# data[].attributes.body
MICHELLE TAN MOMOKA A179979

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

I had set three objectives for my elective posting, which were to hone my entrepreneurship skills, adopt eco-friendly waste reduction practices, and simultaneously earn financial rewards for both the seller and myself through mutually beneficial selling opportunities. All three of the project's objectives were successfully fulfilled. During this experience, I not only learned to operate my own business but also gained the ability to work independently, organizing and strategizing to make my business thrive. Moreover, I honed my communication skills, developed the knack for evaluating the value of items, and embraced flexibility when things didn't go as planned.

I firmly believe that I've made progress in practicing eco-friendly waste reduction, as I've significantly reduced unnecessary clothing and bag purchases after this project. I've successfully sold my unused clothes and bags, preventing them from becoming waste, and I've encouraged others to do the same, further reducing waste production. In essence, what was once considered "waste" has now become someone else's treasure. Through these preloved clothing and bag sales, I've not only helped myself but also assisted sellers in earning extra income.

In conclusion, I am delighted to say that all of my objectives were achieved successfully. This experience has been immensely rewarding, and I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and accomplishments it has brought into my life.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The aspect of the project that I found most enjoyable was interacting with both sellers and buyers. I relished the process of communication and negotiation, working towards mutually agreeable solutions. Although I initially underestimated the complexity of this communication, I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Engaging with individuals with diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences was both enjoyable and enlightening. I consider this project as a significant contributor to my growth in communication skills, and I believe I've made substantial improvements in this regard.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Undoubtedly, the most challenging aspect of this project was determining the pricing for the items. It presented a considerable difficulty as sellers often valued their items higher, while buyers aimed for lower prices. Striking the right balance was crucial for the success of my business. To overcome this challenge, I had to establish my own pricing baseline and meticulously assess the value of each item, avoiding both underestimation and overestimation. I dedicated a significant amount of time to research, seeking examples, and seeking guidance from experienced individuals skilled in pricing strategies. This process was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to develop a more accurate sense of pricing in a diverse market.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

Overall, the project went smoothly, and one particularly successful aspect was the post-deal phase with the buyers. There were no issues reported when buyers received their items, especially those who made online purchases. I attribute this success to the thoroughness of my item descriptions and the videos I provided, which showcased the items' condition. Additionally, I took care to inspect and package the items meticulously to prevent damage during shipping. Fortunately, all buyers received their items intact, and there were no reports of damage or losses. This attention to detail in the post-deal process contributed to the project's overall success.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I believe there is room for improvement in the initial phase of this project, specifically in the process of finding a suitable seller. To enhance this aspect, I should dedicate more time to sourcing, as having reliable suppliers is crucial for launching my business. It's important to define my target customer group, including specific age and gender criteria, to ensure that I select sources that align with these demographics. By setting clearer aims, I anticipate a smoother process and the potential for increased sales.

# data[].attributes.body
MICHELLE TAN MOMOKA A179979

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

I had set three objectives for my elective posting, which were to hone my entrepreneurship skills, adopt eco-friendly waste reduction practices, and simultaneously earn financial rewards for both the seller and myself through mutually beneficial selling opportunities. All three of the project's objectives were successfully fulfilled. During this experience, I not only learned to operate my own business but also gained the ability to work independently, organizing and strategizing to make my business thrive. Moreover, I honed my communication skills, developed the knack for evaluating the value of items, and embraced flexibility when things didn't go as planned.

I firmly believe that I've made progress in practicing eco-friendly waste reduction, as I've significantly reduced unnecessary clothing and bag purchases after this project. I've successfully sold my unused clothes and bags, preventing them from becoming waste, and I've encouraged others to do the same, further reducing waste production. In essence, what was once considered "waste" has now become someone else's treasure. Through these preloved clothing and bag sales, I've not only helped myself but also assisted sellers in earning extra income.

In conclusion, I am delighted to say that all of my objectives were achieved successfully. This experience has been immensely rewarding, and I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and accomplishments it has brought into my life.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The aspect of the project that I found most enjoyable was interacting with both sellers and buyers. I relished the process of communication and negotiation, working towards mutually agreeable solutions. Although I initially underestimated the complexity of this communication, I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Engaging with individuals with diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences was both enjoyable and enlightening. I consider this project as a significant contributor to my growth in communication skills, and I believe I've made substantial improvements in this regard.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Undoubtedly, the most challenging aspect of this project was determining the pricing for the items. It presented a considerable difficulty as sellers often valued their items higher, while buyers aimed for lower prices. Striking the right balance was crucial for the success of my business. To overcome this challenge, I had to establish my own pricing baseline and meticulously assess the value of each item, avoiding both underestimation and overestimation. I dedicated a significant amount of time to research, seeking examples, and seeking guidance from experienced individuals skilled in pricing strategies. This process was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to develop a more accurate sense of pricing in a diverse market.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

Overall, the project went smoothly, and one particularly successful aspect was the post-deal phase with the buyers. There were no issues reported when buyers received their items, especially those who made online purchases. I attribute this success to the thoroughness of my item descriptions and the videos I provided, which showcased the items' condition. Additionally, I took care to inspect and package the items meticulously to prevent damage during shipping. Fortunately, all buyers received their items intact, and there were no reports of damage or losses. This attention to detail in the post-deal process contributed to the project's overall success.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I believe there is room for improvement in the initial phase of this project, specifically in the process of finding a suitable seller. To enhance this aspect, I should dedicate more time to sourcing, as having reliable suppliers is crucial for launching my business. It's important to define my target customer group, including specific age and gender criteria, to ensure that I select sources that align with these demographics. By setting clearer aims, I anticipate a smoother process and the potential for increased sales.

# data[].attributes.body
Audrey Pauline Munoz
A173415

Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
Definitely. I have set 3 objectives for this project in the beginning: sharpen my cooking skills, develop business skills and improve time management skills. I'm very glad to say that I was able to achieve all three of these within the 4 weeks of doing this project.

What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
I loved cooking and trying out different new recipes. Though it can be pretty tiring by the end of the day, but customers' positive feedbacks made everything worth it at the end of the day.

What have you found challenging about this project?
The most challenging part was figuring out my time when preparing the orders. The first couple weeks I spent so much time with the cooking that by the time I was packing everything it was almost time for delivery. But it was all a learning experience for me, after that I got the gist of it and was able to manage my time a little better.

What has really worked?
Taking the leap of faith to try out new recipes and introducing new menus worked so well for me. It was scary at first not knowing if the customers would love it the way I did but thankfully they did.

What can be improved in this project?
One thing that can be improved on is the marketing. Throughout the past 4 weeks, everything was handled only through WhatsApp, and though each week I received positive feedbacks from the customers, the sales were always fluctuating.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sars.bakes : Crafting Cakes and Desserts to Perfection - week 4

# data[].attributes.subject
Sars.bakes : Crafting Cakes and Desserts to Perfection - week 4

# data[].attributes.body
Sarah Batrisyia Binti Muhammad Zaki
A183598
14 August 2023 - 20 August 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I'm thrilled to share that I've successfully accomplished my baking business goals within the timeframe I set. Over the past few weeks, I've seen remarkable progress in my baking skills, gained valuable experience and skills in entrepreneurship, and achieved a significant increase in profitability. It's been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I'm excited to continue building on these achievements as I move forward in my baking business.

From the very first day, I realized that  baking requires continuous learning and improvement. I took the time to study various recipes, experiment with different techniques, and pay attention to even the smallest details.As the weeks went by, I saw noticeable progress in the quality of my baked goods. I developed a better understanding of ingredient interactions, precise measurements, and the difference of various baking techniques. This led to consistently delicious results, whether they were biscoff cheesecake, red velvet cake, or any other desserts I created.

Entrepreneurship was a whole new challenge for me, and these past four weeks have been super exciting. I transformed from a baker into an entrepreneur, handling tasks beyond the kitchen – from marketing my treats to organizing deliveries!

Turning passion into profit was a major goal, and the past four weeks have shown significant progress in this area. Customized orders became more than just desserts; they became manifestations of my baking skills and journey. I continuously monitored market trends and customers' preferences. This allowed me to identify opportunities to introduce new baked goods and I was able to attract a wider customer and cater to different tastes.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my baking business has been the freedom to explore my creative side, from experimenting with new flavours to designing visually appealing treats. The ability to craft something beautiful and delicious from scratch has been a constant source of inspiration.

Seeing the smiles and delight on people's faces when they enjoy my baked goods has been truly heartwarming. The ability to spread happiness through something as simple as a pastry or cake is a magical feeling!

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)
One of the challenges I encountered was finding the balance between creating custom orders based on individual preferences and maintaining efficiency in my baking schedule. As the number of orders increased, I had to ensure that each custom order was given the attention it deserved without delaying the overall workflow and delivery timelines. This challenge helped me enhance my organizational skills and prioritize tasks to ensure that each customer receives their order on time.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)
Introducing new flavours and desserts based on customer preferences has been a hit!  By actively listening to feedback and suggestions, I've been able to bake delicious treats to their likings.
This adaptability has not only kept the menu fresh and exciting but has also kept my customers coming back for more.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Improving the way I manage and process orders could make a big difference. Creating a more organized system to track orders, communicate with customers, and manage deadlines could help prevent any mix-ups and ensure a smoother experience for both me and my customers.

As my business grows, increasing production capacity while maintaining efficiency becomes important. Investing in better equipment and finding ways to increase productivity without sacrificing quality would help me handle larger orders and meet demand during peak periods.

Improving the overall customer experience is a continuous goal. This could involve refining the ordering process, offering convenient delivery options, and ensuring every customer feels valued and appreciated.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Gula Hati: Selling Gooey and Fresh Cinnamon Rolls 

# data[].attributes.subject
The Gula Hati: Selling Gooey and Fresh Cinnamon Rolls 

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Nur Arissa Dania bt Jafri

Matrics number : A183642

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes my objectives of this project is definitely fulfilled. I would say that i have spent my semester break wisely with this project.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment when I finished a batch of cinnamon rolls and they turned out delicious. I also enjoyed learning new things about baking and marketing. I was also happy to be able to share my love of baking with others.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of the project was finding the time to work on it. I also found it challenging to stay motivated, especially when things got tough. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I pushed through and I'm glad I did.

4. What has really worked?

One thing that really worked for me was having a clear goal and a plan to achieve it. I knew that I wanted to sell my cinnamon rolls, so I made a plan for how I was going to do it. I broke the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and I set deadlines for myself. This helped me stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

I also found it helpful to ask for help when I needed it. There were times when I didn't know how to do something, so I asked my friends and family for help. They were always willing to lend a hand, and I'm grateful for their support.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One thing that could be improved is my marketing strategy. I could have done a better job of reaching out to potential customers and promoting my business. I could also have been more organized and efficient in my time management.

# data[].attributes.headline
Reflecting on Success: My Amway Health and Wellness Sales Initiative Journey (Phase 4)

# data[].attributes.subject
Reflecting on Success: My Amway Health and Wellness Sales Initiative Journey (Phase 4)

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Muhamad Ariff bin Azeesur Rahman
Matric No: A181351
Date: 14-20 August 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Absolutely, I'm thrilled to report that the project's objectives have not only been met but exceeded. My journey in the Amway Health and Wellness Products Sales Initiative has been a resounding success.

From gaining an intricate understanding of the Amway business model to becoming a certified Amway Business Owner, it's safe to say that I've achieved what I set out to accomplish.

2. What have I enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

Amidst all the aspects of this project, what I've enjoyed the most is the deep and meaningful connection I've forged with customers. Witnessing firsthand how Amway products have positively impacted their lives has been immensely gratifying.

These stories of improved health and well-being fuel my passion for this endeavor. It's these genuine interactions and the tangible difference I've made that have elevated this project to a truly fulfilling experience.

3. What have I found challenging about this project?

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant challenges I encountered was initially navigating customer skepticism. Convincing potential customers to explore Amway products necessitated a combination of patience, persuasion, and precise communication.

Additionally, juggling this entrepreneurial venture with my other commitments presented its own set of complexities.

4. What has truly worked for me?

The pivotal strategy that elevated this project was the creation of a dedicated Instagram account. This platform allowed me to tap into a broader audience with a shared interest in health and wellness, resulting in heightened customer engagement.

Furthermore, tailoring my communication style to suit the unique preferences of each customer proved instrumental in converting potential leads into loyal advocates of Amway products.

5. What can be improved in this project?

While the project stands as a resounding success, there's always room for enhancement. In the forthcoming phases, I plan to delve even deeper into product knowledge to provide more comprehensive responses to customer queries. Strengthening my time management skills will be paramount to effectively balance my responsibilities.

Moreover, I intend to explore innovative marketing channels and strategies to further expand my reach and bolster the project's ongoing triumph.

# data[].attributes.headline
MAY I BAKE FOR YOU: Last week selling the cakes & desserts

# data[].attributes.subject
MAY I BAKE FOR YOU: Last week selling the cakes & desserts

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Lim Chian Wei
Matric Number: A180762
Date: 14/8/2023-20/8/2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

- I set 3 objectives for myself during this elective posting which are learn something new that cannot be learnt from medical school, improve communication skills and learn to be more creative.
I think I had successfully fulfilled all these three objectives.
The things I have learn is how to start and manage a business which I cannot learn from university currently. From starting an online platform for my business, communicate with customers to receive orders and packaging the products, I have the chance to learn all of these throughout this elective posting. I really appreciate.

Normally we communicate with patient at hospitals but now I need to communicate with customers and promote my cakes for them. Some of them will negotiate the price with me and in this condition, I need to know how to handle and communicate with them politely and efficiently so that my business can go well.

At first I decide to do chiffon cakes only but after that I receive orders that request me to do other dessert like carrot cakes or chocolate chips cupcake. Hence, I also accept the orders because I think this is a good opportunity to train me become more creative instead of only bake one type of cakes.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

- I enjoyed the process when baking and preparing the cakes for my customers. This is because during that period, I am doing the things that I like. I was enjoyed when baking the cakes although it was very tiring when there is large amount of order.
Packagin also one of the process I like because during that moment, I will put the cake neatly and carefully into the boxes and arrange them neatly before sending to customer's hourse.

I am also very looking forward to hear my customers' feedback when receive the cakes. I was enjoyable when they share my cakes on their instagram.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

- Things that I found challenging was time management. Like I said during the first 2 weeks, I cannot estimate the time I need to prepare the cakes and also I had receive too much orders until I cannot handle them alone. Hence, after that incident happen, I found a way to solve this problem which is I limit the amount of order per day. When the amount of orders is exceed the amount that I set, I will close the orders.
I also create posters to post in my instagram which I will inform the customers which slot still available to place the orders. This way helped me to reduce my workload  and I able to manage my time efficently.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

- I think the part that work well is I was brave to try new recipe. When promoting my business, my main recipe is Chiffon cake which have 3 different flavours (chocolate, coffee and pandan), however, I was requested by my customers to do traditional nyonya kuih, mango graham desserts. In the end, I accept these orders and bake for my customers.

I was grateful for my customer because they trusted me and gave me this chance to try new recipe. Those moment finally let me understand the quote "you never know what you can do until you try".

The feedback they giving me also one of the part that work well and help me a lot throughout this elective posting. These feedback can help me improving in next time and also give me confidence to believe myself that I actually can try new things.

5. What can be improved in this project?
- I think I can improve in promoting part. I only create one platform to connect me and my customers which is Instagram. However, I should find other good platform to promote my business with more people for example facebook. Next time, I can create a facebook page to promote my business instead of only depends on instagram because I think facebook page can connect more people from different ages.

Furthermore, I think I can create a short google form for customers to fill in their feedback so that it is more organised. The feedback form will be very short and my customers only need to write their comments in the column.

With this way, I can arrange them together every week and make a conclusion for myself about that particular week.

# data[].attributes.headline
Continuing My Baking Journey with Biru Bakes Part 4

# data[].attributes.subject
Continuing My Baking Journey with Biru Bakes Part 4

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Nur Hanin Nasuha binti Shamsul

Matric number: A181050

Date: 10/7/2023-16/7/2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes! I’ve set 3 objectives for this project and I was able to fulfill all of them throughout the whole 4 weeks. The first one was to provide baked goods and services to the customers with professionalism. I prepared everything up to a professional standard not only taste wise, but also hygienically and through my interactions with my customers. Second is to create a friendly environment that encourages close customer service. Owning a business is far more than just about the quality of the products as building a good relationship with customers is also important. Hence, I make sure to be hospitable to them and address any questions they have or adjustments they need with a friendly and professional manner. Good rapports could also lead to the customers coming back for more or forward good reviews to potential customers. The last one is to apply baking skills and interpersonal communication into entrepreneurship. A lot of skills are required to run a business and among them is baking and communication skills. Baking skills ensured I did not have any trouble in the kitchen but they were not the only thing needed to run a baking business as good communication skills are also important. This is because I am also incharge of interacting with potential customers and with suppliers. All in all I am proud that all of them were fulfilled throughout the 4 weeks of elective posting.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

One thing I have enjoyed the most was definitely being able to share my baked goods with others! I have always loved baking and the feeling of having other people enjoying my bakes as much as I do is definitely one of the great pleasures of this project. Not only does baking bring me joy but the whole process from receiving orders to receiving reviews has been tremendously amazing. Hence, I look forward to expanding my business and with that, sharing my bakes with a bigger circle in the future.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The challenging part of this project would have to be managing everything by myself. Running a business, even a small one from home, could easily be overwhelming with all the different tasks that need to be taken care of on your own. I dream of just spending all day baking in the kitchen but running a business  is far more than just that. When you run a business you’re going to have to put in a significant amount of time and effort in other aspects too. And when it is a one man show, I was responsible for everything from marketing, keeping track of the finances, sales, stocks, engaging with customers and everything else. Managing everything all at once has not been easy but I am glad I have pushed through it successfully.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

My recipes! Over time, I have readjusted my recipes here and there to increase the quality of my baked goods. I am so incredibly proud and happy that all of them have been receiving amazing reviews. Not only that, having a foolproof recipe also helps in not getting any baking mishaps in the kitchen which would have caused another line of trouble. Thankfully, everything went well and I hope to improve new recipes to introduce into my menu in the future.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I think the marketing aspect of this project could be improved. Having a good marketing strategy is important as it could easily make or break a business. For the time being I only use 2 platforms to promote my business which is Instagram and Telegram channel. Having a bigger budget for promotion in the future would really help in gaining more customers and help the business grow more.

# data[].attributes.body
Name : Siti Nurliyana binti Mohd Yazid
Matric Number : A182078
Date : 14  August 2023 – 19 August 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I could say that all the objectives of the project were fulfilled. I was able to think critically on marketing strategy. I tried to sell the banana chips in a container rather than a plastic bag to make it easier for customers who could not finish it all at once. I also attempted to design a poster and a sticker to be pasted on the container in order to attract attention. Despite this, I was able to fulfil the second objective which is that now I know how to make banana chips. In addition, I learned which types of banana could be used to make banana chips. I could appreciate if the banana was matured already or not through peeling process only. Since mostly the business was done through online platform, I was able to improve my communication skills whenever I met the customer in person to pass the product purchased. I could then pursue them to recommend my product to their contacts and encourage them buy more after this. Thus, all of those objectives can be fulfilled throughout the project.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
I felt overjoyed whenever my banana chips were sold out. It felt like all of my efforts had been rewarded. Beside that,  I liked how this project allowed me to experience both human-to-human and non-human-to-human relationships. Making banana chips required solely my efforts. Therefore, I could work on it calmly and without feeling rushed. Then, I only communicated with other humans during the selling process. This would allow me to improve my communication skills. Thus, contact and non-contact human based work had pros and cons in some ways, and I preferred both types of work.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)
Initially, I thought the most difficult part was the production process. However, as time passed, I discovered that the most difficult part was ensuring that all of my banana chips were sold out. It was difficult to get people to buy these snacks because they were only popular among the middle-aged and elderly. Because I was new to this business, it was difficult for me to persuade people to buy the banana chips. Sometimes I felt guilty when I had to ask them to use their money to buy my products. However, I learned that they will never feel compelled to buy the banana chips. They also understand that I just doing my business promoting my product and they would reject it appropriately if they refuse to buy it.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)
I was able to ensure that the banana chips were delicious. The banana chips turned out beautifully yellow, especially when I used 'Pisang Tanduk' as the main ingredient. Throughout this project, I never used any additional food colouring, which could have given the banana chips a light yellow colour. Until one customer inquired if I had ever used any additional food colouring. Therefore, I was relieved that the manufacturing process was going smoothly and that my banana chips would turn out beautifully.

5. What can be improved in this project?
In this project, I felt that my marketing skills were insufficient. I should seize the opportunity to promote my products on all online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I should be more active on social media in order to promote my products, or I can learn more about how a business account on this online platform can help with product promotion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
My promotional video has recorded 590 views within 24 hours of being published to YouTube.

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Ong Zhi Zhung
Matric Number: A182841
Date: 12 August 2023 - 20 August 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I have successfully fulfilled my objectives of to develop skills in course creation and curriculum design, to gain experience in video production and editing, to provide a valuable resource for students interested in Math Olympiad, to gain entrepreneurial skills and experience in marketing and promotion. I hope that I will continue to get some sales after the end of my elective posting in order to fulfil another objective of to generate passive income from selling online courses.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
What I enjoyed the most was the course creation process. Designing a brand-new Math Olympiad course, structuring lessons, selecting content, and delivering it in an engaging manner was challenging but rewarding. I was happy to see the transformation of abstract concepts from my mind into tangible learning materials. Moreover, witnessing all the hard work come together into the final product was incredibly satisfying.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
The most challenging aspect was juggling multiple tasks, including content creation, lessons recording, and marketing the course. Striving to do everything to reach a perfect quality requires a significant amount of time and thought. Dedication and persistence were my key in tackling these challenges.

4. What has really worked?

Throughout the project, taking a step-by-step approach has really worked for me. Breaking down the course creation process into smaller tasks made the workload feel manageable. This strategy also helped in maintaining consistent progress, especially when dealing with complex topics.

5. What can be improved in this project?

If I had more time, I would have welcomed the opportunity to involve students in reviewing my course prior to its official launch. This might have provided valuable insights to me for refining and improving the content before making it available for purchase.

Recognising the importance of feedback, I planned to actively seek input from students who choose to buy my course. Their feedback will definitely help me in ensuring that the course meets their needs and expectations effectively.

# data[].attributes.headline
Small Gateway to Sweetness: Dessert with A Touch of Natural Flavor (Week 4)

# data[].attributes.subject
Small Gateway to Sweetness: Dessert with A Touch of Natural Flavor (Week 4)

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Mohd Zulkarnain bin Zainal Abidin
Matric Number: A180421
Date: 24-30 July 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
First thing first, yes, I believe the 3 objectives set for this project were fulfilled throughout these 4 weeks. They are; to appreciate the foundational element of an entrepreneur venture, to acquire the fundamental knowledge of accounting necessary for an entrepreneur, and, to refine soft skills as expected of an entrepreneur.

Explaining further, I learned that the basic ground of starting a business is to start from the basics. To make sense, as I have previously explained in my first week Padlet submission, I took some time to revise previous study materials and researched independently using online reading references as ways to prepare myself before having my work ongoing. Also, I have saved up some amount of penny from my scholarship, which makes it a lot easier to buy ingredients and utensils needed without having to use my other savings or asking for some from my parents, and for that, is also one of the foundational element of an entrepreneur venture; smart saving for smart budgeting.

Concerning the second objective, I was and am aware of the importance to do record keeping to prevent confusion in expenses and revenues calculation later which is an apparent reason why I decided to use simple application like Microsoft Excel to track the data, after reviewing videos on YouTube and seeking guidance from my sister. I now know some new tricks to save me some time from doing bothersome calculation using manual calculators where I needed to key in every single digit.  Although my proficiency does not match that of an accountant, I have significantly elevated my capabilities, a progress I find immensely satisfying.

And thirdly, being an entrepreneur, one does need to have an impressive command of communication skill to interact with people, well-executed critical thinking skill to decide matters and a great time management to keep the business holding up without much delay while working on it. Throughout this project, it boosted my communication skill where I now feel more comfortable to talk with other people. I have consistently exercised critical thinking to make sound judgments, thereby enhancing this skill. Moreover, effective time management has been essential—juggling tasks efficiently to maintain smooth operations.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
I did not dislike interacting with other customers, but personally, I found the most enjoyment in reuniting with old friends and teachers during these 4 weeks. Some of them I hadn't been in touch with for years, so being able to reconnect, even briefly, felt really good. Talking with them again brought a sense of comfort and reduced any feelings of vulnerability. It's clear that if I hadn't taken on this project, I likely wouldn't have had the opportunity to have conversations with them for several more years.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)
One particular challenge that stood out was in preparing the creamy corn pudding. It demanded careful attention due to the time-intensive process and the need for extra caution while heating the mixture to prevent it from burning. Additionally, the slightly sticky texture posed some patience-testing moments when pouring it into the containers.  Even so, I constantly reminded myself that such challenges were anticipated and that everything would eventually work out.

Apart from this, I did not encounter many issues, and overall, the journey has been quite straightforward for me.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)
All thanks to Allah, achieving complete sell-outs every single day turned out to be quite a success. Even during the slower sales days that required an extra hour or two, the fact that everything got sold certainly filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment. This entrepreneurship project taught me the importance of patience—knowing that with perseverance, things will fall into place eventually. It is indeed a valuable lesson that reminds me to stay positive, as challenges can be overcome when we maintain our determination

5. What can be improved in this project?
What I wish to improve out of this project concerns the frequency of online marketing on social media platform where it can be used more to promote the desserts so I can reach more villagers, thus, probably speeds up the sale. Nonetheless, I am genuinely content that this project has proven successful – time invested wisely indeed.

# data[].attributes.body
Name : Ganiya Saravanen
Matric No : A180836
Date : 17-23 July 2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Very much so! Looking back, I have fulfilled all the objectives that I intended for throughout this project. The four objectives that I had set for myself is to learn how to cook while practicing proper hygiene, learning how to manage a food business, learning how to use social media to promote the business better and hone my soft skills by interacting with the customers.

It was pretty easy to learn the hygiene practices when cooking, it wasn’t too different from maintaining hygiene/sterility as a medical student. Managing a food business on the other hand, was entirely new to me. Learning how to get the best ingredients and tailoring the menu according to the target customers. It was relatively easy to promote the business on social media with the help of Canva and Instagram, though it was harder to engage with the social media users. And finally, I have definitely improved my soft skills by communicating with the customers.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about the project is being able to bring a taste of home to other Malaysians and South Indians who live here. It is always nice to find other Malaysians here and have a chat with them, and even more better when they love the food. It has also been delightful to be able to introduce Malaysian and South Indian cuisine to Australians and everyone else.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The one thing I’ve found challenging is the unpredictability of the business. There are some days where sales are slow and on the other days, everything’s sold. I’ve come to realize that that is the risk that a small business comes with, especially when it’s still starting out and expanding its customer circles. But I have a lot of hope for our business as we have returning customers and meeting customers who come from word-of-mouth.

4. What has really worked?

Sticking to traditional recipes and tweaking them a little to suit the local tastes has definitely been important for our business. Most locals are open to try Malaysian or South Indian food, the only thing that holds them back is their low spice tolerance. So making sambal and curries that aren’t spicy has attracted more customers and keep them coming back for more.

5. What can be improved in this project?

The one thing that can be improved in this project is probably the frequency of market pop-ups. Turning up to more markets is the most efficient way to put our business out there. For now, we stick to the markets with affordable plot fees and hopefully with time, we will be able to afford more expensive markets and share our food with more people.

# data[].attributes.body
Muhammad Tshaqif Bin Mohd Asri
A181001
14/8-18/8

1. Were the objective fulfilled
yes my objective has fulfilled in a way that i learn how different industry operate their business and i get to the knowledge of managing a business in the future

2. what have i enjoyed i like the most
During my journey in this elective posting i do enjoy the moment where i get to fill my time learning new thing. The thing that i enjoyed the most is when i get bake some cookies which is not hardest among other jobs to do.

3. what have i found challenging about this project.
the most challenging part that i found in this project is the time i need to adapt with the working environment. With the amount of work its not easy for me to adapt it a first. however as time goes by im able to adapt with the working environment and manage to get new friends

4. what has truly worked for me?
the one that truly worked for me is that im able to adapt in a new environment in quite short amount of time. other than that i manage to level up my communication skill as i do talk with my colleague and ask for help from them when in need

5. what can be improved
i think i can improved more in learning other business method which might help to alleviate the business,

# data[].attributes.headline
MAY I BAKE FOR YOU: Last week selling the cakes & desserts

# data[].attributes.subject
MAY I BAKE FOR YOU: Last week selling the cakes & desserts

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Lim Chian Wei
Matric Number: A180762
Date: 14/8/2023-20/8/2023

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

- I set 3 objectives for myself during this elective posting which are learn something new that cannot be learnt from medical school, improve communication skills and learn to be more creative.
I think I had successfully fulfilled all these three objectives.
The things I have learn is how to start and manage a business which I cannot learn from university currently. From starting an online platform for my business, communicate with customers to receive orders and packaging the products, I have the chance to learn all of these throughout this elective posting. I really appreciate.

Normally we communicate with patient at hospitals but now I need to communicate with customers and promote my cakes for them. Some of them will negotiate the price with me and in this condition, I need to know how to handle and communicate with them politely and efficiently so that my business can go well.

At first I decide to do chiffon cakes only but after that I receive orders that request me to do other dessert like carrot cakes or chocolate chips cupcake. Hence, I also accept the orders because I think this is a good opportunity to train me become more creative instead of only bake one type of cakes.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

- I enjoyed the process when baking and preparing the cakes for my customers. This is because during that period, I am doing the things that I like. I was enjoyed when baking the cakes although it was very tiring when there is large amount of order.
Packagin also one of the process I like because during that moment, I will put the cake neatly and carefully into the boxes and arrange them neatly before sending to customer's hourse.

I am also very looking forward to hear my customers' feedback when receive the cakes. I was enjoyable when they share my cakes on their instagram.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

- Things that I found challenging was time management. Like I said during the first 2 weeks, I cannot estimate the time I need to prepare the cakes and also I had receive too much orders until I cannot handle them alone. Hence, after that incident happen, I found a way to solve this problem which is I limit the amount of order per day. When the amount of orders is exceed the amount that I set, I will close the orders.
I also create posters to post in my instagram which I will inform the customers which slot still available to place the orders. This way helped me to reduce my workload  and I able to manage my time efficently.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

- I think the part that work well is I was brave to try new recipe. When promoting my business, my main recipe is Chiffon cake which have 3 different flavours (chocolate, coffee and pandan), however, I was requested by my customers to do traditional nyonya kuih, mango graham desserts. In the end, I accept these orders and bake for my customers.

I was grateful for my customer because they trusted me and gave me this chance to try new recipe. Those moment finally let me understand the quote "you never know what you can do until you try".

The feedback they giving me also one of the part that work well and help me a lot throughout this elective posting. These feedback can help me improving in next time and also give me confidence to believe myself that I actually can try new things.

5. What can be improved in this project?
- I think I can improve in promoting part. I only create one platform to connect me and my customers which is Instagram. However, I should find other good platform to promote my business with more people for example facebook. Next time, I can create a facebook page to promote my business instead of only depends on instagram because I think facebook page can connect more people from different ages.

Furthermore, I think I can create a short google form for customers to fill in their feedback so that it is more organised. The feedback form will be very short and my customers only need to write their comments in the column.

With this way, I can arrange them together every week and make a conclusion for myself about that particular week.

# data[].attributes.body
Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!
It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!
Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

5. What can be improved in this project?