Kuala Lumpur: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has allocated RM8 million to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities in the optometry industry for Bumiputera entrepreneurs: MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman announced that the funds are being channelled through the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme. This initiative aims to support approximately 30 participants in opening businesses in shopping complexes, with a maximum financing limit of RM400,000.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulfikri highlighted that out of 6,700 optometry shops in Malaysia, only 10 per cent are Bumiputera-owned. The programme seeks to increase Bumiputera participation in this industry. MARA, in collaboration with La Calisto, will offer training, exposure to the latest optometry technology, clinical training, and effective marketing and business management strategies. The announcement was made at the launch of the Optometry Entrepreneur Development Programme.
The event was also attended by La Calisto general manager Wong Ching Fook and MARA Commercial Infrastructure Division director Lailatul Asmah Mohd Tahir. This collaboration aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call at the Bumiputera Economic Congress, encouraging Bumiputera entrepreneurs to collaborate with their non-Bumiputera counterparts under the Madani government.
Zulfikri noted that the programme’s objectives include raising public awareness about eye care, creating job opportunities, and promoting entrepreneurship across Malaysia. The initiative aims to develop more entrepreneurs in the optometry sector by providing skills training, financial support, and comprehensive business mentorship.
He also mentioned that La Calisto is collaborating with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia to identify potential entrepreneurs among optometry graduates for participation in the programme. Participants are required to have knowledge in optometry and marketing, and their outlets must be located within shopping complexes.
Zulfikri indicated that 90 per cent of special programmes under MARA’s initiatives have achieved success over the past decade, expressing confidence that this entrepreneur development initiative will follow suit. Participants will be monitored through MARA’s 122 district offices nationwide.