Alexander (centre) flanked by Yakup (left) and Chaiti showing some local products that will be showcased at the KUD carnival.
BINTULU: The state-level Karnival Usahawan Desa (KUD) 2016 will be held in Bintulu from April 15-17 at the Old Bintulu Airport site, with organisers hoping to achieve RM1 million in sales and create 100 business networks.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW) Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the three-day carnival, from 8am until 10pm, targets to attract more than 10,000 visitors.
“A total of 156 entrepreneurs from rural areas will take part in this year’s carnival, mostly local Sarawakians (80 per cent) and another 20 per cent consisting of entrepreneurs from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah,” he said in a press conference after chairing a meeting at Bintulu Resident’s Office yesterday.
According to him, this is the second carnival held in Sarawak after it was first organised in 2014 at Kuching Waterfront. For the record, in the Mini Karnival Usahawan Desa Sarawak 2014, 93 entrepreneurs took part to achieve a total of RM150,000 worth of business transactions generated and over 20 business networks created.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is slated to officiate at the opening ceremony on April 15 at 3pm.
Alexander said one of the objectives of the carnival is to promote local products and services, notably from the rural areas.
“From this carnival, we are encouraging people from rural areas to get involved in entrepreneurship,” said Alexander.
The three main activities include promotion and marketing, entrepreneur development and attracting visitors.
Over 500 end products and services will be showcased such as medical and cosmetics-related products, accessories, clothes, craft, arts and culture, food and beverages, agriculture and livestock farming.
Entrepreneurs would also be given the opportunity to take part in business exploration sessions and meet several key players in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Among the key players are Irfan Khairi who will be conducting an online business seminar, SME Corp, MARA, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, Design Development Centre and others.
More than six companies will be involved in the ‘match2match’ session and there will be a special session with invited speakers comprising business icons, business celebrities and young entrepreneurs.
Alexander urged the local folk to visit the carnival for inspiration and motivation from successful entrepreneurs on business start-ups.
Over 20 government agencies and departments at the state and federal level will also set up one-stop centres for entrepreneurs.
A Pitch@RBC programme under business idea category for youths will also be held in this year’s edition. This programme focuses on the presentation of business ideas through several process of screening to attract young risk-takers.
Alexander believed this carnival will be an industry meet-up for rural entrepreneurs in promoting their products and services. It is organised by KKLW in collaboration with several government agencies.
Present were Bintulu Resident Muhamad Yakup Kari, and Ministry of Rural Development Sarawak permanent secretary Datu Chaiti Bolhassan.