‘My ideas will make up for inexperience’

JOHOR BARU: Entrepreneurial training in Johor must embrace technology platforms like smartphone apps and online retail channels, says the new state executive councillor in charge of the portfolio.

Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali (pic) admitted that he may not have an extensive background for the Information, Entrepreneurship Development, Cooperatives and Creative Economy committee but is confident his enthusiasm and ideas will help him make a go of it.

The 33-year-old raised eyebrows when he left PAS and joined DAP in 2005.

He became a first-time assemblyman after winning the Paloh state seat in GE14 and was thrust into the role of helping to run Johor last week.

“It still feels like a whirlwind experience,” he said on his first official day at work yesterday, after meeting heads of department at the Entrepreneurial Development Centre headquarters in Bandar Baru Uda near here.

Sheikh Umar also sought advice from his colleagues in the Selangor and Penang state governments on how to best manage his portfolio, adding that he hopes to help create enough job opportunities for Johoreans while reducing its dependence on foreign workers.

“The creative economy is something I find very exciting.

“I have to advise and guide some agencies to change their approach and training methods to incorporate entrepreneurship that take advantage of the Internet, apps and online selling platforms,” he said.

As an example, he said one agency still prioritised setting up physical stalls or shops in its entrepreneurship training programmes.

“We need to change this approach by encouraging entrepreneurs to focus more on selling and marketing their products and services online. That is why the creative economy portfolio was introduced,” he said.

Sheikh Umar said he has a big task ahead of him because he has about 60 strategic partners to oversee.

He sees his main job as helping to manage them so that they are on the same page as the state administration.

“We will continue many of the existing programmes for bumiputra entrepreneurs but I want to make sure we help every race.

“Whoever needs help, we will give it,” he said, adding that he will be meeting other agencies soon to get a better understanding of his responsibilities.