Karnival UDA 2023 fostering entrepreneurship, asset ownership

It is a continuous journey to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of Malaysians and spur wealth creation, especially in current times, to develop a community that is more resilient against economic shocks.

Aside from government-centric programmes, the private sector also plays a role in creating and participating in business opportunities, which contributes towards growing economic activities, particularly in the local scene.

With that in mind, UDA Holdings Bhd, through its Karnival UDA 2023, continued its efforts to bridge the private and public sector initiatives in fostering entrepreneurship and property ownership, such as through the USHANiaga Entrepreneurship Programme and the UDA Ria Property Campaign programme.

Held in stages in Johor Bahru, Seberang Perai, Kota Kinabalu and Ipoh, the Karnival UDA 2023 attracted sales of RM10 million across 500 entrepreneurs, with another RM30.8 million in property sales recorded during the events, which were held for a total of 12 days between Sept 29 and Dec 10.

This is the second year of the carnival by UDA Holdings, a government-linked company under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD). In 2022, the carnival generated RM11.72 million in total sales with the participation of 656 entrepreneurs, focusing on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“It is hoped that this effort will create a positive impact towards entrepreneurship activities, and uplift the socioeconomic status of local communities,” said UDA Holdings president and CEO Datuk Sr Mohd Salem Kailany, following the positive reception towards the programme.

In the final edition in Ipoh, Perak, UDA Holdings formed a strategic partnership with the Sekretariat Usahawan Negeri Perak (STeP) to gather a diverse group of entrepreneurs, including representatives from the Perbadanan Pembangunan Pertanian Negeri Perak, Tekun Nasional and Koperasi Orang Asli Lata Panjang, to participate in the event.  

Under the Karnival UDA, entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to benefit from the guidance and free business consultations offered by MECD through its platforms BizClinic and BisKaunselor.

BisKaunselor is principally a programme by Institut Keusahawanan Negara (Insken) that provides business consultation services to entrepreneurs. BizClinic, on the other hand, is a collaborative programme between Insken and Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sabah (Sedco).

Entrepreneurs could also market their products at UDA Holdings’ retail centres and explore business spaces under the group.

The programme also aims to encourage social welfare in communities through activities such as exhibitions, sales and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. UDA Holdings, for example, provided zakat contributions in the Perak chapter of the carnival, aside from tokens of appreciation to reward its loyal customers.

Another significant partnership revealed in the Karnival UDA 2023 in Perak was the collaboration between UDA Holdings and the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) to set up a business hub in the mall for individuals from the asnaf group, or eligible recipients of zakat (Islamic alms). The hub is slated to commence in 2024.

Customers who bought property during the UDA Ria Property Campaign had the opportunity to win fabulous prizes worth almost RM200,000, including two Perodua Ativa, accommodation at AnCasa Hotels and Resorts, vacation packages, as well as fuel and Touch ’n Go vouchers.

Among the property featured are UDA Holdings’ Amaanee Residences and Crescent Dew in Penang; 38 Bangsar Residensi and Legasi Kampong Bharu in Kuala Lumpur; Dedaun Residensi in Selangor; UDA Heights, Pisonia Ville, Neuvo Centro and Areca Terrace in Johor; Pelindung Heights in Pahang; Sarai in Terengganu; and Neu Pendington in Sarawak.

Following the success of the Karnival UDA 2023, Mohd Salem Kailany said the decision for its continuation next year would depend on need as well as the locations in which UDA Holdings has businesses.

According to its website, UDA Holdings is currently doing business in states such as Johor, Pahang, Penang, Sarawak and Selangor as well as Kuala Lumpur.

Established in 1971, UDA Holdings has a long and illustrious history of shaping and modernising major cities in Malaysia. Its iconic developments include Menara Dayabumi, Dataran Maybank, Pudu Sentral and Pertama Complex in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Angsana Malls in Johor Bahru and Ipoh.

To find out more please visit www.uda.com.my or or follow Instagram @uda_official or Facebook UDA Holdings Bhd.

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