'Angels in science’ engages US-Malaysia in science and technology

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Investors’ Mobilisation Training Programme called ‘The Angels in Science’ launched today is aimed at engaging and educating Malaysian high net-worth individuals to invest in science and technology companies in Malaysia and beyond.

Ambassador of the United States (US) to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, said the programme, funded by the US government’s “Global Innovation through Science & Technology” initiative (GIST), would also pave way for more exchanges and partnerships between US investors and Malaysian counterparts who are ready to re-invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovation leaders.

“I am proud we can do this together.  The US has a long history of developing talent in Malaysia through private investments from US tech sector businesses based here and via education programmes such as this.   

“Today’s programme is one of the initiatives that could support global entrepreneurial ecosystems,” said Kamala in her speech at the launch, here, today.

Held in collaboration with GIST’s Malaysian Innovation Hub SizzleScience and Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), the two-day programme, which began Apr 2, saw four US investors sharing their successes and challenges as ‘angel investors’. The other local partners are UnIversity of Malaya, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), Cradle Fund and Technology Park Malaysia

The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis.

Kamala expressed hope for Malaysia to be well represented in this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit

She also cited the success of entrepreneurs Rafeah Mustafa Kamal and Rahinah Ibrahim, who were mentored and funded by GIST, and took home the top prize during last autumn’s APEC competition for women entrepreneurs.

“GIST will also be on the ground at The Hague this June where the US, in partnership with the Netherlands, will host the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Summit that will bring together over 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from across the world.  

“Throughout the summit, GIST will support mentorships, networking events, and workshops. We hope to see Malaysia well represented at the summit, similar to Malaysia’s participation at past Global Entrepreneurship Summits. We want to help you find more Malaysians like those two women,” she said.

-- BERNAMA