SHAH ALAM, April 30 — Platform Selangor (PLATS) Bootcamp participants today broke the programme sales record by logging RM79,259 in an hour in a live sales session.
This achievement reflected the effectiveness of PLATS’ digitalisation approach in empowering micro-entrepreneurs to boost their sales within a short period.
Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), or MBI, head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said the achievement was recorded during the third edition of the programme, involving the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (MPHS), and Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
He said the programme emphasises digital marketing skills including the use of AI, live sales techniques, and marketing on platforms like Google.
“I saw that their performance is very good. Through the live sales session tonight, participants broke the previous record with sales exceeding RM79,000 in one hour,” he said when met at the PLATS Bootcamp closing ceremony at Hotel Mardhiyyah here tonight.
Azri said this programme will be improved upon periodically, in line with shifts in the business world, including the emphasis on new technologies like AI.
“The business world is always changing. There might not have been AI back then, but there is now, so we teach how entrepreneurs use this technology to promote their products,” he added.
Participants are also provided with payment devices and transaction facilities to help them manage their businesses, as well as special PLATS Bootcamp jackets to elevate their professional image.
Azri said local authorities were more meticulous in this round of participant selection, and only chose entrepreneurs who have products to ensure the programme’s impact is more significant to the development of their businesses.
After the programme, participants will be guided to the next stage, including for halal certification under U-PLATS Halal, and opportunities to penetrate international markets through U-PLATS Expand.
Participants use digital skills to grow businesses
Participant Leonard Oh, 56, said PLATS Bootcamp allowed him to learn new skills, especially in using social media to expand his family business that started over 100 years ago.
“This programme gave me the opportunity to learn new technologies like TikTok and Facebook to grow the business so more people know our products, not just in the Chinese community,” he added.
Oh, who runs his family’s traditional biscuit business in Batang Kali, said he plans to obtain halal certification with PLATS’ help.
Sarimah Mohamed, 58, said PLATS Bootcamp helps small traders like her understand how to more practically use digital platforms.
“Even though I have been selling online for a long time, I actually don’t know how to use platforms like Google properly.
“In this programme, all of that was taught clearly and simply. We also learnt how to communicate properly,” said the asmak herbal oil seller.
She expressed hope that the programme would be expanded to include petty traders, especially those at night markets, who, according to her, lack exposure to digital technology.
“Many small traders don’t see the importance of programmes like this. I hope it is expanded so more people can benefit,” she added.
During the PLATS Bootcamp live sales session, Sarimah’s group logged sales of RM29,000 in an hour thanks to their combination of sales strategies on and beyond digital platforms and their teamwork.
Mohd Sufi Fitri Mohd Suriga, 27, said PLATS Bootcamp gave him an edge in networking and improved his understanding of customer behaviour.
“Besides digital knowledge, I got to learn from other more experienced entrepreneurs and understand how to get to know customers better,” he added.
Sufi, who runs a clothing business, said PLATS Bootcamp participants are also taught to produce and edit videos for marketing.
