By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Dec 13 — A deep passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to support parents motivated a former teacher to venture into the early childhood education business.
The perseverance of Rahmah Safari, 48, paid off when she was crowned the winner of the Entrepreneur Icon Award at the Hijrahpreneur 2024 Awards ceremony organised by the Hijrah Selangor Foundation yesterday.
“My nursery business journey began in 2013 with just one child. Now, I have 350 children and am operating along Jalan Kebun, Klang.
“I aim to provide services to the community, particularly parents who need a safe place for their children while working and quality early education,” she told the press.
Rahmah took a loan from Hijrah Selangor in 2014, starting with an initial RM20,000, followed by RM50,000, and finally RM100,000 to expand her business.
She said the loans provided by Hijrah Selangor were especially helpful during challenging times, and that she also participated in various entrepreneurial opportunities and training programmes.
“My dream is to maintain consistency in business. If finances and manpower are sufficient, InsyaAllah, I hope to open more branches and help even more parents,” said the mother of three.
At the event, Rahmah also received the Success Story 2023/2024 Award and the Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award, taking home a RM1,450 prize along with a plaque and a certificate of appreciation.
The awards were presented by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, who was accompanied by the state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi, at the Ideal Convention Centre in Section 15.
