Latest news with #EntrepreneurandCooperativesDevelopment
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Over 100,000 graduates join PROTÉGÉ entrepreneurship programme in Malaysia
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 103,183 undergraduates and graduates have participated in entrepreneurship and employability programmes under the Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ) initiative since its launch under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick highlighted PROTÉGÉ as a key strategy to equip youth, particularly in Sabah, with skills for job market readiness and self-employment. 'This programme aims to produce graduates who are competitive and prepared to embrace entrepreneurship as a career,' he said during the closing ceremony of the PROTÉGÉ Carnival 2025 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah Branch. According to a PROTÉGÉ Impact Study from 2021 to 2023, 55.2 per cent of 599 respondents gained access to digital marketing, financing, and business guidance, leading to new job opportunities. Ewon urged graduates to shift from job-seeking to job creation by considering entrepreneurship. He also noted KUSKOP's collaboration with TVET institutions and industries to integrate entrepreneurship modules into training programmes. The carnival is part of a four-event series in 2025 to empower Sabah's youth in entrepreneurship. Participating institutions included UiTM, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, IKBN Kinarut, Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic, and North Borneo University College.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
103,183 Undergraduates, Graduates Took Part In PROTEGE Programme
KOTA KINABALU, June 29 (Bernama) -- A total of 103,183 undergraduates and graduates have participated in various entrepreneurship and marketability programmes under the Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ) initiative since it was introduced under the 12th Malaysia Plan. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said PROTÉGÉ was among his ministry's strategic initiatives to empower youth and graduates, particularly in Sabah, to better prepare for the job market and create their own economic opportunities. 'This programme is designed to produce graduates who are not only competitive but also ready to pursue entrepreneurship as their main career,' he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development's (KUSKOP) Borneo Zone (Sabah) PROTÉGÉ Carnival 2025 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah Branch here today.
Barnama
22-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SPUT Disburses RM7.5 Mln To 1,809 Micro-Entrepreneurs In Sabah
PENAMPANG, June 22 (Bernama) -- A total of RM7.5 million has been channelled to 1,809 micro-entrepreneurs, mainly hawkers and small traders operating in markets and Tamu, across Sabah under the Tamu Entrepreneur Financing Scheme (SPUT) since its launch in 2023. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the scheme reflects the commitment of The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) to empower the people's economy through micro-financing support, particularly for rural communities and small business owners in need of capital to grow. He was speaking at the opening of the Tekun MADANI Mini Carnival at Tamu Desa Inobong here today.
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Is ex-MIC treasurer Ramanan's meteoric rise in PKR a case of loyalty to PMX over Reformasi legacy?
NEWLY elected PKR vice-president and current Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan is visibly jubilant following his party's internal victory. However, his swift ascent within PKR has ignited tensions and raised eyebrows among party veterans. Speaking after the recent leadership shake-up, the Sungai Buloh MP urged critics not to pressure Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over Cabinet appointments. He stressed that while he does not seek a ministerial post for his commitment lies in fulfilling the duties entrusted to him. His remarks come amid speculation that former UMNO supreme council member Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz may be eyeing a PKR berth following the resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Datuk Seri Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Ramanan's name has since surfaced as a likely candidate for ministerial promotion – his first since Anwar assumed office. Indians sceptical of Ramanan Yet Ramanan's rapid rise has not gone uncontested. Rafizi, the former PKR deputy president, has publicly questioned how someone who joined the party just four years ago could leapfrog long-serving Reformasi-era stalwarts to secure a top post. Notably, Ramanan was formerly the treasurer-general of MIC before his sudden exit and entry into PKR – a move that still raises questions within political circles. Rafizi's criticism wasn't subtle: he expressed concern over Anwar's sweeping powers to promote and sideline party members. According to him, Ramanan lacks stand-out qualities beyond his staunch loyalty to Anwar – a loyalty that, he implies, seems to be the main currency in today's PKR. Despite his political surge, many in the Indian community remain sceptical of Ramanan's ability – or willingness -to fight for their rights. Critics argue he has been largely silent on key issues affecting Indians, including the controversial relocation of a 130-year-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur to make way for the new Madani mosque. Indian leaders in PKR, including Ramanan, not only failed to oppose the move but some even defended it. Ramanan insists his dedication to the Indian community remains unchanged whether he is assigned a ministerial role or not. But for many, such reassurances ring hollow. The perception is that Indian leaders in the current government function more as rubber stamps than as real advocates. The underlying issue, critics say, is not just representation but meaningful leadership. Recently Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad laughed off the claim that there are no qualified Indian candidates – citing the community's abundance of doctors and lawyers – yet Anwar's Madani government has failed to reflect that in its Cabinet. Recall that during Dr Mahathir's 22-month Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, three Indian Tamils and one Sikh were appointed ministers. Today, the Indian community watches anxiously to see whether Anwar will finally appoint an Indian Tamil to the Cabinet – and whether that leader will truly speak for them. Ultimately, Ramanan's rise may symbolise a deeper shift in PKR: a party once known for reform but now seemingly shaped by loyalty over legacy and compliance over conviction. If Ramanan is appointed minister, critics fear it will be another case of optics over outcomes – especially for a community long sidelined in Malaysia's political narrative. – June 4, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Ramanan Ramakrishnan Official Media/Facebook
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lao PM's wife enjoys Putrajaya cruise ahead of Asean Summit
PUTRAJAYA: Vandara Siphadone, spouse of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, went on a cruise around Putrajaya Lake here today. Arriving at 10.30am, she was warmly welcomed by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Vandara spent about 45 minutes in friendly conversation with Dr Wan Azizah while admiring the iconic buildings surrounding the national administrative centre. She also took the opportunity to view intricately carved wooden wall decorations featuring hibiscus motifs, crafted by artisans from Kraftangan Malaysia. Siphandone and his wife arrived in Putrajaya today on his first official visit to Malaysia ahead of the 46th Asean Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. The special aircraft carrying Siphandone, Vandara and the Lao delegation landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport's Bunga Raya Complex at 9.05am, where they were greeted by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Upon arrival, Siphandone inspected a guard of honour comprising 28 officers and members of the First Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment, led by Captain J Lingesri Rao. According to Wisma Putra, this marks Siphandone's first official visit to Malaysia since his appointment as Prime Minister of Laos in December 2022. The official visit coincides with the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit, scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, which reflect the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Laos. Last year, trade between Malaysia and Laos was recorded at USD21.9 million (RM 99.7 million), with exports at USD14.9 million (RM 67.8 million) and imports at USD7 million (RM 31.9 million). Malaysia is the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with total investments worth USD942 million across 46 registered projects, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics, telecommunication, construction, banking and hotel services. –Bernama
