KUALA LUMPUR: The Get Connected Entrepreneurial Summit may have begun as a first large-scale event, but its impact has fuelled calls for it to expand nationwide.
When Jayainthy Shiva launched the summit, her vision was clear: to build a platform where both emerging and established entrepreneurs could learn, collaborate and grow with confidence.
“The feedback I received was that it was a great programme with excellent speakers, so I’m happy with that,” said Jay, the founder and director of Jay Shiva Sdn Bhd, Jay Shiva Resources and H&J Malaysia.
The summit’s value was evident in the quality of conversations, the connections forged and the inspiration it sparked among attendees. Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response, Jay said she was more determined than ever to strengthen and scale the initiative.
“It’s always a learning experience, especially for a first large event,” she said. “I usually run smaller monthly sessions, but this was different. I wanted to bring everyone together. I’m sure the next one will be much better prepared.”
That confidence was echoed by notable figures who attended the summit, including former deputy education minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan, who praised the effort.
“Jay should take the summit beyond the Klang Valley to benefit entrepreneurs across Malaysia. I’m sure MIC’s Wanita and Puteri wings – both active in grassroots entrepreneurial development – could support nationwide expansion,” said Kamalanathan, who is an MIC central working committee member.
“I was impressed by her panel of speakers, all of whom are subject experts. I’m sure those present learnt a lot from them.
“It is a noble intention on Jay’s part to bring entrepreneurs together and help them connect and share. I am amazed that she has managed to gather so many people here on a Sunday. It is clear she has strong support.”
Jay said she would consider the proposal.
Participants, too, felt the summit’s value, as did two of the event’s premium partners, Chettinad Cotton Studio and Pinky Tailor.
Susie Vimal was grateful for the opportunity to showcase her fully plant-based vegan fabrics from Chettinad Cotton Studio.
“All fabrics are cruelty-free, chemical-free, pesticide-free and dyed naturally,” she said. “Events like this help bring our brand to the masses. Not only do we get to display our products, but the organisers also allow each vendor to speak for a minute about their business, giving us even more visibility.”
She hopes the summit returns next year – ideally bigger.
Guruvinder Singh of Pinky Tailor was another crowd favourite, drawing interest from visitors and even Kamalanathan.
“It’s been a wonderful experience. I met so many people who were genuinely interested in my craft, and I’m thankful for the chance to share what I do,” said Guruvinder. “People stopped to ask about my designs, and I’m grateful the organisers created such a supportive platform. There’s so much potential here for entrepreneurs to learn from one another.”
A guest, Steven Nathan, who works in IT, said that while he expected a larger crowd, the summit’s offerings made it worthwhile.
“A friend invited me to get ‘connected’, and I’ve met many interesting people,” he said. “There was a lot to explore here. With stronger publicity, I believe the summit will get an even better response next year.”
The summit also raised funds for those in need, including a baby with heart disease, an amputee and a local orphanage.
Main Image: Jay (right) introduces one of the vendors at the Get Connected Summit.
