KUCHING: Women involved in catering business are urged to expand their knowledge in management and financial skills to break barriers and capitalise on a more challenging platform.
Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said women entrepreneurs equipped with several skills would ensure growth of their business in a challenging world.
“Women entrepreneurs in catering businesses should be able to provide more than just food during an event,” said Dr Abdul Rahman during the closing of a catering course organised by Sarawak Women Bureau at Kampung Sungai Lumut, Buntal here yesterday.
Events such as a Malay wedding, he said, would need a ‘pelamin’ for the bride and groom, which can also be prepared by the caterer as well as providing make-up service for the bride.
“Try and organise the whole wedding from the start to the end, this would promise a more beneficial income,” he added.
Meanwhile, the two-day catering course was attended by 30 participants from the area.
According to Dr Abdul Rahman, this is an approach by the state government through the women bureau to elevate the standard of living of the people.
After the course, it is expected that at least two to three of the women will be able to venture out and start their own business.
“This is also a way for the government to try and bring down the rate of poverty among the people on a long term basis,” he added.
Sarawak Women Bureau director Norjanah Razali who also spoke, said that such courses would supplement and hasten the state’s objective towards a high income status.
According to her, women nowadays are quick to adapt and climb the ladder of success regardless of being in business or corporate sectors.
“Upon your completion of this course, all of you (participants) will be able to open your own catering businesses or eateries,” said Norjanah adding further that it is now common to see eateries at new commercial areas which signifies a booming and growing industry.
She also said that it would be better if the participants can keep a close relationship with the women’s bureau to take advantage of the ample opportunities.