Latest news with #Mustaffa
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak entrepreneurs see RM1.9 mln sales boost in 2024 through Insken business coaching
(Front, from fourth left) Mustaffa, Ripin, Muhamad Hafez, and Dr Izham in a group photo with certificate recipients and representatives of Sarawak-based agencies and NGOs during the ceremony. KUCHING (June 12): A total of 119 Sarawakian entrepreneurs under the Insken Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) programme recorded a sales increase of RM1.9 million in 2024, according to National Institute of Entrepreneurship (Insken) chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub. Speaking at the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium here today, he highlighted the tangible outcomes of the IBBC programme. 'In 2024, a total of 1,046 Sarawak entrepreneurs participated in Insken programmes. Of these, 119 received guidance through the IBBC, resulting in RM1.9 million in increased sales, 93 new jobs created and 10 entrepreneurs moving from micro to small enterprise status,' he said. Mustaffa emphasised that continuous learning and entrepreneurial knowledge play a major role in success. 'The knowledge shared is not just theoretical – it produces real impact and tangible results,' he added. He said Insken programmes, including the SAPPS, offer training, seminars, and coaching focused on boosting sales and creating job opportunities. 'SAPPS is not just an ordinary seminar. Today, 30 selected entrepreneurs are undergoing product and service assessments with coaches and industry players to receive direct feedback aimed at strengthening their products for the market.' The seminar, now in its second edition in Sarawak, is a collaboration between Insken, Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), as well as local agencies and entrepreneurial non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Mustaffa expressed appreciation to all parties involved, as well as to State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who officiated the event. He noted that Insken has a branch in Kuching as part of its long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across Sarawak. 'Our presence here is not symbolic. It is a concrete effort to expand access to quality entrepreneurial programmes,' he said. In conjunction with the seminar, Insken is also hosting an e-BizClinic, offering free consultations by Insken's BisKaunselor, alongside information booths on training and guidance available beyond the seminar. In this regard, Mustaffa urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities available. 'Let the knowledge gained here not just be stored, but implemented as a strategy to elevate your business to greater heights.' Also present were Insken director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah and HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurs IBBC Insken Bumiputera Business Coaching Kuching
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Pasir Gudang youth centre opens soon
The new Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre Pasir Gudang is expected to officially open on May 24. Mayor: Recreational hub will have go-kart track, food trucks, meeting facilities PASIR Gudang residents have been urged to fully utilise the facilities at the soon-to-be-launched Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) and to maintain it as a shared community asset. Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin said the public must take ownership of the centre, built using taxpayers' money, and protect it from acts of vandalism. 'TMIYC Pasir Gudang is not just a recreational hub. It will also serve as a meeting place for discussions between government and private agencies. 'We expect to officially open the centre on May 24. 'It will have facilities such as a go-kart track, and food trucks,' he said during Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) full council meeting at Menara Aqabah. Mustaffa also said that residents should keep the facilities, including the toilets, clean, and refrain from littering. He urged those wishing to organise events at the centre to coordinate with MBPG to avoid scheduling conflicts. He added that the TMIYC would benefit residents living in flats, where space for recreational activities was limited. Meanwhile, MBPG Masai councillor and Pasir Gudang Tourism Association chairman Madyasir Ahmad Basir said efforts were underway to revitalise the local tourism sector. 'Among our unique assets are the Pasar Muafakat Sabah and Pasar Borneo; this is the only parliamentary constituency that hosts both markets,' he said. Madyasir said Pasar Muafakat Sabah, in particular, needed revitalisation through regular events. It also needed to diversify the products sold, beyond food offerings primarily from the Suluk community. He proposed developing it into a handicraft centre, promoting Sabah's diverse ethnic cultures such as the Kadazan-Dusun and Bugis, to attract more visitors. 'Many shops are operating more like general stores rather than selling authentic Sabah handicrafts. We must work with Tourism Johor to realise this vision,' he added. Meanwhile, MBPG Pasir Putih councillor Zainon Baharum raised several safety and maintenance concerns during the meeting. She highlighted the overgrown trees along the main road of Pasir Putih from the traffic lights to the children's playground at Jalan Selayang 10, where branches were touching electrical cables. 'This poses a serious risk, especially during storms. I urge the council to carry out regular tree pruning, even if it means trimming two or three trees a day,' she said. Zainon expressed concern too over the blocked drainage system along Jalan Selayang 10, noting that the resulting stagnant water could create mosquito breeding sites and elevate the risk of dengue outbreaks. She called for immediate cleaning and maintenance to address the issue. She also called on MBPG's Engineering Department to inspect the failing retaining walls of a major drain along Jalan Selasih 26, Taman Pasir Putih, cautioning that further collapse could compromise soil stability in the area. Zainon brought up the issue of lack of drain covers along Jalan Sagai near an industrial area, which she pointed out was a public safety hazard. 'This is a risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. It needs urgent attention,' she stressed.
