BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 40 Samarahan youth received certificates after completing a three-month Skillspreneurs Barber and Beauty Programme at Think Big Training Hall, here yesterday.
Chairman of Koperasi Belia Inovatif Sarawak Berhad (KOBIS), Zaiwin Kassim said the programme, which was free of charge, received an overwhelming response with almost 100 applicants, out of which the best 40 were selected to participate in it.
“We accepted 20 people for the beauty industry and another 20 people exploring entrepreneurship opportunities in the barber career with guidance from mentors and trainers,” he said.
“The programme is a collaboration between KOBIS, Dewan Usahawan Muda Sarawak (DUBS), Dewan Muda DUBS and the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED)”, he said.
“The skillpreneurs programme was a part of Bumiputera Empowerment Fund launched by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for Sarawak Post-COVID-19 Initiatives“, he added.
Zawin said the participants went through core modules covering technical job skill development, entrepreneurship empowerment and mentoring and digital marketing courses from Dec 15, 2022 to March 15, 2023.
“Our youth are able to experience real-life scenarios, enabling them to develop practical skills that will be invaluable in their future careers”, he added.
Representing Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Bujang to officiate at the event, Councillor Aziz Mohamad hoped the participants stay committed and disciple as entrepreneurs.
“Doing business is not easy these days, it is a norm for us being in the industry to face a lot of challenges. That is why we provide financial aid to local businesses.
“Many of whom have already started generating income through the gig economy and partnerships with their mentors and other entrepreneurship initiatives”, Aziz added.
The ceremony marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication in the programme, recognising their commitment to improving their skills and exploring entrepreneurship opportunities in the barber and beauty industry.
