PENANG has always prioritised the well-being of the womenfolk in the state and has come up with various initiatives over the years to empower them.
The ‘Wanita Jana Rezeki 2.0’ (WJR 2.0) programme is among those efforts undertaken by the state government via the Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) to raise more women entrepreneurs.
Today, a total of 15 entrepreneurs received their grant of RM1,000 each under the WJR 2.0 programme after their products had passed both the ‘market testing’ and ‘food testing’ conducted by a panel of jury.
The jury panel consisted of the team from the Penang Chefs Association, led by its chairman Audee Cheah, and culinary lecturers from UOW KDU Penang.
It is learned that a total of 47 applications involving a total of 76 products were received for the programme.
State executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng, who attended the presentation ceremony, said the WJR 2.0 serves as a platform for women from the B40 families to market their products.
“These products deserve to get into a bigger market. Therefore, the state government acknowledges the amazing talents and skills exhibited by the entrepreneurs.
“And we are ready to provide them a platform to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Chong Eng while congratulating the recipients of the grant at the event.
Chong Eng said it is vital to keep abreast with the technology and be creative to enhance the products’ marketability.
“When you create a unique product, it will surely draw customers. That is how you will get your regular customers and it is important that we have our own target group.
“Aside from that, creating networks is also crucial for more business opportunities, guidance, assistance and so forth.
“The state government would definitely do our part by helping to market the products but what really matters is your drive to become a successful entrepreneur,” she added.
She added that the state government, through the Penang2030 vision, has set a target of ensuring that 40% of businesses are owned by women by year 2030.
“According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OEDC), if a household income is controlled by women, it brings about benefit for the children and the family as a whole.
“This shows how women can be influential in empowering a family economically,” added Chong Eng.
Meanwhile, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim said the WJR 2.0 was the outcome of the overwhelming response received for the ‘Projek Kuih Raya’, which was launched during the movement control order (MCO) period previously.
“The ‘Projek Kuih Raya’ was launched to help the women from the B40 families to generate income.
“We then distributed the products from the project to the frontliners during the MCO period. The project later became a huge success and it led to the launch of WJR 2.0.
“Here, I would like to thank our Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) for their commitment in making this programme a success.
“I also would like to urge the public to support our fellow entrepreneurs by buying their products,” Lim said.
PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng said those who would like to participate in the WJR 2.0 can check with the JPWK team in their respective constituencies.
They can also follow PWDC’s facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PWDCMalaysia/ for further updates on the programme.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi