Events that spotlight small-town entrepreneurs play a vital role in boosting the local economy, one of the key priorities championed by Jementah ADUN Ng Kor Sim since her election.
Ng said initiatives such as the recently concluded Central and Southern Zone New Village Good Products Competition 2025 have opened new avenues for small-town entrepreneurs to showcase their products and gain national recognition.
“As a kampung girl myself, I am always encouraged to see the creativity and perseverance of entrepreneurs who come from modest beginnings but possess big dreams. Their resilience reflects the true spirit of our small towns,” she said.
Ng disclosed that a bakery from Kampung Abdullah, Jementah, Uncle Sam Sesame Puff, was among those that were shortlisted to participate in the competition, proving that local producers can compete and thrive alongside their peers from across Malaysia.
“These initiatives are not just about business. They are about creating hope and opportunities in towns like Jementah and Segamat.
“When local businesses grow, more young people will see a reason to stay, work and build their futures here instead of leaving for big cities,” she said.
The New Village Good Products Competition highlights quality products like traditional pastries and ready-to-drink beverages from Chinese new villages, with winners receiving Good Product certification in recognition of their quality and creativity.
The competition was held in the Sutera Mall, Johor Baru between Oct 24 and 26, with winners presented the prizes by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Ng said her office would continue identifying promising entrepreneurs and connecting them with development programmes and market access initiatives offered by the Government.
“This is one of the ways we can sustain Jementah’s economic growth and help our youth see a future right here at home,” she said.
She added that the upcoming KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) linking Gemas and Johor Bahru, expected to be fully operational by year-end, would complement efforts to boost the local economy.
“Improved transport links will give our local producers better access to larger markets while making Jementah more attractive for business expansion and talent retention,” she said, adding that her office also plans to highlight more SMEs through short videos and outreach programmes that tell the stories behind their products.
