GEM will be the first NGO focused on connecting, networking, and nurturing collaborations to expand Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem internationally.”
GEM’s mission is to build, promote, internationalize, and connect Malaysia’s entrepreneurship movement with the global community, including investors, business angels, private equity firms, and venture capitalists. It also aims to align and unite existing entrepreneurial initiatives and agencies.
YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan added, “By emphasizing entrepreneurship through GEM’s strategic programs – locally, regionally, and internationally – we can provide opportunities for everyone to thrive, creating jobs, driving innovation, and solidifying Malaysia’s leading role in entrepreneurship.”
To build capacity, GEM will invest in a two-day hackathon for 300 university students at Gathering of Rising Entrepreneurs, Act Together (GREAT) Kuching in Sarawak on April 2-3, 2016. _GREAT Kuching _is the ultimate gathering for entrepreneurs at all stages, startups, and funding vehicles. It is led by the National Strategic Unit (NSU) and the National Entrepreneur Development Office (NEDO) and supported by the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC). A year-long program, in partnership with Malaysia Debt Ventures (MDV), will also provide support for entrepreneurs who have faced setbacks.
Dash Dhakshinamoorthy, GEM’S President, said, “We have individuals from all industries represented – some are startups, some are in growth stages, and others have reached multi-million dollar revenue. However, the common thread that binds this group together is the aspiration to make Malaysia the ultimate hub for launching ventures.
“The government has been instrumental in stimulating entrepreneurship for many years, from establishing the MSC to launching various venture capital funds and investing in agencies that catalyze and grow different entrepreneur groups – grassroots, university, startups, agri-entrepreneurs, and creative entrepreneurs, to name a few. It is now time for independent and private sector players to unite and weave the ecosystem together through trust, collaboration, and a shared vision of propelling Malaysian entrepreneurs onto the global stage.”
Interested?
GEM welcomes students, individuals, and companies. Membership fees start at RM50.