The effect of ‘Program Usahawan Muda’ (PUM) on participating schools in Kuching and Samarahan, Sarawak / Noor Shima Antony

This study is done to know the effect of ‘Program Usahawan Muda’ (PUM) organized by SeDidik Sdn Bhd on participating schools in Kuching and Samarahan, Sarawak. Objective of this study is to discover whether PUM brings about lasting changes in the participants’ attitude and interests toward entrepreneurship, their entrepreneurship skills and knowledge. In addition, effect of PUM on students’ academic performance and benefits of PUM can be verified. Information gathered from this study will eventually help SeDidik Sdn Bhd to further improve the program in future. This study involves 30 secondary schools in Kuching and Samarahan District, Sarawak. Data were gathered from 252 students and 56 guidance teachers who participated in PUM for year 2003. Some of the students are now in Form 2, Form 3, Form 4, Form 5, Form 6 and some are now furthering their studies and already working. This study focusing on how PUM affects the participants’ interest in entrepreneurship, skills, and level of knowledge in business. From the study it is found that PUM helps to increase students’ interests in entrepreneurship or business, become more responsible, enhance knowledge about entrepreneurship and related fields like basic management, operation, administration, finance, and marketing, and obtain the necessary skills to do business. The experiences gained from students’ involvement in PUM contribute to the change of attitude toward entrepreneurship and future career prospect. Furthermore, PUM also has positive impact on the students’ academic performance. This study shown that PUM is a good training and education program to build positive entrepreneurship culture amongst youth. Not only the students but teachers also gain benefits from this entrepreneurship program.