Two Malaysian Startups to Compete in USD 1M Startup World Cup Grand Finale 2025 in Silicon Valley
Startup World Cup Malaysia 2025 marks a historic milestone as two national finalists—from both East and West Malaysia—will represent the country at the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, competing for a USD 1 million investment prize.
Organised by Growth Charger, the official Malaysia partner of the global Startup World Cup by Pegasus Tech Ventures, this year’s competition attracted nearly 200 applications nationwide and aligns with over 100 regional competitions held worldwide. For the first time, dual finals are being held in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, a major step in ensuring inclusive innovation and equal representation for startups across the nation.
The West Malaysia Semi-Final took place on 22 May at WORQ KL Sentral, where emerging founders from diverse sectors such as deep tech, digital health, and climate innovation pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges.
Startup World Cup is a global competition and conference that brings together top innovators and business leaders, with the winner receiving a USD1M investment.
Growth Charger Co-founder and Director Iskandar Shafi’i said “Our vision has always been to empower founders regardless of geography or background. By spotlighting both East and West Malaysia, we’re not just hosting a competition, we’re building a national movement.”
In East Malaysia, the Kuching Semi-Final was held on 26 June at Makeramai Makerspace and will culminate in the East Final at Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Digital Village on 31 July. As a testament of their partnership with Startup World Cup, TEGAS will be hosting the TOP 10 East Malaysian startups to pitch and compete for the finals, aligning with their mission to nurture high-potential local talents, accelerating startup growth, and connect them to regional and global opportunities.
By introducing dual finals, KL and Kuching, the competition is making significant strides to ensure innovation from across Malaysia is equally represented on the global stage.
“At WORQ, we champion bold ideas and thriving communities. By hosting the Semi-Finals, we’re proud to help Malaysia’s brightest startups connect, compete, and shine on the world stage,” said Stephanie Ping, Co-founder and CEO of WORQ.
Echoing the same sentiment, Head of Technology Hub Development at Cyberview Sdn Bhd, Shafinaz Salim said Cyberview, as a Tech Hub Developer, accelerates startup growth by providing strategic support, resources, and market access for regional and global scaling.
“We are honoured to be part of this event and witness startups from our Cyberview Living Lab® Accelerator programme advance to their next stages of growth. This further reaffirms Cyberjaya’s collaborative ecosystem,” she said.
Meanwhile, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil noted that Startup World Cup Malaysia reflects the country’s commitment to digital inclusion and global market access. “Initiatives like this reflect MDEC’s vision of an inclusive, innovation-driven nation, one where high-impact startups from all corners of Malaysia have the potential to succeed beyond our local shores,” he said.
“Through strategic partnerships with Malaysia Digital companies like Growth Charger, we continue to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a launchpad for regional and global tech success.”
The Finals promise to be a celebration of Malaysian startup excellence, with the Top 10 from each region set to compete for a coveted chance to take the global stage. RSVP now and witness the future of Malaysian innovation in action.
Khazanah Auditorium, Asia School of Business (ASB), Kuala Lumpur | 17th July 2025
RSVP KL Final: bit.ly/SWC2025KLFinal
TEGAS Digital Village, Sarawak | 31st July 2025
RSVP Kuching Final: bit.ly/SWC2025KuchingFinal
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Zurich Malaysia enhances customer experience with digital tools and empathy-driven support
While digitalisation continues to reshape Malaysia’s insurance and takaful landscape, Zurich Malaysia remains focused on delivering both efficient technology and compassionate, empathy-driven support to customers during challenging times. Today, insurance and takaful is no longer just about financial protection, but about providing timely assistance and understanding when it matters most.
Over the years, Zurich Malaysia has supported millions of customers through moments of crisis, from sudden loss of a loved one to major disruptions caused by accidents or illness. In these difficult moments, they were met with compassionate support that brought peace of mind when it was needed most. Their experiences reflect a growing shift in the industry, integrating digital innovation with empathy. At Zurich Malaysia, this approach is more than a strategy; it is a commitment to respond with efficiency and heartfelt care, ensuring customers receive the support they truly deserve.
Through the streamlining of traditionally complex processes into seamless and efficient platforms, digitalisation across the insurance and takaful sector is empowering customers to take greater control over their protection. However, Zurich Malaysia believes that technological advancement alone is not enough as what truly matters is how these innovations impact customers’ lives. By combining the strengths of digital tools with customer care support rooted in empathy, it ensures that the service customers receive not only meets but exceeds their expectations.
“‘Care For What Matters’ is more than a slogan we put on the wall. It’s a standard we hold ourselves to every day,” said Ally Robertson, Country Chief Operations Officer at Zurich Malaysia, “Digitalisation goes beyond speed and removes friction. It’s about enabling our people to respond with empathy, insights and purpose, especially when our customers are going through some of life’s hardest moments.”
Among the many lives Zurich Malaysia has supported over the past year, the following stories reflect the emotional weight of those moments, and how timely protection made a real difference when life took an unexpected turn.
In Johor, Nor Hasimah binti Ahmad Shukri was left to care for her young child after the sudden passing of her husband from cancer. Amid grief and uncertainty, she needed timely support to stabilise her family’s finances. Zurich Malaysia’s digitised claim verification and payout system ensured the death claim was processed swiftly, giving her the support she needed to secure her family’s future.
A more complex case unfolded in Kota Bharu, where Hasnira binti Mat Jusoh's late husband had not named a nominee in his insurance policy. What could have become a lengthy and difficult process was resolved through Zurich Malaysia’s internal records and dedicated staff follow-up. She was guided step by step until the payout was delivered, a reminder that while systems matter, follow-through matters even more.
Meanwhile, Zainuddin bin Abdul Halim and his son were affected by the Putra Heights gas leak explosion that resulted in the total loss of their vehicles. Amid the disruption, Zurich Malaysia’s user-friendly digital claims platform helped them to submit reports, upload documentation, and track their claims with ease.
Iris Dang, Chief Operations Officer, Property and Casualty at Zurich Malaysia, said “What truly matters to us is how we support our customers during their most difficult times. These stories remind us that insurance/takaful isn’t just about policies/certificates and payouts, it’s about listening with empathy, understanding unique needs, and being there with clear, caring support every step of the way. Our teams are trained to go beyond transactions and build meaningful connections, ensuring every interaction is focused on what our customers truly need. That human touch makes all the difference when lives are impacted.”
As Zurich Malaysia continues to evolve, our focus remains on building solutions that are digitally enabled and deeply empathetic. We Don’t Just Cover, We Care is at the core of our heart. We stand with our customers, offering clarity, compassion and support when it matters most. This is our promise and our commitment to truly Care For What Matters.
To learn more about how Zurich Malaysia supports customers, kindly please visit zurich.com.my.
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Spritzer Launches “Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing” Leading the Wellness Travel Wave for Visit Malaysia 2026
Reconnecting Malaysians with Nature, Culture, and Wellbeing
In support of the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026, Spritzer, Malaysia’s most trusted natural mineral water brand, today officially unveiled its nationwide campaign, "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing," at a media launch event held at C Space, Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur. The event was officiated by YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Centered around the concept of "healing," the campaign invites Malaysians to reconnect with nature, explore cultural heritage, and embrace a more balance, healthier lifestyles through local travel. Running from June to July 2025, "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing" will feature an original 6-episodes travel variety series, an interactive art installation, social media activation, and integrated content marketing— sparking a nationwide wellness travel movement rooted in sustainably. This initiative reinforces Spritzer’s position as the preferred hydration companion for mindful local travel, thanks to its naturally nourishing natural minerals content.
Healing Theme: Jom Healing – Reconnect. Naturally."
"Healing" has emerged as a buzzword among Malaysia’s younger generation, symbolizing a break from daily stress through short getaways to restore inner peace and emotional balance. Recognizing this trend, Spritzer champions "Jom Healing" (Let’s Heal), encouraging travelers to reconnect with nature and staying refreshed and revitalized with Spritzer natural mineral water.
The campaign also highlights environmental consciousness, urging travelers to explore Malaysia in a sustainable and responsible way. Through its show content and social engagement, Spritzer aims to inspire Malaysians to cherish the nation’s natural ecosystems, rich heritage, and culture diversity while preserving their beauty for future generations through mindful recycling and environmental care
Driving Emotional Connection with Nature, Culture & Sustainable Travel
"Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing" seeks to deepen Malaysians’ emotional connect with domestic travel with nature while reinforcing Spritzer’s position as the preferred hydration companion for every journey.Beyond on-ground activations, the campaign extends into digital spaces through original travel shows, social media engagement, and immersive art installations to encourage Malaysians to share their own healing journeys, cultural adventures and sustainable travel moments further deepening brand affinity and reach.
Engaging New-Generation Travelers & Global Explorers
The campaign primarily targets Malaysians aged 20–40 who value meaningful life experiences. These travelers are drawn to nature escapes, cultural festivals, and local cuisine, using travel as a way to recharge emotionally.
At the same time, Spritzer also seeks to engage international international free-and-easy travelers who prioritize eco-conscious, culturally immersive journeys. By aligning with contemporary travel values, the brand strengthens its warm and relatable image in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
Highlights: Original Travel Show & Interactive Art Installation
Spritzer presents Jom Healing, a web series starring popular local influencers like Adriana Adnan and Sean Lee, alongside travel influencers Fakhrul Aizat, Dee Alimin, Jaslin Puasa. The show documents their adventurous journeys through various nature centric wonders like waterfalls, island, mountains, caves, lakes, national park and recreational forest on top of heritage towns, cultural activities and local eateries, capturing moments of relaxation and self-discovery. From rejuvenating waterfalls like Air Terjun Kimorugi and mystical caves like Gua Lembah Lenggong to cultural gems such as batik workshops and firefly kayaking. The show also dives into hands-on experiences like fishing net weaving and otak-otak making, or unwind with therapeutic hikes in Sg Lembing and island-hopping across Pulau Mantanani. This program offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a journey of healing and connection. Its relatable format inspires viewers to embrace healing travel as therapy.
The show will start airing in Viu from 27 June to 14 July, every Monday and Friday.
#JomHealing #AirLoveCutiCuti #HealingTravel
An interactive art installation that redefines our relationship with plastic waste.
Crafted from hundreds of upcycled plastic bottles, as sunlight passes through the cut plastic, of patterned shapes fall onto the ground like batik or lace, forming a delicate choreography of light and shadow.
Blending nature-inspired motifs with traditional batik artistry, the exhibit is both a tribute to cultural heritage and a call to appreciate our planet.
This interplay of light and material , “shadow dance” is both beautiful and haunting.
It’s a reminder of our consumption habits cast a lasting shadow on the environment—yet also hold the power for renewal.
This art installation invites us to rethink our relationship with plastic, not as something to abandon, but as a material to recycle, reimagine, and reintegrate into the world — responsibly, sustainably, and beautifully.
View this artistic masterpiece installation at the entrance of Central Market from 23 June to 22 July 2025, in collaboration with artists - Oscar Lee and Celine Tan from Co2_Karbondioksida.
#PlasticReimagined #ShadowGarden #SustainableArt
Featured Products: Pure Hydration for Every Journey
Spritzer spotlights two bestsellers:
Natural Mineral Water: Rich in natural minerals especially silica for skin and bone health, sourced underground from a 430 acres conserved rainforest with over 15 years of natural filtration and SIRIM-certified microplastic-free packaging.
Sparkling Natural Mineral Water: Zero sugar, zero sweeteners, zero calories, with a refreshing fizz—ideal for tropical adventures. Sourced from the same pristine origin.
Our Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottle uses eco-friendly packaging, reflecting Spritzer’s commitment to sustainability and its 2030 Circular Brand vision. Bottle made with recycled plastic and every part of packaging is 100% recyclable.
From a Bottle to Falling in Love with Malaysia
Since 2024, Spritzer’s "Air Love Cuti-Cuti" strategy (punting on "Air" as Malay for "water" and echoing "I love travel") has embodied self-care, nature appreciation, and wanderlust.
More than a tagline, it represents Spritzer’s bond with Malaysia’s travel culture. Moving forward, the brand will expand "healing" and "exploration" themes through collaborations, content, and experiences—solidifying its role as the nation’s most heartfelt travel companion.
Learn more about "Air Love Cuti-Cuti: Jom Healing":
Website: https://spritzer.com.my | https://shop.spritzer.com.my
Facebook: @Spritzer
Instagram: @spritzerwater
Jom Healing—Let’s love travel, ourselves, and Malaysia.
#AirLoveCutiCuti #SpritzerJomHealing #TravelWithSpritzer
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