When we talk about supporting local businesses, it is not just about buying Malaysian-made products… it is also about giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow, reach more customers and build sustainable businesses.

This is exactly what MYDIN Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN) continues to champion through its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), small-scale industries and entrepreneurs with disabilities (OKU).

Through its participation in the Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal Campaign, organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), MYDIN is helping to create greater market access for local products and bring them closer to Malaysian consumers.

Giving Local Businesses a Chance to Shine

According to MYDIN Managing Director, Datuk Wira (Dr.) Haji Ameer Ali Mydin, access to the market plays a crucial role in helping local entrepreneurs increase sales and grow their businesses sustainably.

Having a good-quality product is important, but entrepreneurs also need opportunities to showcase their offerings, strengthen their competitiveness and understand what consumers are looking for.

As he pointed out, growing a small business is never easy. Many entrepreneurs have promising products but lack the exposure and market access needed to introduce them to a wider audience.

MYDIN understands these challenges because the company itself started from humble beginnings as a small wooden shop. That journey has taught the company the importance of opportunity, hard work and perseverance in building a successful business.

Although MYDIN has grown far beyond its beginnings as a small business, the company remains mindful of the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, particularly rising operating costs, market competition and the constant need to increase sales.

Through collaborations with various stakeholders, MYDIN hopes to continue opening doors for local products and helping entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

Showcasing the Best of Negeri Sembilan

The Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal Campaign also provided a platform for 16 entrepreneurs from NS Choice and the Halal Kotej Go Global initiative under the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department to showcase their products.

The initiative aims to introduce consumers to the diversity of local offerings while highlighting the unique identity and entrepreneurial potential of Negeri Sembilan.

Beyond providing a space to sell their products, programmes like this can help local businesses gain valuable exposure, connect with new customers and explore opportunities for future growth.

The collaboration also highlights the importance of bringing together government agencies, the private sector and the entrepreneurial community to build a stronger ecosystem for local businesses.

Empowering Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

One of the particularly meaningful aspects of this initiative is its support for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

In collaboration with Selangor Youth Community, the campaign also involved seven businesses run by OKU entrepreneurs, helping to expand their participation in entrepreneurship and the wider economy.

To further support their business journeys, MYDIN contributed RM500 in cash vouchers to each of the seven OKU entrepreneurs.

Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin emphasised that persons with disabilities do not simply need assistance… they also deserve opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and potential.

With appropriate support and better access to markets, OKU entrepreneurs can grow their businesses, become more financially independent and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

I think this is an important message because creating an inclusive business environment means going beyond offering assistance. It means providing people with the opportunities, resources and platforms they need to succeed on their own terms.

Shop Local, Support Malaysian Entrepreneurs

The sales carnival held in conjunction with the Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal Campaign runs until 25 October 2026, giving shoppers an opportunity to discover local products while supporting the participating entrepreneurs.

For shoppers, it is a chance to explore homegrown offerings and perhaps discover something new. For the entrepreneurs, every purchase represents an opportunity to grow their customer base, build brand awareness and strengthen their businesses.

MYDIN hopes the campaign will pave the way for more strategic collaborations that strengthen the position of Malaysian products in the local market while contributing to the country’s economic growth.

At the end of the day, supporting local businesses goes beyond making a purchase. It is about helping dreams grow, creating opportunities for more Malaysians and building a stronger entrepreneurial community.

So, the next time you shop, why not take a closer look at the local brands and products around you? You might just discover a new favourite while playing your part in supporting Malaysia’s homegrown entrepreneurs.

Because when local businesses grow, our communities grow with them.