MUKAH: “All entrepreneurs need to improve themselves to gain more knowledge. In the business world, increased knowledge is an asset and gives an advantage to an entrepreneur, especially to compete at a more challenging global level,” says Abdul Yakub Arbi.
The Balingian assemblyman said this in his speech in front of more than 80 participants during the Level 2 Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme Course organised by the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs’ Council (DUBS) at the Mesra Mukah Auditorium here recently.
“Therefore, someone who has expertise in business should share good knowledge, skills and knowledge and teachings to pass on to others because the practice of imparting any knowledge is a very commendable one.
“Since time immemorial, the government has indeed encouraged the involvement of more quality and progressive Bumiputera entrepreneurs. The participation of Bumiputera in the economic sector, especially in industry, needs to be improved. Bumiputera entrepreneurs should work harder to be successful in their companies.
“As the saying goes, ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ which means that if there is an ambition, there is certainly an effort to make it happen. In fact, the agenda to strengthen the participation of Bumiputera entrepreneurs has become an important mission where the government is always proactive in strengthening its position so that it can compete in the international market,” he added.
According to Abdul Yakub, Bumiputera entrepreneurs also needed to improve their knowledge and expertise in business to be able to become skilled and be considered as a professional.
“The knowledge within each individual or nation, is not only permanent but can provide the ability to recover in the face of any complexity and challenge. A business leader or manager who is not knowledgeable will become a business that does not grow and eventually if it continues will become a limited business or with the term ‘going out of business’.
“As an association or coalition like DUBS, knowledge sharing such as marketing, business planning, creativity, innovation and so on is very important. Knowledge is like water, practice and convey useful knowledge to everyone. We can’t hoard knowledge for storage, because it’s like water that has stopped (not flowing) for too long, then over time it will get mossy and smell bad.
“For any business that has developed in the country, it is necessary to aspire to bring the business to the international level or what is meant as a global business. However, just as a good culture in business is based on trust, integrity, respect and each has a role to ensure and demonstrate ethical behaviour.
“Also, any decision is made honestly at all times in all aspects of the business. If we live our values and take our commitments seriously, we will not only do what is right, but also do it right.
“If we intend to become a successful entrepreneur, let it come to a good end. As the saying goes, hold the embers of the fire and let it become coal,” he added.
Some 80 participants attended the course, which touched on Branding and Packaging, Consumer Behaviour: Buyer Psychology, and Entrepreneurial Partnerships.
Also present were chairman of the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Council (DUBS) Mukah Branch, Dr Sulaiman Sahari, and the programme speaker, Dr Saudi Arabia.
