TEKUN seminar inspired enthusiastic engagement among participants

18 January 2025

By AVV

PENAMPANG: About 500 participants from diverse backgrounds attended the Basic Entrepreneurship Seminar hosted by TEKUN Nasional at ITCC here today.

Inaugurated by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, at the Grand Ballroom, this seminar is specifically designed to provide small and micro entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, helping them to navigate the complexities of starting, managing and diversifying their own businesses.

Linda Eslop Wagis who hails from Matunggung Kudat is one of the enthusiastic attendees, an entrepreneur who sells handicraft made from beads.

“I am from Matunggung, Kudat, where I was raised immersed in the art of handmade bead crafts, an integral part of our culture and traditions. This passion has blossomed into one of my business ventures, primarily centred on beadwork. Previously, I owned a shop in Megalong where I sold my bead work besides traditional clothing. However, when COVID-19 struck, I had to close the shop and pivot entirely to selling at events.”

“Last year, a friend introduced me to TEKUN, and I subsequently joined Teman Tekun. With my first loan of RM5000, I was able to purchase essential raw materials, such as beads. Looking ahead, I hope to secure another loan from TEKUN since I've successfully completed my first loan, increasing the likelihood of applying for a second.”

“Currently, I still participate in various events, with aspirations to expand my reach in the future. Today's event provides invaluable exposure for small traders like us, offering insights and information about entrepreneurship that can open up numerous opportunities. TEKUN's loans are designed to be manageable, making them incredibly beneficial for small business owners like myself.”

Murni Yusof from Kg Katahanan, Babagon Penampang, who runs a grocery store, shared her enthusiasm, stating that she didn’t know much about diversifying her products until she attended the seminar. For her, it was all straightforward selling and buying, but with the new knowledge she gained, she plans to expand and open "doors" to other business opportunities.

"Last year, I borrowed RM4000 to increase my capital, and I am currently repaying a loan of RM6000. Today’s course is perfectly aligned with my business because it focuses on how to advance my store and promote my products," she said adding that she was tremendously encouraged by the speakers and especially Ewon’s sharing on his past experience in selling products created by his mother.

Jessyca Jacob from Kg Nosoob Baru in Penampang shared her enthusiasm for the seminar, noting that she gained valuable insights on expanding her business. She specialises in printing T-shirts, bunting, banners, and various related products, and has been successfully operating for the past four years. Having acquired RM5000 from TEKUN, she invested in machinery and other essential materials for her business. Now, she is eager to expand her operations further.

"The benefits of this seminar are incredibly important to me, as it provides insights into financial management and the importance of diversifying my business instead of focusing solely on one product."

Lucy Komis from Kg Nosoob Baru, Penampang, shared her passion for producing honey at her stingless bee farm. She has been engaged in this venture for eight years and currently manages 600 boxes of stingless bee habitats on her 14-acre farm. Each harvest can yield up to 700 litres of honey.

“I obtained a TEKUN loan to launch my business, initially borrowing RM12,000, followed by an additional RM10,000 in 2021. I have nearly finished repaying the loan, and if I can secure funding again, I intend to open a rabbit farm,” she enthused, adding that in the seminar the speaker had spoken about diversifying business and that was exactly what she wanted to do.

Evelyn Francis said, "I am from Keningau and have been residing in Penampang for 25 years. I have been doing business at Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) vicinity for 9 years, selling fruit juices and snacks. I initially borrowed RM4,000 from TEKUN to start the business and just received a second loan of RM8,000. I will use this loan to expand my business by adding products such as sambals and bottled foods."

" For me, today's seminar has been very enjoyable, and this is the first time I have attended a seminar like this. I have learned a lot about business from this seminar, thanks to TEKUN."

Suzenn Jomiri, from Kg Kelawat Tamparuli, has been operating a salon and beauty business in Megalong, Dongongon since 2020.

"I handle all aspects of the business myself at the moment. I initially borrowed RM4,000 from TEKUN and I intend to secure another loan to further expand my operations. TEKUN has been incredibly supportive, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to start a business."

Erwine Yap stated, "I come from Kg Bawang Tamparuli, and I run a business selling homemade food and beverages. I also opened a flower shop in Tuaran. In August 2024, I borrowed RM17,000 from TEKUN, which I used to increase my capital and expand the product range in my shop.”

“Today's seminar has been incredibly helpful, as it has deepened our understanding of business and provided insights on how to further grow our enterprises. I am genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to TEKUN and Datuk Ewon for their invaluable support, which empowers entrepreneurs like me to gain essential knowledge."

Datuk Ewon Benedick, in his official address, reaffirmed that the government is committed to ensuring that entrepreneurs in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, receive sufficient support to develop their businesses. He also praised the efforts of Tekun Nasional for consistently providing a platform and financial facilities to assist micro and small entrepreneurs, including through easy and affordable loans.

"This seminar is very important because it provides the knowledge and skills needed for entrepreneurs to grow more successfully. The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative, as well as Tekun Nasional, will continue to strive to empower entrepreneurs, especially in Sabah, so that they can take advantage of the opportunities available in the market," said Ewon.