| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
RAMADHAN has already begun and the annual food stalls (gerai) were in full swing yesterday, with an array of delicacies for the breaking of fast.
This year, the Gerai Ramadhan is leaning towards budding entrepreneurship, and providing young people with a platform to start their own businesses.
During the Bulletin’s visit to the Gerai Ramadhan at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, there were several emerging youth participants managing their own stalls, offering up savouries and drinks for everyone, including tourists.
Nurul Aini binti Haji Besar, 21, who manages her family’s business named Roses Food, said that she has been part of the family business since she was seven, and that helping to supplement her family’s income has now grown into a passion.
Among the food items at her stall are curry puffs, doughnuts and cakes. She also said that preparations start as early as three in the morning, after Sahur.
Photos above show some of the entrepreneurs at the Gerai Ramadhan at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. PHOTOS: SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI
“One of the challenges is the competition from other vendors, but I still believe in ‘rezeki’ (providence) and I look up to these challenges as healthy for the growth of our family business,” she said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin bin Haji Ramli, 28, of Thai Kitchen, who manages the business with his wife, is bringing out the flavours of Thailand for Thai food enthusiasts.
He said that their stall offers up dishes which are popular with local crowds, including the Red Ruby dessert, Coconut Pudding, their signature Grilled Chicken, Kerabu Sotong, Kerabu Tang Hoon, Mango and Durian Sticky Rice, Somtam Papaya, Somtam Mango and Somtam Kawin.
“Our business began a few years back when my wife started to try out her late mother’s recipes. Our journey has been quite overwhelming and we are happy to be where we stand today,” he said.
Fa’adhli bin Haji Rosli and friends of KaPOW Burger
Ali Hardi (2nd R) of Cendol Temburong
Nurul Aini of Roses Food
His advice to young and aspiring entrepreneurs is to persevere and continue striving towards success, no matter how difficult it may be.
At the same time, the Gerai Ramadhan is providing part-time jobs for unemployed youth looking for work opportunities.
Fa’adhli bin Haji Rosli, 19, who works part-time with KaPOW Burger, said that the experience is giving him a good opportunity to learn about responsibility, people skills, teamwork and professionalism. In addition, he also hopes to gain a solid working background, to add to his career resume.
Ali Hardi bin Haji Mohammad, the owner of Cendol Temburong Awang Haji Saban bin Haji Yahya, said that he was pleased at how youths were being involved in businesses during their spare time and earning their own income.
He told the Bulletin that Islam encourages entrepreneurship and encourages its followers to be enterprising, like the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who started his own business at the age of 25.
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