Fatimah (standing ninth left) and Noriah (10th left), join the participants of the basic ICT course for a group photo.

KUCHING: Single mothers who are entrepreneurs should master information communication technology (ICT) skills to expand their business.

“After developing your interest into a business, you need to learn ICT and focus on digital economy to explore bigger markets, instead of limiting your business to just one place,” said Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

She also believed that having ICT knowledge would prevent women from falling victim to online scams.

Moreover, she said as the state is focusing on digital economy, her ministry has planned programmes to market local products online.

“The ‘Kenyalang Digital Programme’ would educate and guide entrepreneurs to market their products online.

“This year, the five targeted areas are Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu and Limbang. Expected increase in income from online marketing would be about RM4.5 million and involve 3,000 selected participants,” she said at the closing of basic ICT course for single mothers cum presentation of certificates at Wisma Wanita in Petra Jaya near here yesterday.

The course, which ran from July 31 till yesterday, involved 30 single mothers. It was co-organised by the state Women and Family Department, Sarawak Single Mothers Association and Carnation Club of Kuching and Samarahan.

Also present was state Women and Family Department director Noriah Ahmad.