News

Entrepreneur who is also an Indonesian female figure, Dewi Motik visited Smart Migrant Workers (BMC) headquarters on Sunday (1/1/2023) at Kowloon Tong Park, Hong Kong. During her visit, she motivated BMC members to have the courage to become an entrepreneur.

Chairperson of Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) 2009-2014 told that the role of migrant workers is very meritorious for Indonesia. Apart from working to meet the economic needs of family, they are also able to generate foreign exchange for the country. She had concerned because Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong are dominated by women. They worked hard abroad, far from home. Leaving family and children to make their living. Fighting hard to get an established education. It even lasts for years. “You women are awesome. Your service is great for your family and your nation. I always prayed that one day I could meet BMC,” said Founder of Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI).

She told, in various activities she often met migrant workers abroad, including at Saudi Arabia. Likewise with Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong. In each meeting, many people said they were happy because they had succeeded in changing the family economy. But there is also sorrow because not all of their dreams can come true when they work abroad.

Dewi Motik also remembers her friendship with The Late Mr. Ciputra. His friendship with him had been for a long time. At that time, Dewi Motik ever joined Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) . She still remembered that Kadin team manned by several number of national businessmen – including Ciputra – made innovative breakthroughs regarding trade relations with Chinese government.

“In the past, it was very difficult to open direct trade relations with China. With Singapore, that’s fine. But with China, all must go through Singapore. Every product from Indonesia may not go directly to China. In fact, Singapore got many benefits. But it’s different now. Entrepreneurs in Indonesia can conduct direct trade relations with China,” said Founder of Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI).

Dewi Motik appreciated Ciputra’s social movement. One of them is through a fairly massive entrepreneurship movement in various regions. Touching all walks of life, from thousands of teachers and lecturers to migrant workers. “At that time he was young. Since college already he had already became an expert businessman. He is smart and hardworker. He created many works through his profession as an architect. His legacy of ideas about entrepreneurship is able to penetrate various countries and take care of migrant workers. You may one day pass it on,” he said

During the dialogue, Dewi Motik also motivated BMC members to become entrepreneurs. For provisions to return to Indonesia when you are no longer a migrant worker.

According to him, there are various business fields that can be developed. For example, those who have a culinary hobby can turn it into a business field. Open a restaurant or food catering business. For fans of the world of fashion and fashion, you can become a boutique entrepreneur.

Along with the advancement of technology and social media today, the activity of being a small entrepreneur is very helpful. It is proven that the mushrooming MSME business can be easily sold through social media.

“More faster the technology, the more it demands that small entrepreneurs be creative. Even with cell phone capital, now you can sell products. Selling on social media and displaying product photo designs. So it is very helpful from a marketing point of view,” he said.

Even so, he advised that to become an entrepreneur one must be prepared for competition. For that creativity is very important. “Pay attention to how your product is marketed. Make promos that are interesting, unique so that customers can easily understand,” he said.

Meanwhile the founder who is also the Chairperson of BMC Tri Sumiyati said the meeting was very meaningful for her fellow migrant workers. Provide motivation and inspiration to BMC members. Her experience as a woman entrepreneur since she was young and active in various women’s organizations has become a role model for many people.

“BMC has been around since 8 years ago. Hundreds of alumni have participated in the class program under the guidance of the Ciputra Entrepreneurship Center team and Ciputra University. Many of the BMC alumni find it difficult to become SME entrepreneurs in their hometowns in Indonesia. The presence of Mrs. Dewi Motik also coincided with BMC’s anniversary,” he explained.