LABUAN: The inaugural Labuan Connect! event brought the spotlight to local entrepreneurs under the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), offering them a platform to showcase their products to a broader audience.
Held at Kampung Patau-Patau 1 on Saturday, a renowned tourism water village on this duty-free island, the one-day event drew thousands of local visitors, creating an atmosphere of celebration and opportunity.
Among the standout participants was Abdul Razak Alimin, a 33-year-old architecture graduate who has turned his creative expertise into a business success.
Under his brands Victorian Revival, focusing on merchandise and apparel, and Local Sqetch, offering architectural drawings, Abdul Razak credited Labuan Connect as a significant opportunity to promote his products to a viable market.
“We must be thankful for NADI, which has given local entrepreneurs like us a chance to shine through various online platforms.
“However, it is still essential to continue improving the quality of our products to remain competitive,” Abdul Razak said to Bernama in an interview today.
Starting his business in 2016 with less than RM1,000, Abdul Razak now operates an outlet at the Labuan Financial Park Complex.
Having joined NADI in 2021, he acknowledges the programme’s critical role in expanding his market reach.
Similarly, Anna Habir, 27, who crafts handmade jewellery under her brand Thrice.co, shared her aspirations for a permanent kiosk.
Specialising in stainless steel, pearl, and 18k gold-plated necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, and brooches, Anna launched her business during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since benefited from NADI’s support.
“My products have been in the local market since 2021…joining NADI this year has been pivotal in taking my business online, especially through Instagram. I can easily earn around RM2,000 during events like this,” she said.
Another entrepreneur, Fatima Nurulhidayu Mohd Hashim, 20, who also crafts handmade jewellery, highlighted the importance of Labuan Connect in building networks and displaying her products.
“I participate in carnivals on this island every year and can earn a four-figure sum in just one or two days…Labuan Connect is another valuable event for local entrepreneurs,” she said.
NADI’s five key thrusts are entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, self-well-being, awareness, and government initiatives.
Focusing on community development, the event underscored the significance of supporting local talent and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. – Bernama
