JITRA, 14 January 2025 – The Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CEDI) and Student Entrepreneurial Development Centre (PPKS) recently paid a courtesy visit to Flour Crown Dessert and Bakery, owned by Ms. Wan Aifaa Shafia Wan Mohd Sofi, a distinguished alumna of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).
This visit was aimed at reconnecting with UUM’s alumni while exploring strategic collaborations and tapping into her expertise in the bakery and dessert industry.
The discussion was attended by esteemed delegates, including Associate Professor Dr Shazida Jan Mohd Khan, Executive Director of CEDI; Fadzil Mohd Husin, Director of PPKS; Dr Juhaida Abu Bakar, Deputy Executive Director of CEDI; and Akmal Ahlami Md Rozai, Assistant Registrar of CEDI.
Throughout the session, Ms. Wan Aifaa’s entrepreneurial success story with Flour Crown served as a powerful inspiration. The discussion highlighted several key areas of focus, beginning with CEDI and PPKS’s recognition of her remarkable journey as a UUM graduate and a successful entrepreneur.
In light of her accomplishments, CEDI and PPKS proposed her appointment as an industry mentor. This mentorship is expected to offer invaluable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly UUM students venturing into the competitive food and beverage industry. Her expertise is considered a crucial asset in nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
Additionally, Ms. Wan Aifa shared her insights on developing marketable pastry products. Drawing from her experience, she offered practical insights on how student entrepreneurs can innovate and align their product offerings with evolving consumer trends and market demands. This guidance is expected to assist students refine their approach, positioning their products more effectively for success in a dynamic market.
Moreover, she provided advice on the logistical aspects of starting a business, particularly in selecting appropriate machinery to optimize pastry production. Her input focused on strategies to improve operational efficiency, which is vital for expanding new ventures. By incorporating her recommendations, aspiring entrepreneurs will be able to streamline their processes, facilitating seamless operation as they expand.
Lastly, CEDI and PPKS extended an invitation for Ms. Wan Aifaa to participate in upcoming ad hoc programmes aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Her active involvement is seen as a crucial element in bridging theoretical learning with real-world applications, strengthening the link between the university’s academic framework and the real-world business environment. Through her contributions, these programmes are expected to provide invaluable perspective that will benefit both students and the broader entrepreneurial community.
Associate Professor Dr. Shazida Jan Mohd Khan highlighted the significance of this visit, stating, “It is always a moment of pride to see our alumni achieving such remarkable success. Ms. Wan Aifaa’s success is a testament to the calibre of talent UUM nurtures. This collaboration exemplifies our mission to connect academic learning with industry expertise.”
Ms. Wan Aifaa expressed her gratitude for the visit and her enthusiasm to contribute to UUM’s entrepreneurial initiatives.
“As a UUM alumna, I am honoured to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for my journey. I am excited to share my experiences and support students in realising their entrepreneurial dreams,” she remarked.
This engagement is a significant step towards fostering meaningful collaborations between UUM’s academic community and its distinguished alumni. By harnessing industry expertise and alumni networks, CEDI and PPKS are creating impactful opportunities that will enable students to excel in the entrepreneurial world.- CEDI & PPKS
