Anfaal (centre) with (from left) Azrul Izwan, Ahmad Salman, Zuraini, Siti Faridah, Ahmad Azri and Mearia at the Usahanita event in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star
SELANGOR is investing in the digital future of its young women entrepreneurs, recognising the transformative power of online tools in overcoming traditional business barriers.
At the launch of “Usahanita: Young Women Digital Media Incentive” in Shah Alam, state women empowerment and welfare committee chairman Anfaal Saari said embracing digital services was crucial for women to expand their reach, build strong customer relationships and streamline operations.
She said examples ranged from artificial intelligence-powered analytics to strategic social media marketing.
Anfaal said women entrepreneurs often navigated a business landscape marked by inequalities, and equipping them with robust digital knowledge acted as a powerful equaliser, opening doors to new markets and efficiencies.
“It is important for young women entrepreneurs to build efficiencies that save time, and focus on financial success.
“We want to encourage young women to explore digital entrepreneurship as a way of improving themselves.”
The three-month Usahanita programme is organised by Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), with a RM200,000 allocation from Selangor government.
It provides 203 women with training and resources to effectively leverage digital platforms for business growth.
Participants will gain skills in areas such as e-commerce setup, social media content creation, online marketing strategies and basic data analytics.
Anfaal, who is also WBS chairman, said the programme involved training, practical sessions and a competition for the participants to showcase their respective products.
The top participant will be named Selangor Young Woman Entrepreneur Icon and qualify to receive entrepreneurial incentives.
In her welcoming speech, WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad said digital technology offered many benefits to women entrepreneurs.
“As the business environment becomes more digitalised, it is important that we support women entrepreneurs with training programmes designed for them,” she said.
The event also saw a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between WBS and strategic partners for future Usahanita Digital programmes.
Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated chief Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor, Yayasan Hijrah Selangor chief executive officer Datuk Mearia Hamzah, Yayasan Peneraju ecosystem chief Azrul Izwan Amir Nazarullah and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation startup and digitalisation head Ahmad Salman Ahmad Fua’ad signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.
Also present was Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (Sectoral Section) chief assistant director Zuraini Harun.
