Bumi entrepreneurs urged to be ICT-savvy, embrace change

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Naroden (fourth right) presents a certificate to a graduate while Abang Helmi (third right) and others look on. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapha

KUCHING: Bumiputera entrepreneurs are reminded to improve their Internet Communications Technology (ICT) skills and embrace change in the business world.

Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais in giving this advice said the world of entrepreneurship was ever evolving and  looking nothing like it was many years ago.

“Many years ago, entrepreneurs did not need the internet to sell their products and services. Customers would come to their outlets to buy their products. Nowadays, it is different. Many entrepreneurs do not even have an outlet anymore because they can work from home to sell their products, thanks to the internet.”

He thus hoped that Bumiputera entrepreneurs would be able to cope with the changes and for those who hadn’t they should start now.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony jointly organised by Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) and Bumiputera Steering Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) here yesterday, Naroden also said there were a few Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the country who have proven to be successful after embracing changes in the entrepreneurship world.

“These Bumiputera entrepreneurs have made lots of money and many have even become millionaires, thanks to their positive attitude of embracing changes. They are worthy of emulation,” he said.

He also said Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had allocated RM1 billion to develop e-commerce and e-economy infrastructure in the state which the Bumiputeras should make full use of also.

Meanwhile, 27 students received their scrolls at the graduation ceremony. They graduated from the DUBS Aspirations Training Programme (construction and related industries). They received their scrolls  from Naroden himself and DUBS president Datuk Abang Helmi Ikhwan.

The programme is a 15-month course which started last year and ended in March.

“One of the objectives of the programme is to help small-time entrepreneurs involved in the construction, building and related sectors. This programme also provides relevant input for companies registered with DUBS,” Abang Helmi said.

Another objective is to help entrepreneurs to be receptive to opportunities available for them out there and not to depend on government tenders alone.