[This was written in partnership with Alliance Bank, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
In June 2024, Alliance Bank launched the Accelerator Edition of their BizSmart® Challenge, bringing together 30 businesses from a pool of 593 entrants to undergo an intensive six-month-long journey, in a bid to be hailed as the “next big thing” in the Malaysian business landscape.
Aimed at recognising Malaysia’s top emerging enterprises, the 2024 edition of the BizSmart® Challenge also offered the shortlisted contestants business coaching and guidance on perfecting their pitches.
After a series of pitching rounds, three businesses came out on top: upcycling and fertiliser brand, BioLoop; F&B group, Gula Cakery; and vehicle battery warranty providers, HiiVolt, each winning RM265k, RM105k, and RM65k respectively.
To celebrate the journey and accomplishments of all participants, a special feature-length film of the Alliance Bank BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition was made, covering the entire journey of 2024’s challenge, and sharing the stories and determination of the participants going through the six-month programme.
Here’s how it came about.
“The Ultimate Elevator Pitch”
“This movie is Malaysia’s first feature-length SME business pitch film that invites the public to witness the grit, vulnerability, and determination behind Malaysia’s SME founders. It’s a portrait of resilience and ambition—and a celebration of the changemakers building our future,” said Kellee Kam, the group CEO of Alliance Bank.
From a press release, the group says that “the idea for The Ultimate Elevator Pitch was sparked by a single insight: entrepreneurship isn’t just strategy, it’s deeply emotional.”
“It’s best understood through the lived experience of founders. With audiences increasingly drawn to authentic, documentary-style content, the bank saw an opportunity to bring these stories to life in a way that’s both exciting and real, to inspire the next cohort of Malaysian entrepreneurs.”
Produced in collaboration with local creative agency, Ampersand Advisory, the film aims to highlight the realities of entrepreneurship while providing greater visibility to early-stage companies.
Set to premiere on streaming platform iQIYI on July 18, the feature film showcases mentorship sessions, last-minute pitch prep, emotional highs and lows, and the real stakes faced by entrepreneurs chasing funding and recognition, all while managing their own personal pressures and daily business challenges.
“You’ll see the unguarded moments, the investor debates, and the mentorship that shapes growth. It’s raw, relatable, and relevant. These are the stories of Malaysia’s future business leaders, told without filter,” said Sandeep Joseph, co-founder and CEO of Ampersand Advisory, who also directed the film.
The teaser to the July 18 feature film can be watched on YouTube here.
In celebrating a milestone
The 2024 feature film also marks a milestone 10th anniversary for the BizSmart® Challenge, serving as a prelude to the recently announced BizSmart® Business Conference 2025 (ABBBC).
The 2025 conference, which marks the second edition of the flagship event, is themed ‘Boundaries Reimagined’ and is set to feature over 35 speakers, including high-growth founders, investors, and BizSmart® alumni who’ve scaled their businesses across sectors and regions.
This year’s line-up features an ensemble of industry leaders, such as the Managing Director of Oriental Kopi, Dato’ Calvin Chan, CEO of Colony, Timothy Tiah, founder of A Cut Above, Datin Dr Winnie Loo, HYGR co-founders, Ivor and Meng, Kee Nguyễn Vietnam Coffee co-founder and director, Radius Khor, and the founders and directors behind the winning businesses of the BizSmart® Challenge 2024.
The agenda is set to cover real-world topics, from cross-border business expansion and business model evolution, to brand-building under pressure and how SMEs can thrive through change.
Participants can also look forward to curated networking, business-matching opportunities, and access to industry insights throughout the conference for entrepreneurs at every stage, shaping a more inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem in Malaysia.
Tickets are now open for sale here.
Featured Image Credit: Alliance Bank
