Kuching: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) is targeting sales of RM1 million through the BizNetwork Sarawak programme to strengthen digital marketing and expand the business networks of entrepreneurs under its guidance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the target was set based on the success of the programme in Peninsular Malaysia, which also incorporated business matching sessions between entrepreneurs and related companies. She highlighted that this approach not only helps boost sales throughout the programme but also opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs to secure business collaborations and access wider markets.
'A total of 32 entrepreneurs from Sarawak are participating in this edition of BizNetwork by undergoing digital marketing training through collaboration between MARA and TikTok, including exposure to live-stream selling methods. In terms of sales, yesterday alone, the total was RM228,190. Today, some entrepreneurs informed that their products are nearly sold out,' she told reporters after launching the Sarawak BizNetwork Fiesta here today. Also present were MARA Council member Siti Ajar Yasin and MARA Entrepreneur Development deputy director Fadhlina Zulkifli.
In addition to BizNetwork, the three-day event, which began yesterday, also features the MARA In Fashion programme, showcasing local fashion entrepreneurs and promoting the uniqueness of Borneo-inspired designs. Rubiah said the textile and apparel course is part of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and has the potential to generate strong returns, not only for trainees but also for the industry.
'In the textile and design course, we do not only rely on a designer's creativity but also leverage modern technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) to produce more creative designs. This is among the elements MARA is introducing to produce more skilled talents in this field, particularly in Sarawak,' she said. At the event, four local entrepreneurs received MARA financing and development grants totalling RM333,000 to support the expansion of their businesses.