Over 1,000 Rural Entrepreneurs To Gather At 3D Mega Carnival Starting Today

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- More than 1,000 rural entrepreneurs from across the country will gather at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from today for the Tiga Dimensi (3D) Mega Carnival in an effort to support rural economic growth and inspire young people to explore rural entrepreneurship.

Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the five-day carnival is a strategic collaboration between Felda, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development KKDW), and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), which also support the One District One Industry (SDSI) initiative.

He highlighted that the carnival will provide an important platform to showcase the capabilities and diversity of rural entrepreneurs, featuring everything from traditional products to modern services.

“We may be surprised by the variety of products on display. In the past, the Malays were only known for their massage skills, but now they have successfully commercialised this with other attractive services such as manicure and pedicure,” he said in an interview before his appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme yesterday.

This event is also part of a broader effort to rebrand Felda, shifting its image from solely an agricultural agency to a dynamic force in the evolving rural market, he added.

“Felda is now more than just palm oil; it has evolved into a complete ecosystem that includes manufacturing, transportation, marketing, cooperatives, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and is now expanding into digital entrepreneurship. This is the direction we want to highlight to the Malaysian public, especially the younger generation,” he said.

The carnival offers a host of activities, including rural product exhibitions, e-sports competitions, folk sports, new-generation housing showcases, and entrepreneurship and career development programs for youth.

One of the highlights will be the MRSM Felda orchestra's gold medal achievement at an international competition in Prague, Czech Republic, demonstrating that Felda settlers' descendants are excelling in fields far beyond traditional agriculture.

Ahmad Shabery also hinted at an important announcement to be made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is scheduled to attend the event.

“There will certainly be exciting news to share. This is an event eagerly anticipated, not only by Felda’s community but also by the wider public,” he said, inviting everyone to attend and contribute to the event’s success.

-- BERNAMA