Sustainable ventures, initiatives to help B40 youth among winners at O&G company's challenge
The winners - Crates Studio, Live2Learn Ideas, Nella Odella, Rafa F&B Enterprise and WAIG Consultancy Sdn Bhd - were the best of 60 entries, and each brought home RM10,000 in startup grants and a year of business coaching to refine their business plans.
This gives them an opportunity to transform into successful ventures, gain access to the global LiveWire network where they can share their insights with entrepreneurs worldwide, while standing a chance to participate in the annual Shell Global Top 10 Innovators Awards.
Prior to winning, participants had signed up with the challenge and began their journey with an intensive bootcamp aimed at sharpening entrepreneurial skills.
From there, 10 finalists were shortlisted to compete in the final pitching round, where they presented comprehensive business plans and showcased their commitment to innovation and growth.
After a thorough evaluation, five enterprises that stood out were selected as this year's winners.
Crates Studio is a creative collective officially established in 2023, founded by a team of designers with a strong interest in art, culture, innovation, and community-focused storytelling.
Live2Learn Ideas is a creative and sustainable art initiative where unique upcycled art pieces are designed with a touch of Sabahan ethnic motifs.
They give new life to discarded materials by transforming them into meaningful, high-value creations.
Nella Odella, meanwhile upcycles discarded denim into handmade fashion pieces featuring Sabah cultural motfis. This is done with an aim to reduce textile waste, preserve local heritage, and empower communities through fair wages, skill development, and eco-conscious designs.
Rafa F&B Enterprise empowers B40 and underserved youth in Sabah through a street burger micro-franchise model providing training, full stall packages, and cooperative support to transform young lives into sustainable, locally driven businesses with dignity and purpose.
WAIG Consultancy provides hydraulic and coastal modelling, along with hydrographic surveys and measurements. They promote sustainable design and help clients achieve practical and eco-friendly solutions.
Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Ltd (SSPC) general manager Wong Kim Mun said what stood out most in the LiveWire programme was how Sabahan entrepreneurs used their skills and innovation to create real change towards strengthening their communities.
He said their initiatives helped open up new pathways for employment and growth.
'LiveWire is more than just a business platform; it's a catalyst for community-driven progress, connecting entrepreneurs to a global network and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the nation's socio-economic development," he said.
Wong said since LiveWire was introduced in Sabah in 2015, a total of 720 participants have been trained with over 50 local entrepreneurs in various fields given additional support to go further.
Speaking of the top five winners during this event, he said they are amazing people with deep passion and belief.
'This is what it means to be an entrepreneur. Bring spark to their life and those in society, with products and services that address challenges within the community,' he said.
Shell LiveWire is the flagship enterprise development programme of Shell. The programme strengthens local economies across the globe by promoting entrepreneurship and developing entrepreneurs.
This programme, which kickstarted in Sabah in 2015, in Sarawak in 2016, and in Peninsular Malaysia in 2022, aims to inspire young entrepreneurs to innovate and produce real business solutions that meet today's socio-economic needs.
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