KUCHING: Youth looking to venture into entrepreneurship need to look no further than Dr Ripin Lamat to convince themselves of the potential it offers.
Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Ripin, who is a deputy minister, is a good example of a successful entrepreneur.
“Before he was in politics and an elected representative, he successfully built the Kaya and Toast franchise with an upcoming outlet that will be opened in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
“I believe the journey was not easy, but he has successfully built it up,” he said, underscoring his hope that every youth in Sarawak will be successful in their endeavours.
But it is important they display high spirits and a determination to succeed, he reminded.
In this context Karim pointed out that there was also a need to change the mindset among many that the civil service was the only career option and goal.
“There are still parents who are hoping for their children to work in the government sector upon completing their studies.
“Having said that, it must be borne in mind that the number of vacancies is very limited, but the number of applicants is high,” he said when officiating at a Youth Entrepreneur Setup (YES) and Financing at Dewan Suarah Kuching here on Saturday.
On the programme which is being carried out in collaboration with Bank Kerjasama Rakyat (Bank Rakyat), Karim encouraged youth entrepreneurs to send in their application for the assistance.
He stated that Bank Rakyat has facilitated the application process in which the requirements needed to be fulfilled were not as strict compared to others.
He also thanked Bank Rakyat chief business banking officer Mohamad Shiblie Abg Sapuan for reaching out and informing about the microfinance loan assistance for micro traders, hawkers, and entrepreneurs to help his fellow Sarawakians.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat and the ministry’s permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi.
