INSTILLING an entrepreneurial mindset in Malaysia’s higher education and creating a system that produces graduates with a drive to create, not just seek jobs, is one of the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education).
To drive this vision, an Entrepreneurship Action Plan was set with a target of having at least 15 per cent of students involved in entrepreneurship activities and at least five per cent of graduates choosing entrepreneurship as their career of choice by 2020.
In the same period, 1,500 educators with entrepreneurship expertise are expected to become advisers or mentors to student businesses and projects.
Hazwan Syafiq Haznain, 23, a fourth year Quantity Surveying degree student at University of Malaya (UM), is one of those who have risen to the challenge of becoming an entrepreneur while studying.
The eldest of three siblings raised by a single mother, Hazwan realised early in life that it paid to be hardworking and kind, and that he needed to set an example to his siblings.
Waroeng Choco, based in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban, Negri Sembilan, where his family lives, sells chocolate-based food to UM students. He has since expanded his business by recruiting agents to sell his products.
“The idea to start a business came when I was president of the UM student representative council. My aim was to promote entrepreneurship values and create business opportunities.
“That’s how I thought of selling food. Affordable and good quality food that tastes great. I discussed with my mother and she agreed to be the supplier. My family handles the production, including packaging, tagging and delivery. My mum is a teacher with a passion for baking.”
Today, Waroeng Choco has three main products: Chocolate rice, cookies and brownies.
“Business and studies are two different things. My area of study is construction, but I run a food business. We shouldn’t limit ourselves. By thinking out of the box, we will have the ability and confidence to be more than who we are,” said Hazwan.
Hazwan also freelances in consultancy services.
“I love to share my experience, especially in the aspect of leadership, public speaking, management and team building. The key to success is not just hard work, but also in giving and sharing.”
Fatin Nur Syazierra Sahril, 20, a second year Creative Writing dedree student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Perdana campus in Selangor, is also dabbling in the food industry, but as a supply agent.
She has been selling chocolate in jars under the brand name Chocoby since August. The product is made by a company called NMY Niaga Sdn Bhd based in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
“My interest in business piqued when my older sister became an agent for a make-up product. My father is also supportive of the idea.”
Fatin operates her business via a mobile phone and she delivers the chocolate product to her customers, mostly family, friends and fellow students.
Happy with the extra income, she said the business did not affect her studies as she had a schedule sorted out.
“Business is my passion. I hope to take business class one day to boost my knowledge.”
Fatin’s coursemate, Norsyamizzatul Iqmar Ahmad Sahfiee, 22, who comes from a family which owns a catering business, sells accessories, including bracelets and necklaces.
“I started Spomenka Necklace in June last year. It began when a necklace I found on Dream Nest Trading went viral after I posted it on Twitter, with people asking me to buy it for them.
“Since the demand was high, I decided to make a temporary business page on Instagram. At first, it was just about making people happy but soon I realised that it could be profitable.”
Norsyamizzatul’s target audience are teenagers and young adults who want to show their affection to their loved ones.
“The necklaces are not only for crushes and partners, but anyone dear to you.”
She has plans to open pop-up stalls in Penang, but she also wants to pursue a career in the creative writing industry.
“I might expand my business internationally because I have been getting requests from Singapore and Brunei. But the business wouldn’t be this big without the support of my father, who has encouraged my efforts and invested in the venture.”
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