By MOHD IZHAM BIN HASHIM
KOTA KINABALU: The V Creator Grand Final 2025 culminated in a thrilling finale on Saturday, with the top five winners each walking away with RM10,000 for their innovative, forward-thinking ideas.
This year’s champions included Shahrizal Denci, who impressed with Bantu Tani, a local commercial-scale onion farming project designed to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on onion imports; Hamizan Naeem Bin Hazlan, whose ZanSocial uses AI-driven chatbots to automate business tasks and enhance efficiency; and Chu Jin Jett with NaturaLoop, a platform utilizing Black Soldier Flies (Hermetia illuscens) to convert waste into renewable energy, food, and CO2 credits. Also recognized were Lim Wuang Ching for Fix Hub, a service helping individuals align with their personal rhythms for better life and work decisions, and Wong Choo Vun Rebecca with Lensin Seasonal Treats, offering customized mooncakes year-round, turning them into meaningful, premium gifts with a personal touch.
In his keynote address, Dato’ Sri Chua Soon Ping, a key sponsor of the event, highlighted the untapped potential of Sabah’s young innovators, stating, “Sabah has the talent and drive — what it needs now is a conducive ecosystem to turn great ideas into an enduring legacy that will change the world.”
Chua emphasized that while the state is overflowing with talent and fresh ideas, what is truly needed is a supportive ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to launch their ideas off the ground. “Together, let us continue to build that ecosystem — one that connects ideas with opportunity, passion with purpose, and local ambition with global relevance,” he said, adding that events like V Creator are integral in laying the foundation for such an ecosystem.
The prize presentation ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the State Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who was represented by his political secretary, Amos Thien, and the Founder of GA Group, Dato’ George Lim.
In an era when technology is rapidly transforming various industries, Chua noted that the role of the modern entrepreneur extends beyond the ability to innovate, which includes a desire to make a difference, uplift communities, and build something that lasts.
He urged finalists to go beyond simply building a successful business, but to also create a meaningful legacy. “Let your ideas address the gaps you see in society.
“Let your ventures reflect the values of integrity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Let this stage be the beginning of something bigger — your journey into the real world of entrepreneurship, where challenges are real, but so are the rewards,” Chua added.
Sharing his advice with the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, Dato’ George Lim emphasized the power of clarity, perseverance, and maintaining focus on the path to success. He urged entrepreneurs and innovators not to be swayed by other people’s opinions or fear.
“When you have clarity, you stand out from the rest. There is no shortcut to success. The road to greatness is paved with late nights, failures, and sometimes tears,” he said.
Furthermore, Lim encouraged entrepreneurs to confront their fears: “Fear will lead you to a life that’s too small. If you play it safe, you will never know what’s possible. So instead of avoiding fear, walk through it. Because on the other side of fear is growth.”
