What is the Mereka Digital Entrepreneur?
Mereka Innovative Education, an innovative and alternative education space that aims to prepare the youths of Malaysia for the 21st century, has launched the Digital Entrepreneur programme since May 2021 with over 500 successful graduates. In 2022, they have collaborated with Standard Chartered Foundation to create the Digital Entrepreneur x Futuremakers (DE x Futuremakers) programme which aims to nurture a digital-ready workforce and future-proof budding entrepreneurs via a course comprising education, simulated work experiences, exposure and career coaching.
Things you gain from the DE x Futuremaker Programme
The programme is currently providing RM1.3 million worth of scholarships to eligible youths who are unemployed, underemployed or seeking to launch their career in the digital gig economy.
The holistic course that takes a participant through the ins and outs of freelancing includes:
- 4-week live virtual learning
- 2-week paid project placement
- 1-year career coaching
And has comprehensive modules taught by industry experts that cover, among others:
- Skills profiling and finding your niche
- How to secure and manage your first client
- Introduction to digital skilled gig platforms and ideas on pitching for work
- Tips on managing your finances
Successful graduates who complete both the programme and project placement will receive a MYR600 allowance and access to future job opportunities.
The next cohort starts June 11 2022 so apply quickly to see if you qualify! For full scholarship eligibility requirements, visit the website for more information.
There are also other cohorts in August and September 2022.
The future of digital entrepreneurship in Malaysia
Abrar A. Anwar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Malaysia, said “Digital entrepreneurship in Malaysia is a growing sector that has the potential to contribute to the social economy for the nation. With digital ubiquity fast becoming the norm, we foresee our partnership with Me.reka helping to drive digital innovation and reshape the country’s digital landscape by helping Malaysians develop the skills they need to jumpstart their careers in technology. By enabling young people to realise their full potential, we’re aiming to promote economic inclusion and drive commerce and prosperity in the communities where we do business.”
“The Digital Entrepreneur programme was created with the goal of preparing our unemployed youths for the future of work, by gaining meaningful employment through the digital economy. Together with the Standard Chartered Foundation, we are excited to continue uplifting Malaysian youths with this scholarship programme that also provides a two-week project placement with local SMEs that will further close the gap and empower our youth for the future,” said Group Chief Executive Officer of Biji-Biji Initiative and Me.reka, Rashvin Pal Singh.
Past DE x Futuremaker graduate of the April 2022 cohort, Jayaa Khugan who is a designer, said, “I joined the DE programme because I wanted to learn all I could about freelancing. I desired the idea of being my own boss and doing work in my own time. The DE programme provided me with all the information I was looking for and more.”
Find out more information about the programme here. Or learn what others have to say about our programme in their reviews here.