THE Malaysia Entrepreneurs Development Association (PUMM) Penang branch now has its own office building for its members.
Known as PUMM Penang Entrepreneurs Home, it is located at One Square building in Bayan Lepas.
PUMM Penang chairman Alec Ooi Boon Hao said the cost to purchase the new office building is around RM350,000.
“And it would not be possible without valuable contributions from PUMM Penang members and members from the other state branches.
“As a non-profit association, it is not easy for us to setup our first entrepreneurs home in Penang. Thus, I would like to thank all the contributors.
“What makes it even more memorable is that the official opening of our new office building today also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the PUMM Penang inception in the state.
“The new building would be used to hold meetings with our members every month, and as a venue for seminars, talks and discussions with young entrepreneurs and other organisations to improve ties and enhance business opportunities,” Ooi said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the office building in Bayan Lepas today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the opening today, congratulated PUMM Penang for its 15th anniversary and the opening of its new office building.
“The successful opening of the building is an achievement that we should all be proud of.
“I am sure the strong team spirit and team bonding among the members of this association have been the driving force for today’s event to be successful.
“And even more importantly, the grand opening that we are all witnessing today has become one of the milestones in the history of Penang,” Chow said in his speech.
According to Chow, since the formation of the PUMM Penang branch 15 years ago, the association has worked tirelessly to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in the state to be successful.
“And the Penang government would like to thank the association for that.
“And with the new building now, we hope that PUMM Penang can operate more effectively to organise various initiatives and to run programmes in the state to create an effective platform for our entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experience, wisdom and to create new business opportunities.
“The state government is open to any collaboration with PUMM Penang to promote and nurture our local entrepreneurs.
“Lastly, it is my earnest wish that PUMM Penang and PUMM at the national level will have more brilliant achievements in serving the community and in cultivating more outstanding entrepreneurs in the future,” he added.
Also present during the opening ceremony were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling, PUMM national president Tan Lay Seong and PUMM Penang founder Joseph Hon.
Meanwhile, Abdul Halim encouraged entrepreneurs in the state, especially the young entrepreneurs, to join any entrepreneurship association to build networking, sharing knowledge, experience and learn from other entrepreneurs in order to enhance their businesses.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar