KUCHING: Local entrepreneurs, especially those from the Bumiputera community, have good products, but their presence is muted due to lack of marketing skills.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office, Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, who made this observation, said these entrepreneurs must work closely with the government to sharpen their competitive edge.
“There must be joint efforts between entrepreneurs and the government if they hoped to penetrate any market,” he told a press conference here yesterday to announce Anugerah Usahawan Bumiputra Sarawak 2013 (AUBS 2013).
Naroden said those who lacked marketing skills could always approach the government for assistance.
He described the Kek Lapis business as a success story as many companies had registered millions of ringgit in revenue annually. Their products are well known locally and in the peninsula.
Naroden hoped those in the Kek Lapis industry would continue to produce quality items in order to sustain their business.
He also spoke of the need for local firms to do research and development (R&D) to, among others, ensure their products have long shelf life. They could do this by working with agencies such as Mardi, Fama, and even Unimas.
Naroden also urged local business community to venture into the health food business as demand was rising.
“We must have a good healthy diet with less fat, sugar and salt as many modern illnesses have strong correlation with consuming these foods excessively.”
Meanwhile, Dewan Usahawan Bumiputra Sarawak (DUBS) president Dato Helmi Ikhwan Zani hoped that more local products could penetrate the peninsula soon and be on the shelves of renowned retailers such as Giant, Carrefour and Jusco.
He urged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to be more innovative and creative in selling their products and services.