Yayasan Hijrah Selangor has opened the Hijrah Innovation & Growth Hub (HIGHub) in Sabak Bernam, marking the launch of a key initiative to help small business owners transition into the digital economy. The facility was unveiled at Ruang Daya Cipta (RDC) Sabak Bernam as part of the state government's push to bring entrepreneurial support and technology within reach of micro-entrepreneurs across Selangor.
Mohd Najwan Halimi, chairman of the Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee, described the hub as a comprehensive resource centre where entrepreneurs can access training programmes, digital tools and advisory services. The facility is designed to accommodate 300 participants in its initial phase, providing a shared workspace where small business owners can develop content, build professional profiles and strengthen their online presence.
The hub represents a strategic shift for Hijrah Selangor, transitioning the organisation from its traditional role as a microfinance provider into a broader engine for business innovation and technology adoption. Beyond Sabak Bernam, the foundation plans to replicate the model in Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat, with an ambitious goal to reach more than 4,000 entrepreneurs by 2030.
According to Mearia Hamzah, chief executive officer of Hijrah Selangor, the organisation's financial stability has created the platform for this expansion. The foundation has achieved a 95 per cent loan repayment rate over the past two years, underpinning its capacity to maintain financing support while launching new programmes. Between 2015 and May this year, Hijrah Selangor distributed 94,200 financing facilities totalling RM915 million to more than 62,000 entrepreneurs across the state.
Mohd Najwan emphasised that strong repayment discipline among borrowers demonstrates the lasting impact of Hijrah Selangor's work and the readiness of the entrepreneurial community to expand. State officials view the digitalisation initiative as essential for building a more competitive and globally connected entrepreneurial ecosystem in Selangor, enabling small business owners to compete effectively in markets beyond their immediate locality.
