SIBU: Mara has allocated RM75 million this year to develop and groom entrepreneurs capable of competing in the global market.
Speaking when officiating at GiatMara central zone II graduation (January – June 2013 session) at Tanahmas Hotel here yesterday, Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang said Mara had introduced training programmes where the main thrust was to equip Bumiputeras with entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and traits to become competitive and progressive entrepreneurs.
“Mara also provides business advice to help resolve problems or up the productivity of entrepreneurs or companies. It doubles up as a one-stop centre equipped with various skills to give advice to Bumiputera entrepreneurs,” Mong, who is Bukit Begunan assemblyman said.
Elaborating, he said activities included assisting with business diagnostic services, management and development, ICT/computerised accounting, acquiring halal status and certification.
He also mentioned that the establishment of GiatMara was in part to assist target groups where the key entry criteria, was keenness towards the course to be taken up.
“Among others, programmes such as technical entrepreneurship programmes were rolled out to assist graduates who had completed training.”
He pointed out that the commitment of GiatMara towards youth and local community had never faltered despite the
rapid pace of modernisation penetrating into villages and towns in the country, in particular, Sarawak.
“Besides providing training opportunities and entrepreneurship, GiatMara also contributes its expertise to assist the government in combating poverty.
“Through programmes such as 1Azam and ‘Program Bantuan Rumah’ (PBR), GiatMara moves a step forward in helping the government to assist the target group through its corporate social responsibility,” he noted.
Earlier, he introduced Giat Mara as one tasked to provide technical skills and vocational training to both rural and urban youths.
“This is to prepare them to become the skilled workers for the industry.”
Mong pointed out that the government realised the importance of human capital to move the country forward.
Turning to the graduates, he reminded them to put to good use their skills acquired from their training.
A total of 82 graduates from GiatMara Selangau, Sibu, Lanang, Kanowit and Julau completed their course in fashion and dressmaking, metal fabrication and motorcycle technology.