INTI International College Penang hosted “Legal Insights for Young Entrepreneurs” on 12 April 2024, bringing together legal experts and community leaders to equip aspiring business owners with essential legal knowledge.
The seminar featured a two-hour panel session covering intellectual property, business registration, taxation, and real-life legal case studies. The event drew approximately 90 students from high schools and institutions of higher learning across Penang, reflecting a growing interest in entrepreneurship among youth.
Panellists discussing key legal considerations during the “Legal Insights for Young Entrepreneurs” seminar at INTI International College Penang. From left: Mr Yee Aik Phoay (Moderator), Senior Lecturer at INTI’s School of Business; Mr Poh Seng Yong, Legal Associate at Christopher Yeo & KP Chang and Founder of HiBlendr; Dato’ Quay Chew Soon, High Court Judge of Penang; Mr Kumarappan Ramasamy, Partner at Jeeva Partnership; and Mr Chan Szu Fu, Managing Partner at Chan, De Vries & Co.
Officiated by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, and INTI International College Penang Chief Executive Hemalatha Murugiah, the seminar aimed to address a critical gap in legal literacy among young entrepreneurs.
In her opening remarks, Hemalatha said the initiative was led by students from INTI’s Law and Economic Society, who recognised the need for greater legal awareness in the business landscape.
“Youth entrepreneurship is not just a trend—it is a transformative force for our nation’s future,” she said. “This conference was not merely an academic forum. It addressed the lack of legal awareness in real-world situations. Start-ups face numerous legal challenges, including intellectual property protection, contract disputes, and the implications of launching ideas online.”
She continued, “How many of our young entrepreneurs are truly equipped with the legal knowledge they need? Are they protected, prepared, and empowered to navigate the complexities of the business world? Without proper guidance, businesses can collapse. We hoped the day’s dialogue would foster deeper understanding and meaningful conversations.”
YB Wong shared that his connection to the college and its location within his constituency contributed to his participation.
“One of the reasons I agreed to attend was because my son studied here, and INTI Penang is within my constituency,” he said. “I must congratulate INTI and the Law and Economic Society for recognising how important law and economics are in real life.”
As a former Member of Parliament and current State Executive Councillor, he emphasised the close relationship between law and financial policy. He encouraged students to read the Federal Constitution, understand the principle of separation of powers, and familiarise themselves with key areas such as contract law, employment law, and Islamic law.
“With a legal foundation, entrepreneurs can better protect their businesses and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, delivering his speech during the seminar.
The panel featured the following legal professionals:
• Dato’ Quay Chew Soon, High Court Judge of Penang
• Dato’ T. Tharumarajah, Managing Partner, T. Tharuma & Associates
• Chan Szu Fu, Managing Partner, Chan, De Vries & Co
• Kumarappan Ramasamy, Partner, Jeeva Partnership
• Poh Seng Yong, Legal Associate, Christopher Yeo & KP Chang; Founder, HiBlendr
• Edric Loo Jee-Chang, Legal Associate, Tan & O.G. King
Each speaker offered valuable insights and shared their personal experiences from their professional journeys. The session encouraged students to see lawyers as approachable consultants and mentors rather than just legal representatives.
The seminar concluded with a session by a criminal law expert focusing on online scams, digital fraud, and cybercrime. The discussion highlighted the legal risks of operating in the digital economy and reinforced the need for ethical conduct and legal understanding.
By translating complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge, the event helped participants strengthen their understanding of the legal aspects of entrepreneurship. Initiatives like this reflect INTI’s commitment to supporting students in making informed and responsible business decisions.
Participants from Penang-based schools and universities attending the “Legal Insights for Young Entrepreneurs” seminar. The event aimed to make legal knowledge more accessible and relevant for aspiring business owners.