Tony Fernandes, Jimmy Choo 'picked' as favourite Malaysian entrepreneurs

US Secretary of State John Kerry handpicked AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and shoe designer Jimmy Choo as his favourite Malaysian entrepreneurs.

During a question and answer session at the launch of 1Malaysia Entrepreneur (1MET) programme with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday, Kerry was asked by a participant on who his favourite Malaysian entrepreneur was.

"Jimmy Choo has some of the world's most amazing shoe designs, and Tony Fernandes," he said.

Earlier in his speech at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2013, Kerry praised Fernandes as one of the most successful global entrepreneurs with bold visions who revolutionised the way people connect with one another throughout the region.

He also commended Choo, describing him as a "world visionary business people" who has his designs being showcased on the sidewalks and catwalks from Los Angeles to London.

During his speech at the 1MET launch, Kerry revealed that the US will continue to work with Malaysia and Najib's administration to provide more opportunities for the younger generation to achieve their dreams.

"We'll be working with Malaysia, PM Najib, his government and ASEAN to give more opportunities to all of you to enable you to touch your dreams," he said to a hall packed with youngsters.

He also said, the US was creating a centre set up by their embassies to work with young people and entrepreneurs throughout the region. This would be spearheaded by the US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker.

Kerry was representing US President Barack Obama at the two-day GES 2013 which was opened Friday by Najib.

He delivered a special address at the opening of GES 2013, themed 'Empowering and Connecting Entrepreneurs' that was attended by some 4,000 delegates from over 100 countries.

Besides Pritzker, the US Senator was also accompanied by US Trade Representative Michael Frohman and Assistant Secretary of State Danny Russel.