DiGi challenges university students to launch Social Venture start-ups in 48-hours

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September 28, 2011
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https://digi.com.my/media/articleURLhereWhichCanbeReallyLong


DiGi challenges university students to launch Social Venture start-ups in 48-hours
RM200,000 in prizes up for grabs in DiGi's Challenge for Change

SHAH ALAM, 29 SEPTEMBER 2011: DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi) today announced the launch of its third installation of DiGi's Challenge for Change. This year's programme focuses on getting university students to collaborate in the creation of social ventures for underserved communities using mobile and internet solutions. DiGi's Challenge for Change competition will see more than RM200,000 worth of cash and experiential prizes offered to participating and winning teams.

DiGi's Chief Executive Officer, Henrik Clausen said this year's competition is part of DiGi's ambition to enable 'Internet For All'. He added, "We believe that connectivity can be a powerful catalyst to propel communities forward, enable socio-economic development and help local businesses grow. Through this programme, we are leveraging our core competencies to empower and nurture Malaysian youth to drive positive changes among the underserved."

DiGi's Challenge for Change will see participating university teams work with local NGOs and communities to develop solutions using mobile and internet to address socio-economic or environmental issues. The competition is open to all public and private universities. The challenge requires students to initiate ideas, develop a business prototype and to pitch for seed funding, all within a span of 48-hours at one of the six regional start-up weekends.

Two finalist teams will be chosen from each of these start-up weekends by a panel of judges. A total of 12 finalists will be provided seed funding as well as access to DiGi and industry mentors who will guide them in the development and implementation of their social venture. An overall winner will be selected based on team presentations and the feasibility of their start-up ideas in March 2012.

Speaking on how this competition will benefit the students, Clausen explained, "DiGi's Challenge for Change takes participants through a holistic experiential journey which will provide valuable skills and inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and community service. We believe that these skills will be valuable as they embark on their future careers."

Over RM200,000 in cash and experiential prizes are up for grabs in DiGi's Challenge for Change. This includes:
• RM1,000 in seed money for each finalist to develop solutions
• RM10,000; and a sponsored learning trip to ZTE HQ in China for the winner
• RM5,000 for the 1st Runner Up
• RM2,000 for the 2nd Runner Up
• DiGi rewards including Broadband packages for finalist teams
• Post-Challenge entrepreneurship training for finalists by MDeC
• Workshops with Mentors
• Opportunities for internships with key partners and DiGi

DiGi's Challenge for Change is endorsed by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture, and the Ministry of Higher Education. Other partners include MSC Malaysia, ZTE Corporation; and supported by GEW (Global Entrepreneurship Week) a global movement that inspires Entrepreneurship among the youth.

 
 Issued by:
Corporate Communications Department.