CCC Youth Business Sri Lanka supports MaGIC New Global Accelerator Program in Sri Lanka

MaGIC, the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre, has launched a new accelerator program called the Global Accelerator Program (GAP). First announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak during the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Community (GECommunity) 2016, GAP is an evolution of MaGIC’s Accelerator Program (MAP), taking the highly popular program to the global stage after three successful cohorts with Malaysian and regional startups. 

GAP is set to commence in July 2017 with 80 handpicked local, regional and global startups participating in the four-month program. The program 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 program and take it to the global stage. I hope the program will foster cross-border collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation between global, regional and local entrepreneurs.” 

He continued: “This program 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 program 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 3 March. Participants will be shortlisted based on three key criteria: prospect to expand regionally and globally, potential of highly scalable products with large growth potential, and possibility of a market-ready product with some traction. Ideal startups would be less than three years old with diverse skill sets. Shortlisted participants will begin their four-month journey on 4 July before presenting their refined ideas in October. 

Interested participants are also invited to attend MaGIC’s GAP Roadshow to learn more about the program. The roadshow will travel to the following Malaysian cities: Ipoh, Penang, Kuching, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur before visiting Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, France, Germany and the United States.

As part of the program briefing, GAP team will be touring various cities globally. Join them to learn what sets GAP apart and how you can join the program on 23 March at Youth Busisness Sri Lanka, Y Impact Hub, 50, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 2.

For registration and more information on GAP and the roadshow, please visit: http://accelerator.mymagic.my/en/gap/.