‘SILICON VALLEY COMES TO MALAYSIA’

Two-Day Conference to Help Develop Local Entrepreneurs into Global Icons

CYBERJAYA, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 – Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) and Global Entrepreneurship Sdn Bhd, the founders of StartupMalaysia.org, have announced the commencement of the Silicon Valley Comes to Malaysia (SVC2M) symposium, a two-day conference that will give opportunity to Malaysian entrepreneurs to learn critical skills from some of the best global minds in the business.

Datuk Badlisham, CEO of MDeC said: “The SVC2M platform will offer Malaysians the chance to showcase their startup ideas to leading entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley, with the aim of transforming our nation’s entrepreneurs into high-growth global icons, giving them the opportunity to shine on the international stage and increasing Malaysia’s visibility and relevance as an ICT hub.”This symposium, which will be held on 20th and 21st of October 2011, will feature a line-up of 17 A-list speakers and industry experts sharing their insights and experiences via a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions and pitching clinics. Malaysian entrepreneurs will have the chance to exchange ideas with some of the best and brilliant minds of Silicon Valley including: -

• Jawed Karim, co-founder of YouTube
• Konstantin Guericke, co-founder of LinkedIn
• Steve Koskie, co-founder of DipDive.com
• Shawn Fanning, founder of Napster

SVC2M is the premier event to launch StartupMalaysia.org, a not-for-profit initiative to inspire, catalyze, support and launch the next generation of high growth entrepreneurs in the country.

Dhakshinamoorthy “Dash” Balakrishnan, Founder of Global Entrepreneurship Sdn Bhd, a non-profit company that aims to catalyze scalable startups said: “Our strong confidence in the untapped global competitiveness of our Malaysian companies and start-ups is what drives us to pursue opportunities that help create sustainable and impactful projects. We are aware that international success does not happen overnight, hence we provide a platform that hones diligence and expertise from the most sought-after experts.”

“With organisations like Global Entrepreneurship Sdn Bhd actively holding programmes that foster industry innovation and sustainability, we hope that more Malaysians will be encouraged to take part in these critical skills development initiatives. It is our collective aspiration as a nation to aim for that next global icon,” added Datuk Badlisham.

To win an exclusive invitation to SVC2M, Malaysian entrepreneurs should submit an individual entry or a team entry (maximum three members) via an online application form to StartupMalaysia.org’s website at http://startupmalaysia.org, detailing their startup ideas or existing startups.

In addition to attending SVC2M, selected entrepreneurs will also take part in an intensive workshop called the StartupExperience Innovation Camp.

In the StartupMalaysia Program to be unveiled on 20 October, Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to win a round trip to Silicon Valley, work with the world’s best entrepreneurial minds and pitch to international venture capitalists for funding.

For more information, please log on to StartupMalaysia.org’s website via http://startupmalaysia.org before the closing date on 10th of October 2011.