THE Scotiabank Change-Maker Challenge reached its exciting conclusion Friday as Sandre Malcolm of Jamaica was named champion and awarded the US$10,000 grand prize.

“The professional quality and innovative insight displayed by Sandre in both his presentation and his submission was exceptional,” noted Wayne Powell, executive vice-president of branch banking and retail management at Scotiabank Jamaica. “All three of today’s (Friday’s) finalists presented well thought out ideas that highlight the talent and creativity coming from the future business leaders of the Caribbean region. I would like to congratulate them all.”

The 2009 Scotiabank Change-Maker Challenge asked students and young adults from the Caribbean to propose an innovative marketing campaign for the launch of Scotiabank’s young adult banking platform, Scotiabank Be. The bank received more than 700 qualified submissions and drew on the expertise of a panel of judges, including:

Julian Rogers, a media professional; Marguerite Cremin, a marketing professional; and Cecil Arnold, a Scotiabank executive.

Each contestant was flown to Jamaica, where they presented their ideas to the judging panel at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Malcolm was named the 2009 Change-Maker. His winning presentation proposed an innovative use of web-based media under the theme “Revolution”.

“I was out of the country in New York when I heard that I was selected for the finals, and I had to overcome many challenges, including missing my connecting flight, just to get here. I can’t believe I won. I am ecstatic!” said an emotional Malcolm.

Janelle Brown, the other finalist from Jamaica, came in second and was awarded US$5,000. Her proposal employed the creative use of the theme “Be a star of your life” as her marketing platform for the launch of a Scotiabank young adult product line.

Kayla Hall from Belize, the third finalist, was awarded US$3,000 for third place. Her proposal revolved around the use of strategic merchandising for the launch of the product range.

The Scotiabank Change-Maker Challenge was developed to reflect the importance the bank places on its young customers and their ideas. Scotiabank is committed to helping young adults achieve their dreams by becoming financially better off.