UUM ONLINE: Secretary-General of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP), Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, advised students to refrain from heavily relying on the government for employment after graduation due to the scarcity of job opportunities.
“There is nothing more gratifying than an alumnus who can return to their alma mater and contribute significantly. About 28 years ago I completed my studies in Business Administration at UUM.
“At that time, the situation was quite different. We could confidently answer the exam because we had a job waiting for us, and there was a widespread belief among students that they would become managers or chief executive officers upon graduation from university.
“However, the situation now is far different from 28 years ago. Are there job opportunities available for the 247,000 graduates? The answer is no. 155,000 individuals sat for the online exam for the position of Administrative and Diplomatic Officer (PTD), but only 125 people were needed,” he said.
He acknowledged that the current employment market is exceedingly challenging. Hence, KUSKOP conducted a series of campus tours to promote the idea of students becoming entrepreneurs and thus creating business opportunities that contribute to the country’s economy.
He urged participants to make the most of the opportunities while on campus to gain knowledge and, most importantly, develop their mental, physical, and self-confidence.
“A degree is merely a tool for maintaining one’s course. However, to continue on this journey, one must possess self-confidence, mental fortitude, and physical strength that enable them to ascend the career ladder to the top.
“Just having a degree does not necessarily mean you can get there. So, start with a small business, and KUSKOP can guide you to become a corporate figure,” he said during the opening of the Northern Zone Student Entrepreneurship Seminar—Let’s Meet Protege at the SOIS Auditorium, UUM, on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan said that the seminar, which attracted the attendance of approximately 400 students from eight IPTs, was an excellent initiative to empower and promote the field of entrepreneurship among students.
“This seminar not only aims to disseminate knowledge among participants but also to inspire and encourage students to pursue entrepreneurship.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about generating profits, but it is also about generating value, identifying opportunities, resolving issues, and having a positive influence on society,” he said.
According to him, UUM, through the Student Entrepreneurship Development Centre (PPKS), is actively implementing various entrepreneurship programmes, including the ‘Siswaniaga’ Programme, the B40 Empowerment Strategy—Be Your Own Boss” (BESTBYOB) Programme, the Unipreneur 4.0 Programme, and the 1 Inasis 1 Kiosk Programme. These programmes have garnered significant support and cooperation from UUM alumni.
A total of 2,768 UUM students have participated in entrepreneurial activities, whether they were conducted online or in person, through the ‘Siswaniaga’ programme from September 2024 to the present. 26 UUM students have accomplished sales that exceed RM50,000 annually.
RHB Islamic Bank has provided RM70,500 to the Be Your Own Boss (BESTBYOB) programme, and two franchise products have been implemented, namely the Pandan Cendol Product and the Monti Keopi Product, which are operated by UUM asnaf students.
“Alhamdulillah, this Pandan Cendol Kiosk has gone viral, received a great response from all campus residents, and achieved sales of RM30,000 in the first month of operation,” he said.
Bank Rakyat donated a total of RM45,000 to UUM asnaf students for the Bank Rakyat UNIpreneur 4.0 programme. Each student received RM3,000 to support their business activities.
The 1 inasis 1 kiosk programme, which consists of ten Five Star Chicken kiosks, was donated by UUM Alumni and installed at 10 student residential halls to further stimulate entrepreneurial activities on the UUM campus. Furthermore, UUM is home to three Thai Brew Kiosks that offer a variety of Thai products.
He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to KUSKOP, PROTEGE, and the implementing agencies of the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) and the Student Entrepreneurship Development Centre (PPKS), UUM, for organising the seminar for the final tour series at UUM this year. He hoped that this strategic collaboration would result in the implementation of additional entrepreneurial programmes in the upcoming year.
