REMEMBER Chip Foose from the Overhaulin series that aired on Astro some time back?
Well, a group of six Bumiputera entrepreneurs with an eye for modding and the talent with a wrench to match are following in the world renown builder’s footsteps by participating in the SUPERB MOD Challenge.
The Bumiputera entreperneurs had earlier participated in a walk-in business pitching session, where three were selected to build a custom car each, while the other three were chosen to customise motorcycles. Given a month to complete the build-off, they are given a RM10,000 budget and also required to document the entire process on video. They were selected from a group of 30 aspirants.
The build-off is jointly organised by the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) and Procara Entertainment Sdn Bhd.
The participants stand to win RM80,000 in cash prizes.
The winner of each category will receive RM30,000, while the runner-up and third-place winner will be presented with RM10,000 and a trophy respectively. All contestants will also be roped in for a three-month follow-up and business coaching programme.
Winners will be announced during the MotoNation automotive and lifestyle carnival on Dec 3. Judging will be done via online voting, visitor votes as well as by an independent panel of judges from the automotive industry.
“If you look at how much the automotive industry in Malaysia has grown and progressed over recent years, you would learn that we have an abundance of talent, creativity and ingenuity particularly among the younger generation of Bumiputeras, who are more expressive, artistic and technically-inclined when it comes to modifying vehicles,” said senior director of TERAJU Megat Mohd Yatim Megat Hamid.
“Many have turned this interest into profitable businesses and at TERAJU, we encourage them to take their venture to a higher level.”
He added that the event was one way of recognising the talents of the companies and individuals.
This is not the first time TERAJU is organising such an event. The unit earlier organised the SUPERB Jelajah Usahawan Automotif 2017 competition, giving individuals and companies a chance to win a RM500,000 business grant.
Launched in September and in its quarter final stage, 42 Bumiputera entrepreneurs have been shortlisted.
According to TERAJU, the event “has unearthed a vast pool of creative and innovative ideas related to the automotive sector which ranges from automotive workshops, auto detailing, auto tuners and modifications, to new inventions, manufacturing technologies, related support services, auto servicing methodologies and many more, with a winning business idea”
“What is very clear is that there is no shortage of talent, ingenuity and creativity in Bumiputera entrepreneurs involved in the automotive industry. It boils down to fine-tuning these ideas into practical and commercially-viable products and services that are relevant to market needs and requirements,” said Megat Mohd Yatim.