Source: Digi. Participants of the Pi1M Training Programme gathered for a group photo.
Digi Telecommunications recently conducted a training program for community members residing near the company-managed Pusat Internet 1 Malaysia (Pi1M) centers. This tailored program reflects Digi’s commitment to fostering online entrepreneurship within its Pi1M communities. Currently, Digi manages 34 Pi1Ms across Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Melaka, and Sarawak, with plans to establish 70 more centers by year’s end.
Eugene Teh, Digi’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized Digi’s dedication to empowering communities and promoting socioeconomic progress through connectivity. He stated, “Our focus has consistently been ensuring the long-term sustainability of Digi’s Pi1Ms, providing communities with readily available connectivity, and offering unrestricted access to information and resources.”
He further added, “This is the inaugural program in a series of similar training initiatives. Our aim is to provide all interested community members and our Pi1M managers with opportunities to learn from and leverage the benefits of the Internet. We strongly believe that these programs will open doors for social and economic empowerment, fostering equal opportunities for all.”
The three-day pilot program welcomed 36 participants from 11 Pi1Ms across Malaysia. The selection process involved profile evaluations and interviews to assess participants’ aspirations, enthusiasm, business experience, and potential. Digi, in collaboration with strategic partners Google Business Group Malaysia, The Star, Pos Malaysia, MMSC Ventures, and Zalora, guided the participants on harnessing the power of the internet for business and online income generation.
During the event, Google Malaysia and its partner Kasatria offered insights into Google Apps. The Star introduced participants to iBilik, a homestay platform. Pos Malaysia showcased their online marketplace PostMe alongside their diverse service offerings. Zalora, an established online business, shared its valuable experiences. MMSC Ventures led discussions on online education and internet-based income opportunities.
Mohd Hairulnizam Ismail, an F&B business owner from Lundu, Sarawak, expressed the program’s positive impact on his business. “While I’ve personally used Air Asia’s online platform, I needed guidance on establishing my business online. Through this workshop, I gained insights into analyzing website traffic using Google tools and utilizing domain tracking tools via Google Webmaster,” he remarked.
Maszni Abdul Aziz, owner of Sparkle Beads Enterprise in Melaka, found the workshop to be particularly enlightening.
“My exposure to the internet has been limited, and I’ve never engaged in online shopping. My goal for attending this workshop was to explore and understand the potential of the internet,” she shared. “The session with Zalora was inspiring; I learned about the internet’s vast possibilities for expanding my business. My ambition is to take my business global, and with the internet, I’m confident in achieving that dream.”
Digi, in partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is committed to conducting similar workshops for its Pi1M communities, aiming for at least one session per quarter. Each workshop is structured to accommodate a maximum of 35 participants, including Pi1M center managers, fostering interaction and comprehensive coverage of topics.