Mara to set up techshop to whet young entrepreneurs’ creativity

KUALA LUMPUR: Majis Amanah Rakyat ( Mara) will set up a ‘ TechShop’ centre to be a platform for young entrepreneurs to be inventive and turn out their creative products.

Rural and Rural Development Ministry Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said he came across the idea during a visit to the United States last month.

“I met the chief executive officer of Autodesk and saw how the United States encouraged its young entreprenuers in industry, science and creativity.

“I suggest we set up our own ‘ TechShop’ at the Mara Junior Science Colleges, Urban Transformation Centres and Rural Transformation Centres so that young entreprenuers can realise their creative ideas in the form of products or services,” he told reporters after launching the 2014 Mara Educators’ Day here, yesterday.

Mohd Shafie said young entreprenuers in the United States were only charged US$ 100 and could use all the facilities available in the TechShop under the guidance of experts who helped to produce ideas.

He said the Autodesk CEO was expected to come to Malaysia soon to determine the suitability here for the setting up of the centre.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie said he had discussed with International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed on the current needs of industry so that it could be coordinated with the contents taught by Mara educators.

He said by knowing the needs, industries need not depend on foreign workers and give the opportunity to locals. — Bernama