GEORGE TOWN, November 23 – The Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) has taken another initiative to promote youth development and strengthen the partnership with the industry and higher learning institutions in Penang by collaborating with the School of Business of INTI International College Penang (IICP), IHS Markit Malaysia, and University of Shih Chien (USC) Taiwan through an event competition, INTI-USC Competition in the Business Service Sector with the theme of “Digitalization as a Growth Driver”. This competition was virtually launched on 20th October 2021 and concluded on 17th November 2021 which had a total participation of 20 teams both from INTI International College Penang and University Shih Chien, Taiwan.
Team “The GenZ”, consisting of student Ho Han Hsiung, Lee Sze Ling, Ng Rou Ying, Lynette Ho Zhi Ning, Diane Hong Ke Xin, Hew Wei Lian, and Har Khai Pan from INTI International College Penang won the title of “The Champion” in this competition. Meanwhile, the 1st Runner Up was team “Terra”, consisting of student Mirlan Nurbekov, Ang Joe Yee, Mohammed Khaled Madi, Goh Chee Yang, Goh Xing Wey and Goh Xin Rou. The 2nd Runner Up goes to team “Underdogs”, consisting of student Thomas Oo Chin Leong, Ooi Wei Khang, Ashley Ooi Shi Qi, Lim Jing, Kie Shu Wei, and Erin Wong Jing Nee. Two teams from University of Shih Chien, Taiwan, team “BBA Pro” and “Lucky 7” won fourth and fifth place respectively in this competition.
On top of that, PYDC Excellence Awards was presented to team “Skyzzy” for the category of “Most Innovative Ideas” and team “BBA Pro” for the “Most Insightful Research”. In addition to that, category “Most Impressive Presentation” with sub-category “team” was won by team “The GenZ” and sub-category “Individual” was won by student Lynette Ho Zhi Ning from INTI International College Penang.
The objective of this competition is to expose the students with knowledge and application of digital marketing in today’s digitalized era. It also provides an opportunity for the students to pitch their digital marketing ideas to real industry organization. This competition has allowed students to explore various digital marketing techniques and unlock their creative and innovative mindset by gaining the highly sought skills to thrive in the age of digital disruption.
The INTI-USC Competition in the Business Service Sector was officially launched on 20th October 2021 and attended by more than 200 participants. During the opening ceremony, YB Soon Lip Chee, the Penang State Exco for Youth and Sports in his recorded speech said that youth in Penang must be proactive to master digital knowledge and skills to enhance their employability, professionalism, and economy prosperity to be better prepared for the job demand of the current employment market.
In this competition, a case study was developed by the participating industry partner and a briefing was given to all teams. Each team must generate ideas and present relevant recommendation related to the case study’s problem statement. A total of 20 video presentations from all participating teams were submitted and all videos were carefully evaluated and selected by esteemed panel of judges from the industry and academia.
The closing ceremony for this competition took place on 17th November 2021 where the winners were announced. Present on the ceremony were Dr. Gwee Sai Ling (General Manager of PYDC), Hemalatha Murugiah (Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang), Dr. Winnie Song (Associate Professor of College of Business, University of Shih Chien, Taiwan), and the team from IHS Markit Malaysia, represented by Shaun Lee (Penang Site Leader and Global Order Management Director, Melissa Liew (Marketing Programs Manager), Elvin Chan (Brand Design Associate Director), Samuel Lee (Content Management Specialist), and Vanessa P’ng (Senior Editorial Production Specialist).
In the closing speech, Melissa Liew, the Marketing Programs Manager of IHS Markit congratulated all participating teams in producing innovative and creative ideas. In addition, Hemalatha Murugiah, the Chief Executive of IICP thanked all students who were very engaged in the competition, as well as PYDC and IHS Markit for their generous supports and sponsorships. She also stated that the world is becoming very competitive and future graduates should develop the competitive edge to compete both locally and globally.
On related points, Dr. Gwee Sai Ling, the General Manager of PYDC in her closing speech also congratulated all teams and stated that the competition was in line with the Penang Young Digital Talent Program that aspires to cultivate digital skills from the young people to help the small businesses with digital transformation. She also highlights that one of the aims of Penang State Government is to transform Penang as a hub for digital talent, and this will be achieved through continuous partnerships between PYDC, the industry, and academic institutions.
Furthermore, she believes that this competition has been a great platform for youths to showcase their talent as well as an opportunity to experience the real deal in business. She ended her speech by congratulating all collaborating industry partners and education institutions for organizing this insightful event that has helped to produce young generation with great minds who will become great leaders of the future.
