USM PENANG, 19 June 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today hosted its annual flagship programme, PITCH@USM 2025, a key initiative that exemplifies the university’s steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful societal impact.

With the theme “From Job Seeker to Job Creator,” the programme is more than just a slogan as it embodies a paradigm shift, encouraging participants to break away from traditional career mindsets.

It aims to equip USM’s students and staff with the vision, skills, and confidence to create solutions, launch ventures, and drive societal transformation through enterprise.

This year marks a significant milestone for PITCH@USM 2025, with the number of submissions nearly doubling from 32 semifinal teams to an impressive 61 teams.

The Grand Final took place at The Nest and the BHEPA Student Development Centre Meeting Room, bringing together a vibrant community of aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, and judges.

 

The programme was chaired by USM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab, who underscored the importance of the initiative in her opening remarks.“PITCH@USM is more than a competition. It is a catalyst for innovation and a platform for transformation. It reflects USM’s APEX agenda to build a sustainable, performance-driven education system by nurturing problem-solvers, change-makers, and innovators,” said Habibah.

She further encouraged the finalists to embrace the journey ahead by saying that: “To all finalists, I urge you to take this opportunity as a launchpad. Let your ideas evolve into ventures, and your ventures into lasting solutions. Whether or not you win today, your journey as an entrepreneur has already begun.”“May your passion continue to fuel progress and may your courage lead you to create meaningful change in the world,” she added.

PITCH@USM 2025 also saw the expansion of its competition categories to include three distinct tracks: Undergraduate, Staff, and the newly introduced Postgraduate track.

A distinguished panel of judges comprising industry leaders and academic experts evaluated the finalists based on innovation, feasibility, and impact.

The winners of PITCH@USM 2025 were:

Undergraduates Category:

1. Champion (RM2,000): Jeremy Lau Wei Han (Mama) from the School of Computer Sciences.

2. 1st Runner-Up (RM1,500): Ng Chin Qi (Nasi Goreng) from the School of Management.

3. 2nd Runner-Up (RM1,000): Muhammad Alif Masdar (EduBro) from the School of Computer Sciences.

Postgraduates Category:

1. Champion (RM2,000): Siti Hana Alisa Harun (Ozo-Bubble) from the School of Industrial Technology.

2. 1st Runner-Up (RM1,500): Hazem Ahmed (YourVoice) from the School of Computer Sciences.

3. 2nd Runner-Up (RM1,000): Wong Foong Meng (Wong Foong Meng) from the School of Management.

Staff category:

1. Champion (RM2,000): Dr. Vina Tan Phei Sean from the School of Health Sciences.

Special prize awarded to staff category:

Dr. Shereeza Mohamed Saniff from the Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV).

Congratulations to all winners!

PITCH@USM 2025 stands as a testament to USM’s continued efforts in cultivating a dynamic and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem—one that empowers individuals to turn bold ideas into impactful ventures that shape the future.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi, Centre for Innovation & Consultation (CIC), USM/Photos: Nirmaryadi Rashid, Media & Publication Unit, Student Development Affairs & Alumni, USM