BINTULU: The Putra Bakti 'Future Entrepreneur: Road To Success' program encourages the local community to engage in business especially for those who do not have the opportunity to get a job.

A total of 70 youths and students around Bintulu attended the Putra Bakti Future Entrepreneur: Road To Success Program face-to-face at TEGAS Digital Inovation Hub Bintulu organized by Students Course QKH2104 Student Entrepreneurs (group 1), Second Semester Academic Session 2022/2023, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) in collaboration with TEGAS Digital Village & Digital Innovation Hub and Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship (YLE) 2023 on 11 – 12 March 2023.

Representing the management of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) Mr. Fakhzan Buang said, this program can have a good impact and be aware of the situation of the surrounding community who are underserved.

"Programs like this are very helpful to those who are affected (with the current economic situation) especially the youths who are trying to generate more profitable income," he said at the closing ceremony of the program.

At the same time, program facilitator Roslan Ismail quoted the Narrative of UPM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato Dr Mohd Roslan Sulaiman who stated that this year UPM is targeting 90.5 per cent of graduates' employability with eight per cent of graduates entering business.

""A total of 130 student entrepreneurs are targeted to register businesses with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)," he explained.

Hence, he said, it shows that our students are more involved in venturing into business and believe that entrepreneurship is the backbone in the country's economy.

""They create jobs, stimulate growth and drive innovation, take risks and pursue ideas that can change the world.

"I also encourage you all to embrace your in-house entrepreneurs. Take risks, learn from failures, and endure challenges," he said.

"Pursue your desires and turn your ideas into reality, the world needs your creativity, your innovation and your drive to succeed," he stressed.

Considering the effort, he expects the program to be held continuously and added new programs that are in demand in the market and are more open to the idea of using modern technology to increase productivity.

He said it was to achieve #UPMKBMansang in line with the concept of 'University For Society'.

Each speaker slot session gave new knowledge to each participant. First, a talk delivered by Mr. Muhammad Abdul Rahim Habib entitled The Psychology of Successful People. His talk on human psychology had a positive impact on the participants to live a challenging life.

The second slot entitled The Way To Be Success was presented by Mrs. Siti Nursafura Che Man who is the owner of Safura Bakery. He shared a lot about the successes and obstacles he faced throughout his business journey.

Next, the third slot was presented by Dr. Anita Rosli entitled Entrepreneur and Business. She has successfully increased his knowledge on suitable products and services for the participants who want to start their business.

Next, the last talk slot was delivered by Dr. Aryaty Alwie entitled Entrepreneurship: Sources of Finance. She gave the participants early exposure on the ins and outs of starting a business as well as how to manage their finances properly.

Among the two-day programs were a meet-and-greet session, Group Training (LDK) 1 Business Simulation Game, LDK 2 'We Think We Sell' and LDK 3 'The Creative Promoter'. 'Business Simulation Game' is an activity where participants must decorate the cake with their creativity with the participants divided into six groups, 'We Think We Sell' is a cake promoting activity that has been decorated on social media such as TikTok.

For the final activity of 'The Creative Promoter', participants need to promote the selected items with the aim of providing a platform that allows participants to share ideas, get inspired in building something new, build a business network and find new investors to grow their business.

Date of Input: 16/03/2023 | Updated: 17/03/2023 | lanz