Latest news with #Ripin
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Miri sales carnival, talent showcase empowers local entrepreneurs
Lee (second left), Dr Ripin (second right), and other officials pose for a photo call. MIRI (July 21): The Sales Carnival and Sarawak Talent Showcase serves as a dynamic platform for empowering local communities through entrepreneurship and talent development, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Spearheaded by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), the event aims to promote entrepreneurship, showcase local talent, and strengthen community engagement across divisions. Speaking at the officiating ceremony yesterday, Lee said the initiative not only highlighted Sarawak's diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit but also fostered unity and collaboration across sectors. 'This is not just a space for business transactions – it is a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and experiences among entrepreneurs, agencies, and the public,' said Lee, who is also the Senadin assemblyman. He added that the programme is a reflection of grassroots-level collaboration that supports Sarawak's broader vision of an inclusive and resilient economy. Held at the Miri Indoor Stadium compound in conjunction with the Sarawak Day state-level celebration, the three-day event attracted participation from 102 entrepreneurs and 30 government and federal agencies. Lee presents a token of appreciation to one of the participating vendors during the walkabout. Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who also spoke at the event, commended the effective collaboration between stakeholders. 'This programme would not have been possible without the involvement and support of all parties,' he said, acknowledging the meaningful impact on community empowerment. The ceremony concluded with a walkabout on the carnival grounds, where Lee, Dr Ripin, and other officials engaged directly with entrepreneurs, agency representatives, and carnival-goers. Also in attendance were Miri Deputy Resident Bujang Rahman Seli, community leaders, and representatives from participating agencies and organisers. community entrepreneur lead Lee Kim Shin Sarawak Talent Showcase
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
S'wak entrepreneurs see RM1.9 mln sales boost in 2024 through Insken business coaching
(Front, from fourth left) Mustaffa, Ripin, Muhamad Hafez, and Dr Izham in a group photo with certificate recipients and representatives of Sarawak-based agencies and NGOs during the ceremony. KUCHING (June 12): A total of 119 Sarawakian entrepreneurs under the Insken Bumiputera Business Coaching (IBBC) programme recorded a sales increase of RM1.9 million in 2024, according to National Institute of Entrepreneurship (Insken) chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub. Speaking at the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium here today, he highlighted the tangible outcomes of the IBBC programme. 'In 2024, a total of 1,046 Sarawak entrepreneurs participated in Insken programmes. Of these, 119 received guidance through the IBBC, resulting in RM1.9 million in increased sales, 93 new jobs created and 10 entrepreneurs moving from micro to small enterprise status,' he said. Mustaffa emphasised that continuous learning and entrepreneurial knowledge play a major role in success. 'The knowledge shared is not just theoretical – it produces real impact and tangible results,' he added. He said Insken programmes, including the SAPPS, offer training, seminars, and coaching focused on boosting sales and creating job opportunities. 'SAPPS is not just an ordinary seminar. Today, 30 selected entrepreneurs are undergoing product and service assessments with coaches and industry players to receive direct feedback aimed at strengthening their products for the market.' The seminar, now in its second edition in Sarawak, is a collaboration between Insken, Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), as well as local agencies and entrepreneurial non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Mustaffa expressed appreciation to all parties involved, as well as to State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who officiated the event. He noted that Insken has a branch in Kuching as part of its long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across Sarawak. 'Our presence here is not symbolic. It is a concrete effort to expand access to quality entrepreneurial programmes,' he said. In conjunction with the seminar, Insken is also hosting an e-BizClinic, offering free consultations by Insken's BisKaunselor, alongside information booths on training and guidance available beyond the seminar. In this regard, Mustaffa urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunities available. 'Let the knowledge gained here not just be stored, but implemented as a strategy to elevate your business to greater heights.' Also present were Insken director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah and HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurs IBBC Insken Bumiputera Business Coaching Kuching
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Seniorpreneurs' initiative proposed to empower retirees in Sarawak's business landscape
Ripin (front, fourth left) joins the participants for a group photo. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 12): 'Seniorpreneurs', a special entrepreneurship programme for retirees, should be considered as part of ongoing efforts to boost entrepreneurial development in Sarawak, said State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat. He proposed the idea when officiating the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium today. He highlighted that many retirees possess the financial means and experience to become successful entrepreneurs. 'Perhaps one day, the relevant agencies or ministries can consider establishing a special programme for Seniorpreneurs – not veterans, but Seniorpreneurs – for those who are about to retire or have already retired,' he said. Ripin added that many retirees already have the capital and networks necessary to start businesses, whether it is from their pensions or savings through schemes such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 'They have the financial resources, education, and experience. Perhaps they could collaborate with existing entrepreneurs in establishing ventures in various sectors.' He also emphasised that the initiative could help address issues faced by retirees including cases of pensioners falling victims to scams, saying: 'Why not provide them with a pathway to continue contributing through business?' The SAPPS programme was a collaboration between the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken), HRD Corp, the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred), as well as various entrepreneurship-related agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ripin praised Insken and its partners for continuously supporting local entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing platforms such as SAPPS, noting that 449 entrepreneurs participated in today's session. 'Your presence here today reflects a high level of commitment – a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs,' he said. He emphasised the importance of knowledge as a form of capital in entrepreneurship, reminding participants of the need to adapt to changes, especially with the advancement of technology. 'Adapting to technology in areas such as marketing, business management, and production is crucial in improving productivity, expanding market reach, and increasing income,' he said. Adding on, Ripin also encouraged entrepreneurs 'not to rush success, but to trust the process'. 'Just like in school, we begin with kindergarten, then primary, secondary, and university. The same applies to entrepreneurship – we start small and step by step, we grow.' He expressed confidence that the programme aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to create more entrepreneurs and job opportunities in Sarawak. Moreover, Ripin congratulated Insken for opening its office in Sarawak two months ago, noting that this move reflects its commitment to developing local entrepreneurs. Also present were Insken chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah, as well as HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurial development Kuching ripin lamat Seniorpreneurs
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
No immediate plans for youth entrepreneurship centre in Balingian, says S'wak deputy minister
Ripin notes that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MySED) has clarified that there are currently no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre or Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian, despite ongoing efforts to align with digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). This was stated by its deputy minister Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat in response to a question raised by Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. 'For the information of the Honourable Member for Balingian, the ministry currently has no plans to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Centre and Creative Industry Incubator in Balingian,' he said. However, Ripin noted that there are existing nearby facilities that can be utilised by youth and local entrepreneurs. These include the Mukah Digital Innovation Hub, operated by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), and Pusat Inkubator dan Bimbingan Usahawan (Pibu) in Mukah, managed by SEDC, he said. He added that the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred) is planning to establish Anjung Usahawan Balingian, with the land acquisition process for the project site already completed. 'The Anjung Usahawan Balingian is expected to offer several key services, including serving as a processing centre to support small-scale production activities, sales kiosks for entrepreneurs to market their products, and food stalls to encourage local food vendors. 'The facility will also include an incubator to nurture startup businesses and a community activity space for engagement and development programmes. 'Should the Honourable Member have any suggestions for improvement, they may contact Mintred,' he said. In response to a supplementary question on efforts to empower youth involvement in entrepreneurship, Ripin highlighted several strategic initiatives currently being implemented. 'The ministry is enhancing 'Program Jelajah Belia Sarawak' to raise awareness among youth about the potential, opportunities, and future career prospects in entrepreneurship. 'It is also organising Youth Entrepreneur Setup (YES) 3.0 in every district to promote entrepreneurial awareness and provide early guidance on business licensing and the relevant agencies involved,' he said. To further encourage youth participation, Ripin also said the ministry is increasing engagement among students in both public and private higher education institutions through the Sarawak Youth Business Idea Competition (Saybic). 'This programme, conducted in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, aims to nurture interest in entrepreneurship, identify young talent, and promote entrepreneurship as a viable career path,' he added. 'Additionally, the Sarawak Youth StartUP Development Programme offers a comprehensive course covering the fundamentals and advanced aspects of entrepreneurship. 'These include business administration, financial management, human resource management, certification, marketing, branding, risk analysis, and business planning. 'The first cohort of this programme was held in December 2024, while the second cohort is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.' Furthermore, he said the ministry is also strengthening collaboration with other ministries such as Mintred, the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop), and other relevant Sarawak state and federal government agencies, in an effort to build a symbiotic ecosystem that can support the development of successful and competitive youth entrepreneurs. Looking ahead, Ripin said the establishment of a Startup Hub could be considered based on future developments and needs. Creative Industry Incubator DUN ripin lamat Youth Entrepreneurship Centre
