Strengthening communities through innovation
Jaclyn Chen, co-founder of Volunti Connect, is shown receiving the 2nd Runner-Up award from the Sunway iLabs LaunchX 2024 committee.
At Monash University Malaysia, students are not only equipped with academic knowledge but also nurtured to become changemakers. One example is Bryan Koh from the School of Information Technology. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social impact were recently recognised when Volunti Connect, a start-up he co-founded, secured the Second Runner-Up placement at the Sunway iLabs LaunchX 2024 Demo Day.
Volunti Connect, launched two years ago, seeks to bridge the gap between NGOs and corporate entities, especially in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) sector. The platform uses AI-driven matchmaking technology to connect NGOs with corporations eager to support impactful causes while aligning CSR programs with corporate values. Koh, as the start-up’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), was integral in developing this solution.
While Volunti Connect's success at LaunchX is a significant achievement, what makes the platform unique is its commitment to empowering underserved NGOs. The system simplifies the process for NGOs to gain visibility, reducing their need to manage multiple social platforms. Instead, they can focus their energy on their core missions, all while corporations are assured that their CSR contributions are directed toward credible and impactful initiatives.
When asked about the challenges faced while working on the start-up, Koh acknowledged that finding the right product-market fit was their biggest obstacle. "To overcome this, we interviewed and worked closely with stakeholders, NGOs, and CSR departments to identify their problems and needs," he explained.
Although Koh couldn’t attend the LaunchX Demo Day due to a family emergency, his influence was unmistakable. Reflecting on his journey, Koh acknowledges the role of Monash’s eiHub entrepreneurship programs in shaping his start-up experience. Over the past two years, his involvement in these initiatives has helped him hone his skills, from technical development to leadership in a fast-paced start-up environment.
Bryan Koh (School of IT), co-founder and CTO of Volunti Connect.
“Being a Monash student allowed me to network with lecturers and fellow students who are equally passionate about entrepreneurship,” Koh shared. “Through these interactions, I gained valuable feedback and insights that were crucial to my personal development, ultimately enabling me to contribute to Volunti Connect's success”
Despite his absence from the stage, the Volunti Connect team, led by co-founder Jaclyn Chen, proudly represented the start-up. Together, they are committed to making CSR more accessible and impactful for both NGOs and corporations.
Looking to the future, Volunti Connect is set to continue growing. Having already partnered with high-profile clients such as the Hong Leong Foundation, Koh and his team are working to scale their platform, with plans to onboard more NGOs and corporates. They aim to expand their reach beyond Malaysia, tapping into international markets that also face challenges in aligning corporate funding with social impact.
Bryan’s journey exemplifies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured at Monash University Malaysia. When asked what advice he would give to other Monash students who aspire to be entrepreneurs, Koh said, “Monash University offers a lot of resources that can aid first-time founders. Students should reach out, share their ideas, and engage with the start-up community. Working and learning together with others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem can be incredibly helpful.”
As Monash continues to cultivate the next generation of innovators, Bryan Koh’s story stands as an inspiration for future students, proving that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to make a real difference in the world.