Mohd Hairi says last year, RM394mil was spent on 264 initiatives and programmes in Johor.
Johor government allocated RM1mil for Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) to organise the Maju Johor Entrepreneurship Festival (FKMJ).
Johor youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperative committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said FKMJ was held at Angsana Mall Johor Baru from last Friday to Sunday.
The next iteration will take place in Muar in August.
“The main objective of organising FKMJ is to provide a platform for business opportunities and idea exchange between entrepreneurs.
“It is also aimed at stimulating minds to enhance production capacity and quality.
“Moreover, festivals like these can elevate Johor’s halal industry products and services, as well as create opportunities for youths and new entrepreneurs to learn about the halal process,” he said.
The FKMJ was organised in conjunction with One District, One Industry (SDSI 2.0) Southern Region Showcase organised by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry for small and medium enterprises to promote their products and services.
“FKMJ also offered Johor entrepreneurs and those from other states business-matching opportunities,” he said.
Mohd Hairi said the event was also to equip visitors and entrepreneurs through its activities, including forums and SDSI product exhibitions.
The FKMJ also included “Jelajah Aspirasi Orang Muda Johor” (JAOMJ), a youth carnival that will tour nine districts in the state.
The state government allocated RM8.8mil for JAOMJ to enhance competency among the existing entrepreneurial community and propel potential entrepreneurs to higher levels, he said.
So far, the youth carnival has been held in Segamat, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Johor Baru and Mersing while the remaining stops will be made before year-end.
“The state also has the Johor State Entrepreneur Development Council (MPUNJ), which comprises 49 state and federal entrepreneurial agencies.
“Throughout last year, RM394mil was spent on 264 initiatives and programmes, benefitting 24,448 recipients,” Mohd Hairi said.
According to him, Johor has the second highest number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with 127,000 establishments, making up 11% of the total MSMEs in Malaysia.
“The programmes we organise are in line with the government’s aspiration to produce more quality entrepreneurs across the country, especially in Johor.
“We will continuously strive to provide the best services, encompassing marketing, finance, capacity development, and training.
“Our intention is solely to ensure that as many entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs benefit from these initiatives while ensuring that the entrepreneurial agenda in this country can be developed holistically and inclusively, particularly in Johor,” he said. — By REMAR NORDIN
