UK-MUC Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme 2025

Dates: Monday 18 to Friday 22 August 2025
Venue: Universiti Malaya
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

About the Summer Programme

In August 2025, 46 undergraduate students from 21 universities across the UK, Malaysia and China came together in Kuala Lumpur to learn the foundations of entrepreneurship; how to ideate, create and manage sustainable enterprises through problem-solving methodology.

  • Students at the Mah Meri Cultural Village on Wednesday 20 August

One of my favourite parts was the interactive workshop sessions. Instead of passively listening, we were encouraged to brainstorm, pitch our ideas, and engage in problem-solving activities based on sustainable entrepreneurship.

I also had the chance to present during a group project. This experience helped me build my public speaking skills and made me realize the importance of preparation, teamwork and adaptability.

Priyadarshini (UTHM)

Day one – Opening Ceremony and Buddy Activities

On Monday 18 August 2025, we opened the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme at UM’s Museum of Asian Art. Upon arrival, all students and VIP guests were presented with a Batik sash to symbolise welcoming them to the programme and to Malaysia. Students from UM then performed Ngajat Ngalu Temuai, a traditional welcome folk dance from Sarawak.

After the programme was officially opened, the students participated in several Buddy Activities to get to know each other and Malaysia’s culture. They first participated in Ice Breaking Bingo, followed by traditional Malaysian games (Congkak, Batu Seremban and Pull Up Sticks), Batik Painting and kayaking on UM’s Varsity Lake.

  • Students doing Batik Painting on Monday 18 August 2025

I had fun interacting with the students and took pictures to keep in my journal. I particularly loved seeing them wear a batik sash as we conducted our activities because it symbolised us welcoming them to Malaysia and our programme.

Angel (Student Buddy, UM)

Day two – Innovation and Entrepreneurship Event

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Event, held at Sunway Sanctuary on Tuesday 19 August brought together a variety of CEOs and industry leaders from the Business Networking Club in Malaysia and was sponsored by Westwood Clinic and Project Umbrella.

Dr Serrene Leong (UM) moderated a fascinating panel on Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia, featuring Dato Jennifer Ong, Dr Daniele Gambero, Penny Choong and Nelson Liew. This panel covered innovation and entrepreneurship across a diverse range of industries, including food, investment, health and PropTech.

  • Panellists from left to right: Nelson Liew, Dato Jennifer Ong, Dr Serrene Leong and Dr Daniele Gambero

Day three – Cultural activities

On Wednesday 20 August, the students visited Carey Island to experience the culture of the Mah Meri tribe, one of 18 indigenous communities living in Peninsula Malaysia. Students danced with the villagers, weaved palm fronds and even re-enacted a traditional Mah Meri wedding ceremony.

Afterwards, the students travelled to Play Klang Café, a cozy space where coffee, culture and creativity come together under one roof. Together with ArtSense Studio, Play Klang highlighted the importance of a social enterprise approach to business where business promotes community and community empowers business.

  • Jomy (Founder, Play Klang) gave a fascinating walking tour of Klang on Wednesday 20 August 2025

This year’s summer summers like a summer has never summered before

Culture meets, colours blend

Beyond borders, all shines like a sky full of stars

This programme summarises my summer dream.

Poem by Angeline (NUMed)

Day four – Picha Eats

On Thursday 21 August 2025, the students visited Picha Eats, a social enterprise that uses the power of food to connect and educate refugees in Malaysia. In addition to a tour of the kitchens and a fantastic keynote speech from CEO and Co-Founder, Yuet Kim Lim, the students participated in the Fruit Tart Challenge. This exercise mirrored the feeling of restriction that refugees feel, helping to build empathy. Finally, the Picha Eats team delivered some extremely helpful tips on pitching and assisted the students with preparation for their group presentations the next day.

  • The Picha Eats team gave a tour of the kitchens

Day five – British Council visit and Student Conference

On the final day of the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme, our students visited the British Council for an insightful panel made up of business and academic leaders in Malaysia.

We closed the week with a thought-provoking panel at the British Council in KL, where several of the speakers were British-born professionals now working in Malaysia. They shared insights on sustainable business practices from around the world.

Hearing about these diverse opportunities broadened my horizons and made me consider the possibility of working abroad, especially as the world moves towards a more sustainable future. It was fascinating to see the differences in practices and priorities across countries, and it left me reflecting on how important adaptability is in global business.

Aliyah (LJMU)

The students then made their way to UM’s Asia Europe institute for the Student Conference, where they presented the sustainable business idea they had been working on throughout the week. The presentations were assessed by a panel of CEOs, investors and industry experts who had joined us throughout the week. Congratulations to the winning teams: H2U, Talapia Revive and Ancestra House!

  • Students and judges at the closing ceremony of the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Summer Programme

Take a look at the following film of the week, produced by students from UM: