PENtastic Startup Month brings 30 activities to Penang this month

PENtastic Startup Month runs from 1 to 30 November across Penang. It offers 30 chances for founders and aspiring business owners to meet investors and learn how to build a business.

At least 21 groups are taking part, and Digital Penang is bringing them together on one shared calendar. The push follows other tech moves, such as the Penang Technology Finance Centre and its one-year timeline.

Here is what is on, the numbers behind the state’s startup scene and what organisers say.

What is on this month

First, the format. This is not one big conference. It is a shared calendar that links programmes run by different groups.

Each group runs its own programme. Digital Penang provides a common platform to promote them.

Next, the topics. Sessions cover AI, going digital, startup funding and getting ready for investors.

Also, marketing, hiring talent, sustainability, business strategy and creative business are on the list.

The events suit entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

Highlights include Startup Venture Vibes and the Creative Content AI 1-Person Company Showcase.

The showcase looks at how entrepreneurs can use AI to make creative content and grow a business.

There is also a Culture of Startups Photography Exhibition. It shows the people, workplaces and daily life behind startup companies.

Finally, dates and venues are listed on the event page of the Digital Penang website.

Penang’s startup numbers

First, size. Penang has about 354 startup companies, which makes it the second largest scene in Malaysia.

Next, the target. The state wants to reach 500 startups by 2030.

That means about 146 more startups in the next four years.

Also, money. The scene is estimated to bring in RM340 million in revenue.

It is also estimated to have created 2,600 well-paid jobs in Penang.

Meanwhile, the state already uses technology on the road. Its AI City Initiative has cut traffic by 10 to 15 per cent.

Zairil Khir Johari, the Penang digital committee chairman, said a strong scene needs more than funding and incubators.

In his view, links between the people in the scene matter as much as the number of companies.

What organisers say

First, the aim. Zairil said the month is not meant to be another standalone conference. He called it a common platform that connects existing programmes.

He spoke at a press conference at Komtar.

Also, startups need mentoring, customers, investors and chances to test their products, he said.

Next, the view from Digital Penang. Chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming said one shared platform makes it easier to find the right programmes.

It also helps people meet the startup community, he said.

Then, the goal for small firms. Ng wants founders and small businesses to gain practical knowledge and try digital tools.

He also wants them to meet people who can support their next stage of growth.

Meanwhile, people come from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They include founders, universities, associations and community groups.

Together, the sessions aim to turn ideas into working businesses.

In short, PENtastic Startup Month is a way to find the right event, rather than one big event. For more information, visit Digital Penang.

Dont miss:

AirAsia to elevate Penang as the preferred destination Bankruptcy statistic is just the tip of the iceberg Miss Asia Global 2022 finals to be held in Penang Artificial grass is bad for environment and harmful to health