PELABUHAN Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP), a member of MMC Group, collaborated with local NGOs, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to provide and organise a business platform to further drive local economic accessibility for the underprivileged.
The Kasih Lestari platform is a community wellbeing initiative to accelerate local ventures growth by providing business platforms for selected focus groups, namely single mothers and the disabled who are registered under Johor Empowerment of Intellectual Women Association (JEIWA).
JEIWA is a local NGO of professional women focused on helping battered women to start anew via entrepreneurship opportunities within PTP’s ecosystem.
For the initiative, PTP collaborated with Persatuan Usahawan Wanita Bidadari, JEIWA and Nictar (a local SME based in Pontian, Johor) to showcase the power of partnership in driving positive change within the community.
The initiative was also in-line with PTP’s 2023 Family Day from Sept 8 to 9, 2023, and enables the group’s staff and family to foster community engagement, supporting local businesses and providing a platform for networking and collaboration.
PTP CEO Marco Neelsen said by bringing together the resources and expertise of NGOs and SMEs, the event was able to create a unique and valuable experience for attendees while also allowing participating vendors to showcase and promote their products to over 5,000 PTP employees and their family members, as well as other local and international stakeholders such as customers, business partners, government agencies and others.
“The business platform featured a diverse range of products and services. Attendees had the opportunity to explore different booths, interact with business owners and learn about the innovative ventures emerging within the community. From handmade crafts and artisanal food to agriculture products and clothing accessories, the event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of local businesses.
“PTP will continue to partner with relevant NGOs and local SMEs via various other business platforms within PTP’s ecosystem that will also involve our business partners and stakeholders. We hope this initiative will create a bigger networking reach to the participants and thus be able to provide a sustainable business accessibility and growth platform to aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Usahawan Wanita Bidadari founder Noorlizah Saayon said the programme has aided the association’s members through numerous smart partnership programmes and activities.
“Bidadari, who received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our participating members, praised PTP for their efforts in promoting local entrepreneurs and creating a vibrant atmosphere that encouraged networking and collaboration.
“The success of this venture is a testament to the power of partnerships and the importance of supporting NGOs and SMEs within the community,” she said.
She added that to have a large organisation such as PTP to collaborate with and involve them in a big event with a turnover crowd of more than 11,000 has really helped the members to not only generate income by being innovative with their approach on the selection of products to best sell for PTP Family Day crowds, but at the same time provided them with a good platform to further promote their cause and activities.
“We hope more companies will support Bidadari and other NGOs in the future,” Noorlizah added.
Persatuan Usahawan Wanita Bidadari has long supported female businesses in Johor.
On the other hand, PTP employee Norzulafiqah Zulkfly noted that the vast majority of PTP Family Day guests were enthusiastic in supporting the vendors.
“As the largest transshipment terminal in Malaysia and one of the biggest business entities in Johor, it’s nice to know PTP goes beyond its business objectives and continuously provides support to local entrepreneurs and those in need.
“As employees, my friends and I definitely approve of the company’s efforts and will ensure such initiatives are successful,” she said.
Source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/09/19/ptp-local-ngos-smes-set-up-business-platform-for-underprivileged/