KUCHING (May 24): Five Sarawak-based enterprises have been named state winners of the Shell LiveWire Malaysia 2025 Sarawak Challenge, following the state finals today at Tegas Digital Village here.
The winning startups – Desa Inspirasi Resources, Earthlings Coffee Workshop Sdn Bhd, Lariss Quna Enterprise, Lettuboost, and Maxeon Technologies Sdn Bhd – were selected from over 60 participants who took part in the programme.
These enterprises advanced through an intensive bootcamp, with 10 finalists making it to the final pitching round.
Each winner received a RM10,000 startup fund from Shell, along with an additional RM5,000 grant from Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas).
Beyond funding, the winners will benefit from one year of business coaching and access to Tegas’ resources and networking opportunities.
They will also gain the opportunity to engage with the global LiveWire network, and may be selected to compete in the prestigious Shell Global Top Ten Innovators Awards.
The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment and Tegas chairman, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who was accompanied by Tegas CEO Udin Bujang.
“We at Tegas are proud to partner with Shell Malaysia for the Shell LiveWire programme, a collaboration that underscores our commitment to nurturing local start-ups and social enterprises,” he said.
“This initiative highlights the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving economic development, generating employment, and fostering resilient communities,” he added.
Shell Malaysia Upstream’s General Manager of Sarawak Gas, Choong Yen Li, said Shell LiveWire offers a meaningful platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful ventures.
“Through this initiative, individuals not only gain the opportunity to build their own businesses but also contribute towards job creation and community development,” she said.
The judging panel for the finals included Tegas Manager Afida Zaidi, The Borneo Post Business Executive Editor and Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo, and Shell Malaysia Senior Manager (Mobility Sales and Operations) Dr Alex Pega Mahda.
Shell LiveWire, the company’s flagship enterprise development programme, was launched in Sabah in 2015, Sarawak in 2016, and Peninsular Malaysia in 2022.
It aims to foster local entrepreneurship and promote innovative business solutions aligned with socio-economic development. Credit: Borneo Post Online