Latest news with #Iskandar
Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak scales up entrepreneur support through skills, grants, digital tools
Awang Tengah (fourth right) prepares to officiate at SUS 2025, witnessed by (from left) Iskandar, Ripin, Malcolm, Asfia, Naroden, Pang and Dzulkornain. BINTULU (June 28): The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial development across the state. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the state administration is actively building entrepreneurial capacity through initiatives focused on essential skills such as accounting fundamentals and digital proficiency. He added that between 2021 and April 2025, the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (Mintred), together with state and federal agencies, had implemented over 930 capacity-building programmes that had benefitted more than 73,000 entrepreneurs throughout Sarawak. 'Access to business assistance, whether financial or advisory, is crucial for entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their ventures,' said Awang Tengah, also the state Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in his opening remarks for the Showcase Usahawan Sarawak (SUS) 2025 at Times Square Megamall here on Friday. The event, which concludes today, was jointly organised by Mintred and its strategic partners. Also present at the opening ceremony were Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Deputy Minister for Mintred, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; Deputy State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; assemblymen Iskandar Turkee (Jepak) and Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu), as well as Mintred advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and its permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron. Adding on, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak government had rolled out extensive support programmes through Mintred, as well as departments and agencies including the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC). 'Mintred alone has channelled RM204 million in assistance to more than 41,800 MSMEs (micro small-and-medium enterprises) in Sarawak under various programmes including the Graduate Towards Entrepreneurship (GERAK) and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (USTEV) , which provide grants of up to RM20,000 to graduates and skilled school-leavers to help them start up and expand their businesses. 'The government also runs the Go Digital programme, offering grants of up to RM10,000 to facilitate the purchase of digital hardware, software and services. 'The Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme (SKMS) provides financial assistance for MSMEs to expand their operations, while the Small and Medium Industry Loan Scheme (SPIKS) supports Bumiputera-owned SMEs in obtaining working capital, purchasing equipment, or renovating business premises. 'Additionally, the 'Jum REGISTA Bisnes', implemented by Mintred in collaboration with other agencies, has helped register 4,280 informal entrepreneurs into the formal business sector.' Awang Tengah thus called upon Sarawak entrepreneurs to actively seize the opportunities offered through these government initiatives to grow and future-proof their businesses. 'To date, over 178,000 entrepreneurs in Sarawak have received support from both state and federal agencies, amounting to more than RM3.3 billion. These efforts will continue to ensure our entrepreneurs thrive and scale up their ventures.' Meanwhile, a total of RM1,556,000 was disbursed to the participants of entrepreneurial assistance, in connection with SUS 2025 here. On the showcase, Awang Tengah highlighted it as a platform not only to showcase and market quality products from across Sarawak's districts and divisions, but also to connect local entrepreneurs with wider markets. 'The 2024 SUS editions in Miri and AEON Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru generated RM17.7 million in combined sales, with participation from 100 Sarawakian entrepreneurs. 'One standout success story from SUS in Miri is Watiza Agrofarm Sdn Bhd, a company that produces salted duck eggs. Through business-matching sessions, they achieved RM1 million in potential sales,' he said. Watiza Agrofarm further raised Sarawak's profile at the national level when, on Jan 20 this year, it emerged as a winner in the Rural Business Challenge (RBC) 2.0, organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), which earned it a business grant of RM500,000. The SUS 2025 event also involved the participation of six major retail chains – Emart, Everrise, AEON, Doremart, Mydin, and Mari Mart – with projected sales of RM3 million. In addition, Mintred, in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), had set up a 'live streaming booth' to enable entrepreneurs promote and sell their products online via TikTok Shop live sessions. Other activities include the 'Kamek Digital Entrepreneurial Transformation Course' at Promenade Hotel Bintulu, which signed up over 150 participants, as well as an embroidery workshop held on the main SUS stage. The next SUS is scheduled to take place at Queensbay Mall in Penang this Aug 28 until Sept 1. Awang Tengah entrepreneurial development Mintred
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ameng: Iskandar was the real star of Spring, not me
KUALA LUMPUR: The lead singer of Malaysian rock band Spring, Ameng, has shared that his late bandmate, Iskandar, was truly the star of their music group, not least because he was one of its founders. Iskandar's good looks also played a significant role, drawing in a large female fanbase. Ameng, whose full name is Wan Aminuddin Wan Ismail, 56, revealed in an interview with Harian Metro yesterday that Iskandar established Spring in 1987. He was widely known among rock fans for his friendly, humble, and sociable nature. "He was so good at communicating with our fans that he often became our unofficial spokesman," said Ameng, who described Iskandar's death yesterday as a profound loss for Malaysian rock music. Ameng fondly recalled that in Spring's early days, Iskandar was the focus of much adoration, particularly from female fans, who would cheer for him so enthusiastically that he often had to be quickly escorted backstage by his fellow musicians. "He was the hunk of Spring and its main attraction; I merely sang," Ameng said. Ameng also recounted the poignant final moments of his friend's life, as told to him by Iskandar's widow, Nur Hidayah Cecilia. "Iskandar asked his wife to read him holy verses from the Quran to help him sleep. Sadly, he passed away at 1.30am," said Ameng, who had been Iskandar's schoolmate at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tengku Mahmud in Besut, Terengganu. "After he got married, Iskandar moved to Miri, Sarawak, as his wife is from there. Despite the distance, we always kept in touch over the years," Ameng added. "He and his wife opened a cafe in Miri, and their business was doing well. Unfortunately, he became very ill about a year ago." Iskandar, whose full name was Tengku Raden Iskandar Tengku Ismail, passed away in his sleep in Miri following a long illness. He had been suffering from a kidney ailment, diabetes, and had also experienced a stroke. Iskandar is survived by his wife and three sons.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Spring guitarist Iskandar passes away in Miri
KUALA LUMPUR: Tengku Raden Iskandar Tengku Ismail, better known as Iskandar Spring, the talented guitarist from the popular rock band Spring, sadly passed away at his residence in Miri, Sarawak, at approximately 1am this morning. He was 53. Ayob Abd Majid, Vice Chairman of Music Malaysia, confirmed the news, stating his association was informed by Iskandar's wife, Nur Hidayah Cecilia. "I was informed that Iskandar died at 1am this morning in Miri. I immediately informed Ameng Spring's wife, Sabariah, who then contacted Cecilia. His body is currently being prepared at the mosque," Ayob told BH Online. "He had been suffering from a stroke and kidney failure for a long time." Attempts by BH Online to reach Cecilia for comment were unsuccessful. Ayob remembered Iskandar as not just a gifted musician and one of Spring's co-founders, but also a dear friend and "comrade-in-arms." "We used to work closely when we were at Sony Music, where Spring was under my care at the time. Our relationship wasn't just professional; it was also full of friendship and mutual respect," he shared. "I've been saddened to follow the progress of his health, where he suffered from a stroke and kidney failure, before he moved to his wife's village in Miri. The last time we were in touch was when I delivered a donation to him. Even during that difficult period, his voice remained calm, patient, and full of gratitude." Ayob added that Iskandar was never forgotten by his fellow artists. "We at Konsortium Irama, together with PJ Art Lane, Ameng Spring, and Umarul Iklim, once organised a special charity programme to help ease his burden when he was ill. The programme wasn't just a fundraiser; it was a symbol of love and loyalty within the country's arts scene. His passing is a great loss for the Malaysian music world." "However, his legacy, rhythm, spirit, and friendship will continue to be remembered. May Allah forgive all his sins, accept his good deeds, and place his soul among the righteous," he said. Previously, it was reported that Iskandar had been paralysed and was suffering from various chronic illnesses, including diabetes and speech difficulties. He also required regular dialysis due to kidney complications, which left him unable to work and without a source of income.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Badminton coach Iskandar leaving Ireland for Malaysia?
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is in the frame to fill the vacant position of national women's singles coach. BAM singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen feels that Iskandar could be a valuable addition to the national set-up. But the Dane stopped short of naming him as the frontrunner to replace Indonesian Jeffer Rosobin who resigned in February. Iskandar joined Badminton Ireland in 2021 as a sparring partner, but has transitioned into the role of singles coach. The 33-year-old said during last month's Malaysia Masters that BAM had approached him earlier this year on a coaching role. However, Iskandar remained non-committal then as his family were residing in Ireland. Jonassen acknowledged that Iskandar's experience makes him a strong candidate, but said BAM is still looking at several prospects. "I can't confirm if he's on the shortlist, but of course, he's an experienced coach, someone who would certainly be a good fit for our set-up," said Jonassen.
Malay Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor tops Malaysia's investment charts with RM30.1b in Q1 2025
JOHOR BARU, June 11 — Johor recorded the highest investment performance in Malaysia for the first quarter (1Q) of 2025, with approved investments amounting to RM30.1 billion, positioning the state as the national leader in investments. State investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the achievement was the result of an inclusive and forward-looking investment strategy driven jointly by the federal and state governments. 'A large portion of these investments focused on high-impact service sectors such as logistics, data centres, and modern business facilities, in line with Johor's aspiration to become a hub for the digital economy and high value-added industries. 'This success was also supported by various strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre as a key facilitator for investors, as well as close collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), federal agencies, and local authorities,' he said in a statement uploaded to his Facebook page today. He further added that strategic developments such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has gained attention from international investors, and ongoing improvements to the state's infrastructure such as roads, ports, and energy systems, have also been key catalysts for the increased investments. He noted that consistent and stable policies for investors, including industry-friendly initiatives through the Johor Fast Lane, and the availability of skilled labour through the Johor Talent Development Council, have also played a crucial role in attracting high-quality investments. 'Our highest appreciation goes to all parties who contributed to this achievement, including civil servants, industry players, investment promotion agencies such as IRDA, MIDA, Invest Johor, utility providers like Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Ranhill SAJ, and the business community. 'The Johor state government remains committed to strengthening the investment ecosystem, attract more high-quality investments, creating job opportunities for the people, and ensuring balanced and inclusive developments. 'Johor continues to advance as a new economic powerhouse in the region with sustainable policies and long-term planning,' he said. — Bernama
