UMT Student Entrepreneur Incubator Develops Student Entrepreneurs

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 15 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has implemented the student entrepreneur incubator programme as a platform for talent development, innovation and empowerment in entrepreneurship among its students.

UMT deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the initiative, carried out through the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Graduate Employability since October last year, serves as a one-stop centre showcasing products developed by student entrepreneurs at the university.

“In addition, the incubator provides a platform for students to receive business mentoring, pitch training, industry monitoring and product development support for those interested in developing and expanding their products,” he told Bernama here.

He said the incubator currently offers 40 products developed by students, with 10 of the businesses producing these products registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

He added that the products are the result of student entrepreneurial activities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and initiatives carried out at their respective faculties.

In addition to being sold directly to university students and staff, products housed in the incubator, such as dipping sauces, biscuits, smoked tilapia, ornamental fish and ready-to-eat food, are also repurposed as souvenir items for university programmes.

“Although we developed the incubator in October last year, it was only launched last week. Profit is not our main priority; it is more about exposure to business and training to refine the products.

“It is also expected to serve as a new catalyst for the campus entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as to expand strategic collaboration networks between universities, industry, agencies and alumni in empowering student entrepreneurship in the country,” he said.

-- BERNAMA