PERDA's Expert 2025 Hits RM2 Mln aim, Boosts Digital Transformation Of Entrepreneurs

TASEK GELUGOR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The PERDA Expo (Expert) held at Midtown Perda Kubang Menerong here, since last Thursday, has successfully exceeded the target of securing RM2 million in sales and contracts, in addition to attracting more than 75,000 visitors. 

Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) chairman Datuk Shaik Hussein Mydin said the achievement underscores PERDA’s significant efforts to empower the digital transformation of local rural entrepreneurs, with all sales transactions being carried out entirely via cashless transactions. 

He said the implementation of the digital transaction is in line with this year’s theme, "Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship Reform”, encouraging entrepreneurs to move towards digitalisation and enhancing their competitiveness. 

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“Our goal in organising Expert this year is to ensure that more entrepreneurs use digital methods of cashless transactions and that everyone successfully implements it. 

“Based on the success and encouraging response we received, we hope to organise this expo on a larger scale next year, with the collaboration of the Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP) and the Prime Minister's Department,” he said. 

He was speaking to reporters following the Expert 2025 Opening Ceremony, officiated by MPBPP chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, here yesterday. 

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Shaik Hussein said that participating in such an event also gives advantages to entrepreneurs guided by PERDA, making them more prepared and competitive compared to other entrepreneurs. 

He also said PERDA is currently developing a new digital application (app) that is capable of competing with existing gig economy platforms, specifically to help bumiputera entrepreneurs increase their business efficiency and profits.

"We expect this app to be ready within six months from now, and after that, we will test-run it first before it is fully implemented.

“I am confident that next year, all these businesses will be able to get used to the PERDA app and use it in the future to strengthen their businesses," he said. 

Meanwhile, Shaik Hussein said that this year's fourth edition of Expert featured 252 entrepreneur booths from various business sectors, including food, services, local innovation and technology. 

He said Expert is PERDA’s strategic platform to elevate the products and services of local entrepreneurs to a higher level, as well as an important platform in empowering the bumiputera economy via digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurial competitiveness. 

Meanwhile, Khalid said that digital transformation and entrepreneurial reform are important foundations for a more inclusive and technology-centric development of bumiputera entrepreneurs.

“Digital transformation is not just the use of technology, but a change in culture and entrepreneurial paradigm.

“Bumputera entrepreneurs need to innovate, dare to change and collaborate to remain relevant in the global market,” he said.

In addition to sales, the four-day Expert is filled with various activities, including the MADANI Agro Sales, Young Entrepreneur Pitch competition, and MyfutureJobs @ Expert 2025 career carnival. 

In conjunction with the opening ceremony, the MADANI Bumiputera Entrepreneur Award was also presented to recognise entrepreneurs who demonstrate leadership, innovation, social responsibility and alignment with MADANI values. 

A total of 17 local companies, spanning five award categories, received recognition for their success and contributions to the development of the local economy and community. 

The prestigious award is not just an honour, but also an inspiration to the Penang entrepreneurial ecosystem to continue to grow based on the values ​​of integrity, sustainability and resilience in facing global economic challenges. 

-- BERNAMA