ENTREPRENEURS HAIL LABUAN CONNECT! FOR BOOSTING INCOME, VISIBILITY

LABUAN, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Entrepreneurs participating in the inaugural Labuan Connect! programme on Saturday expressed their enthusiasm, describing it as a valuable platform for increasing income and building stronger connections with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

Speaking to Bernama, Shirley Dorina Anak Anthony, 46, a Sarawak native and programme exhibitor, shared her excitement.

“This is the first time the programme is being held in Labuan, and I am thrilled to be part of it. Beyond helping me increase my income, it has deepened my understanding of Bernama's influential role in Malaysia's media landscape,” she said.

The mother of three, who has been baking layered cakes, brownies, and egg tarts for eight years, said she had previously participated in sales events organised by other agencies, including the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).

“As a full-time housewife, these programmes and online sales help supplement my family’s income,” she added.  

Shirley discovered the programme through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Kampung Lubuk Tamiang. She hopes the initiative will continue, reaching a wider audience and involving more entrepreneurs.  

Another exhibitor, Alinawati Kalik, 40, who operates a mixed fruit salad business, “colek buah,” praised the programme as a platform to connect small businesses with customers while learning more about Bernama.  

Alinawati, a Kampung Layang-Layangan resident, began her business in 2021 by creating homemade dipping sauces.

“I started with three variants—sweet and spicy pepper, dried shrimp Thai, and dried tamarind sauces. After positive feedback, I expanded to include fruits with the dips,” she explained.

She also called for the programme's expansion, noting its potential to benefit more entrepreneurs.  

Fatima Nurul Hidayu Mohd Hashim, 20, who crafts handmade accessories, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her work.

The fourth of five siblings, she taught herself the craft using YouTube and TikTok tutorials during the COVID-19 lockdown.  

“Until now, I only knew Bernama by name through newspapers. This programme has shown me how Bernama supports entrepreneurs,” said Fatima, who hopes the initiative will continue and attract more participants.  

The Labuan Connect programme is a pilot initiative designed to enhance digital access and foster innovation in the Federal Territory of Labuan. Entrepreneurs praised the programme's potential to spur local economic growth while strengthening partnerships with national organisations. 

-- BERNAMA