KENINGAU: Many bumiputra entrepreneurs have benefited from Sedcovest Holdings Sdn Bhd, said its chariman, Datuk Haji Awang Sham Haji Hamid.
Sedcovest, a subsidiary of Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), has conducted courses and trainings for bumiputras who became successful entrepreneurs in the State.
“In the past, I never saw Bumiputeras engaging in business primarily as contractors as they might think that they need a large capital to become ones, and being inexperienced too,” he said at the closing ceremony of a three-day Road Contractors Course at Perkasa Hotel here yesterday.
He said the opportunity for a contractor at that time was very small.
“Furthermore, only those with experience had the opportunity to venture into this field (contract work). I remember at that time, it was difficult to get training courses. If any at all, only those who could afford to take courses or those who had completed their studies at higher learning institutions, had a real chance.
“But the state government realised that there was a strong commitment to enable the Bumiputeras to venture into this field through skills courses today.
“Efforts to encourage more Bumiputeras’ involvement in entrepreneurship and business were initiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman who had created Sedcovest Holdings Sdn Bhd,” he said.
He said to date more than 80,000 people had participated in various courses organized by Sedcovest throughout the state.
Awang Sham said the 60 participants attending the three-day course had learnt a lot of things which would help in their career as contractors.
Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Haji Sairin Karno officiated at the closing ceremony.