| Nazrin Asyraf & Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
LARGE crowds gathered around booths where local small and medium enterprise (SMEs) exhibited their products and services during Brunei Darussalam’s 11th National Youth Day celebration yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
The exhibition was participated by both new and experienced businesses that displayed products such as clothes, jewellery, beverages and cleaning products.
One of the businesses is ‘Jambangs Barbershop’ that was founded by Mohd Khairul Kayum only four months ago.
Mohd Khairul said the barber business not only provides him with an income but also allows him to put his skills of cutting hair to use.
At age of about 17, he experimented with hair-cutting but only later took his skills seriously when his hostel friends gave positive feedback when they received hair-cuts from him.
Junior Project Manager of Battlepro Event Management, Mohd Syukri bin Jamil. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
Mohd Khairul offered words of encouragement to youths who are interested in venturing into entrepreneurship.
“They should think positive. Even if you don’t have enough resources or budget or knowledge, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. You have to work. You don’t have the budget? Find a budget! You don’t have the knowledge? Learn! You don’t have the set of skills? Seek the right people for the training.”
‘Jambangs Barbershop’ currently employs three barbers in addition to its owner.
Another exhibitor is ‘Haus Von Jimmy R’ that was founded more than two years ago by Mohd Nurul Abdul Azim bin Rosli who runs the business single-handedly.
Mohd Azim developed his business skills through online resources and also advice from more established people in fashion.
Over time, he saved up enough money to start ‘Haus Von Jimmy R’ which sells fashion items such as hand-made jewellery, apparel and graphic designs.
What is his advice for youths who are planning to go into entrepreneurship?
He emphasised the importance of mental endurance.
“Be prepared to fail. Be prepared for days where you feel that nothing is going right.”
He remarked that an entrepreneur has to commit and continue despite obstacles.
Founder of ‘Jambangs Barbershop’, Mohd Khairul Kayum (seated) at the 11th National Youth Day exhibition in ICC.
Mohd Nurul Abdul Azim bin Rosli, founder of Haus Von Jimmy R.
“In the two years, I’ve been in business, I’ve thought about quitting about six times. But at the same time, I have already put so much work into it. I’ll just continue.”
Representing Battlepro Event Management at the exhibition was its Junior Project Manager, Mohd Syukri bin Jamil who said the company not only manages events but also offers consultancy to businesses of fellow Bruneians.
“We don’t just focus on organising events, we have been able to assist in developing most of the entrepreneurs. With the knowledge and experience we gained from our mentors in business, we have guided entrepreneurs in terms of marketing such as how to promote themselves on social media platforms.”
He mentioned that among the company’s successful events were ‘Letup Lebaran’, ‘Bazaar Amal’ and the Entrepreneur Bazaar held in conjunction with this year’s National Day.
“Another project we worked on was the ‘Satu Baju, Satu Senyuman’ in which whenever a person buys one shirt, a complete set of Baju Cara Melayu is made for an orphan.”
He said, “To the youth out there, don’t be ashamed to step forward. If you are ashamed you will miss out. If you lack knowledge, don’t be shy to ask around. That is the importance of having a mentor. Learning from them (mentors), I developed my personal skills. Look for a mentor and keep trying. Don’t limit yourself to your comfort zone. Try to take on new challenges everyday.”
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