Budding business: Entrepreneurs Mohd Shauki and Khuzaimah with some of their creations. – Bernama
SIK: Seven years ago, Khuzaimah Shaari @ Nasir was just an agent selling gravestones but now she is a proud business owner, thanks to the training and guidance provided by the Sik Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) here.
The 40-year-old from Kampung Tanjung Belit, near here, said she and her husband Mohd Shauki Ahmad Sanusi, also 40, previously had zero knowledge on how gravestones were made.
They then decided to use the Internet facilities available at PEDi to learn more about the process of making gravestones.
The centre, she said, greatly helped her in improving her business skills, especially in marketing.“We are now able to earn a five-figure monthly income, which is a big change from when we first started our gravestone- making business.
“Apart from Kedah, we also install and supply grave markers to nearly every state in the peninsula,” she told Bernama.
Khuzaimah noted that gravestones made of river stones, concrete stones, terrazzo and granite were among the most frequently ordered by customers.
Another entrepreneur, Siti Najwa Ahmad, 42, from Kampung Charuk Padang, near here, said she learned about cashless payment systems that have made it easier for her customers, through a programme organised by PEDi.
“I run a business selling floral bouquets and gifts, and offer various payment options to customers; now, in addition to cash and online payments, customers can also pay using QR codes.
“Before this, I had always wondered how to create a QR code but when PEDi organised a programme with a banking institution, I got to learn it,” said Siti Najwa, who is now able to increase her income as a result of PEDi’s guidance.
Kedah Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) director Mazlan Othman said entrepreneurs are always encouraged to visit any of the 77 PEDis in the state, which offer various training courses that will help their businesses.
He said the courses, which include marketing, advertising and online business, are being taught by people with experience in these areas.
“We teach them everything they need to know about online business, from how to introduce and sell their products to packaging and advertising. We also help them make videos of their products.
“Every PEDi has entrepreneur icons who have been guided and assisted to achieve success. Also, there are at least two success stories in every PEDi that can be shared, particularly how they have managed to increase sales,” he said, adding that MCMC plans to add four more PEDis in the state.
Established under MCMC’s supervision, all PEDis are equipped with Internet access and provide guidance and training to help local entrepreneurs use digital platforms in their respective business operations.
