Gerak Usahawan 2008: An Initiative to Promote Entrepreneurship

Skudai, 1st March 2008: Traditionally, entrepreneurship refers to a solely self-funded business, but in today’s environment with all the financial aid and facilities offered by the government, entrepreneurship has expand into very diverse areas of society. The role of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture in economic and social development has always been vital important to the state and national economies.

In an effort to reach out and heighten awareness of the significant role of entrepreneurship in, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development in collaboration with UTM organized ‘Minggu Gerak Siswa’ from 29th February to 2nd March 2008 at Dataran Ko-kurikulum, UTM Skudai.

The 3-day programme was graciously officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development on Saturday, 1st March 2008, in presence of Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Musa bin Hassan, the ministry’s Secretary General, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Alias bin Mohd Noor, UTM Vice-Chancellor (Students Affairs and Alumni), Encik Mohd Khairi bin Malik, Chairman of MPUB Johor Bahru Barat, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Aziz bin Sapian, Nusajaya, Johor parliamentary seat candidate and other distinguished guests.

Addressing its primary objective to stimulate on-going interest among the public, as well as to create a platform for students and young people to embark on entrepreneurship, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled at the opening ceremony said that there are many opportunities available in the form of grants, assistance and loans offered by the ministry and its agencies, for various kinds of businesses. In this regard, he said “a total of RM1.8 has been spent by the government for the past four years to help promote business opportunities and increase business among bumiputra entrepreneurs.

Considering entrepreneurship a career path, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Alias bin Mohd Noor, in his speech urged students explore all the opportunities and get involve in business, in preparation for life after graduation.

A user-friendly manual - Skim Pembiayaan dan Geran untuk Usahawan was launched in conjunction with the ceremony, followd by presentation of mock cheques by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled to all companies that has successfully obtain MeCD financial aid.

The programme has received overwhelming response from the public and campusians since the very first day. Approximately 66 entrepreneurs took part in the programme to market various products, amongst others include foods, healthcare products, batik materials, vehicle spare parts and beauty products.

 

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