CM: State govt to continue collaboration to eradicate poverty

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Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Bolkiah Ismail (third left) and Borneo Green Resources Sdn Bhd executive director Nordin Abdul Malek (fourth left) handing over the 2014 1Azam Icon Award to Salmiah Sawaddin Saw (second left) at the ‘Azam Untuk Kaya’ or Desire to be Rich book launch and 2014 1Azam Icon Award ceremony at Wisma Wanita yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: The state government will continue to collaborate with Borneo Green Resources (BGR) Sdn Bhd to eradicate poverty by cultivating entrepreneurship among the poor in Sabah.

“Although BGR is a private company entrusted to handle the 1Azam program in Sabah, its commitment has proven to be effective,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman in his speech for the launch of the ‘Azam Untuk Kaya’ (Desire to be Rich) book and 2014 1Azam Icon Award ceremony here yesterday.

“This is an indication that the 1Azam and Beyond 1Azam program should be pursued further.

“Given their excellent performance and high commitment towards such programs, the state government will continue to work with BGR in conducting the 1Azam program in the future,” added Musa, whose speech was read by Assistant Industrial Development Minister Datuk Bolkiah Ismail.

Musa expressed support for the formation of 1Azam Community as a congregation avenue for participants to receive guidance and maintain their economic network.

He also agreed WITH BGR executive director Nordin Abdul Malek’s suggestion to implement a training and development program for family members of the 1Azam participants who had garnered success through the program.

Nordin also requested for the government to create a special task force to expedite the formation of Beyond 1Azam, a program that is focused on developing selected 1Azam entrepreneurs, who have reached more than 800 in Sabah.

“Beyond 1Azam program aims to further develop potential successful 1Azam entrepreneurs who possess the ability to increase their income,” he said.

On the newly launched book, Musa lauded the initiative as an extraordinary effort to promote 1Azam and inspire entrepreneurship among Sabahans.

The book, written by Nordin, UiTM Perak senior lecturer Dr Airil Haimi Mohd Adnan and UiTM Perak lecturer Riza Emifazura Jaafar, depicts the journey of six Sabahans who have pulled themselves out of poverty through the 1Azam program.

The 106-page book discusses the psychological aspect as among the key factors in determining the success of entrepreneurs.

“There are no barriers to success as entrepreneurs even if they come from poverty or extreme poverty group. Everybody is very scared of becoming entrepreneurs but it has also been proven that everybody can be entrepreneurs,” said Nordin.

According to Nordin, the book is not only suitable for students but also useful reading for aspiring as well as already established businessmen.

“This is the first time that success stories of former 1Azam participants have been made into a book, as reference for future aspiring entrepreneurs.

“This is because we normally read about business icons who are those already successful popular millionaires,” said Musa about the book that took three years to complete.

In conjunction with the launch, Bolkiah also presented awards for outstanding 1Azam participants on Musa’s behalf.

Among the recipients were Salmiah Sawaddin Saw, 38, from Taman Kuala Menggatal who received RM5,000 and trophy after emerging the winner of the 2014 1Azam Icon Award.

Salmiah runs a business offering wedding and mobile spa services.