PROPERTY development and asset management company UDA Holdings Bhd (UDA) has intensified efforts to support Bumiputera entrepreneurs and commercial centres through the USHAniaga Keluarga Malaysia carnivals.
The first carnival, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Friday, was held about a month after he announced RM100 million in funding to support Bumiputera commercial centres and entrepreneurs.
The carnival, which ends today, is held at Odeon Walk, opposite Pertama Complex here, and saw the participation of more than 200 sales and exhibition booths.
The "USHA" in USHAniaga stands for "UDA Sempurnakan Hari Anda", loosely translated from Malay as UDA completes your life – a phrase that reflects the aspiration of the carnival.
Among others, it aims to elevate and assist Bumiputera entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, subsequently changing the economic landscape of the country.
Entrepreneur Development Cooperatives Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said the carnival was a step in a new direction for UDA, which was known for its instrumental role in property development for Bumiputeras.
At UDA's 50th anniversary celebration last month, the prime minister announced RM100 million in funds to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs. About a month later, he launched the USHAniaga Keluarga Malaysia Carnival.
Noh said: "Through USHAniaga, the ministry and UDA are hoping to reach out to more Bumiputera entrepreneurs and assist them by providing grants in the form of business premises to boost or expand their businesses.
"With the funds allocated by the prime minister, the ministry and UDA aim to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs to rise again after the economic impact of the pandemic, as they are also among the key contributors to the nation's gross domestic product."
UDA chairman Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim said the carnival was a proactive step by the company to build "Keluarga Usahawan" entrepreneurs, who were not only competitive but also able to expand their businesses, especially during the recovery phase following the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This is our initiative and platform to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
"We also hope more people, including women, especially housewives, the younger generation and graduates, will venture into business and become entrepreneurs."
One of the entrepreneurs at the carnival is Azah Nur, who is Flourish Group Sdn Bhd managing director.
Flourish Group is the retail operator of MARI Mart, a specialty outlet that showcases the best of rare local brands from all over the country.
Azah said the first MARI Mart outlet was opened at Angsana Ipoh Mall in Ipoh, Perak, in September last year, and the second outlet was opened in December at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall in Johor.
"There are many products by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) out there, but it is difficult for consumers to get them."
She said MARI Mart was a platform that not only helped consumers get products but also assisted entrepreneurs to reach out to more people under one roof.
"In a way, MARI Mart has empowered Bumiputera entrepreneurs by boosting their products' visibility in the market, subsequently expanding their sales," she said at the carnival yesterday.
To date, there are more than 3,000 products by SMEs offered at both MARI Mart outlets.
Azah said some of the products at MARI Mart were also exported to the United Arab Emirates.
Another exhibitor at the carnival was Shuhainie Shamsuddin, who is the managing director of Kirana.
Shuhainie said Kirana was a special project developed by UDA to empower entrepreneurs and artisans producing local handicrafts.
Kirana, she said, housed artisanal handicrafts sourced from across the country.
"Malaysia is rich with heritage, traditions and cultures. Every piece of our handicraft has its uniqueness and stories behind it.
"Kirana is a platform that will elevate and help artisans of handicrafts across the country, including the Orang Asli, to reach out to more people and also preserve our heritage."
Shuhainie said Kirana targets to open its first physical store by October this year.
"We would like to thank UDA for allowing us to participate in such a programme that will help local artisans in the country. We believe that there is great potential for local handicrafts."
The next USHAniaga Keluarga Malaysia Carnival will be at Tasek Gelugor Commercial Centre in Penang from September 16 to 18, 2022, followed by Serambi Teruntum Kuantan in Pahang from September 23 to 25, 2022 and Angsana Ipoh Mall from September 30 to October 2, 2022. The last carnival will be at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall from October 21 to 23, 2022. UDA expects at least 100 entrepreneurs to be at each carnival outside Kuala Lumpur.
At the launch of the carnival on Friday, Ismail Sabri presented a tithe contribution of RM5,000 by UDA to four entrepreneurs who are asnaf (eligible recipients of tithe).
They were part of 20 entrepreneurs in the asnaf category who received a total of RM100,000 in tithe contributions from UDA.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/nation/2022/08/826337/uda-boost-bumiputera-entrepreneurs