SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH FUNDING & INNOVATION

​Conference on Research Funding and Powering the Innovation Engine

I was invited by the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) to join a panel to talk about 'Entrepreneurial Ventures.' The panel was part of Conference on Research Funding and Powering the Innovation Engine held on 24th August 2017 at MIDA, KL Sentral. It was organised by Malaysia Investment and Development Authority (MIDA) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC).

The panel comprised:

1. Dr Tanuja Rajah (Program Manager, Global Accelerator Program - Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC))
2. Mr Zaim Mohzani (Co-Founder and Principal, Nation Building School)
3. Mr Zaky Moh (Senior Director of Business Development and Entrepreneurship Division, SME Corporation Malaysia)
4. Dr. Mohan V. Avvari MBA  (Deputy Dean (Business Engagement and External Relations), University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus) [Moderator]

Dr Mohan, the moderator asked me touch about youth development, particularly for university students...

I talked about the evolution of Nation Building School, specifically with our Guruship program. The Guruship is NBS' flagship leadership program for youth (aged 18-30) to develop their personal, professional and civic lives. We run the program for 90 days and in batches of 20 people at a time. Thus far, a total of 59 youth have graduated from the Guruship. I summarised the essence of Guruship with OMEGA: 

• Orientation
• Motivation
• Execution
• Graduation
• Absorption

The program is designed to be structured yet engaging for young people. From the time they start to to the point of the graduation, they will be guided and taught the basics of community organising. What's different is the fact we absorb our graduates into the NGO. In fact, all 4 of NBS' Principals are graduates of the Guruship. It ensures the sustainability and longevity of our organisation.

If you'd like to read the news coverage, do read it here.