PROGRAM
BOOTCAMP DAY 1
22 FEBRUARY 2025 • UCSI CAMPUS
SESSION 1
Lifecycle of
Startup
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
The lesson takes student founders navigate key startup phases, from development to scaling. They will learn to secure funding, manage equity and cap tables, and avoid common challenges. The lesson also covers scaling operations, preparing for investments, and exploring exit strategies like acquisitions and IPOs for a successful exit.
SESSION 2
Startup
Language & Communications
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
It equips student founders with essential terminology used in the startup ecosystem and learn to craft effective pitches for investors and customers. They will tailor messaging for various audiences, including stakeholders and team members. The lesson also introduces digital tools to enhance communication and collaboration, ensuring smoother workflows and clearer exchanges within their startups.
SESSION 3
Team Dynamics: Roles & Responsibilities
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
Student founders will identify and understand key startup roles, learning to define them clearly to enhance collaboration and productivity. The lesson emphasizes building trust and accountability within the team, fostering mutual support. Additionally, it promotes effective communication to improve problem-solving and team collaboration.
SESSION 4
Market Validation: Product-Market Fit
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
Defining product-market fit involves validating business ideas through market research and understanding customer preferences. The lesson highlights the importance of iterating based on user feedback and experimenting with pricing strategies to identify the most resonant models for their audience.
BOOTCAMP DAY 2
8 MARCH 2025 • UNM CAMPUS
SESSION 1
Finance:
Profit & Loss
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
Exploring the structure of a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, learning its key components from the lesson. They will monitor revenue and expenses to maintain healthy cash flow and analyze profit margins to assess financial health. The lesson also covers budgeting and forecasting skills, empowering them to create effective financial plans and project future performance.
SESSION 2
Sales & Marketing:
First Adopter Sales
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LEARNING GOALS
Student founders will learn to identify early adopters and their importance in the startup ecosystem. They will develop sales strategies to engage these segments and use social proof, such as testimonials and case studies, to build credibility and attract more users.
SESSION 3
Sales & Marketing:
Branding
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
Master branding by understanding its impact on customer perceptions and loyalty. Define your brand’s core values and personality, ensuring all communications align for consistency. Use storytelling to emotionally connect with your audience, reinforcing your brand message for greater impact and engagement.
BOOTCAMP DAY 3
22 MARCH 2025 • ASB CAMPUS
SESSION 1
Building A MVP For Early Market Validation
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
As a participant you'll learn the best practices of building an MVP by creating a simplified product to test market viability through focusing on essential features that solve key customer journey and problems. Use user feedback to refine and improve your MVP. Define KPIs to measure success and ensure continuous improvement.
INSTRUCTOR/ SPEAKER
1-2 qualified subject matter experts
SESSION 2
Product & Service Experience
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
As you embark on the early stages of building a venture, you’ll learn to map out essential in-person and digital interactions to uncover customer needs during the discovery and market validation process. From there, you’ll design impactful experiences that drive satisfaction and loyalty.
INSTRUCTOR/ SPEAKER
1-2 qualified subject matter experts
SESSION 3
Pitching Structure And Narrative Arcs
Arrow Up
LEARNING GOALS
Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurial pitching, including how to write effective pitch scripts and create structured pitch decks. The focus will be on developing clear and concise presentations that effectively communicate business ideas to captivate various audience. The session will provide practical tips and techniques for organizing content and delivering compelling pitches with different narrative arcs.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Neil Cheong - Founding Managing Director from GUIDE
Neil Cheong
Founding Managing Director of GUIDE
  • Neil leads impactful entrepreneurship initiatives, including the Khazanah Innovation Impact Challenge, with nearly a decade of experience bridging gaps in Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem.

  • A key player in Endeavor's global entrepreneur network, Neil has judged the Future 100 initiative and mentored top talent through high-impact programs.
  • As a Coach at the Asia School of Business and advisor to startups, Neil combines academic, operational, and entrepreneurial expertise to inspire growth.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Alvin Chin - Founding Managing Partner & CFO from GUIDE
Alvin Chin
Founding Managing Partner & CFO of GUIDE
  • Alvin scaled travel-tech startup GoQuo from Seed to exit, growing revenues 5x, expanding to 25 airlines, and successfully navigating its sale in 2022.
  • Co-founder of Ignition Chamber Academy and Chief of Staff School, Alvin nurtures startups across SEA and serves as an angel investor, advisor, and director, while serving as a Venture Partner at a Hong Kong-based venture debt fund.
  • With leadership experience at KPMG, PwC, Tune Hotels, and GoQuo, Alvin brings deep expertise in scaling ventures and driving strategic growth.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Brian Wong - Advisor from GUIDE
Brian Wong
Advisor of GUIDE
  • As Alibaba's first American and Special Assistant to Jack Ma, Brian drove global expansion and empowered entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
  • Founder and Chairman of RADII, Brian bridges understanding between Eastern and Western youth through innovative digital media, while advising governments and featuring at global forums like WEF Davos, UNCTAD eCommerce Week, and the B20 Business Summit.
  • A WEF Young Global Leader and advisor to CNBC and HBO, Brian’s influence spans e-commerce, media, and digital innovation worldwide.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Michelle Cheng - Mentor in Residence from GUIDE
Michelle Cheng
Mentor in Residence
  • Michelle has led transformative projects with global brands at IDEO, Design Continuum, and Eight Inc., using human-centered design to drive growth, enhance customer experiences, and create impactful solutions.
  • As a founder, Michelle launched an immersive learning center and international F&B franchises, applying design thinking to turn user insights into thriving businesses.
  • Michelle advanced innovation and global expansion for tech startups through roles at Alcatel-Lucent, Austrade, and Tech Central.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Jasdeep Maan - Manager and Investment from GOBI PARTNERS
Jasdeep Maan
Manager, Investment of Gobi Partners
  • Investment Manager of Gobi Partners, takes charge of early to growth stage investment activities e.g. evaluation, negotiation, and deal structuring process of Gobi’s ASEAN funds
  • Former lead of equity-crowdfunding and venture capital investments in 1337 Ventures
  • CFA Charterholder
Pathfinder | Mentor - June Kweh - Founder from Hey PawFriends
June Kweh
Founder of Hey Pawfriends
  • With over a decade of experience at Shopee, Lazada, and GroupM, June led flagship campaigns like 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12, driving traffic and sales for global brands like P&G and Coca-Cola.
  • As Founder of Hey Pawfriends, June combines her marketing expertise with a passion for the pet industry, creating impactful influencer campaigns for brands.
  • Known for solving complex challenges, June bridges marketing and business acumen, delivering measurable success across diverse industries.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Erra Fazira
Erra Fazira
MarComm Lead of GUIDE
  • With over a decade of experience as a communication strategist, Erra has successfully guided brands in crafting authentic narratives and impactful campaigns, collaborating with notable organizations like OSK Group, Volkswagen, and Kinokuniya.
  • Founder of ArtFaculty, connecting artists and brands through innovative campaigns.
  • Erra's strategic work has delivered measurable success, including launching purpose-driven initiatives like Stu/dio and Digital/Lab, which empower SMEs to expand their reach through engaging storytelling and cutting-edge brand strategies.
Redza Shahid
Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre at Asia School of Business
  • With 10 years in entrepreneurship, his expertise spans idea validation, social impact, pitch deck creation, and fundraising. In 2016, he founded Grub Cycle and within 4 months, securing over RM 1 million from grants, competitions, and investors.
  • As a serial entrepreneur, he pioneered sustainability-focused ventures like Pasar Grub and Oililin. He has earned accolades and represented Malaysia globally.
  • Currently, he is using his experience and network to create an ecosystem hub at Asia School of Business. He is also the current President for Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED).
Alex Goh
Founder of HappieToken
  • Alex Goh is the founder of HappieToken, a digital cash voucher marketplace empowering retail merchants and corporate customers.
  • With over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Alex excelled as Assistant Director of Sales, managing corporate relationships and contracts. Leveraging his expertise in Sales & Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Team Leadership, Alex has built HappieToken to simplify digital voucher trading and provide corporate users with innovative management tools.
  • As a solo founder, Alex is passionate about inspiring others to embrace challenges and approach problems creatively, offering solutions-oriented perspectives to entrepreneurs.
Marien Kamal
Growth Principal at CGC Digital
  • With over 15 years of experience in investment and corporate strategy, Marien has a proven track record of identifying, acquiring, and integrating high-potential companies, particularly in the healthcare sector, to drive synergies and stakeholder value.
  • As an MIT Sloan Fellow, Marien has gained expertise in strategy, data analytics, and digital transformation, which he applies to Edgenta NXT’s mission of digitalizing the built-environment. Under her leadership, the company leverages its proprietary Asseto Platform to enhance productivity and ensure the sustainability of facilities in Malaysia and beyond.
  • Her deep interest in technology, private equity, and venture capital continues to fuel her commitment to driving innovation and creating impact.
Patrick Kuay
Sales & Business Development Manager at Etika
  • Patrick Kuay is an experienced sales and trade development professional with over five years at DKSH, currently serving as Manager - Sales Force Effectiveness. He has led channel trade development, modern trade sales, and customer account management, working with major brands like Suntory and Philip Morris International.
  • His expertise spans FMCG sales strategy, client relations, and performance optimization, with a strong focus on general trade, key accounts, and duty-free segments. Before DKSH, Patrick gained experience in business development and corporate leadership, serving as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director at Digistar Holdings and handling PR, corporate projects, and tenders.
  • He also worked in wholesale account management, retail sales, and F&B operations, including roles as Business Development Executive at Primer Kenrich and Restaurant Manager at SeaMonster KK. Patrick holds a Degree in Business Management, Marketing & Related Support Services from University Malaysia Sabah.
Szu Yin Guan
Merchandising Specialist at ANTA SEA
  • Szu Yin Guan is a seasoned merchandising and brand management professional with extensive experience in retail and travel retail.
  • As a Senior Merchandiser at Shilla Travel Retail Singapore, she collaborates with luxury and beauty brands like Shiseido, LVMH, and L’Occitane, overseeing inventory planning, product replenishment, and vendor negotiations.
  • Previously, she held key merchandising roles at Trendz360, Valiram, and Isetan, managing multi-brand portfolios across fashion and consumer goods. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Sheffield Hallam University and is also the founder of Tusalt Handmade, turning her passion for sewing into artisanal creations. Additionally, she has contributed to community development as a facilitator at World Vision.
Noryn Cheong Wen Ching
Medical Brand Manager at Abbott
  • Noryn Cheong is a seasoned professional with experience in medical brand management, key account management, and pharmaceutical sales. She is currently a Medical Brand Manager at Abbott, previously serving as a Key Account Manager (Ethical), where she built strategic partnerships and managed healthcare professionals across various institutions. Before Abbott, she spent three years at Pfizer as a Senior Medical Product Specialist, handling major pharmaceutical portfolios and achieving double-digit sales growth in consecutive years.
  • Earlier in her career, Noryn worked at Infineon Technologies as a Project Lead and Process Engineer, driving cross-functional innovation and cost optimization projects. She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Malaya and a degree in Chemical Engineering from Universiti Malaysia Perlis, graduating with First-Class Honors.
  • Her diverse background in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and engineering makes her a well-rounded leader in medical and business strategy.
Pathfinder | Mentor - Neil Cheong - Founding Managing Director from GUIDE
Neil Cheong
Founding Managing Director
Pathfinder | Mentor - Alvin Chin - Founding Managing Partner & CFO from GUIDE
Alvin Chin
Founding Managing Partner & CFO
Pathfinder | Mentor - Brian Wong
Bryan Wong
Advisor
Pathfinder | Mentor - Michelle Cheng - Mentor in Residence from GUIDE
Michelle Cheng
Mentor in Residence
Pathfinder | Mentor - Jasdeep Maan - Manager and Investment from GOBI PARTNERS
Jasdeep Maan
Manager, Investment
Pathfinder | Mentor - June Kweh - Founder from Hey PawFriends
June Kweh
Founder
Pathfinder | Mentor - Erra Fazira
Erra Fazira
MarComm Lead
Redza Shahid
Manager, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre
Alex Goh
Founder
Marien Kamal
Growth Principal
Patrick Kuay
Sales & Business Manager
Szu Yin Guan
Merchandising Specialist
Noryn Cheong
Medical Brand Manager