Metro

Saturday November 7, 2009

Enterprising trio with big plans


THREE youths who have almost completed the hairstyling course under the Human Resources Ministry feel that they have been given a great opportunity to make good in life.

Trainees Gwen Tay Xiang Cin, Asmawati Karnawi and Sivasankar Karunakaran, who are among the 100 taking the course, are raring to start their own hairdressing business in their hometowns when they graduate.

Raring to stride out on their own: (From left) Tay, Asmawati and Sivasankar are already planning to open their own outlets in their respective hometowns.

Tay, 19, from Kuantan, Pahang, plans to return to her hometown of Kuantan to open a hairstyling shop.

“I started to take an interest in styling hair three years ago. I use my younger brother as a guinea pig to try the various hairstyles. I also cut his hair.

“This was how I learnt to style the hair for guys. My siblings are living in Kuantan; I came to Kuala Lumpur to join the course.

“Hairstyling courses are expensive — they could cost as much as RM10,000. But this course that I’m taking now is free, and there is even a RM500 monthly allowance and free accommodation. It is fantastic!” she said.

Sabahan Asmawati, 24, from Kota Kinabalu, said she had come to Kuala Lumpur about a year-and-a-half ago to look for a job.

“I worked as clerk in a corporation. It was boring.

“I wanted to start my own business and saw an article in the newspapers about courses being offered.

“As I was keen on fashion, I joined this course. I plan to open a hair salon in Kota Kinabalu as there are only a few hair salons there.

“I will apply for a loan to set up my hair salon.

“I can see a lot of potential for growth for my hair salon in Kota Kinabalu,’’ she said.

Sivasankar, 18, admitted that he had been involved in gangs in Teluk Intan, Perak, but said he now had hope for the future after enrolling in the programme.

“The income is lucrative and it is an easy job. It only takes experience to be a good hairstylist.

“When I go back to Teluk Intan, I will borrow money from my father to open my own barber shop. I am determined to work my way to success.

“I will repay my father money once my business is viable. I don’t want to owe money to anyone, not even my father. I want to be independent,” he said.

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