Women urged to take part in Sabah Talent Entrepreneurship Programme
Published on: Monday, October 09, 2023
By: Jozie John
Mohd Hanafiah presenting a certificate to a participant.
Kota Kinabalu: Beliawanis in Sabah have been urged to participate in the Sabah Talent Entrepreneurship Programme (Step).
State Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KSTI) permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim said Step was implemented in line with the State Human Resources Development Department (JPSM) and KSTI effort to promote entrepreneurship culture, especially among the belia and beliawanis in Sabah.
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“I noticed that all the participants here are all belia (young men). I strongly encourage beliawanis to join this programme.
“Women’s achievements in fields that are usually dominated by men are no stranger.
So, the gender issue is not a reason to not participate in this kind of courses that may considered as ‘heavy’,” he said this in conjunction with the closing ceremony and certificate presentation of STEP courses series 2/2023: Plumbing Contractor Course, Electrical Contractor Course and Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course here.
At the event, Hanafiah presented certificates to 60 male participants. Each participant also received a starter kit ‘Hand Tools’ and a motorcycle for them to start their business after completing their respective entrepreneurship course.
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Hanafiah said the government wanted to produce more successful entrepreneurs in the future.
The government, he said, viewed entrepreneurship as an effective catalyst for the development of the country’s economy, increasing competitiveness, improving the socio-economic status of individuals and families, as well as creating new job opportunities or ‘job creation’.
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“The government is confident that if all participants continue to strive to improve themselves, be creative and innovative they would be able to provide quality and competitive services up to the global level.
“I hope all participants here can reach the global level,” he said, adding STEP conducted programs that could reduce the unemployment problem among youths.
The Plumbing Contractor Course and the Electrical Contractor Course were held simultaneously between September 4 to October 3 while the Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course was held between September 11 and October 11. Each course was attended by 20 participants.
Participants who were selected to join the three courses were those who have a foundation or certificate either Degree, Diploma or Malaysian Skill Certificate Level 1 to 3 based on skill areas such as Building piping construction and maintenance, electrical as well as the automotive.
Hanafiah also presented Best Participants Awards for the Plumbing Contractor Course, Electrical Contractor Course, and Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course respectively to Maharin Sintang, Azarya Judson Johunis and Jerry Amin.
Also present was Sabah JPSM director Dayang Norsiah Ag. Duran. Participants acquire hands-on skills through Step to become more competitive.
For UMS student Nathaniel Wallace Kenneth Mosusi, 24, his mind was set to take on the challenges of the fast-evolving world.
Nathaniel was among 60 participants who joined the second series of Step that offered hands-on skills training - Plumbing Contractor Course, Electrical Contractor Course, and Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course.
“I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme at the Faculty of Engineering, UMS, and sat for the final exam in August. I’ve known about Step from my lecturer.
As I had finished my studies, I decided to take the electrical contractor course to boost my hands-on skills.
“I will combine the theories or classroom-based learning at UMS and this hands-on experience and apply them in real-world situations.
I believe it will open doors to undiscovered opportunities,” he said, adding that he will graduate this coming December.
The Penampang lad who was also the winner of 2019 state-level Mr Kaamatan said that he is planning to open an electrical business and later pursue his career dreams of becoming an engineer.
Meanwhile, Jerry Amin, 30, who was awarded the Best Participant in the Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course opined that hands-on skills training improves his confidence and helps develop a mindset for success.
“I am currently working as a part-time mobile mechanic. Now that I have completed this course, I plan to properly set up and expand my business in the future.
“Services such as a mobile mechanic are widely in demand and helped me to survive in this current economic situation.
“For me, we need to open our minds to a brighter and more fulfilling future. So, keep on learning to improve our skills and then become an expert in our field,” said Jerry who hails from Kg. Kiulu Tamparuli.
The Electrical Contractor Course was held simultaneously with the Plumbing Contractor Course between Sept 4 and Oct 3 while the Mobile Mechanic (Automotive) Course was held between Sept 11 and Oct 11. Each course was attended by 20 participants.
The one-month courses offered were free and sponsored by the Human Resources Development Department (JPSM). The training was conducted by Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) and Giatmara Kota Kinabalu.
After completing their respective entrepreneurship course, each participant received a starter kit ‘Hand Tools’, and a motorcycle for them to start their business.
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