Lenggong: The Entrepreneur Course Module, under the GeoEntrepreneur Programme of Lenggong Geopark, is the first geopark entrepreneur development module in the country aimed at strengthening the capacity of tourism and service industry players in the area.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Lenggong Geocommunity Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah highlighted that this initiative marks another significant achievement following Lenggong's introduction of the GeoSchool module. The GeoEntrepreneur programme is designed to enhance the skills and quality of local entrepreneurs across various sectors, including accommodation, food, transportation, event management, and tourism services.
"This is the first GeoEntrepreneur module in Malaysia. There is no geopark in this country that has a module like this. Previously, we launched GeoSchool and became the first geopark to have that module. This time we are building another module to improve the quality of local entrepreneurs so that they can offer the best services to tourists," stated Shamsul Anuar.
He made these remarks to reporters during the launch of the GeoEntrepreneur Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark, officiated by the Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at the Dewan Merdeka. Shamsul Anuar, who also serves as the Deputy Home Affairs Minister and the Member of Parliament for Lenggong, emphasized the programme's focus on developing community-based tourism entrepreneurs to cater to tourists seeking authentic and nature-based experiences.
He noted that although Lenggong lacks many four or five-star hotels, the area presents significant potential through resorts, chalets, and homestays that offer unique experiences. Tourists, particularly from Western countries, are drawn to the natural atmosphere that varies from one destination to another.
"Therefore, we want to ensure that local entrepreneurs are able to provide high-quality facilities and services even if they are not in the form of international standard hotels," he explained.
The programme will also introduce a tourism directory to help visitors access information on accommodations, food locations, tourism products, and activities in Lenggong via a Quick Response (QR) code system. Shamsul Anuar mentioned that the GeoEntrepreneur development is part of Lenggong's preparations to host international events, including the upcoming Lenggong Dialogue in December.
Additionally, he revealed plans to patent the GeoEntrepreneur module, ensuring it becomes the intellectual property of the Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark. This step is crucial for protecting the modules developed through local expertise and positioning Lenggong as a reference centre for geopark entrepreneur training in Malaysia.
"Many representatives from other geoparks have come to Lenggong to study the module we have developed. That's why we want to patent GeoEntrepreneur so that it remains the property of Lenggong Geopark," he added.