Latest news with #099.97
Daily Express
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Hub to empower sabah entrepreneurs
Published on: Sunday, May 04, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 04, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Ewon (centre) signs the MSME Hub plaque and new office witnessed by others. PENAMPANG: The launch of SME Corp Malaysia's new office and the Sabah Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Hub on Saturday marked a significant step forward in the Federal Government's efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, particularly in Sabah. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the initiative was inspired by his vision to provide accessible facilities and advisory services for the business community in Sabah. 'This hub serves as a one-stop centre for business owners to obtain guidance and information on government entrepreneurship programmes,' he said during the launch at Donggongon Square, here. In 2024 alone, 10,035 entrepreneurs visited SME Corp's physical hubs, with 2,607 visits recorded in the first quarter of this year. Ewon also announced the continuation of the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus in 2025, following its positive reception in Sabah and Sarawak. 'I'm pleased with the outcomes of this programme, which aligns with the 'Look East Within the Country' initiative and is tailored specifically to support micro-enterprises in East Malaysia,' he said. As part of the initiative, 15 local entrepreneurs received a total of RM841,099.97 in grants. SME Corp Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Bernard Giluk Dompok said the launch was a major milestone under Ewon's leadership in boosting Malaysia's entrepreneurial ecosystem. 'The opening of this hub not only brings the Minister's vision to life but also demonstrates Kuskop's commitment to expanding access to business support,' he said. He also thanked industry players and strategic partners for their continued support in developing the MSME sector. SME Corp CEO Rizal Dato' Nainy said the MSMEs form the backbone of the Malaysian economy, comprising 96.9 per cent of all business establishments. 'This year, we're focusing on digitalisation and global competitiveness. We aim for over 90 per cent of enterprises to digitalise operations by the end of 2025,' he said, adding an MoU with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will further support financing, digital tools and training. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to fully use the facilities at the Hub and participate in national-level events like SME Venture @ Asean 2025, scheduled for October in Kuala Lumpur. Ewon urged members of the local business community to be proactive in seeking out information on government assistance, funding opportunities and market access. 'As entrepreneurs, you need to take initiative — get informed, explore your options and make the most of the support systems available,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
New Sabah MSME hub opens as one-stop centre for entrepreneurs
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: PENAMPANG: The official opening of SME Corp Malaysia's new office and the Sabah Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Hub on Saturday, marks another milestone in the Federal Government's commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly in the State. Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Datuk Ewon Benedick said the opening of the Sabah MSME Hub in Penampang was a historic moment and an initiative inspired by his own vision to provide facilities for the business community and aspiring entrepreneurs in the State. 'This hub will serve as a one-stop centre for MSMEs to receive business advisory services and information on government entrepreneurship programmes,' he said. He also emphasised that in 2024, a total of 10,035 MSMEs had visited SME Corp. Malaysia's physical hubs, with 2,607 visits recorded in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Ewon also announced the continuation of the BEEP Plus Programme this year, following its encouraging reception among MSMEs in Sabah and Sarawak. 'I'm very pleased with the results of this programme, which was created especially for micro-enterprises in East Malaysia. It aligns with the 'Look East Within the Country' policy that I introduced,' he said. He later presented RM841,099.97 in grants to 15 qualified Sabah-based MSMEs under the programme. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
