KUALA LUMPUR: Shell LiveWIRE, Shell's flagship enterprise development programme, continues to make a significant social impact in communities across Malaysia, while supporting local business growth, job creation, and innovative social and economic solutions.
Launched in Sabah in 2015 and Sarawak in 2016, the programme is designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to innovate and create practical business solutions that address today's socio-economic challenges.
Globally, the programme assists thousands of entrepreneurs each year in transforming their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
Since 2022, Shell LiveWIRE has expanded its reach to include entrepreneurs from Peninsular Malaysia, further extending its impact.
In its third consecutive year, Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024 recently celebrated five dynamic winners in the Peninsular Malaysia edition, following a final pitch competition held at Wisma Shell in Cyberjaya.
The winners were Aqufish PLT, Reclimate Sdn Bhd, Synbiozymes Sdn Bhd, Plus Vibes (M) Sdn Bhd and Zircochem Resources.
The participants underwent a rigorous selection process, beginning with a boot camp and culminating in the shortlisting of 10 enterprises for the final pitch.
From these 10 pitches, five enterprises were selected for their commitment to refining their business propositions with detailed plans.
Each of the five winning enterprises received a startup fund of RM10,000 from Shell and will benefit from a year of business coaching to further develop their plans into successful ventures.
Additionally, the winners will gain access to the global LiveWIRE network, offering them the opportunity to share insights with entrepreneurs worldwide and potentially participate in the annual Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards.
LiveWIRE is open to driven Malaysian entrepreneurs eager to elevate their innovative business ideas.
Whether you're in the ideation phase, operating a startup, or ready to scale your business, the programme is designed to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Joining the Shell LiveWIRE programme is a journey of growth, learning, and transformation.
PlusVibes: Shell LiveWIRE empowers entrepreneurial growth
Madiha Fuad, the founder of PlusVibes Group, shared that participating in Shell LiveWIRE has significantly impacted her business in a positive way.
"We learnt so much! The best part about the workshops was that they were so interactive and we got to learn from other experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.
For example, we're planning on fundraising, and it will be our first time, so we had the opportunity to ask a lot of fundraising questions to the coaches and other entrepreneurs who have raised funds before," she said.
I heard about Shell LiveWIRE through a friend who participated in the programme last year.
"As entrepreneurs, we always have to be on the lookout for opportunities, and the best way is through other entrepreneur friends," she said.
One unforgettable experience from Shell LiveWIRE was delivering an elevator pitch to other entrepreneurs in the programme.
"We had the opportunity to learn from one another, hear how other entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas, and make new friends.
"Being an entrepreneur is lonely, and it's only with these activities that we realise that all entrepreneurs do struggle, but it's all about resilience and perseverance," she said.
PlusVibes is a mental health mobile application that connects 50,000 users with over 300 therapists across Malaysia.
Launched in 2020 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) during the pandemic, it has since evolved into a social enterprise, offering mental health and employee wellness programmes for corporate employees, students, and the general public.
"Our vision is to make mental health services accessible and affordable. Today, we see so many silently struggling with their mental health.
"We see data that millions of Malaysians are going through anxiety and depression, and there are no solutions other than therapy, which is currently priced at over RM200 per hour," she said.
Madiha acknowledged that building a startup has been a challenging and sometimes lonely journey, filled with uncertainties and responsibilities.
From securing sales contracts to managing operations and developing new app features, there's always something that demands attention, she said.
"One of the most important lessons I've learned is the value of adaptability and resilience. We're constantly working to provide up-to-date services that meet the needs of our clients and users while staying accessible and affordable.
"In B2B sales, each sales cycle can be lengthy, so it's essential to continuously innovate and find new ways to generate revenue.
"This could involve partnership projects, creative programme proposals for prospective clients, or developing new products and services that align with our mission to transform organisational cultures and build mentally resilient workforces," she explained.
Madiha emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong sales pipeline and planning ahead for downtimes.
"Practising forward-thinking and strategic planning helps prepare us for unforeseen challenges and can sustain growth even during tough times. Having a growth mindset and being innovative have been key to navigating my entrepreneurial journey to this day."
As one of the winners of Shell LiveWIRE, PlusVibes plans to continue growing by developing new mobile app features and expanding its market reach and services internationally.
"My advice to budding entrepreneurs is that no matter how tough it gets in the beginning, you need to persevere and focus on the value you bring to your clients. Whenever you feel like giving up, remember why you started and imagine how huge your business could grow if you persevere," she said.
Aqufish: Shell LiveWIRE instrumental in shaping the company
Rafiq Hakim from Aqufish shared that Shell LiveWIRE has played a crucial role in shaping the company.
The programme offered invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources, all of which helped Aqufish refine its business model and develop a strong growth strategy.
"The feedback and support from the Shell LiveWIRE team have been crucial in our journey," he said.
Rafiq said he first learned about Shell LiveWIRE through LinkedIn.
The programme's focus on supporting entrepreneurs and providing mentorship aligned perfectly with the company's goals, he said.
For Rafiq, one unforgettable memory during the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024 Peninsular Malaysia challenge was the intense pitch day.
"The adrenaline rush and pressure were immense, but successfully presenting our business idea to a panel of experienced judges was incredibly rewarding. The constructive feedback we received was invaluable and helped us refine our business strategy," he said.
Aqufish develops AI-powered automated feeders and a mobile application to optimise feed conversion ratios, reduce feed wastage, and streamline farm management for small-scale fish farmers.
The company was established in April 2024.
Rafiq said the inspiration for Aqufish stemmed from the challenges faced by small-scale fish farmers.
"Many of them struggle with inefficient feed management, leading to lower yields and higher costs. We saw an opportunity to leverage technology to address these issues and improve the livelihood of farmers," he said.
He said that one of the biggest challenges the company encountered was gaining the trust and adoption of traditional fish farmers, who were hesitant to adopt technology.
To overcome this, the company conducted extensive field testing and demonstrations to showcase the tangible benefits of its solution.
"The most significant lesson I've learned is the importance of adaptability. The business landscape is constantly changing, and being able to pivot and adjust your strategy is crucial for success. Additionally, building a strong team with diverse skill sets is essential for overcoming challenges," he said.
Rafiq said the vision for Aqufish is to become the leading provider of aquaculture technology solutions in the region.
"We plan to expand our product offerings, including additional AI-driven features and hardware components. We also aim to increase our market reach by targeting new aquaculture segments and exploring international opportunities.
His advice for budding entrepreneurs is, "Believe in your idea and be passionate about it. Don't be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and continuously learn and adapt. Most importantly, never give up on your dreams."
Reclimate: Leverage programmes like Shell LiveWIRE for growth
Reclimate co-founder Annamalai Thani encourages budding entrepreneurs to take advantage of programmes like Shell LiveWIRE to gain valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for expansion.
He shared that Shell LiveWIRE has provided the company with essential insights and networking opportunities.
Annamalai said that the programme has greatly improved the company's business strategy, helping it secure key partnerships and refine its processes to better serve the community.
"One unforgettable moment was when we were tasked with business planning and asked to clearly define our financial and client acquisition targets. It was then we realised that we had been so focused on daily operations that we overlooked the importance of setting key strategic goals for our business."
Reclimate is a climate tech company committed to empowering the farming community by incentivising the transformation of agricultural waste into valuable agricultural inputs and democratising access to carbon markets.
The company's mission is to combat climate change by converting waste into biochar, improving soil health, and increasing crop yields, while also enabling farmers to generate a new revenue stream through the sale of carbon credits.
Annamalai said one of the company's biggest challenges has been scaling up operations while ensuring compliance with carbon standards.
"We overcame this by forming strategic partnerships with local authorities and universities, which provided us with the necessary support and resources to grow effectively," he said.
Annamalai said he heard about Shell LiveWIRE through friends in the startup ecosystem who recommended the programme for its valuable resources and support for entrepreneurs.
He said having won Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024, the company is planning to expand its biochar production capabilities and enter new markets in Asean.
"By helping farmers convert waste into biochar and access carbon markets, we aim to create a positive environmental impact while enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities," he said.
"We plan to continue to innovate in our carbon credits platform. We also aim to deepen our impact on environmental sustainability and community empowerment," he said.
Annamalai advises budding entrepreneurs to believe in their vision and be committed to their goals.
"Embrace challenges as learning experiences and remain adaptable to change. Most importantly, focus on creating positive social and environmental impacts through your business," he said.
Zircochem: Entrepreneurs should keep innovating
Entrepreneurs should keep innovating in their businesses and play a role in achieving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, said Zircochem Resources founder Syed Yaszeer Affanday.
"With innovation and commitment to ESG objectives, you can not only advance your business but also make a positive impact on society and the environment,'' he said.
Syed Yaszeer said as an SME, the biggest challenge it faces is competing with "Giant" companies in marketing cleaning products.
"With limited capital, we need to find effective strategies to compete. We chose to focus on finding niche markets and continuously innovating to produce products that are genuinely needed by the community.
"By identifying specific needs and offering unique, high-quality products, we can differentiate ourselves from larger competitors and attract customers looking for solutions that better meet their needs," he said.
Zircochem, established in 2019, initially supplied chemicals to various industries and sectors.
Recognising the importance of safe cleaning agents in generating family and community health, it then ventured into the production of sustainable personal care and hygiene products under the brand BIOME.
Syed Yaszeer said he was inspired to pursue this business to reduce negative environmental impacts and provide safe, high-quality products for the community.
"We see an opportunity to bring positive change by offering eco-friendly cleaning products that are effective in cleaning without compromising on quality or user experience. Additionally, we aim to contribute to the health and well-being of the community and promote a more sustainable lifestyle," he said.
"Our staff consists of mid-age women who have difficulty finding employment in the area, so our workforce is limited in lifting heavy cleaning soaps. Therefore, we are inspired to design a more compact, lightweight powder-to-gel cleaning soap that does not harm workers' health during processing.
"My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to quote Arthur Ashe: 'Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can'—in any business they undertake, make the best use of the resources available. Do not let resource constraints stop you from taking the first step," he said.
Syed Yaszeer said he learnt about Shell LiveWIRE through the Shell website.
"This programme is one of the best initiatives for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, especially in the fields of innovation and sustainability. I am attracted by the objectives and opportunities offered by Shell LiveWIRE, and I see it as an ideal platform for us to introduce our products and gain support to keep moving forward," he said.
Syed Yaszeer said his journey with Shell LiveWIRE has had a significant impact on the company's business.
He said the programme has provided Zircochem with various forms of support, including mentorship, business networking, and valuable funding opportunities.
"We also gained access to knowledge and expertise that helped us improve our business strategies and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the recognition from Shell, a global company, has boosted our confidence that our innovative products can be widely accepted.
"This recognition has given us additional credibility in the eyes of customers and partners, which in turn has expanded our reach and increased trust in our products. Overall, participating in Shell LiveWIRE has strengthened our position in the industry and provided us with opportunities for growth," he said.
On the company's future plans, he said that the company will continue to innovate to address problems in cleaning and personal care.
"We also aim to share the excitement of the science behind soap making with school students through demo classes, so they can apply knowledge about sustainable hygiene care. With these steps, we hope to extend the reach of our products and make a greater positive impact on society," he said.
Synbiozymes - Commitment towards sustainability and innovation
Synbiozymes, which has been seeking expansion, faced a major challenge when the company decided to turn down an investment offer from an international venture capital firm due to terms and conditions that did not align with its needs.
"To overcome this challenge, we are working with another venture capital firm that not only provides funding but also offers additional support through their network of international investors.
"We are also applying for grants from government agencies. This collaboration allows us to find financial resources that align with our business goals and vision while also benefiting from the expertise and support of our venture capital partners," said Hidayah Shahidan, one of the company's three founders.
Synbiozymes, whose other two founders are Dr. Akhmal Hakim Roslan and Ariff Ikhzam Mohd Mufaradzi, participated in the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024 Peninsular Malaysia challenge and emerged as a winner.
Hidayah noted that the experience had a significant impact on the company.
Being one of the top five finalists in Malaysia has elevated the company's profile, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and investment.
"It also provided a platform to showcase our innovations and helped us build a network with industry experts and investors.
"Through the guidance and training we received, we were able to refine our business strategies and strengthen our market position. The training and resources provided by Shell LiveWIRE helped us advance our innovations and effectively showcase our solutions, attracting potential customers and collaborators committed to sustainability and the circular economy.
"We also gained insights into why multinational companies like Shell collaborate with startups. The mentors offered invaluable advice that helped us refine our business strategy and boost our confidence," she added.
Synbiozymes is a startup focused on producing alternative protein for animal feed, with a specific emphasis on using chicken feathers as a protein source.
The company aims to provide innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for the animal feed industry, targeting SME animal feed blenders and small to medium-scale chicken farmers.
Looking ahead, Synbiozymes plans to scale up its operations to benefit a larger number of chicken farmers and animal feed blenders.
"We aim to increase production capacity, invest in advanced R&D to develop more effective new products, and enhance our marketing strategy to boost awareness and adoption.
"By expanding our market presence both locally and internationally while maintaining high-quality standards, Synbiozymes strives to become a leader in the biotechnology industry," Hidayah said.
For budding entrepreneurs, her advice is to embrace resilience, as setbacks are inevitable and crucial for growth.
"Validate your idea by conducting thorough research and gathering feedback to ensure there's a market need. Build a strong team of skilled individuals who share your vision and can drive the business forward. Manage your finances wisely with clear budgeting and cash flow plans," she advised.