PM: START AN E-COMMERCE BUSINESS
Najib calls on youths to take up challenge as sector is a source of wealth for nation
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants university students to delve into entrepreneurial endeavours instead of relying on the government to provide job opportunities.
Najib said the field of entrepreneurship that particularly involved the e-commerce sector was among the country’s sources of wealth, and called on youths to challenge themselves by getting into the business foray.
“I want a shift in our mentality. I do not want for us to think that, upon graduation, we can only work for the government,” Najib said during a question-and-answer session at the Varsity Entrepreneurship Skills And Talents (VEST) competition finale last night.
He said entrepreneurship offered vast opportunities in creating a better life and future.
“We must challenge ourselves to think of the possibilities offered in the field of entrepreneurship, which can guarantee us a meaningful future.
“Students should look for opportunities to be the one who does the hiring, rather than is hired for a basic salary. They should not be waiting to be hired, and instead, explore the possibilities of being their own boss.”
Najib said the contemporary idea of entrepreneurship was relevant for the younger generation who need not conform to a rigid structure whether in life or work.
“There is no fixed structure in their lives. I remember visiting my child at Georgetown University, and I was surprised that there were no books in sight in the hostel room.
“But my child told me not to worry because even though there were no books in sight, it didn’t mean that they weren’t studying. The university students were all wired and they do their revision online.”
Najib advised parents to continue to support their children as “facilitators in their lives”.
He said it was important for him to keep a healthy balance between his work as the prime minister and at home.
“We need to find a way to find balance in everything that we do. Be it work, leisure and religion, that is important if we want to succeed.
“We must keep learning and widen our knowledge because only with that we are able to be on a par with our counterparts.
“We must be competent, and not be caught off-guard when faced with problems or our counterparts. Otherwise, we would be left behind.”
Najib later witnessed the prize presentation award to Vest participants.
The finale, which was held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), saw three winners from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (first prize), University Pertanian Malaysia (second prize) and UKM (third place).
Each winner was awarded RM25,000, RM15,000 and RM10,000 cash, respectively.
Present was Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.