Latest news with #ASEANFranchiseConvention
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Ramanan backs Nurul Izzah for PKR deputy president post
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR deputy information chief I Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has personally expressed support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the party's deputy president post for the 2025-2028 term. The Sungai Buloh MP said this is because Nurul Izzah is seen as someone with international influence and very high integrity, which would benefit the party. 'In terms of qualifications, she's definitely qualified -- not only does she have vast political experience, she also has a strong public image in Malaysia and is globally recognised. So in my view, she's truly deserving. 'I see Nurul Izzah as someone transparent, with direction and foresight. She has never taken a break or said she didn't want to serve. If some do not wish to serve or want to serve in a different way, then they should not hold any position at all,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending the opening of the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM 2025) exhibition and the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 Declaration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Ramanan also dismissed claims by certain quarters that the nomination of Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter to contest the deputy president post amounts to nepotism. He argued that logically, it is a democratic contest and not an appointment. 'If Nurul Izzah were appointed by her father, then yes, that would be nepotism. But this is a party election for deputy president; she is contesting, not being appointed. 'We have 30,000 members, party leaders representing three races to decide who becomes deputy president, vice-presidents and members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP). So to me, the issue of nepotism doesn't arise because she'll be elected, if she wins,' he said. He added that more than two-thirds of PKR's 222 divisions have expressed support for her candidacy, reflecting the party's grassroots democracy. 'To me, this represents the grassroots' wishes. Based on what I've seen, more than 150 divisions, or two-thirds, have nominated her,' he said. Ramanan also said he submitted his nomination form to contest the vice-president post yesterday. Yesterday, Nurul Izzah, who is a PKR vice-president, said she will make the best decision regarding calls from grassroots members and party leaders for her to contest the deputy president post in the 2025-2028 term. In a Facebook post, Nurul Izzah, who is also Penang PKR chief, said the decision must balance consensus, camaraderie and meaningful reforms for all party members. Nominations for the 2025 PKR central leadership elections, including for Youth and Women's Wings, are being held online over two days starting today. The PKR National Congress will be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Zahid urges youth to explore franchises beyond F&B
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on youths to explore broader opportunities in other high-potential franchise sectors beyond the food and beverage (F&B) industry. 'The government recognises significant potential in other sectors that should not be overlooked. Our youth must take proactive steps, either individually or in groups, to enhance the quality of their products and services,' he said. He was speaking at the opening of the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) and Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition (FIM) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. Zahid also urged young entrepreneurs to engage with agencies such as the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) to seek support and guidance in developing local products into competitive franchise brands. 'Local products must not only thrive in the domestic market but also be positioned for franchising and international expansion. The government has allocated substantial support for the franchise sector, complemented by a range of financing schemes,' he added. He noted that the MFA has played an active role in developing a robust local franchise ecosystem poised to penetrate regional markets, particularly within ASEAN. 'The ASEAN market comprises approximately 600 million people. If we can tap just 10 percent of that, we're looking at a potential customer base of 60 million,' he said. Also present at the event were KUSKOP Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and MFA chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan. Meanwhile, Radzali said the convention, held from May 7 to 10, brings together more than 160 franchise companies and 250 exhibitors, and is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, making it one of the largest franchise events in Southeast Asia. 'FIM 2025 showcases a wide range of local and international franchise brands from 16 countries, including China, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and many more,' he said. Radzali also expressed hope that the AFC and FIM would serve as catalysts for rapid growth in the national franchise industry, contributing to economic development and strengthening Malaysia's position at both regional and global levels. Touching on Zahid's call for greater youth participation in entrepreneurship, he said the MFA remains committed to supporting young people as they take their first steps into the business world. 'We have designed numerous entrepreneurship programmes specifically for youth and university students. We hope to see more of them coming forward and actively engaging with the initiatives available. 'The younger generation today is more agile, intelligent, and digitally savvy, a major advantage that should be fully leveraged,' he added. Radzali also noted that MFA was recently recognised by ASEAN Records as the organiser of the Longest-Running Annual Franchise Exhibition in ASEAN, with 32 consecutive editions of FIM since 1994. 'This recognition is a testament to decades of consistent effort and our role in driving the growth of the regional franchise sector,' he said.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
BN-PH strengthening unity, alliance ahead of Sabah election
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) is strengthening its alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) as it prepares for the upcoming Sabah Election, with discussions also extending to a broader coalition tentatively dubbed 'BN, PH Plus', according to BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the political cooperation in Sabah would be guided by both local BN leadership and central leadership to ensure a strong and unified front. 'We leave it to the wisdom of Sabah BN, with strategic guidance from the federal level, to chart a prudent path toward achieving political dominance through consensus.' He said this to reporters when asked after officiating the 2025 Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition and Conference, and the declaration of the ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today. To a question on cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid said BN remains open to alliances with any political party. 'Our principle is to keep our doors wide open, and not to shut them completely,' he said, suggesting that political manoeuvring in Sabah still has ample room for new partnerships. On the matter of seat allocations, Ahmad Zahid said it was premature to finalise any decisions, noting that detailed negotiations would take place at a later stage. 'It's still too early to make any decision. We will negotiate thoroughly on the allocation of state seats we plan to contest,' he said. Prior to this, Sabah BN confirmed plans to contest 40 of the 73 state seats available in the upcoming state election, with the remaining 33 seats allocated to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid proposes ASEAN accelerator to boost franchise sector
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today proposed three initiatives, including the introduction of the ASEAN Franchise Accelerator Programme, to elevate Malaysia's franchise ecosystem. He said the programme could serve as a flagship initiative to groom local franchise brands through expert mentorship, access to funding, and fast-tracked regional market entry. The second initiative is the ASEAN University Franchise Business Challenge Program, which, he said, is an initiative that gathers cutting-edge franchise concepts from university students across ASEAN, offering the best ideas the opportunity to be adopted, nurtured and scaled by leading franchise players. 'Lastly, celebrating World Franchise Day, a global event observed by all World Franchise Council (WFC) members every second week of June, honouring the impact and unity of the global franchise community through awareness programs or conferences in Malaysia,' he said at the opening of the ASEAN Franchise Convention Declaration and the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition 2025 here today. He said these ideas reflect the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of franchise leaders who will carry the Malaysian flag proudly across ASEAN and beyond. Ahmad Zahid said he firmly believes the franchise industry does more than boost national competitiveness as it generates jobs, cultivates entrepreneurs and builds cross-border connections that unite economies and communities. He noted that Malaysia's franchise sector currently contributes over RM36 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and provides more than 68,000 jobs, proving its significant potential. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming business matching sessions, which will feature over 100 franchise companies from both local and international backgrounds, offering exceptional investment and partnership opportunities at the convention. 'I urge all Malaysians, especially our youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, to seize this moment. This is your launchpad to explore franchise ventures that align with your passion and ambition, and to propel yourselves onto the regional and global stage. 'I am confident this convention will emerge as a premier platform focused on embedding sustainability into business models, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, and driving franchise growth that is competitive, resilient and future-ready,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the joint declaration signed by franchise associations from six ASEAN countries marks a historic commitment to regional collaboration in franchise development. He said the Malaysian government fully supports the initiative and looks forward to it becoming a lasting and inclusive platform that benefits all stakeholders. The declaration, read out by the Director of ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC), Deric Yeo, contained a commitment to ensuring ASEAN franchise sustainability, digitalisation and collaboration. The event was also attended by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and his deputy, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
