Write an article about Sabahan entrepreneur fills gap in local sunscreen market .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Jennifer Tugun Michael decided to create her own brand of sunscreen upon realising the lack of local brands in the market. (Bernama pic)
KOTA KINABALU: Inspired by her love for the outdoors and a desire to fill a gap in the local market, Jennifer Tugun Michael left the media industry to take a bold leap into the world of entrepreneurship.
The 31-year-old’s journey led to the creation of Sabah’s very own sunscreen brand, Ferherneo.
An avid adventurer since the age of 19, Jennifer has spent countless hours exploring the islands surrounding Kota Kinabalu and the stunning waters of Semporna.
But during her many sun-soaked excursions, she noticed there were no locally made sunscreen brands. Most of the products at island jetties in the state are international brands like Banana Boat (US) and Sunplay (Japan).
Recognising this as a missed opportunity and a chance to contribute to Sabah’s booming tourism industry, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
With Ferherneo, she not only aims to protect the skin of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, but also hopes to boost Sabah’s economy through a homegrown product that reflects the state’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.
“My product is waterproof and specifically designed for outdoor activities in island areas, especially in Sabah and Borneo. But it’s also perfect for everyday use,” said Jennifer, who is of Kadazan descent from Penampang.
She shared that it took her close to two years to bring her vision to life and develop her very own sunscreen range.
“The biggest challenge was finding a local factory that could produce high-quality, competitive sunscreen. It has a modern texture, which is a liquid cream. The production cost was also quite high.”
Originally priced at RM50 each, interested buyers can get discounts by checking out Ferherneo on social media. (Bernama pic)
One of Ferherneo’s standout features is its impressive waterproof durability of over 40 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who frequent Sabah’s coastal areas.
“Unlike traditional sunscreens that only shield the skin from UV rays, mine also moisturises and brightens both the face and body,” Jennifer noted.
As a Tekun Nasional-mentored entrepreneur, she takes pride in ensuring her product meets industry standards. To that end, Ferherneo sunscreen has been registered and approved by the health ministry.
She has sold over 200 units of Ferherneo products since its launch, marking a promising start for Sabah’s homegrown sunscreen brand.
As for the meaning behind the brand name, she revealed it is a fusion of personal and regional identity: “Fer” is an abbreviation of her first name, “her” represents female entrepreneurship, and “neo” is inspired by Borneo, paying homage to her roots.
Jennifer also admitted that she initially faced a lack of support from certain family members who hold the mindset that graduates should secure jobs in the government or private sector, rather than take risks in business.
“I took on the challenge of creating my own brand to prove that entrepreneurship can be a viable path to success and financial stability,” she said.
“I also want to encourage young Sabahans that they shouldn’t feel the need to seek jobs in the peninsula for better opportunities or higher income. Instead, they should create their own opportunities right here at home.”
Learn more about Ferherneo on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
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