Internet centres can help produce competitive entrepreneurs - Saifuddin

Internet centres nationwide are not only resource-based venues to empower community activities but also platforms to help produce competitive entrepreneurs who contribute towards the local economy.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said with the various training and programmes being held in Internet centres, entrepreneurs will be able to generate more income besides promoting their products to bigger markets.

"The transformation planned for these centres nationwide will be action-based, not only making it conducive for the creation of job opportunities and e-commerce activities but also providing more online services for the people," he said in a statement today.

Citing Sarawak as an example, he said the Rantau Panjang Internet centre in Sibu had made a positive impact on the area's socio-economic development, with residents there now managing their daily affairs with just a click of the mouse rather having to make long trips.

Besides this, Saifuddin said these centres have also provided added value in that the locals can now pick up new skills as well.

"I had the opportunity to inspect activities organised by the Rantau Panjang Internet centre yesterday, where several entrepreneurs showed me their products such as bead craft, Sarawak motifs, Monster Burger and agriculture-based products.

"From what I observed, these products have great potential to be developed further. Through proper guidance and strategy, I am confident they can be widely marketed to bring in good returns," he said.

Saifuddin said such results would encourage more agencies to provide better services to the local communities, as how it is being done in Sibu, by making use of good internet connectivity at these centres," he said.