The argument for helping someone rather than giving alms is not new.
In recent years, news of kindness based solely on monetary donations has often been met with skepticism, with questions lingering about whether financial aid actually reaches its intended recipients.
Reaching out means more engaged, personalised and sustainable solutions for those receiving assistance.
Yayasan UEM (YUEM) is another example, working with partners such as the Institute of Poverty Research and Management (InSpeK) at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan to create change that resonates at a deeper and more impactful level.
The strategic partnership between YUEM and InSpeK further saw the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Program (YUEM-EDP) in 2020.
Since then, the programme has been a catalyst for change, helping 59 disadvantaged micro-entrepreneurs, including 29 people with disabilities, escape poverty and move towards self-reliance and dignity.
Through this powerful partnership, the Foundation provides the necessary funding and platform, while InSpeK brings valuable research insights on poverty and actionable strategies to support these enterprises and provide effective assistance.
Programs for learning new skills
YUEM-EDP is a comprehensive two-year programme meticulously designed to equip participants with various skills in business accounting, operations management, branding and marketing.
The knowledge and skills gained through the program enable entrepreneurs to approach their businesses with a new level of sophistication and confidence that was previously out of reach.
Upon completing their training at InSpeK, participants will receive in-kind business capital assistance from YUEM, including tools and machinery essential for expanding their business.
This strategic approach ensures that the assistance provided is transformative and leads to long-term business growth – a testament to the Foundation and its partners’ commitment to ensuring participants’ success even after the program ends.
These entrepreneurs’ progress will be monitored for up to one year after completion, and they will be provided with ongoing advice and introduced to entrepreneurial incentives and support from various institutions, such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).
Turning the wheel towards better days
The transformative impact of the programme is illustrated by the example of Roslina Mat Yusof, who is physically and hearing impaired.
The 47-year-old mother of two from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, has been making murukku at home since 2010 to supplement her family’s income, using only a hand-cranked press and a wok over an open flame.
The system severely limited the amount of production that could be produced and was labour intensive, meaning that before joining YUEM-EDP, his monthly income was only RM600.
After the training, and with support from YUEM, she acquired a large electric mixer and a set of hydraulic murukku machine-cum-wok, which resulted in increased productivity as she can now process 5kg of dough from the previous 2kg.
After learning how to promote her products on social media during her training, Roslina is now active on Facebook and has a growing following.
Since then, her income has skyrocketed to RM2,000 a month, enabling her to renovate her house to make it more comfortable for her family.
She has since diversified her product offerings to include laksa, lempek, keropok lekor and mini curry puffs, and aims to expand her business while providing employment opportunities to the less privileged.
Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs with disabilities: “Believe in yourself and be proactive towards your goals and dreams.”
“Anything is possible if you work hard enough,” Roslina said, adding that she wants to inspire others to chase their dreams with determination and tenacity.
She also hopes that her story shows that with hard work and the right support, people can turn challenges into opportunities, build successful businesses and improve their communities.
Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for everyone to achieve success.
Overcoming obstacles with perseverance and skill: Wang Saidi is a passionate car repairman at his workshop in Kota Bharu. His business has continued to grow since receiving training and financial assistance.
Mastering the Resilience Ride
Similarly, the story of Wan Saidi Wan Salleh is one of indomitable spirit.
Despite suffering from cerebral palsy, he trained as a mechanic in Kuala Lumpur before returning to Kota Bharu to set up a workshop.
Since starting his business 18 years ago, it has been a tough journey for him as customers have not trusted him due to his disability.
He has also been deprived of his rightful compensation because of it.
YUEM-EDP’s financial support has made it easier to acquire the long-desired SATA pull-out tool trolley, which was previously too expensive to obtain.
The InSpeK training also taught him to be more financially wise, and the university promoted his services so more customers could support him.
The impact? His monthly income has been on the rise, doubling from 2,000 ringgits pre-COVID to 4,000 ringgits, and even hitting a staggering 6,000 ringgits in one month.
He now leads a dedicated team of four mechanics, repairing up to 50 vehicles every month.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this programme as it has helped me increase my source of income,” said Wan Saidi.
An inclusive future
The collaboration between YUEM and InSpeK has fostered an entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only enables people like Roslina and Wan Saidi to thrive, but also serves as agents of hope and resilience within their communities.
This initiative is a testament to the idea that meaningful support can spark a series of positive changes, turning dreams into sustainable businesses and enabling people with disabilities to live dignified lives.
Following the success of the program’s first two cohorts (16 and 14 participants respectively), YUEM-EDP is training 29 participants this year, enabling even more participants to benefit from the program and capital support.
Dr Tengku Fauzan, a senior research fellow at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and InSpeK project leader, recalls the determination of Roslina and Wang Saidi during their time on the programme.
Dr Tengku Fauzan said the participants’ constant positive attitude and creativity in generating business ideas for the future were notable and inspiring qualities.
She also witnessed the participants’ endless positivity and incredible creativity as they worked to improve their lives, despite the many obstacles they encountered along the way.
“It’s inspiring to see the indomitable fighting spirit of the participants.
“Their strong desire to succeed is evident in their willingness to travel from all over Kelantan to the university and attend classes diligently,” Dr Tengku Fauzan said.
According to UEM group managing director and YUEM board of trustees member Datuk Mohamed Izani Gani, Roslina and Wang Saidi’s journey reflects the programme’s core mission: “Every person has their own unique story and dreams waiting to be realised. YUEM’s goal is to ignite hope and make dreams come true.”
“YUEM-EDP is conceived and implemented to ensure that entrepreneurs not only succeed in their businesses but also prosper in their lives, freeing them from the shackles of poverty and hardship.”
Future iterations of the programme will sow new seeds of hope, resilience and empowerment, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
