16 March 2017 12:00 am
The Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) has launched a new accelerator programme called the Global Accelerator Programme (GAP). First announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak during the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Community (GECommunity) 2016, GAP is an evolution of MaGIC’s Accelerator Programme (MAP), taking the highly popular programme to the global stage after three successful cohorts with Malaysian and regional start-ups.
GAP is set to commence in July 2017 with 80 handpicked local, regional and global start-ups participating in the four-month programme. The programme is built on an existing framework and curated content, with a strong Southeast Asian foundation. Entrepreneurs will also have the chance to enhance their business ideas based on GAP’s nine industry verticals: biotech, education, social innovation, lifestyle, supply chain, creative, finance, healthcare, as well as smart cities.
MaGIC Chief Executive Officer Ashran Dato’ Ghazi said, “After witnessing strong global interest in our ASEAN and Social Entrepreneurship accelerators last year, we decided to evolve the programme and take it to the global stage. I hope the programme will foster cross-border collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation between global, regional and local entrepreneurs.”
He continued, “This programme could be a great springboard for global entrepreneurs looking to expand and grow in Southeast Asia as well as helping Malaysian entrepreneurs take their concepts out to the region, or even further afield. We hope our well-tested curriculum will help these entrepreneurs to fine-tune their ideas and bring their businesses to greater heights. We encourage anyone interested to come along to one of the roadshows and find out more, this could be your entry point into one of the most exciting entrepreneurship ecosystems in the region.”
GAP will give selected global entrepreneurs a head start, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge and network to break into ASEAN, a region that is often touted as the world’s next consumer powerhouse. The programme will also further establish and strengthen Malaysia’s position as an ideal gateway to the region for entrepreneurs to expand their business and reach.
Applications for the inaugural cohort of GAP will open on
March 3, 2017.