Red Carpet Party

The Red Carpet Party was held on the 6th of August 2010 at the Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya. To cut this short,

and the winner is...

Picture courtesy of Faiz Ghazali

Stay tuned to find out what's next for Cup Chatter.

Competition Update

View the photos taken for the competition here. Vote for the pictures you like or come and join in on the fun over at Sepang International Circuit. Hurry, before time runs out!

Win a Free Trip to Universal Studios, Singapore

Stand a Chance to Win Attractive Prizes

Guys and girls, the Shell Eco-Marathon 2010 starts tomorrow at the Sepang International Circuit.

Come visit us and stand a chance to win attractive prizes. We have prizes worth more than RM1,000. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

See you all there.

Shell Eco-Marathon 2010

Great news guys and girls, Cup Chatter will be supplying cups for the Shell Eco-Marathon 2010. Details of the event are as below.

Date: 7th to 11th July 2010

Venue: Sepang International Circuit

We will be giving out prizes during this event, so stay tuned to find out more!


Click here for our Facebook event page.

Background on the Shell Eco-Marathon

Shell holds its first Eco-marathon (SEM) in Asia after a number of successful years in The Americas and Europe. The event will continue in the other two regions while the inaugural Asian event will be held in Malaysia.

The SEM actually began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the USA as a challenge between scientists to see who could achieve the lowest fuel consumption. IN 1985, it became a major event organized by Shell as an educational project that challenges student teams to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicle and compete against others. The competition challenges student teams to design and build energy efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel

Open to high schools, colleges, universities and technical institutes around the world, the programme challenges student teams to put their innovations to the test in two vehicle categories: “Prototype,” futuristic, streamlined vehicles focused on maximizing fuel efficiency through innovative design elements, and “Urban Concept,” focused on more “roadworthy” fuel-efficient vehicles. 

This year Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) will be held on 7th to 11th of July at Sepang International circuit and about 110 teams all around Asia has registered for this event. A strong crowd of 1500 people per day consisting of students, teachers, technical experts from various industries, government officials and public will be attending this event.

Articles on Shell Eco Marathon:

Over 100 teams for Shell Eco marathon Asia 2010

Shell Eco marathon comes to Asia

First Malaysian team to enter Shell Eco marathon

1,172 kms/litre!

BIG Pitch!

Thank you so much to those of you who came to help, invest and support Cup Chatter during the BIG Pitch!

Cup Chatter's Booth (Design by Miss Adeline Khoo; Picture thanks to Miss Lim Shwe Ying)

It was a wonderful day, where we were the first company to pitch, setting the bar for the other companies. After everybody had presented, the booths were finally open and the sales of shares began.

For more pics find us on Facebook by clicking here.

We're on MYC!

Good news, Cup Chatter is in the May issue of the MYC magazine. We're on page 29, go grab a copy of it or click here to view the online version.

Come & Experience Cup Chatter

Watch out for Cup Chatter over the coming two weeks as we will be participating in a few different events.

Firstly, there are the previews organized by Money Tree over the coming two weeks, please see below for more info. The previews will be where investors get an introduction of what we are about.

6th May 2010

• 7.30pm - 8.30 pm @ 32 Square

8th May 2010

• 11.00am - 12.00 pm @ 32 Square 

• 2.30pm - 3.30 pm @ 32 Square 

11th May 2010

• 7.30pm - 8.30 pm @ 32 Square 

13th May 2010

• 7.30pm - 8.30 pm @ 32 Square

Next, Cup Chatter will be participating in the MoneyTree Idea Exchange (MIX) event. Mix is a platform for youths to showcase their abilities and talent in pitching their business ideas to investors. Teams will be given 210 seconds to pitch their ideas and then a five minute Q&A session. The MIX winner will stand a chance to win RM1,500. Mix will be held every month. This month, the details of the MIX event is as below.

Date: 7th May 2010

Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm 

Venue: PJ Live Arts Studio

Lastly, the BIG Pitch. The BIG Pitch is the next stage of the Maybank Money Tree YES Challenge. The BIG Pitch is where teams are given 12 - 15 minutes to convince investors to buy shares in their companies added on with at 5 - 8 minutes Q&A session. After the presentations, teams will open up booths where investors can purchase shares immediately. Details of the BIG Pitch are as below.

Date: 15th May 2010

Time: 9.30am - 2.30pm

Venue: Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club

With so many events lined up, come and supports us! Also, don't forget to purchase shares before they get sold out. This is a once in a life time opportunity to you to be part of this company, Cup Chatter.

Hurry, contact me @ nicholas.ong.soon.keat@gmail.com for more info on these events and book your place. You don't want to miss out on this. See you there!

First Public Appearance

On the 25^th of April 2010, Cup Chatter (formerly known as Crimson Concept) made its first proud public appearance at Ikano’s Earth Day Carnival organized by OUCH media. We gave out free drinks to the visitors of the carnival. The drinks went like hot cake as only within few hours it was all taken up.

It was definitely a great start for us at Cup Chatter as many gave good feedback and ways to improve what we are doing to better suit the public. Cup Chatter’s recycling/redemption programme was an instant hit as every cup was eventually returned back to our booth to be recycled!

I personally felt overwhelmed at the whole experience as people were giving us the thumbs up for what we were doing and this got our spirit up. Huge thanks to Jessica, Chen Chow and Ju Win for coming down and supporting us at the event. Their presence was very important in getting the ball rolling!!

All in all, it was an awesome day despite being exhausted, we all went back with a huge smile knowing that putting our hearts (and effort) together, we could really make this big. Will also like to thank Mr. Kenny Phang from Ouch Media for his guidance and without him, we could not have carried out our pilot project successfully.

So do look out for Cup Chatter at places near you as we will be coming over real soon. For those of you who have signed up, we will have you updated real soon =)

(p/s : Pictures of the events are coming soon, so come back and check us out!)

Earth Day @ Ikano Power Center

Cup Chatter, previously known as Crimson Concepts will be making its first public appearance at the last day of the Earth Day Carnival 2010 at Ikano Power Center. Come and support us.

We Have a New Name!

Crimson Concepts is now Cup Chatter.

Look out for more details.

The Road Less Taken

For most people, after graduating, without any consideration at all, the job hunting starts. At times many applications are sent out without even considering which field he/she wants to venture into. When the interviews come, and then the job offers, people just jump into the job which offers the highest pay and thus, the rat race begins.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying don't do this; I just think people should sit down and at least plan their goals first.

As for some people, we get stuck in a dilemma; to follow the norm, or to take the road less taken?

For us, the road less taken would be an entrepreneur, to build a successful business. What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Honestly, I am still learning what it means to be an entrepreneur. I think the term entrepreneur is to widely used in today's world. I went for this career talk the other day, where the employees of that company claim to be entrepreneurs because they do not have a basic pay, work based on commission and thus being able to say "I don't want to work today". Of course there are more reasons why they claim to be an entrepreneur but I've summarized it to that.

To me, an entrepreneur has to be able to not only look outside the box but to tear down the box completely; to be wide eyed and open, spotting every opportunity to make money, to go into business. Of course, to start a business is not easy, as I have learnt over my time being in the Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Challenge. I have just completed my studies a couple of weeks back, and I should literally be a bum now, but I find myself busy with the business. I am learning that the main attribute of an entrepreneur is being willing to sacrifice and be determined and persevere through everything knowing that the sacrifices will eventually pay off. I would love to just laze around, watch a few good movies a day but I choose to give that up for now; to build my future.

Calling all graduates and soon to be graduates!

Hi guys and girls,

Those of you who are like us, in our final sem, check this out.

CPA is having their Career Market Day 2010 on the 10th of April 2010 from 10 am to 5 pm. It will be held in Ballroom, Level 5, The Gardens Hotel & Residences, The Gardens.

This is a great opportunity for all of us as there will be able to meet top employers during this event.   Other than that, you'll get to discover many different job opportunities. 

Don't forget to bring your resume along with you for potential interview opportunities. There will also be a Resume Clinic on that day. Come and find out how to design the best resume to help you get that interview.

For more info, visit CPA's website or the facebook event.

Do register early as there are limited spaces.

Can't wait to see all of you there!

The Day

It was the day of the Judging Session and there we were, after days of minimal sleep juggling with our finals and progress on Crimson Concepts, our team for the Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Challenge.

We were the sixth team to present. One by one the each team presented; too bad we could only be in the hall to watch the other teams present after we presented. Then, the 5th team presented and were in the Q&A session, we were then allowed to go into the hall and take a seat while waiting for our turn. It was then that my heart started pounding; ready to fight or flee. We have already made it so far and I knew it was now or never; no turning back now.

We went on stage and I started; without me even knowing it, I was done and it was time for the Q&A session. I would have to say this was much better than the Breakthrough Session. During the Breakthrough Session I some how had a break down; I guess the more you do it, the better you get.

After all the groups had presented, the judges left the hall to tabulate and discuss on the marks. After some time, the judges came back in; the results had been tabulated and at this point the Top 6 teams would have been finalized. All the groups were called to the stage, and there I was praying and hoping that we made it through. Alas, the results were out, and we, Crimson Concepts are one of the Top 6 teams.

Congratz to my colleagues, all the sweat and blood (well, not literally) we put into it is worth it. Of course, this is not the end, this is merely another beginning for us. More work to be done and less sleep. But for now, we shall celebrate for 24 hours and then head back to our busy lives.

Stay tuned, pictures will be posted soon.

Details on the Judging Session

The Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Judging Session will be on the 27th of March. Details are as below

Time: 10am-2.45pm

Date: 27th March 2010

Venue: Taylor's University College Lakeside Campus

Come witness and support us as Crimson Concepts battle it out with the remaining Top 12 teams. It will be extremely competitive with all the teams hard at work after the Breakthrough Session.

To secure a place at the Judging Session, email Akmal Amran at akmal@moneytree.my with the following details.

Full Name

Contact No

Email Address

University/College

Judging Session

Next step on our Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Challenge is the Judging Session. The Judging Session will be held on the 27th of March 2010. Further details such as the venue and time are yet to be announced. During the Judging Session teams will battle it out again to be further shortlisted to six teams. All the 12 teams who were shortlisted from the Breakthrough Session have brilliant ideas and are even more motivated to continue on this journey making the Judging Session more intense, fierce and extremely competitive.

Teams will be given 8 minutes to present their business idea to the judges and a 5 minute Q&A session after that. Even with a 2 minute Q&A session during the Breakthrough Session, the judges were able to tear down a number of business ideas; what more with a 5 minute Q&A session? The teams will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Products or Services
2. Market Need & Potential
3. Competitive Advantage (Differentiating Factors)
4. Scalability
5. Barriers to Entry
6. Revenue Model
7. Management (Team)
8. Financial

We, at Crimson Concepts have been hard at work fine tuning our business idea and preparing for the Judging Session. You will be surprised at what we have come up with. Come and support us during this event; bring along posters and pom poms.

Breaking Through

Crimson Concepts has officially made it through as one of the Top 12 teams in the Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Challenge. Initially, only the top 10 were suppose to make it through. However, we have been told that three teams tied at 10th place and the YES committee has decided  to let the three teams tied at 10th place to be shortlisted as well.

After all the hard work, we have made it through the Breakthrough Session. Nevertheless, this means more work to be done as it is not over. Another judging session is to be conducted on the 27th of March 2010 (tentatively). So it's back to the drawing board to further fine tune and solidify our business idea.

We will not back down, we will continue to put all our efforts in this no matter what comes in our way as we will never settle.

To the other teams who made it through as well, congratulations on a great job done.

To the other teams who did not make it through, congratulations as well, as you dared to be different from the other 6.5 billion people in the world. 

I leave you all with this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson,

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail"

As we Approach the Breakthrough Session

The Breakthrough Session is tomorrow, with less than 24 hours more to go.

We at Crimson Concepts are hyped out about this and can't wait to meet other Maybank Money Tree YES 2 Challenge teams. Tomorrow will definitely be an intense day with all the 31 teams battling it out to be shortlisted to 10 teams.

All the best to the other teams.

Preparation for the Breakthrough Session

Here's a little update on our preparation for the Breakthrough Session.

Our Elevator Pitch has been fine tuned and sent to Mr. Wong Yu Vee to be scrutinized. As we await his reply, other things are being prepared as aids for our presentation.

Want to know more? Come witness us, Crimson Concepts sell our business idea to the panel of judges during the Breakthrough Session.

The Breakthrough Session

Initially, we were to be shortlisted based on our executive summary which we have handed in. However, to our surprise, Mr. Wong Yu Vee e-mailed us informing us that there will be an extra judging criteria, which will be done during the "Breakthrough Session".

In this Maybank Money Tree YES Challenge, there are a total of 31 teams from Peninsular Malaysia. These 31 teams will be required to present their elevator pitch to the panel of judges during the Breakthrough Session. Each team will have 120 seconds to present their elevator pitch and then the judges will open fire on them; well, not literally.

The details of the Breakthrough Session are as below:

Date: 13th March 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm

Venue: The STAR Cybertorium, Level 2, Menara The Star, 15, Jalan 16/11, PJ

Attire: Business Wear

This will be a good experience not only for the teams participating but also for other students who are present on that day to witness the 31 teams sell their ideas to the judges. A maximum amount of 15 people from each university/college will be allowed to sit in and watch the 31 teams pitch their business idea. If you are interested to witness the teams battle it out against each other, write to Mr. Wong Yu Vee at uvwong@moneytree.my.

We are one of the teams who will be battling it out during the Breakthrough Session, so do come and support us, Crimson Concepts.

The Summary

Access to Clean Drinking Water is a Human Right!

In line with that, Crimson Concepts provides free drinking water to the public. The water that we provide will come in paper cups that are used by companies to advertise their products. These water dispensers will be placed at high traffic locations such as major retail stores and train stations.

Our revenue will be generated from advertising space on the cups. Prices will vary depending on the location and number of cups distributed. Our forecast shows that the return on investment (ROI) will be in a short amount of time.

Till today, no advertising company has adopted this approach; making us the pioneers in this approach.

Initially, we will be starting up in universities and colleges. This will be a way of attracting our clients as we will be offering them direct entry into the local student market. Other than that, we will be collaborating with Touch and Go to further strengthen our place in the market.

Our team consists of highly passionate individuals who stop at nothing to achieve our mission and seeing our vision fulfilled.

A Sneak Peak at our Executive Summary

This is the cover page of Crimson Concepts executive summary. Want to know more about our business idea? Follow this blog and wait for more details to be posted.

The Start of the Journey

The journey started when we agreed to sign up for the Maybank-Money Tree YES Challenge.

The Maybank-Money Tree YES Challenge is a unique challenge for youths; where each group has to come up with a business plan and submit the executive summary of their business plan to be brutally evaluated by the panel of judges. If the group gets through the shortlisting process, the group will be provided a mentor to guide them in actually implementing their business plan. Before they actually implement their business plan, they will be given a chance to solicit funds by selling shares of their company.

This will be a very valuable journey to us as we will be exposed to the business world and how to actually start up a business.

On the 17th of January 2010, we attended the Maybank-Money Tree YES Challenge 1 Day Training. The training was done by Mr. Wong Yu Vee and Mr. Brandon Liew and was basically broken down into three, they are:

• Entrepreneurship
  
• Recognizing an Opportunity
• Writing an Elevator Pitch and Executive Summary

It was a fruitful day for us as all of us in our group are engineering students. Due to this, there were many things that we did not know before this. Things such as the two different business risks and what an elevator pitch is. During the training, we were asked questions for a chance to win some Money Tree money which will be used later on to purchase consultation with Mr. Wong Yu Vee, Mr. Brandon Liew or Mr. Michael Reyes.

Since then, our group has set down for a few meetings now. We had our brainstorming session where many ideas were produced and then came the scrutinizing of the ideas where we narrowed it down to six ideas. Then, we wrote the elevator pitch for each idea and had it mailed to Mr. Wong Yu Vee to obtain his feedback on the ideas.

After getting his feedback, we finally chose one idea and we are now working on the executive summary and ways on how to solidify our business idea to become a multi-million dollar business.

Welcome All

We a group of young professionals who have embarked on a life changing journey, the Maybank Money Tree YES Challenge. We will update our journey as we progress further. We will unveil our journey in our next post so do stay tuned to it.

Lets Make It Happen
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This blog is a web log of our progress on Cup Chatter's Maybank Money Tree YES Challenge. To find out more on the Maybank Money Tree YES Challenge, click here.