Suara Merdeka: Kisah Usahawan Kita

Voice of Independence: The Story of Our Entrepreneurs

The True Merdeka Spirit: Beyond Flags and Parades

As the sun rises over Malaysia on Merdeka Day 2025, the air buzzes with patriotic pride. We see vibrant flags waving, children’s laughter echoing through city streets, and echoes of “Merdeka”, reminders of the sacrifices that birthed our freedom. But what is independence, truly? Merdeka is more than historical dates, parades, and pageantry. It’s about dignity, the promise of self-determination, and the ability each Malaysian has to forge their own path, no matter the obstacles life presents.

Every year, as we commemorate our nation’s freedom, we are reminded that Merdeka is not just Malaysia’s story, it can be yours too. Personal independence is about breaking free from financial limitations, emotional struggles, and social barriers. It’s about reclaiming your own life, just as our ancestors reclaimed our land.

Ismaliza’s Journey: From Daily Struggle to Financial Freedom

Let’s meet Ismaliza Binti Ismail from Ara Damansara, a shining example of personal empowerment. Her story reminds us that Merdeka is not just a date in history, it’s a mindset.

Before Independence: A Life Shaped by Challenge

At 62, after her husband’s passing, Ismaliza found herself alone, facing an uncertain future. Her days were spent in a kitchen filled with memories and a quiet determination to support her family. Since 2022, she sold homemade frozen food, but despite her hard work, she earned only RM300. The sting of competition and her lack of sales knowledge made each month tough. Limited storage meant she couldn’t fill larger orders, and every day felt like a fight to stay afloat.

“After my husband passed away, I felt a strong responsibility to take care of my family and find a new path forward. One day in my kitchen, I thought about the strength and warmth that cooking had always brought me. That moment gave me the courage to use my skills to support my family, so I decided to start selling my homemade frozen food, hoping it would be the beginning of a brighter future for us”.

People Systems Consultancy: The Turning Point

Ismaliza’s real transformation began when she joined People Systems Consultancy’s empowerment programme. Here, participants are not just trained but they are mentored, encouraged, and given the practical tools to change their lives.

  • Learning Sales Strategies: Ismaliza started by offering samples of her frozen karipap at community events. She distributed business cards and widened her customer base, even venturing into cafes and restaurants across Petaling Jaya.
  • Blue Ocean Thinking: Innovation workshops taught her to differentiate her products, find new sales avenues, and grow her network.
  • Capacity Expansion: Strategic financial planning helped her manage demand and hire a part-time single mother, turning her business into a catalyst for other women’s empowerment.

In just six months, her income increased by 2500%. From earning barely RM300 before the programme, Ismaliza now generates between RM5,000 to RM8,000 every month. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

The Impact: Financial & Social Independence

Ismaliza’s success is measured not just in ringgit, but in confidence, choices, and impact. Here’s how her life changed after the programme:

  • Employs Other Single Mothers (part-time): Providing opportunities to those who, like her, need a helping hand.
  • Mentors Single Mothers: Guiding them to start their own businesses and achieve stability.
  • Regular Donations: She now donates monthly to her local mosque, paying it forward as gratitude for her blessings.
  • Smart Saving: She sets aside 20% of her income to upgrade her equipment, ensuring her business’s growth.
  • Personal Wellbeing: She spends RM100/month on supplements to take care of her health.
  • Continuous Learning: Investing in paid classes to deepen her expertise in frozen food technology.
  • Expanded business: She have expanded her products to include frozen nanka burger patties and cookies for door gift while she has more products to launch soon.

Ismaliza’s homemade frozen food is no longer just a way to survive, it is her platform for independence and empowerment.

The Role of People Systems Consultancy: Empowerment, Not Charity

The magic of People Systems Consultancy lies in understanding that independence cannot be handed out, it must be cultivated. Their hands-on mentoring provides a safe space to learn, fail, and try again. Practical strategies, financial literacy, peer support, and a culture of giving back create ripple effects across the community.

In Ismaliza’s case, these resources did not just lift her financial status, they transformed her mindset. She was encouraged to see herself as more than a business owner but as a mentor, leader, and changemaker. The impact extends beyond her kitchen and into her community, where she empowers other women to dream bigger.

Merdeka Is a Mindset. Take the Step

As Malaysia marks Merdeka Day 2025, remember that true independence means the freedom to choose your own destiny. Whether you’re seeking financial freedom, emotional healing, or social confidence, your Merdeka is waiting for you. Ordinary Malaysians like Ismaliza show that with the right guidance and community support, anyone can rise above hardships and claim a better life.

“Merdeka is not just a date, it’s a belief that you, too, deserve dignity, choices, and freedom. Dare to pursue your independence. Malaysia believes in you.”

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