Team Herofinity from SK Parit Raja, Johor, emerged victorious as they clinched the coveted Best Product title at the International Dragons’ Den competition. Going up against seven teams from Egypt, England, and Scotland, the innovative students repurposed used oil from their school’s canteen operator and the extended community to create environmentally-friendly products such as soaps and candles. Their success was celebrated at the Finco Annual Awards Ceremony 2023, where they were commended for their remarkable achievements.
The competition, organized by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (Finco) in collaboration with the United Kingdom-based Social Enterprise Academy (SEA), took place on November 16. Team Herofinity presented their social enterprise idea titled Soaps and Bubbles for a Clogged Sink and Drain, impressing the judges with their creativity and problem-solving skills. Their victory marked the culmination of their participation in the 2022 Good SENS program, which focuses on fostering financial literacy in 10 to 12-year-old primary school students.
Team Power from SJK(T) Ladang Kinrara, Selangor, also represented Malaysia in the international competition and showcased their entrepreneurial talents. The inclusion of Malaysian teams in such a prestigious event highlighted the capabilities of Malaysian students when provided with the necessary support and guidance, remarked Finco CEO Clare Walker.
The Good SENS program aims to equip students with essential financial knowledge and skills while addressing pressing environmental concerns. This year, the program focused on the theme of Environmental and Sustainability, challenging students to devise innovative solutions to environmental issues. The culmination of the program was the Good SENS National Dragons’ Den 2023, held on December 4 at Petrosains, Kuala Lumpur, where eight outstanding teams out of 80 competing teams presented their social enterprises.
Two teams jointly secured the title of Best Overall Social Enterprise. Team Green Troopers from SK Taman Sea, Selangor, successfully sold environmentally-friendly products made by the Mah Meri community, which provided employment opportunities for women and supported education for the community’s children. On the other hand, Team G.O.A.T from SK Parit Bakar Darat, Johor, collected and recycled cooking oil to produce soap and candles while using the profits to purchase an oil trap, addressing the issue of clogged oil in their school’s drainage system.
Several other prizes were awarded at the event, recognizing individual students, teachers, and financial industry volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the program. The esteemed panel of judges, consisting of industry professionals, not only evaluated the business acumen demonstrated by the students but also offered valuable guidance on building and sustaining impactful businesses.
Finco chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim acknowledged the instrumental role of the financial industry in mentoring the Good SENS teams, emphasizing the transformative experiences that the students gained through the program. Looking ahead, Finco plans to expand the reach of the program, with 30 additional schools joining the initiative next year.
The Finco Annual Awards Ceremony 2023, held on December 5, felicitated the deserving participants. Dr. Ruhaya Hassan, the Deputy Director of Research and Evaluation at the Ministry of Education, presented the trophies to the winning teams and individuals. A total of five teachers, eight financial industry volunteers, and 33 students were recognized for their remarkable achievements and active participation in the Good SENS program and other Finco initiatives.
Overall, the International Dragons’ Den competition and the Good SENS program have provided a platform for Malaysian students to showcase their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit on a global stage. With their innovative ideas and commitment to addressing environmental issues, Team Herofinity and the other participating teams have exemplified the potential and caliber of Malaysian youth.
