Landmark event to empower visually impaired entrepreneurs

The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) proudly hosts the “Visually Impaired Entrepreneur Day 2024,” a landmark event dedicated to empowering visually impaired entrepreneurs. This significant event, held today at the MAB Kompleks in Brickfields, gathers government agencies, financial institutions, and business owners to explore opportunities and strategies for business growth.

The event features participation from several government agencies, including the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). These institutions aim to provide valuable insights into business financing strategies, management of variable costs, and ways to increase income. Business financing agencies such as SME CORP, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Tekun Nasional, Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD CORP), and the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKM) are also present to offer their expertise and support.

Attendees can expect a diverse range of activities, including a discussion forum on business financing, an exhibition and sales event featuring 16 visually impaired and three public entrepreneurs, and a chocolate-making session conducted by the Malaysian Cocoa Board. Additionally, the event includes a luncheon and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between Bank Muamalat and MAB, marking a significant step towards financial inclusion and support for visually impaired entrepreneurs.

Promoting equal opportunities for the visually impaired

The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to creating equal opportunities for the visually impaired community, has been at the forefront of rehabilitation, training, education, and employment initiatives for seven decades. MAB aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure a better quality of life for all visually impaired individuals in Malaysia. Currently, 58,289 visually impaired individuals are registered with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) Malaysia, highlighting the importance of events like this in fostering an inclusive society.

“We are delighted to witness the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of the visually impaired community. This event serves as a platform for meaningful connections and valuable resources, aiming to enhance the business acumen and success of visually impaired entrepreneurs,” said Dato’ George Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of MAB.

Future prospects and continuing support

The “Visually Impaired Entrepreneur Day 2024” is not only a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit but also a testament to the ongoing efforts to support the visually impaired community in Malaysia. By bringing together various stakeholders, the event underscores the importance of collaboration in driving economic empowerment and social inclusion. The initiatives and partnerships formed today will pave the way for a brighter future for visually impaired entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in the business world.

The commitment of MAB and its partners to fostering an inclusive environment where visually impaired individuals can achieve their full potential is a crucial step towards a more equitable society. As the event concludes, the focus remains on sustaining these efforts and expanding the support network for visually impaired entrepreneurs across the nation.