SIBU: A mooncake-making demonstration can become more than a festive activity if the skills gained are turned into opportunities for women to generate additional household income.
Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said this when speaking at a mooncake-making demonstration organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) Ensurai held at Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan Branch on Tuesday (Aug 25).
Wong opined participants should look beyond the activity itself and consider how practical skills acquired could eventually be developed into small home-based businesses.
He said women could begin by making mooncakes at home for their families before gradually selling them to friends, neighbours and members of the local community.
“If the response is good, this small home-based activity could eventually develop into a small business. A skill can become an income. An additional income can help a family,” he added.
Wong, who is also PDP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman, encouraged the women, particularly the Iban participants, to be open to learning new skills and not be afraid to start on a small scale.
“Learn, practise and improve,” he urged, stressing that such initiatives could provide women with practical knowledge while potentially creating supplementary income opportunities.
He also highlighted the social value of the programme, saying activities that brought people from different communities together could strengthen friendships and mutual understanding.
“Today, we sit together, learn together, make mooncakes together and enjoy one another’s company,” he said.
He added the programme also reflected the importance of maintaining strong grassroots engagement, stressing that political organisations should remain connected with communities beyond election periods.
“A political party should not only become active when an election is approaching. We must remain connected with the people, go down to the grassroots and organise activities that bring real benefits to our communities,” he said.
With the coming State Election approaching, Wong, who is also PDP Senior Vice President, affirmed that unity and cooperation among members were important.
He said every member had a role to play through their own families, friendships, neighbourhoods and community networks.
“When we know one another better, trust one another and work together, our organisation becomes stronger. A strong party begins with united members,” he said.
He expressed hope that more similar programmes would be organised, particularly activities that were enjoyable while providing practical benefits to women and families.
He also thanked JKKK Ensurai for organising the programme and the invited mooncake-making expert for sharing her knowledge, skills and experience with participants.
Adding a lighter touch to the event, Wong announced that all participants would receive a “Mystery Gift”, although he declined to reveal what it was and jokingly urged them not to leave the programme early.
He hoped the participants would leave with not only new mooncake-making skills, but also new friendships and perhaps the inspiration to turn the newly acquired skills into a small business.
The programme brought together members of JKKK Ensurai and PDP Wanita, including Iban women, for a hands-on session aimed at promoting skills-sharing, fellowship and grassroots engagement.
