Innovation and collaboration: Inspiring stories of 6 young leaders in Malaysia

From a chef to a sustainable designer, listen as six young leaders from various industries discuss their respective approaches to innovation and how collaboration forms the cornerstone of their success

We live in a dynamic and ever-changing world, facing new daily challenges. The spark of innovation and collaboration enables us to overcome obstacles, improve the human condition and explore new frontiers. We can positively impact the world by leveraging the diversity and creativity of different perspectives and disciplines.

Oppo, a technology company that values innovation and collaboration, recently hosted the 2023 Inspiration Challenge in Singapore. The challenge was an opportunity for participants to showcase their creative ideas on using technology to benefit the planet and people. Among the submissions, five winners were selected and awarded for their proposals, which covered various fields such as health monitoring, waste reduction and medical technology.

The company is advancing innovation among startups and pushing smartphone technology ahead with its latest-generation foldable devices. Oppo recently unveiled its highly anticipated Find N3 and Find N3 Flip smartphones in Singapore. These devices showcase Oppo’s cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design. The Find N3 is a book-style foldable smartphone with a Boundless View function that lets users run three apps simultaneously on its 7.8-inch screen. The Find N3 Flip is a clamshell-foldable smartphone with a Hasselblad-branded triple-camera system that captures stunning photos and videos.

Photo 1 of 6 Lucas Loo is the founder and executive director of Sead Industries, an impact enterprise that uses bamboo to uplift communities and promote sustainability (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Photo 2 of 6 Izzana Salleh is the co-founder and global president of Girls for Girls International, a non-profit organisation that empowers young women to become leaders (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Photo 3 of 6 Jack Yap is the founder and CEO of Phuture Foods, a plant-based meat company that aims to disrupt the meat industry (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Photo 4 of 6 Shin Chang is one of the architects that helped revive the iconic Rex KL into a cultural hub (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Photo 5 of 6 Isadora Chai is a chef and restaurateur who is known for her fusion of Asian and European cuisines (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Photo 6 of 6 Faeznur Farok is a fitness and martial arts instructor of SheFights Gym, an all-women gym that empowers women through self-defence skills (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

Lucas Loo is the founder and executive director of Sead Industries, an impact enterprise that uses bamboo to uplift communities and promote sustainability (Photo: Chong Jinn Xiung)

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We spoke to six young leaders from Malaysia who shared their inspiring stories of how they are using their mission, vision and innovations to make a positive impact.

Over a series of articles, we will be sharing three stories featuring three pairs of honourees: architect Shin Chang, who restored one of Kuala Lumpur’s cultural hub Rex KL with bamboo advocate and designer Lucas Loo; celebrity chef Isadora Chai of Bistro à Table alongside plant-based food entrepreneur Jack Yap as well as the pairing of co-founder of the non-profit Girls for Girls Izzana Salleh with fitness and martial arts instructor Faeznur ‘Benny’ Farok.

Check out the video below as it gives a closer look at how these six young leaders value the importance of innovation and collaboration to keep 'Inspiration Ahead'.

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Here are 6 young leaders who are innovating for a better tomorrow in Malaysia