Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) alumni turned entrepreneurs (alumnipreneurs) made a remarkable return to inspire the next generation through the Alumnipreneur Symposium 2025 (AS2025), held at IDEAS Kuala Lumpur.
The symposium, held on 14 June 2025, reflects UniKL’s strategic commitment to its vision of becoming the leading entrepreneurial technical university, by creating strong alumni-industry linkages and real-world exposure for students and graduates.
The event was officially launched by YBhg. En. Zahari Aziz, Deputy Director-General (Entrepreneurship), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), who reiterated MARA’s commitment to nurturing Bumiputera entrepreneurship, particularly through alumni networks of technical institutions such as UniKL.
His remarks echoed UniKL’s mission to produce enterprising global technopreneurs by cultivating both entrepreneurial thinking and ‘industrialmanship’ which blends academic excellence with hands-on industry relevance.
Organised by the Teknoputra Division in collaboration with the Centre for Alumni & Career Services (CACS), AS2025 was proudly sponsored by MARA Entrepreneur Development Division (BPU), SugarBomb Worldwide Sdn Bhd, and Voltek Energy Sdn Bhd.
The event served as a platform for students, alumni, and early-stage founders to connect, collaborate, and explore startup journeys shaped by both passion and market realities.
The highlight of the day was the Alumnipreneur Insights Forum titled “Passion vs Profit – Finding the Balance in Building a Purpose-Driven Business”, featuring UniKL alumnipreneurs Mr Aiyub Azizan (CEO of Al-Haddad Manufacturing Sdn Bhd), Dr Khairunnisa Nahwari (UNIKlinik Seksyen 7 Shah Alam), and Mr Zainolabidin Aptu (Zayn Printing).
Moderated by Ts Dr Mohd Nasrul Hakim Jalaludin from the Teknoputra Division, the forum explored how UniKL alumni are navigating the dual challenges of profitability and purpose — a crucial conversation for aspiring technopreneurs who aim to build sustainable, future-proof ventures.
The Business Talk segment brought forward insights from SugarBomb Worldwide, Glocal Link Sdn Bhd, and AskTech PLT, with discussions on local success stories and global market expansion.
These sessions reinforced the importance of market readiness and innovation, two key pillars in UniKL’s approach to preparing graduates for entrepreneurial pathways in line with Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.
Another major highlight was the Entrepreneurship Agencies Forum: “Fueling Startups and Sustaining Business”, which featured representatives from MTDC, PUNB, Rural Capital Berhad, and MARA Federal Territory State Office. The forum — moderated by Datin Mashidah Baharrudin (UniKL RCMP) — provided valuable insights into the ecosystem of support for technopreneurs, aligning with UniKL’s broader strategy to empower students and alumni beyond the classroom through external partnerships, teaching factory concept, and capacity-building.
Running concurrently was a special recording of the Teknoputra Coffee Talk (TCT) Podcast, featuring strategic partners like SSM, SJKP, contentpreneur Azlan Andi, and Voltek Energy Sdn Bhd. Discussions touched on financial literacy, content creation, and renewable energy — further widening the horizon of entrepreneurial opportunities for UniKL’s community.
Business showcases by genesispreneurs (student entrepreneurs) and alumnipreneurs filled the event floor, offering a vibrant demonstration of TVET-based entrepreneurial success.
These showcases underscore UniKL’s leadership in developing a culture of innovation and enterprise, where graduates are not only job-ready but job creators, ultimately fulfilling the university’s core vision and mission.
