It aims at providing a platform for start-ups, entrepreneurs, corporate and investors

START-UPS influence virtually every area of our society and industry. They make our everyday lives easier with exciting and innovative solutions, help to modernise established companies and are already fundamentally changing almost all sectors of industry.

At the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund/ HSBC Jumpstarter 2020 (Jumpstarter 2020), a global start-up competition organised by Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund and title sponsored by HSBC Holdings plc, eight shortlisted tech entrepreneurs from across South-East Asia presented the potential they have in four very different areas — retail, financial technology, smart city and advanced technology.

Jumpstarter 2020 is a competition aimed at providing a platform for startups, entrepreneurs, corporate and investors to build, empower and boost connections among different ecosystems and international tech hubs.

MC Online Sdn Bhd, PT Fatiha Sakti, FMH Group Sdn Bhd, Mospaze and MY Care Concierge Sdn Bhd were announced as winners of the SouthEast Asia division.

The campaign will provide the winning start-ups an opportunity to seize a combined US$5 million (RM21.05 million) investment commitment and US$100,000 in cash when they pitch at the Hong Kong Grand Finale to take place within StartmeupHK Festival on Feb 11 and Feb 12, 2020.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) COO Datuk Ng Wan Peng said: “Alibaba and MDEC’s partnership was established on one common ground and that is, our commitment towards developing the tech entrepreneur ecosystem. This synergy has connected the Malaysian tech entrepreneurs to bigger opportunities and the Jumpstarter 2020 pitching event is a perfect example of that.

“Through this contest, Malaysian entrepreneurs had the chance to present their ideas to industry experts and gain experience.”

Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, a non-profit initiative launched by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, kicked off the application process for Jumpstarter 2020 — its signature start-up event in Hong Kong earlier.

For the first time this year, Jumpstarter is hosting a global pitch competition, with pitching events in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, London, San Francisco Bay Area and Toronto.

The aim is to connect global talent, start-ups and entrepreneurs with Jumpstarter’s start-up community.

Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund ED Cindy Chow said: “With MDEC’s support, Jumpstarter 2020 — Malaysia pitching event has successfully attracted the talents in South-East Asia.

“Up till now, the Jumpstarter Global Pitch competition has received over 1,000 applications from all eight locations, in which over 200 applications have been submitted into the Malaysia pitching event and 80% of them are from Asean.

“It reflects the vibrant and passionate start-up environment in the region. We are confident that this platform will create a springboard for them in gaining access to talent, opportunity and funding for their future success.”

For more information about the Jumpstarter please visit www.jumpstarter.hk.