Latest news with #SAPPS
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
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Seniorpreneurs' initiative proposed to empower retirees in Sarawak's business landscape
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
