The EWOR Advantage: 5 Reasons Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Students Should Look Beyond Local Incubators

As a student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, you may be familiar with the local incubators and entrepreneurial programmes offered on campus. While these initiatives provide valuable support, expanding your horizons could significantly increase your odds of long-term success. In fact, one study found that 87% of startups that went through top-tier programmes were still active after five years, compared to just 44% of those that went it alone. That’s the kind of difference the right programme can make.

But how do you know if an incubator programme is right for you? With so many rigid, one-size-fits-all options out there, finding the right fit can be tough. That’s where EWOR comes in: a uniquely flexible platform combining global mentorship, funding opportunities, and a prestigious network – designed specifically to help ambitious founders thrive.

In this article, we’ll explore five key reasons why Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students should look beyond their local incubators and consider EWOR to accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Access to Global Mentorship

Many university incubators and local programmes offer mentorship from faculty, alumni, or nearby founders. While helpful, these perspectives are often limited to regional markets and conventional startup paths.

EWOR operates borderless, on a global scale. Fellows are paired with mentors who have founded and scaled companies across continents and industries – including unicorns like SumUp, Adjust, and ProGlove. Rather than sporadic office hours, mentorship is built into the fabric of the programme – modular, consistent, and personal.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) supports early-stage entrepreneurs through its local incubators by providing mentorship opportunities. These initiatives connect aspiring business owners with experienced mentors who offer guidance on various aspects of business development, from refining ideas to market strategies. Local mentors are valuable as they understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the local context, providing relevant and practical advice. UKM's programs, such as those involving the UKM Graduate School of Business, aim to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable ventures. This mentorship helps early-stage entrepreneurs navigate the initial phases of their business journey, increasing their chances of success.

With EWOR, you’ll have the chance to work with mentors who have scaled their businesses across different countries and industries, providing invaluable insights that can help your startup succeed in the global marketplace.

2. Larger Funding Opportunities

While local incubators may provide grants or limited seed funding, securing substantial capital is often a challenge for early-stage entrepreneurs. EWOR offers up to €500,000 in initial funding for selected startups, which can significantly boost your ability to develop your business. Moreover, EWOR provides access to a global network of investors, venture capital firms, and angel investors, ensuring that you have the opportunity to secure further rounds of funding as your startup grows.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers various funding opportunities for student startups through its local incubators and related centers, such as the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs Development (CESMED) and the Centre for Innovation & Technology Transfer (INOVASI@UKM™). UKM actively provides financial assistance and support to help students establish and grow their ventures. This includes seed funding and grant programs aimed at supporting the pre-commercialisation and early stages of technology-based startups. These initiatives often involve not only funding but also mentorship and training to empower student entrepreneurs. UKM also assists in securing external grants from organizations like the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Cradle Fund.

By choosing EWOR, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students can tap into larger funding sources, giving them the financial support needed to scale their businesses more effectively.

3. A Highly Selective and Prestigious Network

One of the main advantages of EWOR is the highly selective nature of its community. EWOR accepts only the top 0.1% of applicants, bringing together some of the world’s most talented and ambitious entrepreneurs. 

This exclusivity doesn’t just elevate the quality of each cohort — it also unlocks access to an extraordinary network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Just to name a few: Fabrice Grinda, one of the world’s leading angel investors and founder of OLX; Christian Kroll, founder of Ecosia, Europe’s largest search engine after Google; and Vaitea Cowan, co-founder of Enapter, (€640M IPO) and a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Energy. 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) local incubators foster a community that supports student entrepreneurship. These incubators provide networking opportunities and events to enhance student competence and create an entrepreneurial ecosystem. They facilitate connections among entrepreneurs at various stages, promoting the sharing of experiences and collaboration. UKM incubators aim to establish a locally characterized entrepreneurial social network system. This environment helps students build connections and collaborate on entrepreneurial endeavors.

While local incubators at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia may provide valuable networking within the campus or regional ecosystem, EWOR’s global network opens doors to entirely new levels of collaboration. Fellows work alongside peers from dozens of countries and industries, connecting with elite investors, unicorn founders, and seasoned operators.

As many fellows have said, the community is one of the most unexpected – and most valuable – parts of the experience. “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

4. Flexibility and Remote Access

Many local incubators require in-person participation, which can be limiting for students balancing coursework, part-time jobs, or other commitments. 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) hosts local incubators, including the UKM-MTDC Technology Centre, which provides physical space and resources for startups. These incubators aim to facilitate the commercialization of research and support the development of new ventures. They offer various forms of support such as office space, business counseling, networking opportunities, and access to funding. While the specific delivery format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) for all UKM incubator programs isn't explicitly detailed, university incubators traditionally offer in-person facilities and services. However, there is a growing trend towards online or hybrid incubation models to enable remote participation and wider access. The mode of delivery can impact student participation, with remote or hybrid options potentially increasing accessibility for students who may face constraints with in-person attendance.

EWOR’s fully remote programmes are built for modern entrepreneurs – offering the flexibility to participate from anywhere, on your terms. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students can access top-tier mentorship, founder-led education, and global resources without needing to relocate or follow a rigid schedule. Whether you’re validating an idea or scaling your first product, you’ll have the freedom to build around your life, not the other way around.

And if you're worried about missing out on in-person connection – don’t be. EWOR hosts real-world gatherings like the EWOR Connect and EWOR House, a multi-day retreat where fellows, alumni, and investors connect in person. We also organise city-based meetups and our flagship Grand Pitch event, which brings hundreds of top-tier investors together twice a year. So while the programme is remote-first, it’s far from remote-only.

5. Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Education

Local incubators often provide valuable workshops and learning modules, but they may be limited in scope and depth. EWOR offers over 200 exclusive videos, workshops, and educational modules designed by top entrepreneurs and industry experts. This comprehensive entrepreneurial education covers everything from refining your business idea to scaling and securing funding, ensuring that you develop both as an entrepreneur and a leader.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) supports entrepreneurial skill development through its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs Development (CESMED). CESMED coordinates entrepreneurship courses and training across the university. They offer basic entrepreneurship training for undergraduates and a "Finishing School" program to enhance technical and business skills. This includes tracks like Technocount (accounting), Netpreneur (online marketing), and Adtalent (human resource development). UKM also incorporates entrepreneurship education into the curriculum for first-year students from various faculties, covering essential business skills and concepts. The UKM Centre for Collaborative Innovation (UKM-CCI) also organizes workshops and mentoring, including academic entrepreneurship workshops.

With EWOR, you’ll gain access to a more extensive and detailed entrepreneurial education, giving you the tools needed to overcome challenges and succeed in today’s competitive startup landscape.

That’s a Wrap

While Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's local incubators offer great resources for students starting their entrepreneurial journey, EWOR provides an unmatched opportunity for those looking to take their startup to the next level. With access to global mentorship, larger funding opportunities, a highly selective network, flexible remote programmes, and comprehensive entrepreneurial education, EWOR offers Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia students the chance to build and scale their startups on a global stage. If you’re ready to look beyond local incubators and accelerate your entrepreneurial success, EWOR could be the ideal platform for you.

Image credits: Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash