Supporting local entrepreneurs goes beyond simply encouraging people to buy Malaysian products. It is also about creating opportunities, providing access to wider markets and helping small businesses grow into sustainable ventures.
This is exactly what Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (MYDIN) continues to champion through its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), small and medium industries, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The company recently demonstrated this commitment through its participation in the Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal Campaign, organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The campaign aims to expand market opportunities for local products and connect homegrown businesses with more consumers.
Giving Local Entrepreneurs a Chance to Grow
According to MYDIN Managing Director, Datuk Wira (Dr.) Haji Ameer Ali Mydin, access to markets is one of the key factors that can help local entrepreneurs increase sales and grow their businesses sustainably.
While producing quality products is important, entrepreneurs must also take advantage of marketing opportunities, strengthen their product competitiveness and understand consumer needs.
As Ameer Mydin pointed out, growing a small business is no easy feat. Some entrepreneurs have excellent products with great potential but lack the opportunities to introduce them to a wider market.
MYDIN understands these challenges well, having started its own journey as a humble wooden shop.
That experience has taught the company that opportunities, hard work and determination are essential ingredients in building a successful business.
Although MYDIN has grown far beyond its beginnings as a small business, it remains mindful of the challenges local entrepreneurs face, particularly rising operating costs, market competition and the constant effort required to increase sales.
The company is therefore committed to continuing its collaboration with various stakeholders to improve market access for locally produced goods.
Showcasing Negeri Sembilan’s Local Products
The Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal campaign also provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and highlight the unique offerings of Negeri Sembilan.
A total of 16 entrepreneurs from NS Choice and Halal Kotej Go Global, under the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department, participated in the programme.
Their involvement aims to introduce more consumers to local products while creating greater exposure and business opportunities for participating entrepreneurs.
Through collaboration between the government, private sector and entrepreneurial community, the initiative hopes to open doors to wider markets and encourage more strategic partnerships that benefit local businesses.
Personally, I believe initiatives like this are important because having a good product is only part of the journey. Getting that product in front of the right audience can make all the difference, especially for smaller businesses that may not have the marketing budgets or resources of larger companies.
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
One of the highlights of the initiative is its focus on creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs with disabilities, demonstrating that entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone.
The programme also involved Selangor Youth Community to expand the participation of seven disability-owned businesses in entrepreneurship and economic activities.
As part of its support, MYDIN contributed RM500 in cash vouchers to each of the seven entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Ameer Mydin emphasised that persons with disabilities need more than just assistance… they also need opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and potential.
With suitable support and access to markets, entrepreneurs with disabilities can build their businesses, become more financially independent and work towards a better quality of life.
This is a meaningful reminder that inclusivity should go beyond providing financial assistance. Creating opportunities for people to showcase their skills, reach customers and earn a sustainable income is equally important.
By helping these entrepreneurs gain greater visibility and access to the market, initiatives like this can contribute towards a more inclusive business environment.
Shop Local and 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 consumers, shopping local is a simple yet meaningful way to contribute to the growth of Malaysian businesses. Every purchase can help small entrepreneurs reach their sales targets, build customer confidence and reinvest in growing their businesses.
Beyond generating sales, campaigns like this also help introduce homegrown brands to new audiences, potentially opening up opportunities for long-term business growth.
MYDIN hopes the campaign will serve as a catalyst for more strategic collaborations to strengthen the position of Malaysian products in the marketplace and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
My Take
I love seeing initiatives that give local entrepreneurs a genuine opportunity to grow, especially those who may not always have access to the same resources or exposure as established brands.
From small businesses trying to reach more customers to entrepreneurs with disabilities working towards greater independence, having the right platform and support can make a real difference.
MYDIN’s participation in Jom Malaysia: Ikon Lokal is a reminder that building a stronger local economy takes a collective effort… from government agencies and private companies to the entrepreneurs themselves and, of course, us as consumers.
So, the next time you shop, why not take a closer look at Malaysian-made products? You might just discover a new favourite while helping a local business take its next big step.
After all, supporting local isn’t just about buying a product… it’s about supporting someone’s dream, hard work and journey towards success.
