NEWS: Summit for technopreneurs next week

KUALA LUMPUR: Regional and global technopreneurs will gather here next week for the sixth InnoTech Summit.

Open to industry players and the public, the annual event will serve as a platform for participants to exchange ideas on starting up and maintaining a business.

The summit will also focus on identifying the technopreneurial opportunities available in the global market.

It takes place at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Centre on Nov 17 and 18. The event is hosted by MSC Malaysia custodian, the Multimedia Development Corporation.

With the theme Innovating Success in the New Economy, InnoTech 2009 will comprise plenary sessions and tracks that will give participants insights into the role of innovation in sustaining business growth, reinventing companies, and expanding into overseas markets.

“Innovation is crucial to Malaysia’s efforts to develop a thriving knowledge-based economy. InnoTech 2009 is one avenue for us to further encourage, enhance and expand innovation and innovative thinking among our entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Roslan Bakri Zakaria, director of the industry development division at MDeC.

“We have some of the most exciting innovation experts lined up for the event and with the insightful sessions planned, we expect to draw about 400 participants.”

Among the international personalities who will be speaking at the summit are Mike Walsh, chief executive officer of innovation research agency Tomorrow; and Jana Matthews, the founder and chief executive officer of business growth consultancy The Jana Matthews Group.

In addition to the presentations, InnoTech 2009 will also see 20 selected Malaysian companies pitching ideas to a panel of local and international venture capitalists.

The summit will include a “funds fair,” featuring alternative financing offered by various organisations, and a products showcase.

For more information on InnoTech 2009, visit www.mscmalaysia.my. MSC Malaysia is a government initiative to leapfrog the country’s knowledge-based economy.