logo
TEKUN disburses RM23m in financing to indian entrepreneurs as of May 1

TEKUN disburses RM23m in financing to indian entrepreneurs as of May 1

The Sun14-06-2025
IPOH: The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) has disbursed RM23 million in financing to 879 Indian entrepreneurs across the country as of May 1 this year.
Senior private secretary to Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Datuk B. Anbumani, said the government provided the allocation under the SPUMI (Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme) Goes Big financing scheme, benefiting 137 recipients, adding that another 742 Indian entrepreneurs received funding through the TEKUN SPUMI scheme.
'In addition to TEKUN financing, many other initiatives under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) have been rolled out this year, aimed at boosting the economic development of the Indian community.
'Therefore, the Indian community must make the most of the platforms provided by the government, as their economic well-being is crucial. KUSKOP remains committed to supporting Indian entrepreneurs by offering various financing opportunities to help them grow their businesses,' he said.
He said this today on behalf of the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, after the Vanakam MADANI engagement session with Perak Indian entrepreneurs here.
Anbumani said that these entrepreneurs are selling sarees, providing transportation services, running restaurants or retail outlets, and are involved in online ventures, among other things.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US tariffs a wake-up call for smarter trade for India
US tariffs a wake-up call for smarter trade for India

The Star

time10 hours ago

  • The Star

US tariffs a wake-up call for smarter trade for India

STARTING this month, American consumers shopping for Indian goods and Indian exporters shipping to the United States will feel the sting of a new 25% tariff slapped by the Trump administration, on top of an earlier 25%. In a move framed as protecting domestic manufacturing, Washington's latest trade salvo imposes up to 50% duties on a range of Indian exports – including on certain textiles, auto components and categories like generic pharmaceuticals and machinery parts. But while headlines focus on diplomatic retaliation and political posturing, the real story here is about consumers, on both sides of the trade wall. Whether it is a small apparel brand in Gujarat, a turmeric exporter in Erode, or a US importer sourcing affordable generics from Hyderabad, this tariff hike doesn't just punish trade, it punishes choice. Instead of a knee-jerk reaction, India should treat this moment as a strategic wake-up call. The global trading order is shifting fast. Protectionism is making a comeback under the 'national interest' banner, but everyday people bear its actual cost. Consumers pay more, get less, and lose access to innovation. Take the example of Indian pharma. The US relies on India for 40% of its affordable and high-quality generic medicines, a lifeline that keeps drug prices affordable for millions. With tariffs, those prices could spike, leaving American consumers and insurers to pay significantly more for basic medicines. That's bad business for both sides. Or consider Indian textile SMEs that export cotton garments to US retailers. These businesses already operate on razor-thin profit margins. Tariffs could render them uncompetitive overnight, leading to lost orders, layoffs, and reduced production. And American retailers won't absorb the shock; they'll pass it down to consumers through higher prices. This is the domino effect of protectionism: fewer options, higher prices, and stalled innovation. That's bad news for anyone who cares about affordability and variety, whether buying shoes in Chicago or selling saris in Surat. Rather than retaliating with blanket duties on US imports, India should seize the moment to make its economy more open, competitive, and consumer-friendly. — AFP The solution, however, is not to mirror America's tariff war with one of our own. Rather than retaliating with blanket duties on US imports, India should seize the moment to make its economy more open, competitive, and consumer-friendly. That means lowering our import tariffs, especially on consumer goods where global competition drives better quality and prices. It means signing trade deals that aren't just about political alliances but about securing cheaper medicines, cutting-edge tech, and better value for Indian consumers. It means slashing red tape at customs so Indian exporters can survive, not just US tariffs, but future global disruptions. Most importantly, it means putting consumer welfare at the heart of our trade policy – not treating it as a side effect. If the cost of a trade war is higher prices, fewer choices, and shrinking markets, the goal of trade reform must be the opposite: greater access, lower prices, and more freedom to choose. India has long spoken about becoming a global manufacturing hub. However, that ambition will remain half-baked unless we build an economy where producers and consumers benefit from openness, not protectionism. Trump's tariff bombshell is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Instead of playing defence, it is time India went on offence, with policies that protect not just producers, but also the millions of consumers who stand to gain from a freer, fairer global marketplace. Shrey Madaan is an Indian Policy Fellow with the Consumer Choice Center.

Reviewing laws to ensure Sabah is not left behind
Reviewing laws to ensure Sabah is not left behind

Daily Express

time12 hours ago

  • Daily Express

Reviewing laws to ensure Sabah is not left behind

Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: Members of the newly-set up Council with Hajiji (centre). WHY Hajiji formed Sabah Law Reform Council? CM Datuk Seri Hajiji is the first CM to initiate the formation of Sabah Law Reform Council. A comprehensive law reform for Sabah is long overdue. All well managed countries undertake law reforms and updates to stay relevant, effective, just and economically competitive especially in the rapidly changing environment of AI/high tech and turbulent global economy. The focus of this article will be on economic factors relevant to Sabah. Advertisement Restructuring and turning around Sabah's 40 years of stunted economic growth, by itself, has been a super complex and difficult task for Hajiji since Oct 2020. No one can or will be able to turn around the economy within a short time. Those who claim they can, are not telling the truth. The challenge to restructure Sabah's economy is made much more difficult by Sabah's many outdated and inappropriate laws. It is fortunate for Sabah that Hajiji has the foresight to form the Sabah Law Reform Council to look into, inter-alia: [1] Sabah has many laws that are antiquated and obsolete, some from far back to the British Chartered Company and the British Colonial Government. Many of these laws have become hindrance to Sabah's economic development. Advertisement [2] Identifying these out-dated laws will be an erroneous task. [3] Sabah has very few laws for Sabah to facilitate progress in the 21st century. [4] Sabah needs some new laws urgently. Example 1: Hajiji's most important economic initiative for Sabah is the Blue Economy. It will require considerable legal brains to produce new laws/regulations to implement it. Example 2: Sabah does not have a holistic Agriculture Enactment to facilitate the development of agriculture. Example 3: Sabah needs new laws to establish new sources of revenues. [5] Sabah must use the best legal brains on matters pertaining to Sabah's constitutional rights. [i] The complex Sabah/Federal relationship, especially Sabah rights under MA63 and their never-ending procrastinations in implementations [40% revenue]. [ii] Sabah's rights as 1/3 partner in Malaysia, on matters pertaining to the protection of Sabah interests in federal policy decisions and their implementations. [iii] Review and monitor laws already passed or to be passed by Parliament that affect Sabah's interest like TSA 2012 [Territorial Sea Act 2012]. [vi] Ensure that Sabah's interest is not left out in all Federal Laws, present and future. 2. The Sabah Law Reform Council is non-political. Its member are highly respected Lawyers. Most wise. Hajiji's first pre-requisite was that The Sabah Law Reform Council should be non-political and free from political interference. Reforming Sabah's laws is hard work by professionals, not a political game for politicians. The formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is the collaborative efforts of Tan Sri David Wong and SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council] under the guidance/supervision of AG Datuk Brenndon Soh. It is highly significant and profound that Hajiji has appointed Tan Sri David Wong as the founding chairman of the Sabah Law Reform Council. He is eminently qualified. He has years of experience in private practice, then joined the bench and elevated to be Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak from July 2018 to February 2020. His career in private practice and the bench will give valuable leadership and perspective for the Sabah Law Reform Council. The council members are [1] Datuk Daniel Tan, [2] Datuk John Sikayun, [3] Dr. David Fung, [4] Datuk Roger Chin and [5] Shakinur Ain Karama. All five are highly respected senior Sabahan lawyers, non-political and Sabahans through and through. Tan Sri David is also the founding Chairman of BICAM [Borneo International Centre for Arbitrations and Mediations] which will play a key role in the development of KK as a regional commercial hub. The Sabah Law Reform Council and AG Brenndon will form a formidable team of legal experts. It has already got on to a flying start. They have already completed an important amendment of the Land Ordinance with the inclusion of 'indefeasibility of title' under the Torrent system. The Dun has passed this amendment in its sitting in April 2025. 3. Hajiji is First CM to Implement 'Open Government' by Seeking Advisories from Professionals, Young Sabahans and Private Sectors Stakeholders. Never done before by any CM. Hajiji formed SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council, SYBIL [Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders] and SPC [Sabah Professional Council]. SYBIL has been contributing policy inputs and encouragement/assistance to young Sabahan returnees from overseas. Sabah has 5000+ Sabahan professionals. For 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy, Masidi has instructed all GLCs to engage Sabah-based accountants for their financial service requirements. JTU will only accept survey submissions from Sabah based surveyors. Significantly, Hajiji has asked DSP Lim Haw Kuang for advice on oil and gas which has since become a major industry. Lim Haw Kuang is also advisor to SMJ Energy which is very profitable and has become a RM5 billion GLC within 3 years. 4. The Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council Will Enhance Investors' Confidence in Sabah. One of the most crucial aspects that investors look for are functioning legal system and transparent governance. The fact that Hajiji has initiated the formation of this council is an important positive message for investors. With the appointment of Tan Sri David as the Chairman and his highly respected council members by Hajiji can only reinforce investors' confidence further. 5. Hajiji's Formation of Sabah Law Reform Council is a Continuation of His Policy of 'Open Government'. Formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is a major milestone in Hajiji's open government policy. In our 'Westminster' style of parliamentary system, the rule of law is paramount. Updating and reforming our laws should therefore be of utmost priority. The work by Sabah Law Reform Council will create enormous beneficial impacts for future generations of Sabahans. 6. Why is Hajiji's 'Open Government' important? Hajiji's initiative to form SEAC, SYBIL, SPC and now Sabah Law Reformation Council is a very important aspect of 'open government'. Here are some reasons: [1] Previous governments have practised 'closed government' or 'top-down government. No or little avenue for non-politicians, professionals and young Sabahans to contribute to decision making. 'Closed government' belongs to the old era, grossly outdated. 'Closed door' produce 'in-breeding'. Very unhealthy. [2] Hajiji's 'open government' gives opportunities for outstanding Sabahan professionals [like Lim Haw Kuang in oil and gas and SDB, David Wong, members of SLRC in law reform, James Wong in nurturing young business leaders] to contribute ideas and management expertise for the betterment of Sabah. [3] Hajiji's 'open government' will attract many more highly qualify, perfectly capable Sabahans within Sabah, in W Malaysia, Singapore and overseas to volunteer their time and ideas. [4] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote 'inclusivity' in policy decisions and their implementations. [5] Hajiji's 'open government' will improve quality of policy outputs. [6] Hajiji's 'open government' has improved governance and management of GLCs/ agencies like SMJ Energy, ECoS, SDB and Sabah Credit Corporation. [7] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote transparency, best practices in governance and prevent financial and resource leakages. [8] Hajiji's 'open government' is the best and quickest way to pass on the benefits of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy to Sabahans. 7. Hajiji's Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council is an act of statesmanship in furtherance of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy objectives for the benefits of Sabahans. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]

Pivoting to Russia?
Pivoting to Russia?

The Star

time16 hours ago

  • The Star

Pivoting to Russia?

EARLIER this week, I attended the ceremonial send-off for King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's State Visit to Russia at the Subang Air Base. This visit, the first by a Malaysian head of state since diplomatic relations began in 1967, seeks to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties. In the three months before His Majesty's historic visit, a series of high-level interactions with Moscow signalled a significant uptick in bilateral ties. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited in May, followed by a Parliamentary delegation I led. In June, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof continued the momentum with his official visit. Additionally, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani was appointed coordinating minister for Russia, tasked with addressing trade challenges exacerbated by Western sanctions. Taken together, these developments suggest more than routine diplomacy. We are clearly elevating our game, and the trajectory appears to point north, towards Moscow. Is Malaysia pivoting to Russia? As this question becomes prominent, it is worth examining what recent global trends reveal about Malaysia's shifting geopolitical posture. For example, in Europe, superpower rivalries have driven nations to double military spending to address the heightened risks of war. Similar tensions in South-East Asia could compel Asean countries, including Malaysia, to strengthen military capabilities to navigate this uncertainty. Amid a challenging international order and shifting trade dynamics, the heightened engagements with Moscow reflect Anwar's strategic ambition to recalibrate Malaysia within the BRICS framework and diversify our global alliances. Through Russia and BRICS, we seek to pursue autonomy and forge partnerships beyond traditional Western allies. The rationale behind it is simple. Malaysia cannot rely on any single country, especially one whose policies may shift unpredictably, as we pursue long-term economic stability and resilience. When I was a Member of the Dewan Rakyat, I visited Moscow several times and have come to appreciate Russia's distinct worldview and the strategic ways it seeks to shape the global order. My trip in May was my first as the deputy president of the Senate at the Dewan Negara, and it offered a valuable opportunity to explore deeper institutional ties with Russia's parliamentary leaders. With Malaysia chairing the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly this year and Russia present as an observer, the timing was significant. In Malaysia, the mention of Russia often evokes thoughts of global controversies, particularly its actions in Ukraine. This has cast Russian President Vladimir Putin as a distant, hardline figure viewed through the lens of geopolitical tensions and critical media scrutiny. However, something unexpected challenged this perception. While in Moscow, I was invited to address the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club, a leading forum for global policy discussions, and engage with Russia's policy elites. My session was moderated by Fyodor Lukyanov, a prominent foreign policy expert close to President Putin. During the session, Lukyanov referenced a viral moment from the May Kremlin press conference, Putin's amusement with Anwar's 'second wife' reply to a question on who occupies one of three ceremonial thrones once used by Russia's imperial family. That unique moment delighted Malaysians and Russians alike on social media. In response, I smiled and remarked: 'Thanks to that event, President Putin is now a very famous man in Malaysia!' This lighthearted exchange broke the ice, revealing a warmth rarely seen in Putin and fostering a fresh bond between our leaders. Beyond the laughter, it opened doors for stronger Malaysia-Russia ties and advanced our BRICS aspiration, setting the stage for my subsequent Moscow meetings. Trade and business were central to my dialogue with Russia's Economic Development Ministry. Aeroflot's plan to reinstate direct flights to Malaysia will enhance connectivity, strengthen economic ties, and boost our appeal as a premier destination for Russian tourists, ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Collaboration in natural disaster management, where Russia possesses substantial expertise, also emerged as a key partnership area. My meeting with Alexander Kurenkov – their Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Minister – underscored our commitment to disaster management cooperation as a model of effective bilateral engagement. This initiative has progressed rapidly, thanks to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's leadership of our Central Disaster Management Committee and proactive efforts during Kurenkov's June visit to Malaysia. Discussions with Russia's Energy Ministry explored collaboration as Malaysia refines its National Energy Transition Roadmap. Moscow's expertise in nuclear technology, through its state-owned corporation Rosatom, offers solutions for sustainable energy by advancing the peaceful use of nuclear power for electricity generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This collaboration would modernise Malaysia's power grid while supporting Asean-wide initiatives, like the Asean Power Grid, for sustainable regional energy collaboration. Malaysia's defence relationship with Russia, established by the landmark MiG-29 purchase in 1994, remains a cornerstone of our relationship. Today, the focus has shifted to artificial intelligence (AI), critical to modern defence. His Majesty's visit to Moscow's Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Centre, which showcases advanced AI systems, highlights their rapid advancements in this field, offering Malaysia opportunities to enhance its defence capabilities. Russia's cutting-edge innovation presents Malaysia with a timely opportunity to explore drone technology and AI-driven security solutions. Malaysia could cautiously pursue calculated collaboration in autonomous warfare drone technology by leveraging Russia's expertise in autonomous systems. Through joint research and technology exchange, such efforts would strengthen national security and underscore our commitment to innovation. However, given concerns over autonomous weapons and geopolitical sensitivities, such engagements must align with Malaysia's strategic interests and international norms. While my meetings were marked by optimism, a key challenge persists in navigating the network of international sanctions, which hinders these opportunities. Amid increased Western scrutiny and the threat of secondary sanctions, Malaysian industries are cautious and seek to minimise exposure at the expense of trade growth. However, practical solutions exist, such as alternative payment mechanisms for lawful economic engagement. My talks with senior members from the Kremlin administration affirmed that our concerns are resolvable. Business magnates often ask, 'What's the deal?' With Russia, the answer is clear. As long as cooperation remains legitimate, respects international regulations, and aligns with Malaysia's foreign policy, we can make a deal. At the Valdai Discussion Club, I was asked a pointed question on the US-China power dynamics and Malaysia's stance if faced with choosing sides. My response was direct: 'Choose your neighbour.' The room chuckled, knowing I implied Russia, whose eastern region places it firmly within Asia. Yet Russia is more than a geographical neighbour. It is a partner in shared priorities such as economic growth and stability. In a period of intensifying great power rivalry, our BRICS alignment reflects a pragmatic choice for regional proximity. In choosing and trusting our 'neighbour', we are not turning our backs on our friends. Like a good neighbour who respects your right to design your own home, our friends should understand Malaysia's choice for balance, economic resilience and independent future. Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed is the Dewan Negara deputy president and former Pulai member of Parliament. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store