Assalamualaikum and greetings to all,

Datuk Wira Dr. Azizan Osman here again. I am writing with disappointment but also with great hope for all of you, SME entrepreneurs.

I have often noticed that many of you do not understand how important it is to constantly update your knowledge and skills in business. This is not something we can ignore if we really want to take our business to the next level.

Let me share a story:

There is a woman named Miss Adibah. Three years ago, Miss Adibah was just a government employee, working as a pharmacist at the Ministry of Health for over seven years. His life at that time was simple, enough to support his family. But Miss Adibah has big dreams and determination to change her life.

One day, Miss Adibah decided to venture into business by creating a skin care product, The Raw. He began to learn about marketing, how to build a brand, and understand what customers want. Thanks to his determination and willingness to change, sales of The Raw products increased rapidly. Last year alone, Miss Adibah's sales exceeded RM15 million, and this year it has almost reached the same amount.

What's even more amazing is that Miss Adibah is now in Mecca with her husband, having just finished performing Hajj with a heavenly package worth more than RM150,000 per person. No, I'm not saying you can't do Hajj with other packages, but I want to show how his decision to change his life and business has brought a big change. With guidance and hard work, look where he is now. God willing, more success awaits Miss Adibah in the future.

What I want to say here is:

1. Get Comfortable with the Safe Zone  
Many SME entrepreneurs are stuck in a comfort zone. You feel comfortable with what is right now, but this comfort zone is actually the main enemy of your success. If you don't change, you will be left behind.

2. Learn and Keep Learning  
Knowledge is the most important weapon in business. The business world is constantly changing and you need to constantly update your knowledge. Attend courses, read books, learn from those who have succeeded. Don't be afraid to learn new things, because this is what will take you to the next level.

3. Don't Be Afraid to Innovate  
Try new things. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks. See how big companies are innovating and learn from them. Have you ever tried to diversify your product or service? Do you know what your customers want? Always innovate to stay relevant in the market.

Final words:

I am writing this not because I am angry, but because I care. I want to see you all succeed. I want you all to become entrepreneurs who are not only able to make a living, but also able to change the lives of others. Believe me, with the right knowledge and skills, nothing is impossible.

So, take action now. Get out of your comfort zone, learn new things, and don't be afraid to change. I am sure, with effort and determination, you can become a successful entrepreneur and achieve more than you can imagine.