Webfluentia at the 'Day of the Entrepreneur 2024' Celebration in Kuala Lumpur
On November 15th, 2024, Webfluentia had the honor of participating in the prestigious 'Day of the Entrepreneur' (Dag van de Ondernemer, DVDO) event, hosted at the residence of Ambassador Jacques (Jaap) Werner of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kuala Lumpur. This annual celebration, traditionally held on the third Friday of November, is a cherished occasion in the Netherlands dedicated to recognizing and appreciating entrepreneurs for their creativity, innovation, perseverance, and impact.
This year’s DVDO was particularly special, as it marked the first time the event was celebrated digitally on a global scale. With 11 countries participating, each part of the NL Business Hub Network, this initiative shone a spotlight on Dutch entrepreneurs worldwide who are leading the charge in sustainable business practices.
A Global Celebration of Entrepreneurship
Under the theme of sustainability, DVDO 2024 sought to highlight how entrepreneurial innovation can drive a greener and more resilient future. Entrepreneurs from across the globe were selected as prime examples of how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into thriving business models.
In Kuala Lumpur, the event was organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC). A key highlight of the day was the inaugural presentation of the “Entrepreneur of the Year 2024” award, celebrating outstanding achievements by Dutch entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit at Ambassador Werner's Residence
The event featured an intimate yet vibrant lunch gathering, bringing together Dutch entrepreneurs and business leaders. Four shortlisted candidates delivered compelling pitches, sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and accomplishments in Malaysia. These presentations provided an inspiring glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of Dutch businesses operating abroad.
The attendees had the unique opportunity to vote for their top choice among the shortlisted entrepreneurs. Congratulations were in order for Jan-Willem Smulders of IDEAS Academy, who was named the first-ever winner of the “Entrepreneur of the Year 2024” award in Malaysia. His work exemplified the innovative and sustainable ethos celebrated on this day.
Marco Winter on DVDO’s Growth
Marco Winter, Executive Director of Malaysian Dutch Business Council, expressed pride in the council's ongoing involvement with DVDO. “We first joined in 2018 to internationalize the celebration and support Dutch entrepreneurs in Malaysia. This year’s event, featuring the inaugural ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award, represents a significant milestone in recognizing the global impact of Dutch entrepreneurship,” he noted. Winter also highlighted the alignment of DVDO with MDBC’s own Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA), reinforcing the shared vision of fostering sustainable growth.
Meet the Nominees for the Day of the Entrepreneur 2024
As part of the celebrations for the Day of the Entrepreneur (DVDO) 2024, three exceptional nominees were shortlisted for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Each nominee has demonstrated a unique approach to fostering innovation, sustainability, and community development.
Orbis Business School
Orbis Business School believes that leaders and entrepreneurs are catalysts for positive change. This transformation starts with you—when you change, the world around you changes. They provide guidance, inspiration, and the tools necessary to create a bigger impact for yourself, your business, and the world.
Mike Bikes
Since 2018, Mike Bikes has been organizing socially-driven bicycle tours in Malaysia. Our tours prioritize social return, involving local people in our operations and empowering communities. We are proud to work with a team of enthusiastic Malaysian bicycle guides. Beyond this, we actively support two impactful local projects, extending our commitment to creating positive social change.
IDEAS Academy
IDEAS Academy believes that education is a universal right. Their mission is to ensure that every child aged 12 to 18 has access to a strong secondary educational foundation, enabling them to grow into responsible, confident, and compassionate global citizens.
They provide high-quality, affordable virtual education paired with physical classes in Kuala Lumpur. Whether online or in-person, our passionate teachers, creative students, and engaged community work together to achieve a brighter future for all.
These inspiring nominees embody the entrepreneurial spirit celebrated during DVDO 2024, each making meaningful contributions to their industries and communities. Congratulations to all the nominees for their dedication and innovation!
Webfluentia’s Role in the Celebration
As a part of this vibrant entrepreneurial community, Webfluentia was thrilled to attend and connect with like-minded individuals committed to sustainability and innovation. The event offered an excellent platform to share ideas, celebrate successes, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs who are making a global impact.
Looking Ahead
The 'Day of the Entrepreneur 2024' served as a powerful reminder of the critical role entrepreneurs play in shaping our world. By embracing sustainability and innovation, businesses can contribute to a brighter future for all. Webfluentia remains committed to supporting and driving such initiatives, building on the inspiration drawn from this memorable day.
Here’s to the continued celebration of entrepreneurial excellence—both in the Netherlands and around the world! 🌍