Wise Crafters specialises in nutritious and delicious menus, such as oatmeal, quinoa bowl, kefir, etc. Our main focus now is on meal plans customisation (by certified nutritionists) to cater to different customers’ needs and home delivery. Our mission is to help every Malaysian to obtain clean eating at least one meal per day.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
We joined BizSmart^® Challenge because we want to WIN. BizSmart^® Challenge allows us to leverage on this media platform to promote Wise Crafters as well as healthy eating to the nation, this will help us in brand awareness and drive sales.
We want to win BizSmart^® Challenge because we have just validated our business model and will need more funding to expand and grow as planned. Other than this, we also welcomed constructive advice and guidance from BizSmart^® Challenge programme, for us to embrace all the challenges which we will be facing.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Optastar Protein Sdn Bhd is a local company that shares protein goodness through our products. Our mission seeks to improve people’s lifestyle by providing great tasting food and beverage. We want to change people’s perception about the function of protein and to innovate more flexible protein based product that tastes good and at the same time promoting a healthier lifestyle.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
As a young start-up, I need exposure about real business as much as possible for me to run my project successfully. I saw billboards about BizSmart^® Challenge program around Kuala Lumpur and after some research, I found that this is a very good program and perfect platform to gain business experience and knowledge. In addition, I also stand a chance to win huge prizes as we really need additional fund for our on-going projects. We will take this opportunity to learn although we know this will be a challenging path as we are competing with other best ones. I really felt honored to be part of the finalists for BizSmart^® Challenge 2020.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

Enya is a pioneering digital period care company with the vision to provide quality care to women everywhere. Enya was brought to life with the aspiration to provide more affordable and holistic lifestyle options - especially with feminine care. With the right balance of passion and innovation paired with technological advances, we strive to do something about it – starting with organic cotton. We want to empower and inform women about safer, healthier alternatives for their bodies and beyond. Periods are a natural human body process and we want to talk about it! We aim to create a safe space for everybody to discuss about our reproductive health and not be embarrassed by it.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
To learn. I believe that we can learn what works and what doesn’t in running a business from each other. Bizsmart also allows us to get to know the mentors, and we hope that the challenge will help Enya grow as a company.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

LIPS CARPENTER was founded in 2018 out of passion to offer healthy, sustainable and personalised lip care and cosmetic to the community. A clean beauty product start-up focusing on natural ingredients, sustainability and personalisation for community to look good, feel good and be good.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Having started my career as an actuary in the states and later returned to Malaysia, I am always up for challenges and looking for new learning opportunities. When I decided to join BizSmart® Challenge, LIPS CARPENTER was about one year old. We wanted to take on challenges and have the opportunities to advance our skillsets for the brand, through BizSmart® Challenge. And being a first-time entrepreneur, the exposure to many experienced mentors as well as like-minded entrepreneurs would be invaluable for us as individuals and as a brand.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

In Mosaic Art Studio, we want our children to nurture and harness creativity through the expression of arts. Unlike human languages, which are determined by tenses and sentence structures, art is very much a universal language. Therefore, there is no right or wrong in our school of thoughts as we want our children to learn through fun.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
It is a tremendous exposure for my business through building brand awareness among others. I wish to share my belief in art education with parents and to always believe in your child. Furthermore, I believe the sharing of experience from the judges would be rewarding and valuable to us as there is no other organisation in Malaysia that provides such platform for the entrepreneurs to learn and grow their business. Nevertheless, the attractive prizes could help in our business expansion.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Mu Artisan Soy Sauce is a soy sauce brand with soul. Handcrafted following traditional methods by the third generation of artisan craftsmanship.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
I want to revive traditional businesses! Handmade soy sauce is an ancient art, my mission is to preserve this skill for generations to come while adding my modern twist. I believe BizSmart^® Challenge is an avenue for me to accelerate my dream.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Ning Salmah offers natural mom and baby care products using inherited family recipes that are proven through generations of usage. Our products are practical and can be used on a daily basis.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Being one of the Alliance Bank Bizsmart Challenge finalists, I believe that Alliance Bank can help me in many ways, especially in terms of business knowledge and connecting me to the right people. And of course, the prize money would definitely help with our future plans of initiating a new product line and marketing activities.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

A natural food company that provides healthier, better-tasting alternatives snacks. Redefining the way you snack with the perfect on-the-go & sustainable healthy treat. Made with all natural and non-GMO ingredients for the ultimate nutrition.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
To elevate the business to the next level with valuable entrepreneurship coaching and networks.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Vanzo Asia Sdn Bhd, with our tagline “Scent of Health Style”, launched the FIRST Healthy Air Refresher, VANZO, with Odour Emulsion Filtering (“OEF”) Technology in Malaysia, 100% Alcohol Free and MSDS and SGS certified. We aspire to be the most influential brand in Asia to lead the industrial trend for Air Refresher.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Participating in BizSmart^® Challenge provides young companies like ours with a development opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and coaches who are leaders in successful organisations such as Alliance Bank and Eco World. We believe that their sharing and guidance would inspire ground-breaking innovations, and enlighten our team’s ability to adapt to ever-changing consumer demands and trade trends for a sustainable business. We are eagerly looking forward for the LEARNING, to EVOLVE and TRANSFORM through BizSmart^® Challenge.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

AOne is a Super App in education, combining an online education marketplace (AOneLearn) and a Learning Centre software (AOneSchools) for educators in Southeast Asia, starting with Malaysia and Singapore. From finding an online and offline lesson, enrolling, managing, automating payment, scheduling and many more, AOne products and services have served more than 800+ learning centres across 4 countries!

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
For many years, I have been following BizSmart^® Challenge series and seeing the programme has taken so many local SMEs to the next level with varying degrees of success through media exposure, training, mentorship and networking. With our vision to bring AOne as the Super-App in Education across Southeast Asia, I decide to participate for BizSmart^® Challenge 2020, as a baby step to achieve our vision in near future.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

Arteca Sdn Bhd is an edutech company specialising in designing and producing block base toys and robotic kits, that are used as educational kits and entertainment. Arteca produce toy based learning systems with integrated robotic components that expose the children to STEAM Education, an affordable and fun way of learning, while also developing motor and spatial skills. They can build various models, with no limit to their creativity.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
To expand my network, to learn from the alumni, to showcase my product and a stepping stone for the growth of the company.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Heal Nutrition is not your usual protein supplement company. We are a functional food and beverage brand that focuses on bringing you the best tasting health food and beverage products that do not compromise on taste and convenience. As a former trainer myself, I started this journey because I want to change the landscape of protein shakes, i.e. to make protein shake as a tasty beverage instead of normal supplement, at the same time beneficial to our health.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
We have always been inspired to join BizSmart^® Challenge. Fun fact: We actually applied for Bizsmart Challenge in year 2018, unfortunately we were not shortlisted that time. Fast forward to this year, we are here in 2020 edition. #nevergiveup I always believe that BizSmart^® Challenge is an excellent platform for SMEs owners to showcase their offerings and live up the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

We have 4 four designs since we started our own brand in January 2019 and our best seller is known as Puffy Inner. We love the ‘puffiness’ because of the ‘sanggul’ creation and this is the reason why we name it Puffy Inner. We realise ‘sanggul’ can help to enhance the appearance and increase volume for short hair hijabers. Simply wear it before wearing the hijab and our Puffy Inner (anak tudung) can instantly help to achieve the more glamourous look! We guarantee this can increase customers’ self confidence, happiness and joy.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
I always remember the advice from my mentor, i.e. “To take a leap of faith and put yourself out there so that more people will notice your strength and capabilities” hence I’m challenging myself to stay out from the comfort zone although I know this is not easy for me. Besides that, I want to build close relationships with other participants and potentially to collaborate in the future.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

We believe that every child deserves equal quality education content. By bringing together innovation and people with the same values and passion, we make world class content accessible, affordable and enjoyable for every child in Asia. We design and develop award-winning apps that inspire passion and creativity. This ecosystem that we've built is designed for and in collaboration with educators, parents, storytellers, creators, artists, etc. We work as a community, to give the very best for every child.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
BizSmart^® Challenge is one of the most recognisable contests among local SMEs. Firstly, we get a chance to work with experienced mentors from Alliance Bank and EcoWorld who runs successful businesses. These opportunities allow us to share ideas and for the betterment on our implementation plan. The program has almost certainly solidified itself as the nation’s premier startup competition since 2013 and has even featured on many media across Malaysia that have gained a lot of press coverage. This challenge also provides a constructive environment with other entrepreneurs to improve together besides as a good platform for socialising and collaboration, etc.

Let your child’s imagination come alive with Me Books app.

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Cloud kitchen business model targeting both online (food delivery platforms i.e. Grab and Food Panda) and onsite customers. The pioneer of such modus operandi in Malaysia. We aspire to provide restaurant quality comfort food at affordable prices. Our ethos is essentially “Now Everyone Can Enjoy Quality Comfort Food at Affordable Prices”.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
The key to embark myself into the BizSmart^® Challenge is personal and business growth. Whilst the prize money is obviously a bonus and an attractive incentive, what is more notable would be the trajectory on some of the businesses which had participated in the past such as myBurgerLab and Christy Ng. A businesses' growth is synomymous to one's personal maturity and transendence. Having said that, the limitless boundaries I can encounter through this challenge can mould both my personal well being as well as my bread and butter.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

Perusahaan ini adalah turun temurun keluarga saya, saya mengusahakan perusahaan beras tradisional dan membuat pelbagai produk inovasi asas beras. Sebagai anak sulung adalah menjadi tanggungjawab saya untuk meneruskan perusahaan ini. Dari perusahaan beras saya membuat pelbagai pecahan bidang untuk menjana pendapatan. Kebanyakan orang sekarang tidak tahu dari masa datangnya beras dan mereka tidak tahu kepentingan warisan, disamping menjana pendapatan ekonomi desa kita juga menyelitkan pendidikan asas supaya anak-anak tahu erti pentingnya perusahaan tradisional untuk masa hadapan.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Meninggikan daya pengeluaran dan taraf kehidupan golongan miskin melalui proses memodenkan kawasan luarbandar. Mewujudkan kumpulan perusahaan dan perdagangan bumiputera. Menambah daya pengeluaran dan pendapatan. Kumpulan sasar untuk mengusahakan aktiviti pertanian secara moden dengan aplikasi teknologi dan inovasi. Industri pertanian 4.0 juga membantu bagi membangunkan baka berkualiti dan berproduktiviti tinggi, seterusnya memacu ekonomi negara melalui sektor agromakanan.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Pops Malaya is co-founded by Yasmin Karim and Zuraini Zulkifli. Yasmin and Zuraini were friends since they were 13. They came together to create Pops Malaya - a freeze-at-home popsicle brand because of their mutual love for the sweeter things in life. It is made from real fruit and free from artificial flavours and artificial colours. This means that even the little ones can enjoy Pops Malaya Ice Bars without upsetting their sensitive tummies. Compared to other popsicles in the market, Ice Bars is low in calorie (28 to 32 calories for each) which is similar to a fruit.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
I was inspired by the traction and success of the previous winners like Christy Ng, Amazin’ Graze, OhMostWanted Cosmetics, Chriszen and NutriBrownRice. Like Pops Malaya they are also founders of tangible products. I observed how they have grown 10x in terms of retail distribution and brand presence. These brands are where Pops Malaya aspire to be in the next 3 years.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

PotonGuler is an innovative well-being food company. We patented a low-calorie sweetener mixture nickname “Good Sugar” and produced the first in the world, sweetened condensed milk with zero white sugar under the brand name of 'Potonguler', which is sweetened with Stevia and Oligofructose. Our philosophy in Potonguler is to to revolutionalise daily food products to make it low sugar, low calories, and with great taste. A truly Malaysian homegrown business Champions for promoting ‘Diabetic-Friendly’ food products. PotonGuler strives to be the game-changer in the market of low-calorie, diabetic-friendly food products through innovative ideas in creating food products that are delicious and yet affordable to regular citizens.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
We would like to share our story as young entrepreneurs whom had successfully created an essential and unique daily food products with less sugar intake and healthier options to the customers. It could also reduce the number of non-communicable diseases in Malaysia when low calorie and low sugar daily food products are readily available and affordable for the public at large.

Watch how our finalist sustained her business during the pandemic.

Parcel 365 is a smart locker provider of which allows user to deliver, drop off or collect any parcel at a designated sizes. It is empowered by Mobile Apps of which are available at both iOS and Google Playstore. The four fundamental functions are Delivery, Drop Off, Locker Service and automated collection point. The smart locker is friendly to any courier services where its services are further extended to almost all of types of parcel from different service provider. Our target places are places such as condominiums or high rise buildings, that provides alternative to users whom may finds it time saving, without having to go to different places of dropping off parcel, or having to queue up at post office, even just for a simple task.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Entrepreneurship is all about overcoming challenges. It is not only about work, passion but also about fulfilling the needs of the society and to be prepared at all times. BizSmart^® challenge is a reality program that shapes entrepreneur like us to be prepared for the future. Things that we have learnt are very beneficial to all of us, practical and theory runs together hands in hands. Despite publicity, it helps to grow audiences into our products and brands. The very reason of joining BizSmart^® Challenge is of course the fun of learning, getting to know like minded people and etc.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

Malaysia based bio-technology company that focuses on entotechnology to treat and recycle organic waste naturally, producing and repurposing waste to a sustainable insect protein and organic fertilizer. Our insect protein is extremely high in protein and fats, suitable to be used in poultry, aquaculture and many more.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
Alliance Bank BizSmart^® Challenge is an interactive competition. The main objective of this program is to help enable entrepreneurs reach their goals and bring their businesses to a whole new level. This is far too great of an opportunity to pass on as we are able to meet successful business owners as well as new and driven entrepreneurs. Not only that, we hope to return from this competition with new found knowledge and insights on how to successfully build and scale a business.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

NARINAR is the local leading brand in Malaysia for parents-preferred, Halal, safe and lab tested Essential Oils and Aromatherapy since 2016. NARINAR provides modern parents with Alternative Natural Protection & Wellness so that their minds can feel at ease in the midst of their busy lives. Additionally, the 100% pure Blend Essential Oils by NARINAR provides therapeutic qualities to parents and kids alike to improve the quality of sleep and relieve colds.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
I want to join the BizSmart^® Challenge because I believe in order for me and my business to grow, I need all the support from the local financial institution and also from the circle of successful entrepreneurs which I believe the BizSmart^® Challenge has been proven in helping many local business brands thrive.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.

DivaScarf #BawalTanpaSeterika is the brand that promotes a unique sense of style. You can twist and wear the scarf and channel your inner-boss.
With one piece, you can style it in two ways. You can either wrap the scarf according to your head shape or wrap it around like a triangle. So simple, yet classy.
We are calling all fashionistas out there to purchase a scarf or two from us to complement your every-day look.

WHAT MADE YOU JOIN BIZSMART^® CHALLENGE?
There is so much I want to learn about entrepreneurship. I want to show to Malaysians that Alliance Bank seeks to offer assistance to people of all races and it is the first bank that has given me so much assistance and help throughout my journey of becoming an entrepreneur. I want to share with other entrepreneurs how this assistance helps pave the way for us to be better and stronger as a business in the fashion scene. Last but not least, I want to show everyone that no matter your religion or race, we can all stand out as business owners.

Watch how our finalist sustained his business during the pandemic.