Strive beyond ‘jaguh kampung’ limits

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STEP out of your comfort zone. Do not settle for being just a ‘jaguh kampung’. Always aim higher and go beyond the local champion limits.

This was the clear and heartfelt message from Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi to local Bumiputera entrepreneurs when officiating at the closing of the 2025 Kapit Division Entrepreneurs Carnival.

Look beyond local boundaries and strive for greater success.

To this end, the minister urged entrepreneurs to explore every possible avenue for growth, including harnessing the power of social media and other digital platforms.

Such efforts are essential to strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring long-term sustainability.

He also urged entrepreneurs to fully capitalise on the various forms of the government’s support and initiatives to help them thrive further.

Nanta, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kapit, said the entrepreneurs must keep the momentum going even after the carnival ends, stressing the importance of consistency in producing and promoting their products.

He noted Kapit has no shortage of quality and unique local products, many of which hold strong potential to break into larger markets.

The improved road connectivity between Kapit and Sibu, he added, has already created more opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach and explore new markets.

The minister’s message is timely. It deserves not just attention but thoughtful reflection.

Most entrepreneurs, given the opportunity, genuinely aspire to succeed in their business ventures. I don’t deny that some may have initially turned to entrepreneurship out of necessity, unsure of what else to do to earn a living. But over time, many discover a passion for it and begin to nurture a deeper ambition to grow.

After all, they wouldn’t have taken that leap if they weren’t driven by at least some measure of hope, courage, and determination.

That said, many still struggle, not because they lack willpower, but because they don’t know where or how to start.

More often than not, what they lack is not motivation, but exposure. As with any profession, without proper guidance, support, or mentorship, it’s likely they will remain stagnant, doing the same thing year after year without real progress.

That’s why it’s crucial for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs to take the initiative. Attend seminars. Join workshops.

Seek out mentors and network with others in the same field. These are practical steps that can open minds, inspire innovation, and lead to new opportunities.

In today’s fast-moving world, continuous learning is no longer optional; rather, it’s essential.

There are many organisations willing to share their insights and experiences, as long as entrepreneurs are proactive in reaching out. These include business chambers, government agencies, and statutory bodies that offer guidance, training, and support.

Of course, the government has a critical role to play – and to its credit, a variety of support programmes are already in place. But let’s face it: the government can only do so much. The real responsibility to grow and succeed rests largely on the entrepreneurs themselves.

Staying in your comfort zone might feel safe, but it rarely leads to growth. To truly thrive, entrepreneurs must be willing to take calculated risks, embrace change, and step into unfamiliar territory.

As Jack Ma, the renowned Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist, once said, success is never a straight line. Behind every success story, there are often countless failures.

The co-founder of Alibaba Group and founder of the Jack Ma Foundation believes that what sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their willingness to take risks, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with unwavering determination.

He often emphasises the importance of learning from mistakes, because every mistake is a lesson, a chance to improve and do better.

I couldn’t agree more. That spirit and mindset are essential for every entrepreneur who hopes to succeed. That said, as with any business venture, having the right attitude alone is not enough.

Entrepreneurs must also offer the right product or service – something that genuinely meets a need or solves a real problem – to give their efforts purpose, direction, and a competitive edge.

But above all, it is perseverance – the refusal to give up, even in the face of repeated failures – that serves as the true recipe for success. It is this resilience that ultimately determines whether an entrepreneur will go the distance.

In short, it’s timely for our local entrepreneurs, Bumiputera entrepreneurs in particular, to aim higher rather than remain complacent as mere local champions. They should dare to dream big and strive to be game-changers.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.

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