A ‘Global Insights-Taking the Local Global’ session held on 18 November provided interesting perspectives on doing business in both the East and West. Two seasoned entrepreneurs came forward to share their insights in doing business outside their own country: Mr Nigel Cumberland, founder and CEO of St. George’s Consulting – an award-winning recruitment firm – and Mr Jimmy Yeoh, CEO of Magic Gamewerks Sdn Bhd.

Mr Cumberland, whose company is based in Hong Kong, gave an inspirational speech less on what he had achieved as a successful entrepreneur but more on the mistakes and misjudgments that he had made while establishing himself and his company. Mr Cumberland is a firm believer that mistake is a seed to plant success.

Mr Jimmy Yeoh shared his experience in how he has successfully taken his board game idea from concept to completion and expanded his business to Europe. He also shared the resistance he faced when he initially approached people with his idea to promote educational learning through board games. Unlike Mr Cumberland, Mr Jimmy Yeoh prefers doing his business alone because of his previous bad experience with his former business partners. He admitted that “one man shows do not make big money” but he gained satisfaction from doing his business and he also has more freedom in making decision.

He shared a story of his persistence in bringing two cartons of his board games all around Europe for toy fairs and book fairs that he participated in. Mr Yeoh also touched on the Malaysian entrepreneurs’ mindset on the concept of competition where they often see each other as competitors instead of collaborators. He mentioned that business opportunities could be seized more if entrepreneurs in Malaysia connect with each other while competing globally in a healthy manner.

The session was kept interactive with many questions from the audience for the two very engaging speakers.  The session continued onto a networking session while the participants enjoyed refreshments from the sponsor, Kelantan Delights.