Perak Ignite Entrepreneur Summit 2025 Ignites Innovation and Ambition in Perak

Perak Ignite Entrepreneur Summit 2025 Ignites Innovation and Ambition in Perak

The inaugural Perak Ignite Entrepreneur Summit concluded successfully on May 3rd at Dewan Tang Ying See in Ipoh, bringing together over young entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore opportunities and strategies for business growth in Perak and beyond.

Organized by the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall (PCAH) with the support of Nextupasia, MICCI Perak, JCI Kinta, PUMM and UTAR, the summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers including Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation; Henry Ting, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree; Francis Lui, Founder of NexLaw.ai; and Prof. Wong Poh Kam, Founding Chairman of BANSEA.

"I aspire to inspire before I expire!" declared Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai, President of PCAH, in his opening remarks to create an environment for Perak founders to thrive. His speech set the tone for a day filled with powerful insights and practical wisdom.

In his keynote address, Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasized that igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Perak is crucial for several reasons: "First, entrepreneurship creates jobs and economic opportunities. In a state with a significant B40 population, entrepreneurship offers pathways to economic mobility and prosperity. Second, it drives innovation and competitiveness. As we transition to a knowledge-based economy, entrepreneurs will be at the forefront of developing new technologies, products, and services. Third, entrepreneurship builds resilience. A diverse ecosystem of businesses, from micro-enterprises to high-growth startups, makes our economy more adaptable to shocks and changes."

During the "What is Next for Perak" panel, Dato' Lim Si Boon, Executive Chairman of Bonanza Venture Holdings and past president of MICCI Perak, challenged attendees to consider what truly needs revitalization in Perak's economy. "We need to identify not just what to ignite, but how to create sustainable momentum with the right catalysts and resources," he said. Dato' Lim highlighted the state's paradoxical position-rich in potential yet facing implementation challenges. "Perak possesses remarkable assets: a globally-dispersed diaspora with expertise in finance and business, 60,000 undergraduates, excellent educational institutions, and even demographic advantages in our aging population. The critical question is how we strategically align and leverage these resources to create meaningful economic transformation."

The summit explored critical themes through six panel discussions covering talent development, digital transformation, entrepreneurial mindset, and Perak's economic future.

Key takeaways included:

● Ernest Balasingam emphasized hiring for character over credentials: "Grit and teachability matter more than degrees."

● Henry Ting shared how authenticity creates competitive advantage: "Your brand is your soul - and that can't be copied."

● Ceylyn Tay highlighted how Malaysia's halal certification opens global markets, now exporting to Hong Kong and Australia.

● Benz Malik advised on content strategy: "If your content doesn't educate, entertain, or inspire - it won't engage."

Datuk Kwan noted that Perak was once a thriving state and now is the time for all stakeholders to work together in restoring its past glory. "At PCAH, we are eager to collaborate with both the various stakeholders including associations and govt to explore ways to uplift Perak’s ecosystem” he said.

The Perak Ignite Entrepreneur Summit 2025 marks the beginning of PCAH's expanded focus on economic development alongside its traditional cultural and educational initiatives.