Hawkers urged to keep abreast with changing business environment
MIRI: Local hawkers here are encouraged to seize new opportunities to grow their businesses side-by- side with the city’s development.
Honorary advisor to Miri United Hawkers Association Datuk Hii King Chiong, whose text- of- speech was read by his representative Kong San Hoe, said petty hawkers and traders must be forward thinking to avoid being left behind.
He said collaborating with other traders as well as the government could provide more opportunities for a brighter future.
“The old perception that the secret to a successful business must be kept within the family is long gone. In fact, sharing is caring. Sharing business opportunities with others may open doors to more or better opportunities for business partners.
“This is a win-win situation in today’s competitive business industry,” he said at the Miri United Hawkers Association annual dinner here on Saturday.
As an example, Hii said China’s opening-up of its massive market has created endless business platforms for people around the world.
“It matters how you want to develop your own idea and how it could impress others.”
As for Miri’s business development, especially in the tourism industry, Hii said that offering attractive products keep people returning for more.
“Electronic payment system such as Wechat Pay and the newlyintroduced Sarawak Pay offers convenient, fast and easy payment system. Hawkers and small-time traders should learn and keep pace with the globalisation.
“Who knows? Once you are able to tackle the system and adapt in into your business model, you could expand your business,” said Hii.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, who graced the dinner, hoped that the hawkers could keep up with modernisation and offer more products to meet the expanding market demand.
“Always be alert to the needs of the market and you would surely be on level playing field with the changing industry,” said Ting.
To support the association, Ting pledged RM5,000 to help with the association’s activities and another RM5,000 for the association’s incentive fund for poor families.