Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform traditional small businesses into digital powerhouses? In the heart of Malaysia’s historic state, a groundbreaking initiative just proved that the right combination of academic expertise and industry experience can revolutionize how entrepreneurs approach the digital marketplace.
UiTM Melaka dan Kerajaan Negeri Perkasa Usahawan Digital Melaka
On September 22, 2025, a remarkable milestone was achieved when 40 micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs successfully completed an intensive training program titled “Branding & E-Commerce and Digital Branding: Digital Steps for Melaka Entrepreneurs.” This transformative program took place at the Mini Auditorium of UiTM Bandaraya Melaka Campus on August 26, 2025, marking a significant collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka Branch and the Melaka State Government under the portfolio of the Executive Council for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication.
Strengthening Local Entrepreneurial Skills Through Strategic Digital Training
The program was specifically designed to strengthen local entrepreneurs’ capabilities in facing digital economy challenges. Meanwhile, it comprised three main modules that seamlessly combined academic theory with real-world industry experience. The first module, Digital Branding and Design, was conducted by Encik Mohd Hanif bin Mohd Omar from UiTM’s Faculty of Art and Design, emphasizing the development of brand identity and professional visual design skills.
Comprehensive E-Commerce and Social Media Strategy Development
The second and third modules focused on E-Commerce for Business and Social Media Marketing Strategy, expertly facilitated by Encik Wan Ahmad Afiq Noordin bin Wan Mohd Nasserudin from Akademi Kepimpinan Anak Bangsa. He shared valuable strategies for building online stores on platforms such as Facebook and TikTok Shop, along with effective techniques for sales management and developing engaging social media content that resonates with target audiences.
Furthermore, the program featured two renowned digital content creators, MakSalleh Kitchen and Port Makan Malaya, as guest facilitators. They generously shared their experiences in building brands through creative social media content, including techniques for producing high-impact content and visual narratives that effectively promote local products.
Real-World Impact Through Hybrid Learning Approaches
The hybrid approach that united theory, practical application, and real-world sharing proved to have a significant impact on participants. According to Mohd Farhan Azuan from RMI Industries, the combination of technical knowledge and industry experience made the training sessions easy to understand and highly inspiring. This digital entrepreneurship development methodology demonstrates how educational institutions can bridge the gap between academic learning and practical business application.
Leadership Commitment to Digital Transformation
The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Mohd Halim Mahphoth, Assistant Rector of Bandaraya Melaka Campus, representing YB Datuk Fairul Nizam Bin Roslan, Executive Councillor for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication of Melaka State. In his speech, he emphasized UiTM’s commitment to supporting the state’s digitalization agenda and described the practical approach and industry engagement as the best formula to ensure entrepreneurs remain relevant in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.
As a result, this initiative aligns perfectly with established frameworks for national digital economy development, showcasing how regional institutions can contribute to broader economic transformation goals.
Future Prospects and Strategic Alignment
Program Director Encik Akmal Adanan stated that this initiative aligns with the Melakaku Maju Jaya Strategic Plan 2035 (PSMJ 2035), particularly under Flagship 8. He also expressed aspirations to continue this program through advanced training series or opening opportunities for new cohorts in the future, ensuring sustainable digital skills development across the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This comprehensive digital transformation program represents more than just training—it’s a blueprint for how universities and state governments can collaborate to create meaningful economic impact. By combining academic rigor with industry expertise and real-world success stories, the initiative has equipped 40 entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in Malaysia’s digital economy. As these newly empowered business owners implement their enhanced branding and e-commerce strategies, they’re not just transforming their own ventures—they’re contributing to Melaka’s vision of becoming a digitally advanced state by 2035.
