By UOW Malaysia 

UOW Malaysia students from the Glenmarie campus showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial talent at the Young Technopreneurs Challenge (YTC) 2025, a national business plan competition organised by the Association of Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI). The annual challenge aims to cultivate the next generation of technology entrepreneurs by helping students transform innovative ideas into viable, market-ready ventures.

This year’s competition saw 110 registered teams from across Malaysia, with 77 business plans submitted for evaluation. From these, the top finalists were selected to pitch their ideas during the online finals held on 26 July 2025, with winners officially announced on 20 August 2025.

The Reloop team from the School of Business, guided by Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Yong Shee Mun, clinched 1^st Place with their project — a digital platform that gamifies e-waste donation and upcycling to promote sustainable practices through interactive engagement and rewards. The team comprised Muhammad Rashad Bin Hairizam, Jesslyn Gricelda Tjandra, and Tafara Mavhunga, who demonstrated how digital innovation can encourage responsible environmental behaviour. Throughout their journey, the students attended an online training session conducted by ASTI and sought expert advice from Mr Irfan Mohamed, CEO of Urban Hijau, to refine their business model and assess its market viability.

Their final pitch, delivered via Zoom before a distinguished panel of ASTI judges, impressed with its originality, scalability, and social impact — earning them the top spot in YTC 2025.

“The Reloop project reflects the students’ ability to apply business knowledge creatively towards environmental sustainability,” said Dr Yong. “Their success is the result of teamwork, perseverance, and purpose-driven innovation.”

Also making UOW Malaysia proud was Team Refabrica, who emerged as 2^nd Runner-Up with their sustainable business concept that transforms textile waste into reusable, high-quality products.

The team — Lim Cheng Hong (School of Business), William Tan Chong Hee (School of Engineering), Khew Qi Xuan (School of Business, ODL), and Leong Chan Fung (School of Business, Diploma) — were mentored by Ms Karen Poon Yean Peng.

Despite balancing their studies — and with Cheng Hong and Qi Xuan managing full-time jobs — the team worked seamlessly to develop a compelling proposal that impressed the judges with its creativity, practicality, and strong commercial potential.

“Refabrica is more than just a business idea — it’s a vision for sustainable entrepreneurship,” said Ms Poon. “The team’s dedication highlights our mission to nurture graduates who are ready to tackle real-world challenges with innovation and impact.”

The Young Technopreneurs Challenge continues to be a powerful platform for young innovators to develop their entrepreneurial mindset, business acumen, and leadership skills.

Both Reloop and Refabrica exemplify UOW Malaysia’s commitment to producing future-ready, socially responsible graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s growing digital and green economies.