18/01/2026

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday JAN 18, 2026

Single platform to list creative entrepreneurs

GEORGE TOWN: In 2020, amid the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, photographer Muhamed Helmy Samsudeen relied on little more than his camera and sheer determination to keep going. From taking on small-scale assignments, he went on to create a digital platform with the potential to reshape the local creative economy. Called One Click Hub, the platform is designed to bring together Penang’s creative sector entrepreneurs into a single, interactive and user-friendly digital app, making it easier for them to promote their services, showcase portfolios and connect directly with customers online. Muhamed Helmy, 31, said his journey in photography began in 2020 after completing a Diploma in Business at a private college in Kuala Lumpur, where he was born and raised. After graduating, he decided to move to Penang in search of fresh opportunities and a broader creative space. He told Bernama that the idea to develop One Click Hub

Photographer builds one-stop, user-friendly digital hub for registered businesses to connect with public

It cost him over RM20,000 to develop One Click Hub, he said, adding that he used his own savings without any external funding. He said One Click Hub is also equipped with artificial intelligence features to help manage bookings and delivery timelines automatically, as well as a live chat function that records all conversations for reference. Muhamed Helmy said a soft launch of One Click Hub was held in 2024 to introduce the idea and concept of the app to the public and the entrepreneurial community, receiving encouraging response, although he took additional time to further refine and improve the system.

Muhamed Helmy said the app allows users to search, compare and book the services of creative industry professionals, such as photographers, videographers and media artists, through a single platform – a concept likened to existing booking apps, but one that is fully focused on the creative economy. “One of the key requirements for joining the platform is that all merchants must be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia to protect users from potential scams. “For the general public, registration is simple and free, using only a phone number and OTP verification, with no password required,” he said.

specifically designed to cater to the creative economy, particularly in Penang. “Out of that need, One Click Hub was born – an app that serves as a one-stop digital hub connecting the public with creative industry players,” he said. He added that One Click Hub not only supports small entrepreneurs and digital businesses, but also opens up wider marketing opportunities for content creators, graphic designers, makeup artists, caterers and others in the creative industry.

was sparked following in-depth discussions with former Penang executive councillor Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Hussain on the direction and challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, particularly those in the creative sector. Muhamed Helmy admitted that he faced difficulties in growing his business due to the absence of a dedicated platform that focuses on the unique needs of the creative industry. He said many entrepreneurs have had to rely on general platforms such as Facebook and Google, which are not

Octogenarian mengkuang weaver marvel CHUKAI: Eighty-eight-year-old Zainab Abu Bakar from Kampung Bukit Mentok remains steadfast in preserving the art of weaving mengkuang mats, even as the traditional craft gradually fades amid modernisation. many villagers involved in the craft. “Today, only one elderly woman remains actively weaving mengkuang mats, as the young generation is no longer interested in inheriting this traditional skill,” she told Bernama when met at her home in Kampung Bukit Mentok recently. begins with sourcing and selecting suitable mengkuang leaves, followed by splitting, soaking, dyeing, stringing, drying and finally weaving the mats. “All the work is done by me, with occasional help from my children and grandchildren,” she said.

Despite her advanced age, Zainab’s fingers never tire as she diligently weaves mengkuang leaves with remarkable creativity to fulfil customer orders. She said she learned the skill from her grandfather at the age of 13, having been captivated by the fine craftsmanship of the Malay community. “Previously, Kampung Bukit Mentok was renowned as one of the centres for mengkuang mat production in this district, with

Zainab, who enjoys good health, said she often begins weaving as early as 4am. “I usually go to bed early and wake up before dawn to start weaving. However, I do not weave every day unless there are orders to be completed,” she added. According to her, it takes about five days to complete a mat measuring 2.29m in length and 1.37m in width.

Zainab, who has five daughters, 29 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and a niece, said weaving mengkuang mats requires perseverance, precision and a high level of patience, as every stage of the process is carried out manually and takes considerable time to ensure neatness and quality. She explained that the work

Zainab meticulously preparing mengkuang leaves before weaving them into mats. – BERNAMAPIC

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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