‘Seniorpreneurs' initiative proposed to empower retirees in Sarawak's business landscape

Borneo Post

a day ago

Ripin (front, fourth left) joins the participants for a group photo. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 12): 'Seniorpreneurs', a special entrepreneurship programme for retirees, should be considered as part of ongoing efforts to boost entrepreneurial development in Sarawak, said State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat.
He proposed the idea when officiating the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium today.
He highlighted that many retirees possess the financial means and experience to become successful entrepreneurs.
'Perhaps one day, the relevant agencies or ministries can consider establishing a special programme for Seniorpreneurs – not veterans, but Seniorpreneurs – for those who are about to retire or have already retired,' he said.
Ripin added that many retirees already have the capital and networks necessary to start businesses, whether it is from their pensions or savings through schemes such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
'They have the financial resources, education, and experience. Perhaps they could collaborate with existing entrepreneurs in establishing ventures in various sectors.'
He also emphasised that the initiative could help address issues faced by retirees including cases of pensioners falling victims to scams, saying: 'Why not provide them with a pathway to continue contributing through business?'
The SAPPS programme was a collaboration between the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken), HRD Corp, the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred), as well as various entrepreneurship-related agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Ripin praised Insken and its partners for continuously supporting local entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing platforms such as SAPPS, noting that 449 entrepreneurs participated in today's session.
'Your presence here today reflects a high level of commitment – a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs,' he said.
He emphasised the importance of knowledge as a form of capital in entrepreneurship, reminding participants of the need to adapt to changes, especially with the advancement of technology.
'Adapting to technology in areas such as marketing, business management, and production is crucial in improving productivity, expanding market reach, and increasing income,' he said.
Adding on, Ripin also encouraged entrepreneurs 'not to rush success, but to trust the process'.
'Just like in school, we begin with kindergarten, then primary, secondary, and university. The same applies to entrepreneurship – we start small and step by step, we grow.'
He expressed confidence that the programme aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to create more entrepreneurs and job opportunities in Sarawak.
Moreover, Ripin congratulated Insken for opening its office in Sarawak two months ago, noting that this move reflects its commitment to developing local entrepreneurs.
Also present were Insken chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah, as well as HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurial development Kuching ripin lamat Seniorpreneurs