By MULA Minds
Photos by MULA Minds
BANGI, 6 August 2025 – Five asnaf entrepreneurs were given a life-changing opportunity through Projek MULA (Micro-Entrepreneurship for Local Empowerment of Asnaf), a community development project led by Master of Business Administration (MBA) students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB).
The project, held in collaboration with Teraju Ekonomi Asnaf (TERAS), Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS), and Negarawati Tanahair, aimed to empower participants to achieve financial independence through education, mentorship, and real-world exposure.
Over the course of a month in the Hulu Langat area, participants attended practical workshops on entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial literacy, as well as a motivational talk by the Founder of Gula Cakery, Pn Arieni Adriena.
They also took part in an industry visit to Mamasab International Sdn Bhd’s factory in Petaling Jaya, where they gained first-hand insights into F&B operations. The programme further distinguished itself by providing the incorporation of personalised mentorship from known business leaders, including the Director of Mamasab International, Encik Rizal Saim, and the Executive Chairman of Authentic Venture, Ir Aziz Ismail.
The final session took place at UKM-GSB, where the entrepreneurs pitched their business plans to a panel of judges and showcased their products to the public was graced by the Dean of UKM-GSB, Prof. Dr. Zafir Khan Mohamed Makhbul, alongside sponsors and guests from institutions such as Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Bank Simpanan Nasional, and Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd.
The top participants were awarded seed capital to support their growth: RM3,000 and a tablet for first place, RM2,000 and a tablet for second, RM1,000 and a tablet for third, and RM500 each for fourth and fifth place, alongside other benefits.
In a heart-warming gesture, Bank Islam representative, Ustaz Mohd Juzaili Juhan, Head of Entrepreneurship Development, announced additional seed capital support for all participants during the closing ceremony.
“After evaluating the participants’ pitches, we see great potential in their business ventures.
“We hope more programmes like Projek MULA will continue to empower local communities in the future.
“Additionally, Bank Islam’s contribution to Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD initiative, a Shariah-compliant social finance programme, reflects our commitment to support low-income and asnaf micro-entrepreneurs through microfinancing, seed capital, and structured entrepreneurial training and mentoring, which is an effort strongly aligned with Projek MULA’s goals,” he explained.
Among the participants was a single mother battling stage one ovarian cancer and founder of DapoQhaseh, Pn Siti Fatimah.
“I’m beyond grateful to UKM-GSB and the students.
“This opportunity changed my life and gave me renewed hope, confidence, and a community that I now feel part of,” she said.
