By Norrasyidah Arshad
SUBANG JAYA, Aug 15 — The Selangor Youth Community (SAY) Aspire programme provides local youth entrepreneurs with the opportunity to explore and expand their reach into global markets.
DASC International Sdn Bhd founder cum managing director Nurhidayah Roslan is determined to take advantage of this opportunity to position her cosmetic products on par with other leading brands.
“This programme helps local entrepreneurs take their products worldwide, and it gives us the chance to prove that Malaysian products are of high quality and excellence.
“It also recognises entrepreneurial talent after receiving guidance from experienced parties. I hope it continues so that more local entrepreneurs’ products can be expanded,” she said.
Her company was crowned the champion of the fifth edition of SAY Aspire yesterday, providing Nurhidayah with the opportunity to receive sponsored flights to a chosen country for promotion and business negotiations.
The former Universiti Putra Malaysia researcher also received special mentoring, booths, and business networking sessions, as well as opportunities to collaborate with relevant agencies.
SAY Aspire, held at the Sunway Resort and Spa Hotel, was officiated by Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, with state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi in attendance.
Meanwhile, Citra Kesom chief executive officer Nadia Yahya, who won second place, said the programme has helped her company to grow and penetrate international markets.
“Our health drink products have already gained demand in several countries. With this win, our products can grow even further.
“The state’s efforts are commendable. We also participated in a programme under the Selangor State Development Corporation, which guided us in various aspects,” she said.
SAY Aspire is an entrepreneurial development programme for youths with the potential to expand products and services to global markets through guidance courses and export strategy training.
The programme, which began in 2018, is open to companies operating in Selangor, with directors aged between 18 to 40 years, and who have not been declared bankrupt or blacklisted.
This year, SAY Aspire, which has been ongoing since January, involved the participation of 30 micro, small, and medium enterprise entrepreneurs, with 10 companies qualifying for the final stage.
