Zahid urges youth to explore franchises beyond F&B
'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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid calls for 5G network expansion to rural areas
ALOR SETAR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the expansion of 5G network coverage beyond urban centres to include rural areas. Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said digital inclusion is a fundamental requirement for holistic rural development. "In areas under the Kedah Regional Development Authority (Keda), Felcra, and other rural settlements, 5G should not be a luxury; it is a necessity. Even in villages, our children need fast internet for education and entrepreneurship," he said during the opening of the Keda 4P and Rural Youth Planning and Implementation Committee Convention at Albukhary International University (AIU) here today. He added that the ministry would hold discussions with the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry to coordinate the expansion of 5G infrastructure in strategic rural locations with development potential. "High-speed internet access will empower rural students, strengthen youth entrepreneurship, and enhance administrative efficiency in local communities," he said. Meanwhile, Zahid reminded grassroots leaders to remain present on the ground and not rely solely on reports. "We must be leaders who are with the people, not just on paper. We need to hear their concerns directly, not just through office memos," he said. He also said that integrity must be at the heart of rural leadership, warning that leadership without trust is like a house without pillars, bound to collapse under pressure. Nation May 17, 2025 @ 10:53am Zahid: RM1.11bil allocation for rural development in Sabah this year Nation Feb 1, 2025 @ 9:50pm Govt creating more economic opportunities in rural areas to curb urban migration [WATCH] Nation May 8, 2025 @ 12:24am Zahid proposes rural youth plan to develop skilled, adaptable human capital Nation Feb 4, 2025 @ 2:39am Zahid seeks electricity tariff exemption for homestays and kampung stays
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
YelaoShr's franchise leap marks new chapter in Malaysia's early childhood education
MALAYSIA'S education sector reached a meaningful turning point today as YelaoShr marked its transition into a licensed franchise brand through the onboarding of 66 new franchisees from across the country. This significant development reflects the company's evolution from a homegrown early childhood education provider into a structured, scalable business model that empowers wider participation in early childhood education in Malaysia. Officiated by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan, the ceremony highlighted YelaoShr's readiness to grow through a nationwide franchise network. With its framework now aligned under Malaysian franchise law, the brand is opening new pathways for aspiring edupreneurs to deliver high-quality, child-focused learning within their own communities. This expansion effort is supported by a dynamic group of franchise partners comprising educators, parents, and first-time entrepreneurs, each committed to making personalised education more accessible. Their involvement not only signals strong market confidence in YelaoShr's model but also lays the groundwork for sustainable grassroots growth driven by local ownership and standardised support. Driving this next chapter are four core entities that anchor YelaoShr's ecosystem. YelaoShr Education Group Sdn Bhd delivers language and communication programmes recognised by the Education Ministry; YelaoShr Education Academy Sdn Bhd leads teacher training and TVET initiatives; Sribhagawan Innovation Group Sdn Bhd develops proprietary education technologies; and ClassOne Elearning Education Sdn Bhd enables scalable, cross-border digital learning. Together, these entities support YelaoShr's ambition to operate 300 learning centres nationwide by 2028 while setting its sight on regional expansion to countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. Central to this growth strategy is the franchise model itself, a platform that blends educational purpose with entrepreneurial opportunity, enabling communities to take ownership of meaningful, high-quality learning experiences. 'Franchising, when done right, can unlock social impact at scale. When we franchise a good idea, we multiply its benefits, not just in profits, but in reach, accessibility, and opportunity,' remarked Radzali. 'And that is exactly what YelaoShr is doing today,' he added. To commemorate the occasion, the EdTech outfit unveiled Finnish Education is What Malaysian Children Need the Most, a book that draws on the strengths of Finland's renowned education model and Malaysia's Madani Education Framework 2025–2035 to present a unified vision for child-centric learning. It captures the essence of YelaoShr's approach, an ecosystem where educators, students, and families co-create learning environments that balance structure with imagination, and academic rigour with emotional intelligence. 'We're building an ecosystem where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive regardless of where they come from,' expressed co-founder Carol Yap Yee Yee. Meanwhile, co-founder and chief executive officer, David Yap Wing Fai, said in his speech, that franchising is not just a business model, but a mission of empowerment. 'Our goal is to make it easier for more Malaysians, especially women, educators, and young professionals, to own and operate education centres with a proven system, with real support, and with meaningful impact. "As YelaoShr embarks on nationwide expansion, we want to grow to 300 centres across Malaysia by 2028; not just for numbers, but to see 300 success stories of transformation.' To ensure a strong talent pipeline supports this growth, YelaoShr signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HELP University. The collaboration allows HELP students to undergo internships at YelaoShr centres and offers high-performing graduates a transition pathway into the brand's franchise development programme complete with mentorship, training, and startup support. The partnership also includes annual sponsored awards to help outstanding graduates launch their own YelaoShr centres, reflecting the group's commitment to nurturing future edupreneurs from the ground up. Founded by David and Carol, YelaoShr has grown from a modest home-based language enrichment programme into a national education platform with over 60 centres across Malaysia. Anchored in principles of equitable access, sustainability, and innovation, the company's evolution has been driven by a clear mission: to bridge learning gaps, nurture potential, and create pathways for students regardless of their background. With its initiatives aligned to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, YelaoShr has also embedded gender equality and inclusive education as core pillars of its work. The ceremony concluded with a proud moment for the brand, as YelaoShr was honoured with two recognitions from the Asean Records. The accolades acknowledged the company's achievement in producing the highest number of graduates from Malaysia's first trilingual one-on-one formative age personalised learning programme, as well as for sealing the most franchise memoranda of agreement in a single day by a Malaysian personalised education brand recognised by HundrED for global scalability. To learn more visit To know about franchise opportunities with YelaoShr, log on to
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
MITEC Goes Mega For 5 Days With 2.5 Million People
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 July 2025 - Prepare for an immersive experience as the highly anticipated Mega Karnival 3 Dimensi descends upon the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) for five days, from 30 July to 3 August 2025. Poised to attract 2.5 million visitors, this mega-event is a national showcase of entrepreneurship, innovation, culture and community empowerment, organised by FELDA, Kementerian Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah (KKDW), and Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (KUSKOP). JK Logistics and Transport committee, under the coordination of FELDA, KKDW and KUSKOP, in collaboration with MITEC and relevant authorities, has established a comprehensive transport and logistic arrangement to accommodate the massive influx of attendees and ensure a safe and efficient experience: Free Shuttle Bus Services (20 Rapid KL and 10 MARA Liner) A dedicated fleet of 30 shuttle buses will operate continuously from four strategic locations including KL Sentral, MRT Titiwangsa, Sunway Putra, and FELDA Tower. These shuttle services are frequent every 15 minutes, from 8:00 am to 10:20 pm daily with routes entering from MITEC South, drop off at South Entrance. 100 Over Chartered Coaches for Delegates Over 100 chartered buses per day are designated to transport delegates arriving from outside Kuala Lumpur directly to MITEC. To ensure smooth traffic flow, designated parking areas have been secured at the National Science Centre and Hockey Stadium. Drop-offs are routed separately from the shuttle bus line. Coordinated Logistics Scheduling MITEC, in close coordination with the main secretariat and the Logistics and Transport committee, has implemented a detailed scheduling plan. This plan meticulously covers move-in, show days, and teardown operations, ensuring seamless traffic control and operational efficiency throughout the entire event. Parking Facilities Specific parking zones for both visitors and exhibitors will be actively managed by traffic marshals and volunteers on duty throughout the event. Incentivised E-Hailing & Shuttle Use To enhance the visitor experience and support seamless arrivals, MITEC and the main secretariat are actively promoting the use of e-hailing services and encouraging visitors to utilize the provided shuttle services by offering lucky draincentives . MITEC is also offering RM5 Grab vouchers to encourage shared rides, cut traffic congestion and support a more sustainable, low-carbon transportation. Traffic Coordination with Local Authorities MITEC and the Logistics and Transport Committee are working with local authorities including DBKL, Traffic Police, Sentul Police, residents' associations and developers around the KL Metropolis area. This close collaboration ensures pre-alerting, coordinated traffic management measures, roadside restrictions, and effective crowd control, prioritizing public safety and a smooth experience for all attendees and surrounding communities. Alternative Transport Facilities Beyond the main shuttle pickup points, MITEC has activated several alternative public transport options and supporting services in the vicinity for guests arriving from various directions. These include: Rapid KL services connecting to Semantan MRT Station, providing a direct link for those using the city's rail network. GoKL buses servicing the Kepong, Menjalara, and Jinjang zones, extending reach to more residential areas. Trek ride services offering convenient pick-up and drop-off support for attendees staying in nearby hotels and Airbnb accommodations around the MITEC area. 'We are incredibly excited to host the Mega Karnival 3 Dimensi, an event designed to bring joy, happiness and engagement to millions,' said Puan Norafizah Abd. Rahman, Deputy CEO of MITEC. 'Our paramount concern is the comfort and safety of our visitors. The extensive transport and logistics plan put in place by Logistics and Transport Secretariat, alongside our partners, ensures that every aspect of their journey to and from the event will be as smooth and enjoyable as the event itself.' Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan their journey in advance and utilize the array of public transport and shuttle services available to ensure a hassle-free experience at Mega Karnival 3 Dimensi.
