In a remarkable initiative aimed at uplifting local communities, Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS) lecturers Dr. Nor Hidayati Zakaria and Associate Professor Dr. Adriana Mohd Rizal led the recent Knowledge Transfer Program Research Innovation Grant (KTP-RIG) on October 27, 2024, at Cluster Land Plan (RTB) Batu Putih, Marang, Terengganu. Targeting small-scale coconut farmers and coconut-based microentrepreneurs, the program provided hands-on training in digital tools and entrepreneurship skills, vital for expanding market reach and increasing operational efficiency in today’s competitive landscape.
Dr. Nor Hidayati, an expert in digital solutions, introduced participants to practical mobile apps tailored for the coconut industry. With a focus on sales and marketing, she equipped the farmers and entrepreneurs with tools for streamlining their sales processes, reaching wider audiences, and enhancing their visibility online. Her session demonstrated how leveraging digital applications can simplify business operations, giving local producers a competitive edge in the growing coconut market.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Adriana Mohd Rizal focused on building robust business models with her expertise in the Business Model Canvas. This interactive session provided participants with a clear framework to refine their business strategies, from identifying target customers to mapping out revenue streams. Her guidance empowered participants to create structured business plans that support both scalability and sustainable growth, essential for thriving in the digital economy.
During the workshop, RTB Batu Putih Chairman, Ismail Sulaiman, 63, shared his excitement, “UTM came to us with invaluable knowledge. If we, as coconut farmers, don’t seize this opportunity, we’ll never see our future direction. Today is truly a historic day for us, the RTB Batu Putih participants.”
Suri, 55, one of the workshop attendees, expressed her enthusiasm and interest in using the proposed application. “I’m so eager to use this new application to expand my coconut product business, which I currently promote on TikTok and WhatsApp”, she said.
The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with 75% expressing that the application is essential and they are keen to use it for marketing their coconut products.
As one of AHIBS’s prominent societal impact initiatives, the KTP-RIG program exemplifies the school’s commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and innovation. With the support of local organizations, this program is a testament to AHIBS’s dedication to bridging traditional industries with digital tools and modern business practices. Dr. Nor Hidayati and Dr. Adriana’s collaborative approach has given these farmers and entrepreneurs the skills needed to thrive, reinforcing AHIBS’s mission of fostering inclusive economic progress across communities.