THE Penang government is always encouraging the people, especially the younger generation, to become entrepreneurs.
State Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said entrepreneurship is very important nowadays.
“We can see today that entrepreneurship is one of the important factors that contribute to the economic growth of the state and the nation as a whole.
“Not just that, entrepreneurship also can stimulate an investment and create job opportunities to improve the socio-economic status of the society.
“It can also reduce the rate of unemployment among the youths,” Dr Afif said in his speech before officiating the Maju Bersama: Education and Entrepreneurship Carnival at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) branch campus in Permatang Pauh on Feb 15.
Dr Afif, who is also the Seberang Jaya assemblyman, said the state government also provides various incentives, schemes and grants through state agencies to assist the local entrepreneurs.
“Thus, there is no reason for the youth to be afraid to venture into this field,” he added.
Speaking about the programme, Dr Afif said it aimed to expose the student in Penang about the educational opportunities available in public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) and also in the private institutions.
“The programme serves as a platform for youths to learn more about the entrepreneurship on how to promote their products, expand their businesses and look into new business opportunities,” Dr Afif added.
The two-day carnival also featured various activities such as colouring competition, briefing sessions from various IPTA’s and private institutions, e-Sport gaming contest, make-up tutorials, entrepreneurship talks by popular celebrities and many more.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal