“THE entertainment industry is a business. But we are about taking artistes away from just one business and giving them the opportunity to delve into other areas of business,” said actress Diana Danielle.
No stranger to entrepreneurship, the 26-year-old beauty had come out with a cosmetics line, a cafe and produced children’s traditional wear.
Diana is the face of Dewan Perniagaan Artis Dan Selebriti Malaysia (DPA), serving as its chairman.
At the official launch of the non-governmental organisation at Royale Chulan Damansara, Petaling Jaya, yesterday, she said: “We as artistes sell products that people want.
“With this, we’re trying to get artistes involved in the business of what people need.”
Diana is part of nine celebrities who have formed the DPA committee.
They are Bront Palarae, Hazama Azmi, Hafiz Suip, Akim Ahmad, Stacy Anam, Wan Hanafi Su, Soffi Jikan and Farid Kamil, who is Diana’s husband.
“As a start, we will focus on carrying out businesses in the building and supplies sectors.
“Our first project will be refurbishing a building.
“Other projects may include building schools and setting up food trucks or cafeterias,” she said.
DPA initiator and president Datuk Shahrul Nizam Yunos said: “The artistes will receive help, training and funds to e
quip themselves with the know-how.”
“We’ve managed to get 50 members and we’re planning to have at least 200 in five year’s time.”
Diana said the entrepreneurial training the artistes received would be used to mentor other members.
“We want to ensure that members have long-term financial plans and can give back to the entertainment industry.”
DPA was launched by the prime minister’s special officer, Datuk Rizal Mansor.
Present were the community education division director of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Datuk Abdul Samat Kasah, and Registry of Societies director-general Surayati Ibrahim.