Goodday Kidstart Returns To Nurture Young Malaysian Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR: A good idea can start anywhere - including in the mind of a child wondering how something around them could be done better.

That is the thinking behind Goodday KidSTART 4.0, which returns for a fourth season with an expanded programme aimed at helping young Malaysians develop creativity, confidence and practical problem-solving skills.

Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the country’s largest kidpreneur programme, KidSTART began with 340 participants in its first year and reached 8,000 students by Season 3.

This year, the programme will take participants through school roadshows, workshops, bootcamps and mentorship before culminating in a national finale. For the first time, the journey will also extend to the big screen through a film inspired by the programme and its young participants.

Backed by the education ministry, KidSTART is designed to complement classroom learning by introducing children to entrepreneurship in practical ways. Participants are encouraged to identify real-world problems, develop possible solutions and turn their ideas into workable concepts, while selected students will receive further guidance as they progress through the competition.

Amy Gan, vice-president of marketing at Etika Sdn Bhd and spokesperson for Goodday Milk, said the aim was to give children more opportunities to develop their ideas beyond the competition itself.

“Instead of their journey ending with the competition, we want to create something that can continue to be seen, shared and talked about beyond the season,” she said.

Gan added that the programme was also intended to nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence through practical experiences and exposure.

From idea to national stage

Entries are now open to children across Malaysia. To take part, participants must submit a one-minute video introducing themselves and presenting a business idea through the official Goodday KidSTART website.

The top 300 entrants will advance to an online workshop and bootcamp, where they will receive coaching and mentorship to further develop their ideas and sharpen their pitches.

Shortlisted participants will then move through an intensive bootcamp before the finalists take to the stage at the Grand Finale. There, they will present their ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience, with winners receiving a share of RM60,000 worth of prizes to help develop their ideas further.

Gan said the decision to take KidSTART beyond television and onto the big screen was intended to give the children’s ideas a wider audience, including parents and families.

Submissions are now open at the official Goodday KidSTART website.