USM PULAU PINANG, 21 January 2024 – The Student Development Centre (PPP) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA), through the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Sector, recently held the launch ceremony of the University Community Social Enterprise Project – EmpowerMom Creation at The Bricks, Siswaniaga@USM.

EmpowerMom Creation is a social entrepreneurship company comprised of students who have completed entrepreneurship training at The Bricks.

This project targets single mothers from the B40 group to be assisted through periodic knowledge transfer sessions, and provides a platform to enable this target group to generate income from home.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor.

In her speech, Narimah expressed her appreciation and congratulations on the success of EmpowerMom Creation in obtaining a Start-up Fund worth RM20,000 from the Ministry of Higher Education to carry out the social entrepreneurship project.

"I would also like to congratulate EmpowerMom Creation on their success and dedication in providing regular training to single mothers in the Batu Uban area.

"Despite a very tight academic schedule, the members of EmpowerMom remain committed to ensuring the success of this project," she added.

She further remarked, “the University leadership and I firmly support and promote initiatives like this, as they significantly contribute to the development of USM students and the betterment of the single mother community in Batu Uban.”

Meanwhile, Koh Kean Hoe, the Project Director of EmpowerMom Creation, also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the USM leadership for providing opportunities, facilities, and workforce assistance throughout this project.

He also thanked the Member of Penang State Legislative Assembly for Batu Uban, YB Kumaresan Aramugam, for his assistance in finding participants for the classes that have been running since September 2024.

"In line with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this programme is expected to help low-income single mothers generate income and subsequently help other single mothers through continuous knowledge transfer," he added.

Besides Kumaresan, also present at the ceremony were Senior Deputy Registrar of BHEPA, Shukeri A. Rahman; Head of the PPP Entrepreneurship and Innovation Sector, Hajar Zituakmar Mohd Fauzi; and Assistant Registrar of BHEPA, Ahmad Heidey Iskandar Mohd Rayhan.

**EmpowerMom Creation is committed to empowering B40 mothers through specialized workshops and entrepreneurial support, fostering economic independence and personal growth. Its vision is to uplift B40 mothers by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to generate sustainable income and build thriving communities.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Muhamad Rafiq