RHB Banking Group managing director and chief executive officer Mohd Rashid Mohamad (front, fourth left) showing thumbs up with his team, RHB managing director of group community banking Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo (front, fourth right), Norazzah (front, third left), together with guests, winners and participants of the RHB #JomBiz programme, during the RHB #JomBiz award ceremony 2025 held at RHB Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
He was dealt a difficult card in life when a hit-and-run accident at a young age left him wheelchair-bound for life. Despite this life-altering setback, Mohd Afiq Barni refused to be defined by it.
With sheer resilience and determination, he found a new purpose – he wanted to make life easier for other persons with disabilities (PWD) facing similar challenges. The enterprising individual founded Fa Legacy Solution Enterprise, a company that bridges the gap for PWDs by offering innovative solutions that enhance mobility and independence.
The services it offers include vehicle modifications for various categories of PWD; supplying and repairing PWD equipment such as sports wheelchairs, canes, and other assistive devices; and creating custom-designed equipment based on customer requests, such as hand-pedal bicycles for those with limited limb mobility, wheelchair treadmills, and more – all aimed at improving the quality of life and promoting active living.
The journey was an uphill battle, given the lack of specialised machinery and space for product exhibitions or a showcase gallery. However, with a boost from the RHB #JomBiz programme, Mohd Afiq is now set to change even more PWDs’ lives for the better.
Noting that the RM5,000 consolation prize he won from the programme helped enhance his existing machinery and equipment, the micro-entrepreneur said: “RHB’s #JomBiz activity allowed me to expand my network and marketing goals.”
Building resilient dreams
Recognising the challenges micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) owners face, RHB Bank Bhd created RHB #JomBiz in 2022, aimed to help micro-business owners weather the storm. The bank believes that in underserved communities, dreams are often overshadowed by limited opportunities. #JomBiz seeks to change that.
This socio-economic empowerment initiative uplifts and empowers micro-SMEs from B40 and underserved communities. Through a capability-building programme provided by Taylor’s Community, participants receive training, mentorship, and seed funding to help their businesses not just survive, but thrive.
This programme equips them with the entrepreneurship knowledge needed to be resilient, increase their income capabilities, and sustain a micro-business.
It also cultivates self-awareness to ensure participants are mentally and emotionally strong to sustain their income during unprecedented times. RHB #JomBiz aligns with the bank’s commitment to social impact initiatives, with a focus on making a positive change within the B40 community. Designed as a lifeline to empower business owners with the knowledge, skills, and resilience they need to succeed, it also integrates ESG principles, teaching MSMEs to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, hiring PWDs, and supporting single mothers. In the latest cohort, 87.4% of participants were introduced to ESG for the first time.
Mohd Rashid (third left), Ng (second right) and Norazzah (second left) capturing a victorious moment with #JomBiz Cohort five winners (from left) Nur Shawani, Nurul Farhana and Mohd Shafiq.
Meet the trailblazers
Like Mohd Afiq, Hanawarrah Creation Enterprise founder Nurul Farhana Amirul Hizan transformed her home-based healthy snack business into a thriving venture with the support of the RHB #JomBiz programme.
Despite challenges such as limited access to capital and mentorship, Nurul Farhana’s determination paid off when she secured first place in the programme, earning RM15,000 in funding.
This financial boost enabled her to expand her product line and explore franchise opportunities. Reflecting on her success, Farhana said: “With RHB’s support, we turned a dream into a thriving enterprise. This is just the beginning.”
Meanwhile, Senju Co founder Mohd Shafiq Ezwanie Jafri took second place in the RHB #JomBiz programme, bagging RM12,000.
This funding enabled Senju Co, based in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, to expand production and supply chains. Mohd Shafiq had initially faced significant challenges in scaling up pastry and bakery production due to limited funds and a lack of expertise.
However, with support from RHB #JomBiz, the talented baker, was able to expand production and optimise his supply chains, leading to remarkable growth. Reflecting on the impact of the programme, Shafiq said, “RHB #JomBiz gave us the tools to flourish, and now our products are on the shelves of leading retailers.”
Wisymadani Resources founder Nur Shawani Che Mansur took third place in the programme, securing RM10,000 in funding to bridge agro-tourism and agro-based industries, with a goal of creating job opportunities for the B40 community.
Like many small businesses, Shawani faced the challenge of building awareness and gaining a foothold in a highly competitive market. The RHB #JomBiz funding allowed her to establish a strong brand presence, hire essential staff, and expand operations.
Recognising the transformative impact of the RHB #JomBiz programme, Shawani shared, “RHB helped us turn our passion into a sustainable business, empowering our community along the way.”
RHB #JomBiz enabled Mohd Afiq (pic) to enhance his existing machinery and equipment to help even more PWDs.
Progressive change
Over the past three years, the RHB #JomBiz programme has empowered five cohorts with a total of 721 MSMEs through capability building, mentorship, and funding. With an impressive 84.9% completion rate, the programme has made a significant impact on business owners across various sectors. A total investment of over RM1.1 million has been allocated, with 46.2% earmarked for seed funding to support 117 MSMEs. The results speak for themselves, with participants seeing an average 35% sales growth within just three months of joining.
Beyond financial support, RHB #JomBiz has become a platform for local entrepreneurs to apply their classroom learnings in a practical setting. Ten #JomBiz bazaars have been organised by RHB since March 2023. The programme has not only earned four prestigious awards — three local and one international — but four out of ten of its participants were also recognised at the Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2023 in the Mikro Recognition category.
RHB Bank Bhd group chief sustainability and communications officer Norazzah Sulaiman said: “At RHB, we believe in more than just financial support. It’s about building a future where entrepreneurs thrive and communities prosper.”
Suffice to say, MSMEs that participated in RHB #JomBiz have become beacons of hope for their communities, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Empowering is caring
With a bold vision for 2025, RHB remains committed to supporting even more Asnafs, single parents, and PWDs, fostering inclusivity and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive.
The bank is calling for MSMEs to take advantage of this opportunity for mentorship, funding, and valuable resources that can drive sustainable growth and long-term success.
If you’re a micro-business owner looking for mentorship, funding, and the opportunity to grow sustainably, RHB #JomBiz is your stepping stone to success.
Learn more and apply now: https://www.rhbgroup.com/jombiz/index.html.
