EVERY day, a growing number of young entrepreneurs, spanning diverse ages and backgrounds, are stepping into the entrepreneurial realm, driven by ambition and innovation.
Emerging young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to enhance their self-image while making positive contributions to society.
An example is Abdul Matiin Mohd Shahlan, 28, a dynamic entrepreneur leading a thriving mobile phone repair business, TeenFix Studio, in Teluk Kumbar.
Previously, Matiin, who has a Diploma in Technical from Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Seberang Prai, was a night market ‘air balang’ trader. He participated in the empowerNCER programme for skills and entrepreneurship training.
He sought assistance when his business and income were affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The mobile phone repair course transformed my life. With the knowledge gained, I’ve become a successful mobile phone entrepreneur, owning premises and employing four staff members.
“I was introduced to the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) programme by a friend and ventured into business in 2021,” he said.
Through participation in NCER’s skills and entrepreneurship training, Matiin embarked on a journey to master mobile phone repair from basic to advanced levels. He also acquired essential skills in hiring employees and marketing his business.
The winner of the empowerNCER North East District Male Entrepreneur Icon award in 2022 revealed that he and his wife, Siti Maisarah Ismail, 28, initiated the business together, later opting to recruit additional employees.
Matiin hires staff already skilled in the field, while also providing basic training before entrusting them with customer issues. He sets service prices based on market rates, considering factors such as materials used or skill required.
“At its peak, TeenFix achieved monthly sales ranging from RM80,000 to RM90,000. Over the last three months, the average income has been recorded at approximately RM60,000.
“The services provided are mobile phone-related, including LCD repair, battery replacement, data transfer, iPhone sales, and accessories.
“I rely solely on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok for marketing. I create daily promotional videos myself to engage with the public, effectively addressing competition within my social circle,” Matiin stated.
This determined young entrepreneur, with a vision to inspire others, attributes his success to his unwavering resolve and love for overcoming challenges. Despite the hurdles faced in the past few years, he persisted until he achieved his goal of establishing TeenFix, demonstrating his commitment to entrepreneurship.
Supported by his wife Maisarah, Matiin aims to broaden TeenFix’s presence by launching new branches in Penang, including areas like Paya Terubong and Ayer Itam.
In wrapping up the interview, Matiin encourages young entrepreneurs to join programmes like NCER to unlock opportunities and strive for future success.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat